US20070294705A1 - Methods and systems for conducting research operations - Google Patents

Methods and systems for conducting research operations Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20070294705A1
US20070294705A1 US11/643,128 US64312806A US2007294705A1 US 20070294705 A1 US20070294705 A1 US 20070294705A1 US 64312806 A US64312806 A US 64312806A US 2007294705 A1 US2007294705 A1 US 2007294705A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
pua
user
message
data
research
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/643,128
Inventor
Vijoy Gopalakrishnan
Alan Neuhauser
Jack Crystal
Jack Zhang
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nielsen Holdings NV
Nielsen Co US LLC
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US11/643,128 priority Critical patent/US20070294705A1/en
Publication of US20070294705A1 publication Critical patent/US20070294705A1/en
Priority to US12/006,449 priority patent/US20080204273A1/en
Assigned to ARBITRON INC. reassignment ARBITRON INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ZHANG, JACK K., MR., GOPALAKRISHNAN, VIJOY K., MR., NEUHAUSER, ALAN R., MR., CRYSTAL, JACK C., MR.
Assigned to THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC reassignment THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: NIELSEN AUDIO, INC.
Assigned to NIELSEN HOLDINGS N.V. reassignment NIELSEN HOLDINGS N.V. MERGER (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ARBITRON INC.
Assigned to NIELSEN AUDIO, INC. reassignment NIELSEN AUDIO, INC. CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ARBITRON INC.
Priority to US14/698,483 priority patent/US20150242864A1/en
Assigned to CITIBANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT FOR THE FIRST LIEN SECURED PARTIES reassignment CITIBANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT FOR THE FIRST LIEN SECURED PARTIES SUPPLEMENTAL IP SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: THE NIELSEN COMPANY ((US), LLC
Assigned to THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC reassignment THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC RELEASE (REEL 037172 / FRAME 0415) Assignors: CITIBANK, N.A.
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00Commerce
    • G06Q30/02Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • G06Q30/0201Market modelling; Market analysis; Collecting market data
    • G06Q30/0203Market surveys; Market polls
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F15/00Digital computers in general; Data processing equipment in general
    • G06F15/16Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00Administration; Management
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00Commerce
    • G06Q30/02Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • G06Q30/0201Market modelling; Market analysis; Collecting market data
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00Commerce
    • G06Q30/02Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • G06Q30/0207Discounts or incentives, e.g. coupons or rebates
    • G06Q30/0208Trade or exchange of goods or services in exchange for incentives or rewards
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04BTRANSMISSION
    • H04B1/00Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
    • H04B1/38Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
    • H04B1/3827Portable transceivers
    • H04B1/3833Hand-held transceivers
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04BTRANSMISSION
    • H04B1/00Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
    • H04B1/38Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
    • H04B1/3827Portable transceivers
    • H04B1/385Transceivers carried on the body, e.g. in helmets
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/01Protocols
    • H04L67/02Protocols based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04WWIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/02Services making use of location information
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04WWIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/02Services making use of location information
    • H04W4/029Location-based management or tracking services

Definitions

  • Collecting data reflecting usage of media is an increasingly complex task as the variety of media sources and techniques for presenting media to consumers, and the numbers and types of media presentation venues, increase over time.
  • a convergence of personal communications capabilities and multimedia options in a single portable device is occurring presently, such as in a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant, and the like.
  • consumers are accessing and consuming media “on the go” and out-of-home using such portable devices, and as the quality of media presented by such devices is improved, it can be expected that such mobile consumption of media will increase.
  • Dedicated portable monitoring devices have been developed including the hardware and software required to monitor exposure to audio media. It has been proposed to monitor exposure of consumers to audio media by incorporating monitoring software for instance in a cellular telephone, making use of the cellular telephone's hardware, including its microphone, CPU, memory capacity and communications capabilities.
  • data means any indicia, signals, marks, symbols, domains, symbol sets, representations, and any other physical form or forms representing information, whether permanent or temporary, whether visible, audible, acoustic, electric, magnetic, electromagnetic or otherwise manifested.
  • data as used to represent predetermined information in one physical form shall be deemed to encompass any and all representations of corresponding information in a different physical form or forms.
  • media data and “media” as used herein mean data which is widely accessible, whether over-the-air, or via cable, satellite, network, internetwork (including the Internet), print, displayed, distributed on storage media, or by any other means or technique that is humanly perceptible, without regard to the form or content of such data, and including but not limited to audio, video, text, images, animations, databases, files, broadcasts, displays (including but not limited to video displays, posters and billboards), signs, signals, web pages, print media and streaming media data.
  • presentation data shall mean media data or content other than media data to be presented to a user.
  • search data means data comprising (1) data concerning usage of media, (2) data concerning exposure to media, and/or (3) market research data.
  • gather and “gathering” as used herein include both directly gathering data with the use of a device as well as emitting data from a device that causes or enables another device to gather data.
  • search operation means an operation comprising gathering, storing and/or communicating research data.
  • database means an organized body of related data, regardless of the manner in which the data or the organized body thereof is represented.
  • the organized body of related data may be in the form of a table, a map, a grid, a packet, a datagram, a file, an e-mail, a message, a document, a list or in any other form.
  • network includes both networks and internetworks of all kinds, including the Internet, and is not limited to any particular network or internetwork.
  • first,” “second,” “primary,” and “secondary” are used herein to distinguish one element, set, data, object, step, process, function, action or thing from another, and are not used to designate relative position, arrangement in time or relative importance, unless otherwise stated explicitly.
  • Coupled means a relationship between or among two or more devices, apparatus, files, circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, and/or means, constituting any one or more of (a) a connection, whether direct or through one or more other devices, apparatus, files, circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means, (b) a communications relationship, whether direct or through one or more other devices, apparatus, files, circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means, and/or (c) a functional relationship in which the operation of any one or more devices, apparatus, files, circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means depends, in whole or in part, on the operation of any one or more others thereof.
  • communicate and “communicating” as used herein include both conveying data from a source to a destination, and delivering data to a communications medium, system, channel, device, wire, cable, fiber, circuit or link to be conveyed to a destination, and the term “communication” as used herein means data so conveyed or delivered.
  • communication as used herein includes one or more of a communications medium, system, channel, device, wire, cable, fiber, circuit and link.
  • processor means processing devices, apparatus, programs, circuits, components, systems and subsystems, whether implemented in hardware, software or both, and whether or not programmable.
  • processor includes, but is not limited to computers, hardwired circuits, signal modifying devices and systems, devices and machines for controlling systems, central processing units, programmable devices, field programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits, systems on a chip, systems comprised of discrete elements and circuits, state machines, virtual machines and combinations of any of the foregoing.
  • storage and “data storage” as used herein mean data storage devices, apparatus, programs, circuits, components, systems, subsystems and storage media serving to retain data, whether on a temporary or permanent basis, and to provide such retained data.
  • panelist panel member
  • panel member panel member
  • participant are interchangeably used herein to refer to a person who is, knowingly or unknowingly, participating in a study to gather information, whether by electronic, survey or other means, about that person's activity.
  • household as used herein is to be broadly construed to include family members, a family living at the same residence, a group of persons related or unrelated to one another living at the same residence, and a group of persons living within a common facility (of which the total number of unrelated persons does not exceed a predetermined number), such as a fraternity house, an apartment or other similar structure or arrangement.
  • portable user appliance means an electrical or non-electrical device capable of being carried by or on the person of a user or capable of being disposed on or in, or held by, a physical object (e.g., attache, purse) capable of being carried by or on the user, and having at least one function of primary benefit to such user, including without limitation, a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant (“PDA”), a Blackberry device, a radio, a television, a game system (e.g., a Gameboy® device), a notebook computer, a laptop computer, a GPS device, an iPod® device, a DVD player, a walkie talkie, a personal communications device, a telematics device, a remote control device, a wireless headset, a wristwatch, a portable data storage device (e.g., ThumbTM drive), a camera, a recorder, a keyless entry transmitter device
  • PDA personal digital assistant
  • Blackberry device e.g., a radio, a radio, a television
  • activation message shall mean data comprising at least one of (1) an activation command for a PUA for activating a capability of the PUA to perform a research operation, (2) activation data for a PUA for enabling and/or providing a capability of the PUA to perform a research operation, (3) visual display data for a PUA including a message soliciting participation of a user of the PUA in a research operation, (4) activation request data for a PUA requesting activation, enablement or installation of a capability thereof to perform a research operation, (5) a message for a user of a PUA requesting an action thereof to activate, enable and/or install a capability of the PUA to perform a research operation, and/or providing instructions for participating in a research operation automatically by means of a PUA, (6) a message for a user of a PUA providing or offering to provide a benefit to the user in exchange for the user's participation in a research operation, and (7) a message to a PUA and/or
  • maintenance message shall mean data comprising at least one of (1) a test command for a PUA to control an operation thereof to test its operational status or ability to perform a research operation, (2) test data for a PUA to establish, enable or provide a capability thereof to test its operational status or ability to perform a research operation, (3) a message requesting a response from a user of a PUA identifying such user, and/or providing demographic or other user-specific data of the user, (4) a message requesting system data of the PUA, and (5) a command or request for a PUA to perform a research operation.
  • terminal message shall mean data comprising at least one of: (1) a deactivation message for a PUA to deactivate a capability thereof to perform a research operation; (2) a deactivation message for a user of a PUA instructing them to deactivate a capability of the PUA to perform a research operation; and (3) providing a benefit to a person as a final consideration for the person's previous participation in a research operation, or notifying the person that such a benefit will be or has been provided.
  • the term “participation message” as used herein shall mean data comprising at least one of (1) research data gathered automatically by a PUA, (2) a message from a PUA indicating an operational status or ability thereof to perform a research operation, or providing results of a test of such operational status or ability, (3) a message from a user of a PUA concerning participation of the user in a research operation by means of a PUA, or ancillary to such participation, such as concerning a benefit provided to the user for such participation or indicating activation or deactivation of an ability of a PUA to perform a research operation, (4) a message from a user of a PUA identifying such user and/or providing demographic and/or other user-specific data of the user, (5) a message providing system data of the PUA, (6) a message from a benefit provider concerning a benefit provided or to be provided to a user of a PUA for participation in a research operation, such as a message indicating receipt of a benefit request or a termination message requesting
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a PUA modified to carry out research operations
  • FIG. 1A is a functional block diagram for use in explaining certain embodiments involving the use of the PUA of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a system for setting up, promoting, operating, maintaining and/or terminating research operations with the use of multiple PUA's, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a PUA in communication with a research system
  • FIG. 2A is an exploded view of a PUA with a research data monitor affixed thereto;
  • FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating the PUA of FIG. 2A coupled with the research data monitor thereof;
  • FIG. 2C is a block diagram of the research data monitor of FIGS. 2A and 2B ;
  • FIG. 2D is a layout diagram of an embodiment of the research data monitor of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2 C;
  • FIG. 2E is a block diagram of a PUA communicating with the research data monitor of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2 C;
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a personal digital assistant (PDA) modified to carry out research operations
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an external storage device modified to carry out research operations
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a pen in phantom lines, having a research data collection system therein which serves to carry out research operations;
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the research data collection system of FIG. 5 ;
  • FIG. 7A illustrates a relational database between PUA users and a group of persons receiving communication services pursuant to a single agreement
  • FIG. 7B illustrates a relational database between PUA users and demographic data of the PUA users
  • FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a signature extraction technique
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of still further systems and processes for carrying out research operations with the use of personal user appliances (PUA's).
  • PUA's personal user appliances
  • a method for setting up, promoting, operating, maintaining and/or terminating a research operation carried out automatically with the use of a PUA comprises communicating a message to a PUA and/or to a user of a PUA comprising at least one of instructions for participating in a research operation carried out automatically by means of the PUA, a message for the user of the PUA providing or offering to provide a benefit to the user in exchange for the user's participation in a research operation, a message requesting a response from the user identifying the user, and a command or a request for the PUA to automatically gather, store and/or communicate research data; and receiving a participation message from at least one of the PUA, the user of the PUA and the benefit provider.
  • a method for setting up, promoting, operating, maintaining and/or terminating a research operation carried out automatically with the use of a PUA comprises communicating at least one of an activation message, a maintenance message and a termination message to a PUA, to a user of a PUA and/or to a benefit provider; and receiving a participation message from at least one of the PUA, the user of the PUA and the benefit provider; and wherein the participation message comprises at least one of a message from the PUA indicating an operational status or ability thereof to carry out a research operation, a message from the PUA indicating an availability thereof to carry out a research operation, and a message from the user of the PUA identifying the user.
  • a method for setting up, promoting, operating, maintaining and/or terminating a research operation carried out automatically with the use of a PUA comprises communicating at least one of an activation message, a maintenance message and a termination message to a PUA, to a user of a PUA and/or to a benefit provider; and receiving a participation message from at least one of the PUA, the user of the PUA and the benefit provider; and further comprising communicating a termination message to at least one of the PUA and a benefit provider.
  • a method of gathering research data comprises receiving a message from a user's PUA including research data and identification data identifying the user's PUA; and storing the research data, together with an identification of the user's PUA from which it was received.
  • a method of recruiting a person to participate in a research operation comprises communicating a recruitment message as media data to a plurality of PUA users to solicit participation in the research operation; and receiving a participation message from a PUA of a user who received the recruitment message.
  • a method of recruiting persons within a population to participate in a research operation comprises obtaining a list of cellular telephone numbers of persons within a population; communicating a message addressed to at least some telephone numbers in the cellular telephone number list soliciting participation of persons in a research operation; and communicating a message to cellular telephones corresponding to the at least some telephone numbers to initiate, provide or enable a capability of the cellular telephones to carry out a research operation.
  • a method of recruiting PUA users within a population to participate in a research operation comprises communicating a recruitment message to PUA's of PUA users within a population to solicit participation in the research operation; and if a response to the recruitment message is received from a PUA user indicating an unwillingness to participate in the research operation or if no response thereto is received, storing negative data indicating a failure to recruit the PUA user to participate in the research operation and subsequently communicating a further recruitment message to the PUA user to solicit participation in the research operation.
  • a method of administering surveys to persons for gathering research data comprises communicating a first survey including a first number of questions to a person; receiving a response to the first survey from the person; based on the response, selecting a second survey including a second number of survey questions, the second number of survey questions being fewer than the first number of survey questions; and communicating the second survey to the participant.
  • a method of terminating participation of a person in a research operation carried out by means of a PUA used by the person comprises at least one of: (1) communicating a deactivation message to the PUA used by the person to deactivate a capability thereof to carry out a research operation; (2) communicating a deactivation message to the person instructing them to deactivate a capability of the PUA to carry out a research operation; and (3) providing a benefit to the person as a final consideration for the person's previous participation in the research operation.
  • a method of operating a PUA in the course of setting up, operating, maintaining and/or terminating a research operation carried out automatically with the use of the PUA comprises receiving a maintenance message in a PUA including at least one of a message requesting a response from the user identifying the user and a command or request to the PUA to automatically gather, store and/or communicate research data; and communicating a participation message from the PUA.
  • a method of operating a PUA in the course of setting up, operating, maintaining and/or terminating a research operation carried out automatically with the use of the PUA comprises receiving a termination message in a PUA; and communicating a participation message from the PUA.
  • a method of terminating participation of a person in a research operation by means of a PUA used by the person comprises at least one of: (1) receiving a deactivation message in the PUA used by the person to deactivate a capability thereof to carry out a research operation; and (2) inputting a deactivation command in the PUA instructing it to deactivate a capability thereof to carry out a research operation.
  • a method of recruiting a user of a PUA to participate in a research operation comprises communicating a participation message from the PUA of the user relating to participation in a research operation; and communicating, in response to a message from the user, an initiation message to the PUA of the user to initiate, enable or establish a capability of the PUA to carry out a research operation; further comprising communicating at least one of a data collection type to the PUA of the user specifying a type of data to collect by means of the PUA, calibration data to the PUA for use in calibrating an operation of the PUA and destination data to the PUA specifying a destination for research data gathered or received by the PUA.
  • a method of terminating participation of a PUA user in a research operation by means of a PUA of the user comprises receiving a deactivation message in the PUA comprising data for deactivating at least one function of the PUA to carry out a research operation, without deactivating at least one additional function of the PUA to carry out a research operation; and providing a control operable by the PUA user to deactivate the at least one additional function of the PUA.
  • a method of initiating participation of a PUA user in a research operation using multiple PUA's comprises assigning user identification data to the user; associating the user identification data with data identifying multiple PUA's used by the user; and at least one of (1) activating or enabling each of the multiple PUA's to carry out a research operation, and (2) receiving research data from plural ones of the multiple PUA's.
  • Numerous types of research operations are possible, including, without limitation, television and radio program audience measurement; exposure to advertising in various media, such as television, radio, print and outdoor advertising, among others; consumer spending habits; consumer shopping habits including the particular retail stores and other locations visited during shopping and recreational activities; travel patterns, such as the particular routes taken between home and work, and other locations; consumer attitudes, awareness and preferences; and so on.
  • desired type of media and/or market research operation to be conducted particular activity of individuals is monitored, or data concerning their attitudes, awareness and/or preferences is gathered.
  • research data relating to two or more of the foregoing are gathered, while in others only one kind of such data is gathered.
  • Various monitoring techniques are suitable. For example, television viewing or radio listening habits, including exposure to commercials therein, are monitored utilizing a variety of techniques. In certain techniques, acoustic energy to which an individual is exposed is monitored to produce data which identifies or characterizes a program, song, station, channel, commercial, etc. that is being watched or listened to by the individual. Where audio media includes ancillary codes that provide such information, suitable decoding techniques are employed to detect the encoded information, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,490 and No. 5,764,763 to Jensen, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,124 to Aijala, et al., U.S. Pat. Nos.
  • Bender, et al. disclose a technique for encoding audio termed “phase encoding” in which segments of the audio are transformed to the frequency domain, for example, by a discrete Fourier transform (DFT), so that phase data is produced for each segment. Then the phase data is modified to encode a code symbol, such as one bit. Processing of the phase encoded audio to read the code is carried out by synchronizing with the data sequence, and detecting the phase encoded data using the known values of the segment length, the DFT points and the data interval.
  • DFT discrete Fourier transform
  • Still another audio encoding and decoding technique described by Bender, et al. is echo data hiding in which data is embedded in a host audio signal by introducing an echo. Symbol states are represented by the values of the echo delays, and they are read by any appropriate processing that serves to evaluate the lengths and/or presence of the encoded delays.
  • amplitude modulation is described in R. Walker, “Audio Watermarking”, BBC Research and Development, 2004.
  • this category fall techniques that modify the envelope of the audio signal, for example by notching or otherwise modifying brief portions of the signal, or by subjecting the envelope to longer term modifications.
  • Processing the audio to read the code can be achieved by detecting the transitions representing a notch or other modifications, or by accumulation or integration over a time period comparable to the duration of an encoded symbol, or by another suitable technique.
  • Another category of techniques identified by Walker involves transforming the audio from the time domain to some transform domain, such as a frequency domain, and then encoding by adding data or otherwise modifying the transformed audio.
  • the domain transformation can be carried out by a Fourier, DCT, Hadamard, Wavelet or other transformation, or by digital or analog filtering.
  • Encoding can be achieved by adding a modulated carrier or other data (such as noise, noise-like data or other symbols in the transform domain) or by modifying the transformed audio, such as by notching or altering one or more frequency bands, bins or combinations of bins, or by combining these methods.
  • Still other related techniques modify the frequency distribution of the audio data in the transform domain to encode.
  • Psychoacoustic masking can be employed to render the codes inaudible or to reduce their prominence. Processing to read ancillary codes in audio data encoded by techniques within this category typically involves transforming the encoded audio to the transform domain and detecting the additions or other modifications representing the codes.
  • a still further category of techniques identified by Walker involves modifying audio data encoded for compression (whether lossy or lossless) or other purpose, such as audio data encoded in an MP3 format or other MPEG audio format, AC-3, DTS, ATRAC, WMA, RealAudio, Ogg Vorbis, APT X100, FLAC, Shorten, Monkey's Audio, or other.
  • Encoding involves modifications to the encoded audio data, such as modifications to coding coefficients and/or to predefined decision thresholds. Processing the audio to read the code is carried out by detecting such modifications using knowledge of predefined audio encoding parameters.
  • Such known encoding techniques include, but are not limited to FSK, PSK (such as BPSK), amplitude modulation, frequency modulation and phase modulation.
  • a signature is extracted from transduced media data for identification by matching with reference signatures of known media data.
  • Suitable techniques for this purpose include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,612,729 to Ellis, et al. and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,739,398 to Thomas, et al., each of which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
  • An advantageous signature extraction technique transforms audio data within a predetermined frequency range to the frequency domain by a transform function, such as an FFT.
  • the FFT data from an even number of frequency bands (for example, eight, ten, sixteen or thirty two frequency bands) spanning the predetermined frequency range are used two bands at a time during successive time intervals.
  • FIG. 8 provides an example of how pairs of the bands are selected during successive time intervals where the total number of bands used is equal to ten.
  • the selected bands are indicated by an “X”.
  • the energy values of the FFT bins within such band and such time interval are processed to form one bit of the signature. If there are ten FFT's for each interval of the audio signal, for example, the values of all bins of such band within the first five FFT's are summed to form a value “A” and the values of all bins of such band within the last five FFT's are summed to form a value “B”. In the case of a received broadcast audio signal, the value A is formed from portions of the audio signal that were broadcast prior to those used to form the value B.
  • the values A and B are compared. If B is greater than A, the bit is assigned a value “1” and if A is greater than or equal to B, the bit is assigned a value of “0”. Thus, during each time interval, two bits of the signature are produced.
  • cellular telephones have microphones which convert acoustic energy into audio data.
  • Various cellular telephones further have processing and storage capability.
  • various existing PUA's are modified merely by software and/or minor hardware changes to carry out a research operation.
  • PUA's are redesigned and substantially reconstructed for this purpose.
  • the PUA is coupled with a separate research data gathering system and provides operations ancillary or complementary thereto.
  • the PUA itself is operative to gather research data. In certain embodiments, the PUA emits data that causes another device to gather research data. Such embodiments include various embodiments disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,958,710 and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/084,481, referenced above. In certain embodiments, the PUA is operative both to gather research data and to emit data that causes another device to gather research data.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a PUA 20 (such as a cellular telephone or other data processing and communicating device) modified to carry out a research operation.
  • the PUA 20 comprises a processor 30 that is operative to exercise overall control and to process audio and other data for transmission or reception and communications 40 coupled to the processor 30 and operative under the control of processor 30 to perform those functions required for establishing and maintaining a two-way wireless communication link with a PUA network.
  • processor 30 also is operative to execute applications ancillary or unrelated to the conduct of PUA communications, such as applications serving to download audio and/or video data to be reproduced by PUA 20 , e-mail clients and applications enabling the user to play games using the PUA 20 .
  • processor 30 comprises two or more processing devices, such as a first processing device (such as a digital signal processor) that processes audio, and a second processing device that exercises overall control over operation of the PUA 20 .
  • processor 30 employs a single processing device.
  • some or all of the functions of processor 30 are implemented by hardwired circuitry.
  • PUA 20 further comprises storage 50 coupled with processor 30 and operative to store data as needed.
  • storage 50 comprises a single storage device, while in others it comprises multiple storage devices.
  • a single device implements certain functions of both processor 30 and storage 50 .
  • PUA 20 comprises a microphone 60 coupled with processor 30 to transduce the user's voice to an electrical signal which it supplies to processor 30 for encoding, and a speaker and/or earphone 70 coupled with processor 30 to transduce received audio from processor 30 to an acoustic output to be heard by the user.
  • PUA 20 also includes a user input 80 coupled with processor 30 , such as a keypad, to enter telephone numbers and other control data, as well as a display 90 coupled with processor 30 to provide data visually to the user under the control of processor 30 .
  • the PUA 20 provides additional functions and/or comprises additional elements.
  • the PUA 20 provides e-mail, text messaging and/or web access through its wireless communications capabilities, providing access to media and other content.
  • Internet access by the PUA 20 enables access to video and/or audio content that can be reproduced by the cellular telephone for the user, such as songs, video on demand, video clips and streaming media.
  • storage 50 stores software providing audio and/or video downloading and reproducing functionality, such as iPod® software, enabling the user to reproduce audio and/or video content downloaded from a source, such as a personal computer via communications 40 or through direct Internet access via communications 40 .
  • research software is installed in storage 50 to control processor 30 to gather such data and communicate it via communications 40 to a research organization.
  • the research software in certain embodiments also controls processor 30 to store the data for subsequent communication.
  • the research software controls the processor 30 to decode ancillary codes in the transduced audio from microphone 60 using one or more of the known techniques identified hereinabove, and then to store and/or communicate the decoded data for use as research data indicating encoded audio to which the user was exposed.
  • the research software controls the processor 30 to extract signatures from the transduced audio from microphone 60 using one or more of the known techniques identified hereinabove, and then to store and/or communicate the extracted signature data for use as research data to be matched with reference signatures representing known audio to detect the audio to which the user was exposed.
  • the research software both decodes ancillary codes in the transduced audio and extracts signatures therefrom for identifying the audio to which the user was exposed.
  • the research software controls the processor 30 to store samples of the transduced audio, either in compressed or uncompressed form for subsequent processing either to decode ancillary codes therein or to extract signatures therefrom.
  • the compressed or uncompressed audio is communicated to a remote processor for decoding and/or signature extraction.
  • PUA 20 possesses functionality to download and/or reproduce presentation data
  • research data concerning the usage and/or exposure to such presentation data as well as audio data received acoustically by microphone 60 is gathered by PUA 20 in accordance with the technique illustrated by the functional block diagram of FIG. 1A .
  • Storage 50 of FIG. 1 implements an audio buffer 54 for audio data gathered with the use of microphone 60 .
  • storage 50 implements a buffer 56 for presentation data downloaded and/or reproduced by PUA 20 to which the user is exposed via speaker and/or earphone 70 or display 90 , or by means of a device coupled with PUA 20 to receive the data therefrom to present it to a user.
  • the reproduced data is obtained from downloaded data, such as songs, web pages or audio/video data (e.g., movies, television programs, video clips).
  • the reproduced data is provided from a device such as a broadcast or satellite radio receiver of the PUA 20 (not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity).
  • storage 50 implements a buffer 56 for metadata of presentation data reproduced by PUA 20 to which the user is exposed via speaker and/or earphone 70 or display 90 , or by means of a device coupled with PUA 20 to receive the data therefrom to present it to a user.
  • Such metadata can be, for example, a URL from which the presentation data was obtained, channel tuning data, program identification data, an identification of a prerecorded file from which the data was reproduced, or any data that identifies and/or characterizes the presentation data, or a source thereof.
  • buffer 56 stores audio data
  • buffers 54 and 56 store their audio data (either in the time domain or the frequency domain) independently of one another.
  • buffer 56 stores metadata of audio data
  • buffer 54 stores its audio data (either in the time domain or the frequency domain) and buffer 56 stores its metadata, each independently of the other.
  • Processor 30 separately produces research data 58 from the contents of each of buffers 54 and 56 which it stores in storage 50 .
  • buffers 54 and 56 is/are implemented as circular buffers storing a predetermined amount of audio data representing a most recent time interval thereof as received by microphone 60 and/or reproduced by speaker and/or earphone 70 , or downloaded by PUA 20 for reproduction by a different device coupled with PUA 20 .
  • Processor 30 extracts signatures and/or decodes ancillary codes in the buffered audio data to produce research data.
  • metadata is received in buffer 56
  • the metadata is used, in whole or in part, as research data 58 , or processed to produce research data 58 .
  • the research data is thus gathered representing exposure to and/or usage of audio data by the user where audio data is received in acoustic form by the PUA 20 and where presentation data is received in non-acoustic form (for example, as a cellular telephone communication, as an electrical signal via a cable from a personal computer or other device, as a broadcast or satellite signal or otherwise).
  • audio data is received in acoustic form by the PUA 20 and where presentation data is received in non-acoustic form (for example, as a cellular telephone communication, as an electrical signal via a cable from a personal computer or other device, as a broadcast or satellite signal or otherwise).
  • the PUA 20 is provided with a research data source 96 coupled by a wired or wireless coupling with processor 30 for use in gathering further or alternative research data to be communicated to a research organization.
  • the research data source 96 comprises a location data producing device or function providing data indicating a location of the PUA 20 .
  • Various devices appropriate for use as source 96 include a satellite location signal receiver, a terrestrial location signal receiver, a wireless networking device that receives location data from a network, an inertial location monitoring device and a location data producing service provided by a PUA service provider.
  • research data source 96 comprises a device or function for monitoring exposure to print media, for determining whether the user is at home or out of home, for monitoring exposure to products, exposure to displays (such as outdoor advertising), presence within or near commercial establishments, or for gathering research data (such as consumer attitude, preference or opinion data) through the administration of a survey to the user of the PUA 20 .
  • research data source 96 comprises one or more devices for receiving, sensing or detecting data useful in implementing one or more of the foregoing functions, other research data gathering functions and/or for producing data ancillary to functions of gathering, storing and/or communicating research data, such as data indicating whether the panelist has complied with predetermined rules governing the activity or an extent of such compliance.
  • Such devices include, but are not limited to, motion detectors, accelerometers, temperature detectors, proximity detectors, satellite positioning signal receivers, RFID readers, RF receivers, wireless networking transceivers, wireless device coupling transceivers, pressure detectors, deformation detectors, electric field sensors, magnetic field sensors, optical sensors, electrodes, and the like.
  • FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a system 100 for setting up, promoting, operating, maintaining and/or terminating research operations with the use of multiple cellular telephones or other PUA's having communications capabilities, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1 .
  • the system 100 operates under the control of a processor 110 to communicate messages to the PUA 20 , and receive communications therefrom, by means of communications 120 coupled with processor 110 and with PUA 20 .
  • communications 120 is coupled with PUA 20 via a cellular telephone network.
  • communications 120 is coupled with PUA 20 via the Internet or other network via a host or device (e.g., a telephone terminal or connection) able to communicate via such a network coupled with PUA 20 , such as a personal computer, or via a wireless link or cable coupling the PUA 20 with such a network so that the PUA 20 functions as a host or device communicating on the network.
  • a host or device e.g., a telephone terminal or connection
  • Instructions for operating processor 110 as well as research data received by the system 100 are stored in storage 130 coupled with processor 110 .
  • An input device or devices 140 coupled with processor 110 enable a user of the system 100 to enter commands and/or data such as system commands (for example, a system startup command or a command to enter a system maintenance mode), research data and/or software updates or other modifications. In certain embodiments, some commands are sent for conducting tests.
  • System 100 in certain embodiments is maintained by a research organization. In certain embodiments, system 100 is maintained by another entity acting for or on behalf such a research organization. The operation of system 100 in cooperation with PUA 20 to set up, promote, operate, maintain and/or terminate research operations, is further described hereinbelow.
  • one or more lists of subscribers are obtained from PUA service providers and the users are contacted at random to recruit them to participate on the panel.
  • publicly available records may be sufficient to identify the users.
  • Public records include telephone number and address directories, e-mail directories, and various governmental filings, among other records.
  • Other public and non-public information such as warranty records (e.g., from completed warranty cards), and retail store records containing purchaser information, may be utilized.
  • warranty records e.g., from completed warranty cards
  • PUA users are recruited through a communication using a means other than their PUA's, such as by mail, e-mail, a call to a landline telephone number or by personal contact, while in certain embodiments, a widely disseminated solicitation is used, such as an advertisement or notice in one or more types of media.
  • PUA users are contacted by system 100 of FIG. 2 or by other means via their PUA's, such as PUA 20 , by supplying an appropriate communication which causes the PUA to provide a predetermined audible and/or visual message to the user providing a request for participation as a panel member.
  • the communication comprises a live, synthesized or recorded voice call to the PUA 20 either from system 100 or by other means, while in certain ones of such embodiments, the communication comprises a visual message from system 100 to PUA 20 and provided thereby to the user via display 90 .
  • a visual message may be an e-mail, a text message, a web page or the like.
  • the PUA 20 is provided to the user with software operative to control the PUA to communicate the message in audible and/or visual form to the user, with or without receipt of an activation message in the PUA to initiate the communication of the audible and/or visual message to the user.
  • the visual display message is operative to control the PUA 20 to display an interactive control enabling the user to communicate an acceptance of the request to participate in the panel to the system 100 .
  • control may be a form, an e-mail address, a telephone number or the like and in certain embodiments, requests demographic information of the user and/or provides instructions for participating in a research operation by means of the user's cellular telephone.
  • multiple messages are communicated to users to recruit them.
  • a first recruitment message is communicated containing data to indicate to the user that participants are being recruited and requesting the user to consider participating.
  • a second recruitment message is communicated to the user containing data directly requesting the user's participation.
  • the first message is communicated by system 100 as an automatically generated message, while in others it is a widely disseminated message.
  • the first message contains data indicating that a benefit will be provided to the user for such participation or agreement to participate, as an incentive for the user to agree to participate. This gives the user an opportunity to consider the desirability of receiving the benefit before receiving the second message soliciting his/her participation, and thus serves as a pre-recruitment tool.
  • the recruitment message provides or offers to provide a benefit to the user in exchange for the user's participation or agreement or willingness to participate in a research operation.
  • the benefit is provided in response to a message from the user, via the PUA 20 , indicating a willingness or agreement to participate in the research operation, and in certain cases a message is communicated by system 100 to PUA 20 indicating that the benefit is being provided, such as a cash benefit, a credit or a service, and a corresponding instruction for provision of the service is communicated by system 100 to an appropriate benefit provider.
  • the offered benefit comprises a service provided by means of the PUA, such as voice, text message and/or e-mail communication services, other Internet services and/or access to certain applications (e.g., games or personal information management software), content or media data (such as ring tones, images, audio/video data, or songs).
  • the offered benefit comprises cash or a credit, or a service provided apart from the use of the PUA.
  • an offer is made to provide a PUA comprising a research data gathering system and/or a service provided by means of a PUA for a person's use conditioned on the person's participation in the research operation.
  • the recruitment message is communicated to the PUA with an offer to provide a service with the use of the PUA or to activate such a service, such as voice or other data communication services or access to content such as audio or video content.
  • the provision of the service is initiated or the service is activated in certain ones of such embodiments by communicating a benefit provision message to at least one of the cellular telephone and a service provider.
  • the PUA 20 as provided to the user stores software enabling it to gather, store and/or communicate research data, such as codes and/or signatures indicating exposure to audio media.
  • the software is inoperative to carry out at least one of such gathering, storing or communicating functions until activated, by an action of the user (such as a command to the PUA entered by the user input 80 of the microphone 60 , or data entered by the user indicating agreement to participate in the research operation) and/or by means of a communication received by the PUA from system 100 .
  • the software is enabled when the PUA is provided to the user.
  • the PUA 20 is enabled to gather, store and/or communicate research data by downloading the required software from system 100 .
  • the PUA 20 in response to a message expressing agreement to participate in a research data gathering, storage and/or communication activity or a different message from which such agreement can be inferred (such as a download request), the PUA 20 downloads the required software from system 100 , as well as media data or other content (such as ring tones, images, audio/video data, or songs), games and/or other user software, provided as an incentive for such participation.
  • the content and/or software can be sent from system 100 or from a different source.
  • the user installs the software in the PUA 20 from external storage, such as a personal computer or external storage device, using a wireless communications link, a cable or an interface.
  • the user responds to a recruitment message by communicating a message to system 100 or other destination in response via the PUA 20 , either in the form of a voice call, a form containing the message, an e-mail, text message or the like, indicating a willingness or agreement to participate in the proposed research operation using the PUA.
  • the responsive message is communicated by a different means, such as by a voice call using a different telephone, by mail, e-mail, a form provided by a web page, an in-person communication or the like.
  • the responsive message is communicated, in certain embodiments it includes demographic data and/or data that conveys other personal or household attributes to be stored in system 100 .
  • data is communicated by a different message.
  • a message is communicated from the PUA 20 in response to the recruitment message from which the user's willingness to participate can be inferred, such as a message to system 100 that conveys research data gathered by the PUA 20 where it is necessary for the user to activate its capability to gather, store and/or communicate research data or a message to system 100 requesting a download of software or other data required to provide, activate or enable the cellular telephone's capabilities to gather, store and/or communicate research data.
  • a response to a widely disseminated solicitation takes a different form or includes different content, such as a request communicated to system 100 for download of software or other data required to initiate, install or activate the operation of the PUA to automatically gather, store and/or communicate research data, and/or a communication of research data from the PUA to system 100 from which the user's willingness to participate can be inferred.
  • the PUA activates, installs and/or enables functionality to gather, store and/or communicate research data in response to or conditioned upon, the user's affirmative response to the recruitment message.
  • an action of the user to produce, enter or communicate such an affirmative response using the PUA 20 activates such functionality implemented by software running on processor 30 .
  • such action of the user causes PUA 20 to request a download of software and/or data for installing, activating or enabling such functionality.
  • such action of the user causes PUA 20 to install software provided with the recruitment message to implement such functionality, or else to make use of other data in or accompanying the recruitment message to implement such functionality.
  • a response to a widely disseminated solicitation takes a different form or includes different content, such as a request communicated to system 100 for download of software or other data required to initiate, install or activate the operation of the PUA to automatically gather, store and/or communicate research data, and/or a communication of research data from the PUA to system 100 from which the user's willingness to participate can be inferred.
  • Data indicating the recruitment of the user and indicating an identity of the PUA to be used in the research operation to gather, store and/or communicate research data by means of the PUA is stored in storage 130 of system 100 based on the responsive message. Research data gathered by means of such PUA is stored in association with data identifying the PUA.
  • negative data indicating a failure to recruit the user to participate in the research operation is stored in system 100 and subsequently a further recruitment message is communicated to the user to solicit participation in the research operation.
  • the reason for failing to successfully recruit the user can be time-dependent. For example, the user might not have the PUA turned on during a time of day when the recruitment message is communicated, or the user might not be receptive to such a message at the time of day that the message is first sent.
  • system 100 stores the time when the unsuccessful message was communicated and the further recruitment message is communicated under the control of system 100 at a time differing from the time at which the previous message was communicated.
  • a content of a negative response from the user is employed as a basis for communicating the further recruitment message.
  • the recruitment message includes survey questions requesting the user to provide demographic or other data concerning the user or the user's household. Where fewer than all of the survey questions are answered, in certain embodiments, a further message is communicated to the user including a survey having fewer questions than the previous, uncompleted survey. In certain ones of such embodiments, the number of survey questions of the first message that were answered is used by system 100 to determine the number of questions included in the subsequent message. For example, if the user only answered three of eight questions contained in the first message, the subsequent message might include three or fewer questions to improve the likelihood that all will be answered by the user in a responsive message.
  • a response to the recruitment message is communicated by the PUA with or without any action by the user.
  • the response comprises a message from the PUA indicating an operational status or ability thereof to gather, store and/or communicate research data and/or a message from the PUA indicating receipt of the recruitment message.
  • an activation message is communicated by system 100 to the PUA with a command or request to effect such activation.
  • the activation message includes activation data to activate such capability, with or without an accompanying activation command.
  • the activation data comprises a telephone number, a network address (such as an IP address, domain name, MAC address, or the like), a communication protocol or other data useful for communicating the research data gathered by means of the PUA.
  • the activation data comprises software for running on the processor 30 of the PUA 20 to control, carry out and/or enable a research operation thereby.
  • the activation message is communicated to the user, via PUA 20 or otherwise, by system 100 or by other means, and requests an action thereof to activate, enable and/or install a capability of the PUA to carry out a research operation and/or provides instructions for participating in a research operation automatically by means of the PUA 20 .
  • a message is communicated by system 100 or by other means (for example, a live, synthesized or stored voice call, or in documentary form) to the user via the PUA or by other means providing instructions for participating in the research operation to gather, store and/or communicate research data automatically by means of the PUA.
  • a message is communicated by system 100 in response to the message from the user to a provider of such incentive, such as a service provider, retailer or financial institution to instruct that the incentive be provided.
  • system 100 in response to the message from the user indicating a willingness to participate, communicates a message to the user and/or to the PUA enabling the PUA to provide the service or enabling the user to make use of the PUA to obtain the service.
  • the service comprises a provision of media data or of content that is not widely available and a message is communicated by the system 100 or by a different source for such content in response to a message from system 100 , to the PUA and/or the user comprising such media data or content and/or data enabling the user to access the media data or content by means of the PUA or otherwise.
  • an activation message is communicated to the PUA 20 by system 100 without regard to prior receipt of a participation message from the PUA or its user.
  • the activation message comprises a request to the PUA 20 for data indicating an operational status thereof to gather, store and/or communicate research data and/or system data for the PUA, such as an identification thereof and/or data concerning its operating system that enables selection of appropriate software to run on the processor 30 thereof, and in response the PUA communicates the requested data to the system 100 .
  • a response to this message in certain ones of these embodiments can be used to build a database of potential panelists from whom such panelists may be recruited at random.
  • the activation message communicated by system 100 comprises a request to the PUA 20 or its user for research data gathered automatically by the PUA. This is useful where, for example, the user has previously entered data in the PUA indicating a willingness to participate in such a research operation, but where such data has not been communicated from the PUA.
  • the activation message from system 100 comprises a request to the PUA for a response comprising a receipt for the activation message. A request of this kind can be used to determine that the PUA is operational.
  • the activation message comprises a message communicated from system 100 to PUA 20 comprising activation request data for the PUA 20 requesting activation of a capability thereof to gather, store and/or communicate research data to system 100 or elsewhere, or else requesting an action of the user to activate such capability.
  • the PUA 20 responds (with or without any prior action by the user to effect such activation) by communicating one or more messages to system 100 comprising research data gathered automatically by the PUA 20 , indicating an operational status or ability thereof to gather, store and/or communicate research data, indicating receipt by PUA 20 of the activation message and/or data from the user indicating a willingness or agreement to participate in the research operation.
  • the activation message in certain embodiments comprises instructions for participating in a research operation by means of the PUA 20 .
  • the PUA responds (with or without a prior action by the user that enables such response) by communicating a message to system 100 comprising at least one of research data gathered automatically by the PUA 20 , a message from the PUA 20 indicating an operational status or ability thereof to gather, store and/or communicate research data, a message from the user of the PUA 20 concerning participation of the user in a research operation by means of the PUA, a message from the user of the PUA identifying such user and/or the PUA, and a message from the PUA indicating receipt thereby of the message from system 100 .
  • the message from PUA 20 to system 100 comprises data indicating a willingness or agreement of the user to participate in the research operation, which can be in the form of visual display data.
  • a maintenance message is communicated by system 100 to the PUA 20 and/or a research data gathering system coupled therewith (as described herein below) for one or more purposes.
  • a message is communicated by system 100 to the PUA 20 and/or the research data gathering system for testing its ability to gather, store and/or communicate research data as presently configured or as it may be configured using software and/or hardware to interact with the PUA's or the research data gathering system's pre-existing software and/or hardware.
  • the message is communicated by a third party, such as a cellular telephone service provider.
  • Such message comprises a test command to control a test operation of the PUA and/or the research data gathering system, test data for use in conducting such a test operation, such as by processing the test data in the processor 30 , and/or test software to run on processor 30 or a processor of the research data gathering system to control it to carry out a test operation, and which in some cases is stored in storage 50 for subsequent use. That is, the test data thus provided to the PUA and/or the research data gathering system serves to establish, enable or provide a capability thereof to test its ability to carry out a research operation.
  • test software and/or test data is stored in the PUA 20 and/or the research data gathering system when it is acquired by the user, or stored therein at a subsequent time, such as a part of software downloaded to or otherwise stored in PUA 20 , with or without an action of the user.
  • the PUA 20 communicates a message to system 100 in response indicating receipt of the maintenance message.
  • Data providing results of the test operation is communicated from the PUA 20 to system 100 , in certain ones of such embodiments, directly from PUA 20 and/or from a third party service provider.
  • such a test is conducted in response to a predetermined event, such as the occurrence of an operational condition of the PUA and/or the research data gathering system indicating a desirability of testing its operational capabilities, or the occurrence of a predetermined time.
  • a test is conducted in response to receipt of a recruitment message, communication of a response to the recruitment message or a message requesting that a test be carried out, or at the time of installation, activation or enablement of functionality in PUA 20 to gather, store and/or communicate research data.
  • such a test is carried out when the production of data indicates faulty operation or inoperative state.
  • the test results are communicated to a processing facility.
  • the operation of a clock of the PUA 20 (not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity) is tested to determine an offset in its clock rate from a standard.
  • the maintenance message from system 100 comprises time-domain test data having a predetermined frequency content, such as audio data having a single frequency component.
  • the output of the function is data indicating a single frequency and any deviation of that single frequency from the predetermined frequency of the audio data will reveal any offset of the PUA's clock from the standard.
  • the test results can be used either by system 100 or by PUA 20 to compensate for any such offset or else to disqualify the PUA for use in the research operation.
  • a maintenance message is communicated to the PUA 20 by system 100 requesting a response therefrom identifying the user. This is useful to confirm that the PUA is being used by the panelist/user or by another, such as another member of the panelist's household.
  • the requested response comprises a voice message including identifying data, such as a screen name or other alias of the user that is known to system 100 .
  • the requested response is a voice signature gathered by software running on processor 30 or extracted from a responsive voice message from PUA 20 by processor 110 of system 100 .
  • the requested response comprises a text message, an e-mail or a response conveyed by means of a form.
  • the response is requested from the user by means of an audible or visual user identification request message and requires an action of the user before it is communicated.
  • the requested response is communicated by the PUA 20 automatically in response to a user identification request message and without the need for the user's participation.
  • the processor 30 runs software that automatically extracts a voiceprint for a current user of the PUA which is sent as the responsive message.
  • the user is asked or required to enter user identification data in the PUA 20 when turning on the cellular telephone, and/or from time to time, and the user identification data is stored by storage 50 pending receipt of a user identification request message.
  • the PUA 20 responds to the user identification request message from system 100 by communicating the user identification data to system 100 .
  • PUA 20 stores current user identification data and communicates it to system 100 without the need for any message from system 100 requesting such identification data.
  • Such communications are made in response to the occurrence of a condition, such as storage of current user identification data in storage 50 , passage of time, occurrence of a predetermined time, application of power to the PUA, detection of movement of the PUA or use of the PUA.
  • data identifying the PUA 20 and the user is communicated from the PUA 20 or otherwise by the user and is stored by system 100 in storage 130 prior to communicating the maintenance message to enable a determination that the user of the PUA is the panelist.
  • the response to the maintenance message is communicated by the PUA 20 and received by system 100 , it is compared with the previously stored data to determine the user's identity.
  • a maintenance message is communicated by system 100 to the PUA 20 requesting demographic or other user-specific data or household data. This is useful to update such information from time to time, or to follow up an initial request for such information that did not prompt a complete response.
  • a prior message is communicated from the PUA or otherwise from the user to system 100 to convey demographic or other user-specific data or household data to be stored in storage 130 .
  • the maintenance message communicated by system 100 comprises a request for system data concerning the PUA 20 .
  • system data is useful, for example, to determine whether research data software running in the PUA needs to be updated and, if so, which updates to provide. It is useful also to determine whether the functions and/or capabilities of the PUA 20 have changed, such as by installation of software from a third party, or whether the PUA 20 has been replaced by the user.
  • the system data is requested from the user, while in others the system data is requested directly from the PUA 20 by system 100 without the need to involve the user.
  • the maintenance message comprises a command or request communicated by system 100 for the PUA to carry out a research operation.
  • This is useful where, for example, it is desired to modify the type, quality or extent of the research data gathered or stored by means of the PUA, or else to reactivate a data gathering, storage and/or communication function of the PUA that had previously been disabled or otherwise been made unavailable (for example, where a modification of its software disabled such function or the PUA had been replaced with a new PUA). It is also useful for managing communications of research data from the PUA, so that they occur at times or under conditions determined by system 100 , or else to provide an address for communicating such data.
  • the PUA responds to the maintenance message by communicating research data to system 100 and/or by communicating an acknowledgement to system 100 that it has received the maintenance message and/or carried out a requested operation.
  • the system 100 stores data identifying the PUA 20 and its user/panelist before communicating the maintenance message.
  • the PUA responds to the maintenance message by communicating a message to system 100 indicating an ability and/or availability thereof to carry out a research operation.
  • a termination message is communicated by system 100 to the user's PUA for one or more purposes.
  • the PUA 20 responds by communicating a message to system 100 indicating that it has received the termination message.
  • the termination message comprises a deactivation message to the PUA 20 to deactivate a research operation or an ability to carry it out, either automatically without any action of the user, or else instructing the user to deactivate such function.
  • the termination message also comprises data for producing a message to the user, conveyed either visually or audibly, notifying the user than such research operation has been deactivated.
  • the PUA 20 subsequently communicates a responsive message to the system 100 to indicate that the research operation has been deactivated.
  • the deactivation message deactivates one data gathering, storage and/or communication function, but permits another to continue in operation while providing a control to the user enabling the user to deactivate the function that continues in operation, and in certain ones of these embodiments, the provision of the control is conditioned on deactivation of the one function by the user and/or receipt of the deactivation message in the PUA.
  • the termination message comprises a deactivation message directed to the user, and the user is promised a credit or other benefit as an incentive
  • the provision of the credit or other benefit is conditioned on deactivation of the one function by the user.
  • the PUA 20 communicates a message to system 100 reporting that the function has been deactivated and/or a message acknowledging receipt of the deactivation message.
  • the user inputs a deactivation command in the PUA 20 instructing it to deactivate a capability thereof to gather, store and/or communicate research data.
  • the termination message comprises a message communicated by system 100 to a third party credit facility or other benefit provider instructing that a final benefit be provided to the user.
  • a corresponding notice is communicated by system 100 to the user, via the PUA 20 or otherwise.
  • Such communications between the PUA 20 and research system 200 may be triggered by, for example, either (1) the elapse of a predetermined interval of time, (2) production of a communications request or query by either the PUA 20 or the research system 200 , (3) the storage of a predetermined amount of data by either PUA 20 and/or research system 200 , (4) proximity of PUA 20 and the research system 200 , or (5) any combination of (1)-(4).
  • communications 40 of PUA 20 comprises a transceiver configured to communicate using a Bluetooth protocol, ZigBeeTM protocol, wireless LAN protocol, or via an infrared data link, inductive link or the like, for enabling communications with the research system 200 as well as with a network, network host or other device to communicate data to a research data processing facility.
  • communications 40 of PUA 20 comprises a first transceiver configured to communicate with research system 20 and a second transceiver (such as a cellular telephone transceiver) configured to communicate with the research data processing facility.
  • research system 200 is housed separately from PUA 20 and is physically separated therefrom, but both are carried on the person of a panelist.
  • research system 200 is housed separately from PUA 20 but is either (1) affixed to an exterior surface thereof, (2) carried by or in a common container or carriage device with PUA 20 , (3) carried by or in a cover of PUA 20 (such as a decorative “skin”), or (4) arranged to contain PUA 20 .
  • PUA 20 and research system 200 are contained by a common housing.
  • processor 230 of research system 200 serves to read ancillary codes and/or extract signatures from audio data transduced by the microphone 220 . Certain ones of these embodiments communicate the ancillary codes that have been read and/or the signatures that have been extracted to the PUA 20 by communications 210 for storage and/or communication from the PUA.
  • storage 240 serves to store the ancillary codes and/or signatures for subsequent communication to the PUA 20 .
  • research system 200 serves to store audio data transduced by the microphone 220 in storage 240 , and subsequently communicates the audio data to PUA 20 via communications 210 .
  • PUA 20 processes the audio data as described hereinabove to produce research data therefrom.
  • research system 200 receives audio data from PUA 20 via communications 210 and processor 230 serves to produce research data from the audio data which either is stored in storage 240 and subsequently communicated to PUA 20 by communications 210 or communicated thereby without prior storage in research system 200 .
  • processor 230 of research system 200 receives presentation data and/or metadata of the presentation data from PUA 20 via communications 210 and processes the presentation data and/or metadata to produce research data therefrom.
  • Such presentation data and metadata is received by PUA 20 in a form other than acoustic data such as electrical or electromagnetic data.
  • Research system 200 either stores such research data in storage 240 and subsequently communicates it to PUA 20 by communications 210 , or communicates the research data to PUA 20 by communications 210 without prior storage in research system 200 .
  • research system 200 receives audio data, presentation data and/or metadata of one of the foregoing from PUA 20 via communications 210 and stores the received data in storage 240 . Subsequently, system 200 reads the stored data from storage 240 and communicates it to PUA 20 which either processes it to produce research data therefrom or communicates it to a processing facility for producing research data. Communication of the research data from the PUA 20 affords a number of advantages.
  • At least a first advantage includes being able to provide a user a research system of smaller size and lower weight since (1) it need not itself comprise hardware enabling communication of the research data to the processing facility, (2) a smaller power source, commonly a battery, thus decreasing the size and weight of the research system may be used for operation thereof, and (3) less data storage capacity is necessary in the research system given the opportunity for frequent communication of research data between the PUA 20 and the research system 200 .
  • At least a second advantage includes an opportunity for increased frequency of reporting of the research data to the research data processing facility since the PUA 20 is readily available for the communication thereof.
  • PUA 20 gathers media data research data from media data received thereby in non-acoustic form and/or metadata of such media data. PUA 20 either stores such media data research data and later communicates it to a research organization via communications 40 , or communicates it without first storing it. In certain ones of such embodiments, PUA 20 receives audio data research data from system 200 produced thereby from audio data, and communicates the audio data research data to a research organization via communications 40 . In certain ones of such embodiments, PUA 20 combines the audio data research data and the media data research data for communication to a research organization via communications 40 .
  • FIG. 2A illustrates a research data monitor 72 affixed to an outer surface 21 of a PUA 20 A, wherein the monitor 72 is operative in certain embodiments to gather research data and communicate it to PUA 20 A which in turn communicates the research data to the system 100 of FIG. 1B .
  • PUA 20 A is illustrated in the block diagram of FIG. 2B .
  • monitor 72 implements one or more of the research operations described above in connection with FIG. 2 .
  • PUA 20 A comprises the same elements as PUA 20 of FIG. 1 , except that research data source 96 is omitted from the embodiment of FIG. 2B .
  • Research data monitor 72 is illustrated in the block diagram of FIG. 2C .
  • the research data monitor 72 comprises a processor 74 that is operative to exercise overall control of the monitor 72 and to process data for transmission or reception and communications 82 coupled to the processor 74 and operative under the control of processor 74 to perform those functions required for conducting communications with PUA 20 A.
  • processor 74 comprises two or more processing devices, such as a first processing device (such as a digital signal processor) that processes research data, such as audio data, and a second processing device that exercises overall control over operation of the monitor 72 .
  • processor 74 employs a single processing device.
  • some or all of the functions of processor 74 are implemented by software, while in other embodiments, the functions of processor 74 are implemented in hardwired circuitry without the use of software.
  • communications 82 establishes and maintains a wireless communication link with communications 40 of PUA 20 A, using a BluetoothTM protocol, a ZigBeeTM protocol, an inductive link, a capacitive link, an RF link, infrared link, or otherwise.
  • communications 82 communicates with communications 40 using a wired link, such as a USB interface, a Firewire® interface, a connection to a plug or jack of the PUA 20 A or an internal connection to PUA 20 A.
  • Research data monitor 72 further comprises a research data source 76 coupled with processor 74 .
  • research data monitor 72 comprises a microphone that serves to transduce acoustic energy for processing by processor 74 to produce research data.
  • research data source 76 comprises a keypad that enables the user to input data, such as channel or station data, user identification data or another kind of research data.
  • monitor 72 comprises an RF receiver and/or infrared radiation detector.
  • monitor 72 comprises a location data producing device or function providing data indicating a location of the monitor 72 .
  • monitor 76 comprises a device or function for monitoring exposure to print media, for determining whether the user is at home or out of home, for monitoring exposure to products, exposure to displays (such as outdoor advertising), presence within or near commercial establishments, or for gathering research data (such as consumer attitude, preference or opinion data) through the administration of a survey to the user of the PUA 20 A.
  • monitor 76 comprises one or more devices for receiving, sensing or detecting data useful in implementing one or more of the foregoing functions, other research data gathering functions and/or for producing data ancillary to functions of gathering, storing and/or communicating research data, such as data indicating whether the panelist has complied with predetermined rules governing the activity or an extent of such compliance.
  • Such devices include, but are not limited to, motion detectors, accelerometers, temperature detectors, proximity detectors, satellite positioning signal receivers, RFID readers, RF receivers, wireless networking transceivers, wireless device coupling transceivers, pressure detectors, deformation detectors, electric field sensors, magnetic field sensors, optical sensors, electrodes, and the like.
  • Monitor 72 further comprises storage 78 coupled with processor 74 and operative to store data as needed.
  • storage 78 comprises a single storage device, while in others it comprises multiple storage devices.
  • a single device implements certain functions of both processor 74 and storage 78 .
  • FIG. 2D illustrates an embodiment of research data monitor 72 fabricated on a substrate 83 , such as a printed circuit board or a flexible substrate comprising paper, plastic or the like, on which certain elements of monitor 72 are printed on substrate 83 .
  • Power source 86 comprises a battery (either rechargeable or non-rechargeable) or a charge storage device such as a capacitor, printed on substrate 83 .
  • communications 82 comprises an RF transceiver, such as a BluetoothTM transceiver, a ZigBeeTM transceiver or other RF transceiver.
  • An antenna 92 is printed on substrate 83 and coupled with communications 82 .
  • monitor 72 can be fabricated to have a very thin profile and very low weight, so that it may be affixed to the enclosure of a cellular telephone, a PDA or other PUA that is carried on the person of a participant, without adding substantially to its size or weight.
  • the monitor 72 is carried by a cover for the PUA (such as a decorative “skin”).
  • monitor 72 is housed in or carried by a device separate from the PUA and adapted to be carried with the person of a panelist who carries the PUA.
  • FIG. 2E is a block diagram of a PUA comprising a personal communication device adapted to be carried on the person of a participant (such as a PDA, Blackberry® device, pager, notebook computer, walkie talkie, or the like) having a processor 94 , and communications 95 , user data source 96 and storage 97 coupled with processor 94 .
  • a research data gathering device 72 adapted to be carried on the person of a participant, is operative to gather research data and communicate the same wirelessly to communications 95 of the personal communication device for subsequent communication by the personal communication device to a research data processing facility.
  • the research data gathering device 72 is separate from the personal communication device, so that it is carried by the participant separately therefrom.
  • the device 72 is contained in a PUA such as an article of jewelry, an article of clothing, a fob, a wristwatch or other PUA. In certain ones of such embodiments, the device 72 is contained in its own enclosure and is carried on a lanyard to be worn about the participant's neck or provided with a pin, clasp or belt clip for attachment to an article of the participant's clothing.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a personal digital assistant (PDA) 300 modified to gather research data.
  • the PDA comprises a processor 310 that is operative to exercise overall control and to process data for, among other purposes, transmission or reception by the PDA and communications 320 coupled to the processor 310 and operative under the control of processor 310 to perform those functions required for establishing and maintaining two-way communications over a network (not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity).
  • processor 310 comprises two or more processing devices, such as a first processing device that exercises overall control over operation of the PDA 300 and a second processing device that performs certain more specific operations such as digital signal processing. In certain embodiments, processor 310 employs a single processing device. In certain embodiments, some or all of the functions of processor 310 are implemented by hardwired circuitry.
  • PDA 300 further comprises storage 330 coupled with processor 310 and operative to store software that runs on processor 310 , as well as temporary data as needed.
  • storage 330 comprises a single storage device, while in others it comprises multiple storage devices.
  • a single device implements certain functions of both processor 310 and storage 330 .
  • PDA 300 also includes a user input 340 coupled with processor 310 , such as a keypad, to enter commands and data, as well as a display 350 coupled with processor 310 to provide data visually to the user under the control of processor 310 .
  • a user input 340 coupled with processor 310 , such as a keypad, to enter commands and data
  • a display 350 coupled with processor 310 to provide data visually to the user under the control of processor 310 .
  • the PDA 300 provides additional functions and/or comprises additional elements.
  • PDA 300 provides cellular telephone functionality, and comprises a microphone 370 , as well as an ability of communications 320 to communicate wirelessly with a cell of a cellular telephone network, to enable its operation as a cellular telephone.
  • PDA 300 possesses cellular telephone functionality, in certain embodiments PDA 300 is employed to gather, store and/or communicate research data, such as by storing appropriate research software in storage 330 to run on processor 310 and communicating with system 100 to set up, promote, operate, maintain and/or terminate a research operation using PDA 300 .
  • communications 320 of PDA 300 provides wireless communications via Bluetooth protocol, ZigBeeTM protocol, wireless LAN protocol, infrared data link, inductive link or the like, to a network, network host or other device, and/or through a cable to such a network, network host or other device.
  • PDA 300 is employed to gather, store and/or communicate research data, such as by storing appropriate research software in storage 330 to run on processor 310 and communicating with system 100 (either through a wireless link or through a connection, such as a cable) to set up, promote, operate, maintain and/or terminate a research operation using PDA 300 .
  • the PDA is provided with a research data source 360 coupled by a wired or wireless coupling with processor 310 for use in gathering further or alternative research data to be communicated to a research organization.
  • the research data source 360 comprises a location data producing device or function providing data indicating a location of the PDA 300 .
  • Various devices appropriate for use as source 360 include a satellite location signal receiver, a terrestrial location signal receiver, a wireless networking device that receives location data from a network, an inertial location monitoring device and a location data producing service provided by a cellular telephone service provider.
  • research data source 360 comprises a device or function for monitoring exposure to print media, for determining whether the user is at home or out of home, for monitoring exposure to products, exposure to displays (such as outdoor advertising), presence within or near commercial establishments, or for gathering research data (such as consumer attitude, preference or opinion data) through the administration of a survey to the user of the PDA 300 .
  • research data source 360 comprises one or more devices for receiving, sensing or detecting data useful in implementing one or more of the foregoing functions, other research data gathering functions and/or for producing data ancillary to functions of gathering, storing and/or communicating research data, such as data indicating whether the panelist has complied with predetermined rules governing the activity or an extent of such compliance.
  • Such devices include, but are not limited to, motion detectors, accelerometers, temperature detectors, proximity detectors, satellite positioning signal receivers, RFID readers, RF receivers, wireless networking transceivers, wireless device coupling transceivers, pressure detectors, deformation detectors, electric field sensors, magnetic field sensors, optical sensors, electrodes, and the like.
  • PDA 300 comprises a microphone 370 coupled with processor 310 to transduce the user's voice to an electrical signal which it supplies to processor 310 for encoding, and a speaker and/or earphone 380 coupled with processor 310 to transduce received audio from processor 310 to an acoustic output to be heard by the user.
  • PDA 300 also includes a user input 340 coupled with processor 310 , such as a keypad, to enter telephone numbers and other control data, as well as a display 350 coupled with processor 310 to provide data visually to the user under the control of processor 310 .
  • PDA 300 comprises a personal communication device adapted to be carried on the person of a participant having a processor 310 , and communications 320 , and storage 330 coupled with processor 310 .
  • a research data source 360 adapted to be carried on the person of a participant, is operative to gather research data and communicate the same wirelessly to communications 320 of the personal communication device for subsequent communication by the personal communication device to a research data processing facility.
  • research data source 360 comprises a microphone for receiving ambient acoustic energy and producing a corresponding electrical signal that is processed either by research data source 360 to read ancillary codes therein or extract signatures therefrom, or is instead processed for doing so by processor 310 .
  • the research data source 360 is separate from the personal communication device, so that it is carried by the participant separately therefrom.
  • the research data source 360 is contained in a PUA such as an article of jewelry, an article of clothing, a fob, a wristwatch or other PUA.
  • the research data source 360 is contained in its own enclosure and is carried on a lanyard to be worn about the participant's neck or provided with a pin, clasp or belt clip for attachment to an article of the participant's clothing.
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an external storage device 400 , such as a portable storage drive, modified to gather research data.
  • a storage 430 such as a flash memory, serves to store data for use by the user as well as research data. Access to storage 430 is controlled by a processor 410 .
  • storage 430 is partitioned into a portion used to store user data and a further portion used to store research data (as well as research software, if necessary, to run on processor 410 ).
  • processor 410 dynamically partitions storage 430 into sections as needed so that each stores either user data or research data (and/or research software).
  • Storage device 400 also comprises communications 420 coupled with processor 410 to receive data to be written in storage 430 and to communicate data read from storage 430 .
  • Communications 420 in certain embodiments communicates data by means of a connection, such as a USB interface, while in others communicates its data wirelessly, for example, by means of a Bluetooth protocol, wireless LAN protocol, infrared data link, inductive link or the like.
  • Storage device 400 also comprises a research data source 440 that provides research data to be stored in storage 430 and communicated to system 100 via communications 420 .
  • research data source 430 comprises an acoustic transducer, such as a microphone, and processing (not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity) to produce audio data in compressed or uncompressed form to be stored in storage 430 under the control of processor 410 .
  • ancillary codes in the audio data are decoded by processing in research data source 440 and/or signatures are extracted from the audio data thereby to be stored in storage 43 Q.
  • other or additional types of research data are gathered by source 440 , such as those described hereinabove.
  • storage device 400 employs external power to write and read user data via communications 420 , as in the case of a USB interface.
  • research data source 440 includes a power source (not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity), such as a rechargeable battery, to provide power for operating research data source 440 and writing research data to the storage 430 while storage device 400 is not coupled to a source of external power.
  • communications between storage device 400 and system 100 of the kind described above in connection with PUA 20 are conducted without involving the user, so that a user input and display are not required.
  • such communications are carried out by coupling storage device 400 with a networked host, such as a personal computer, cellular telephone or PDA to communicate with system 100 .
  • a networked host such as a personal computer, cellular telephone or PDA to communicate with system 100 .
  • a user input and display of the networked host are used to carry out communications involving user interaction.
  • benefits for participating in a research operation to gather, store and/or communicate research data that require the user to carry the storage device 400 on his or her person can be provided via the networked host or otherwise.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a pen 500 in phantom lines.
  • a research data collection system 510 is contained within pen 500 and serves to gather research data of audio data to which a user carrying the pen is exposed.
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram of research data collection system 510 .
  • the research data collection system 510 includes a research data source 520 and a processor 530 .
  • the research data source 520 is coupled with processor 530 to provide research data therefrom or data from which research data may be produced.
  • research data source 520 comprises a microphone operative to transduce acoustic energy to which a user of the pen 500 is exposed while carrying the pen to produce audio data.
  • processor 530 either stores the audio data or a compressed version thereof as research data in a storage 540 of the system 510 coupled with the processor 530 , or extracts research data therefrom, such as data represented by an ancillary code of the audio data and/or a signature of the audio data which it stores in storage 540 .
  • processor 530 comprises two or more processing devices, such as a first processing device that exercises overall control over operation of the system 510 and a second processing device that performs certain more specific operations such as digital signal processing.
  • processor 530 employs a single processing device.
  • some or all of the functions of processor 530 are implemented by hardwired circuitry.
  • storage 540 comprises a single storage device, while in others it comprises multiple storage devices.
  • a single device implements certain functions of both processor 530 and storage 540 .
  • System 510 of pen 500 also includes communications 550 coupled with processor 530 to communicate stored research data to system 100 of FIG. 1B , as well as to receive communications therefrom and communicate other types of communications thereto of the kind described hereinabove for setting up, promoting, operating, maintaining and/or terminating a research operation with the use of the pen 500 .
  • communications 550 serves to establish a wireless communications link with a host or device on a network to conduct such communications, while in certain embodiments, system 510 serves as a host or device on a network for conducting such communications.
  • communications 550 communicates with system 100 via a separate PUA having the ability to communicate with system 100 .
  • communications 550 establishes a wireless link with the separate PUA according to a BluetoothTM or ZigBeeTM communications standard.
  • System 510 of pen 500 further includes compliance detection 560 that operates to detect data useful in determining whether the user is in compliance with rules governing the research operation.
  • compliance detection 560 comprises a motion detector, a temperature sensor and/or a proximity detector and is coupled with processor 530 to provide its data thereto.
  • Processor 530 processes such data to determine whether the pen is being carried by the user at prescribed times.
  • System 510 also includes a compliance indicator 570 coupled with processor 530 which processor 530 controls to provide to the user an indication whether the user is in compliance with rules for the research operation concerning carriage of the pen.
  • the indicator 570 comprises a light, such as an LED, that provides a visual indication of compliance or non-compliance under the control of processor 530 .
  • the indicator 570 comprises an audio transducer that produces sound under the control of processor 530 to indicate such compliance or non-compliance. Additional disclosures of compliance determination and indication techniques suitable for use in the various embodiments disclosed herein are provided by U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,276 to Brooks, et al., assigned to the assignee of the present application and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
  • system 510 is powered by a rechargeable battery (not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity).
  • recharging terminals 580 are provided for connecting system 510 to an external source of power for recharging such battery.
  • the pen 510 is placed in a cradle of a base station (not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity) where the terminals 580 contact terminals of the base station where recharging power is supplied.
  • Appropriate base stations for this purpose are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,276, referenced above.
  • FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary table of a relational database storing data associating individual PUA users with a group of persons receiving communication services pursuant to a single agreement with a communication service provider.
  • the relational database is stored in storage 130 of FIG. 2 under the control of processor 110 .
  • Processor 110 stores data identifying each of a plurality of PUA users in the table of FIG. 7A to associate such data with data 700 identifying a group agreement governing the provision of communication services to a group of persons.
  • the group agreement may comprise a family plan with a cellular telephone service provider.
  • the exemplary table of FIG. 7A associates data identifying four individual users (USER # 3456 .
  • the association of data indicates which particular user in the group is using a particular PUA.
  • the data identifying the PUA user comprises a screen name adopted by the PUA user.
  • FIG. 7B illustrates a further exemplary table of the relational database of FIG. 7A that stores data associating demographic data of the four PUA users with data identifying with each respective user, that is, 3456 , 3457 , 3458 and 3459 .
  • Processor 110 stores data in the table of FIG. 7B to associate demographic data of the PUA user with the data identifying the PUA user.
  • user # 3456 corresponds to demographic data 710 which identifies the user as a female of age 40.
  • user # 3457 corresponds to demographic data 720
  • user # 3458 corresponds to demographic data 730
  • user # 3459 corresponds to demographic data 740 .
  • the demographic data may comprise information relating to sex, age, occupation, salary, etc.
  • the association of data may indicate the demographic data of the particular user of the particular PUA.
  • a message is communicated from system 100 of FIG. 2 to each respective PUA user requesting the demographic data of such user and a message containing the demographic data is received by system 100 from the respective PUA user in response.
  • such messages are communicated to and from the user's PUA.
  • a message is communicated to the respective PUA user in response to a message from the PUA user indicating an interest in participating in the research operation.
  • Still further embodiments are disclosed hereinbelow in connection with FIG. 9 , where in certain embodiments multiple different types of PUA's are employed in one or more research data collection activities and/or panels, under the control of one or more managing processors.
  • a PUA's “primary function” is the function for which the PUA was purchased, leased, used or obtained by the user.
  • the primary function of a PUA may be complex or simple.
  • the managing processor 600 supplies a communication, via a suitable communication network, to each PUA 610 that is selected and capable of implementing a designated secondary function. This communication is shown schematically as “Communication A” in FIG. 9 .
  • Communication A This communication is shown schematically as “Communication A” in FIG. 9 .
  • Each receiving PUA 610 responds to Communication A to supply, either audibly or visually, an inquiry to the PUA user asking the PUA user if he/she would like to participate in a research operation as a panelist.
  • Various forms of visual communications are possible, including text messages, graphic messages, e-mails, etc.
  • An audible message may also be employed for various types of PUA's.
  • the PUA responds to Communication A to provide an audible message to the user (e.g., via attached headphones).
  • Text messages or e-mails are appropriate for PDA's, notebook computers and the like.
  • PUA users are provided an opportunity to respond to Communication A and may respond by accepting the offer to participate in the research operation, by declining the offer, or by not responding to the offer. In certain instances, a request for more information may be provided and/or an opportunity to defer the response, such as “ask me again tomorrow.”
  • the PUA user's response is represented as Communication B in FIG. 9 . If the user accepts the offer to participate, then the managing processor 600 includes the user as a panel member.
  • incentives to participate are offered.
  • incentives include benefits related to use of the PUA, such as PUA-supplied services, award points or credits (e.g., free cellular telephone use, free play time for a game device PUA).
  • incentives do not relate to use of the PUA, such as award points or award dollars applicable for use or purchases at retail stores, Internet sites and other locations.
  • Other incentives include free software or unique content available only to panelists.
  • benefits accrue during the period in which a PUA user remains a panel member. In other embodiments, benefits accrue during periods of time the PUA gathers research data, thus encouraging use and/or carrying around of the PUA. In further embodiments, benefits accrue when research data is received by the managing processor 600 .
  • managing processor 600 supplies a communication that “initializes” the PUA or requests an action of the user to do so. This communication is represented as Communication C in FIG. 9 .
  • initialization entails instructing or otherwise controlling the PUA to implement the secondary function or requesting that the user do so.
  • the cellular telephone is instructed to gather the audio data and to supply periodically the gathered audio data or research data derived therefrom or concerning such audio data to managing processor 600 .
  • the managing processor 600 extracts from the audio data relevant identification information to ascertain the particular media (e.g., station, channel, song, television/radio program, commercial, etc.) to which the PUA user was exposed.
  • a PDA capable of emitting a suitable identification signal is “initiated” to cause the PDA to periodically emit the identification signal (e.g., once per minute) during a research operation that seeks to gather data relating to consumer exposure to billboards.
  • various billboards are equipped with electronic devices that receive the emitted identification signals.
  • the PDA is controlled to carry out a secondary function that enables the implementation of a technique described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,958,710, referenced above.
  • the manufacturer of the PUA pre-installs and/or equips the PUA with appropriate software and/or hardware to carry out one or more particular secondary functions.
  • the manufactured PUA is later adapted (e.g., by another entity) to enable it to carry out a secondary function.
  • Other entities include retailers, wholesalers, research data gathering entities, service provides and other parties.
  • software is downloaded to the PUA to enable it to carry out a secondary function prior to inviting the PUA user to participate in the research panel.
  • PUA initialization in response to Communication C entails, in certain embodiments, downloading software to the PUA during recruitment of a panel member to enable the recruited panel member's PUA to carry out the secondary function.
  • a cellular telephone may be programmable to decode information conveyed by an ancillary code in audio data (as set forth in various patents and applications referenced above) and then to supply the extracted information to managing processor 600 .
  • Initialization of such a PUA in certain embodiments entails downloading and installing suitable software and then executing that software to implement the secondary function.
  • a notebook computer having the capability to receive wireless transmissions, such as by means of a wireless network card, a Bluetooth transceiver or the like, is programmed during initialization to periodically ascertain its current location (and thus the location of the PUA user) based on data received from the wireless network and to compare the ascertained location with a plural number of locations of interest that have been downloaded and stored within the notebook computer's storage.
  • Each of the downloaded locations of interest may be a geographic location of a billboard, a retail store or other venue about which research data is being gathered.
  • the notebook computer ascertains when the PUA user is in the vicinity of (e.g., able to see) one of the stored venues of interest, and creates a record of the activity and later transmits to the managing processor the created records.
  • This process and variations thereof are disclosed in US Published Patent Application 2005/0243784, referenced above.
  • certain embodiments entail instructing the PUA user to take his/her PUA to a designated service center that will retrofit the PUA with appropriate software and/or hardware modifications to enable it to implement the designated secondary function.
  • the PUA user performs the modification, such as by coupling the PUA to a computer for the transfer and installation of suitable code into the PUA.
  • the code may be supplied to the PUA user's computer in various manners, such as by e-mail, downloading from an Internet site, from a CD-ROM mailed to or other otherwise obtained by the PUA user (e.g., at a retail establishment or entertainment facility) or other method.
  • PUA calibration is carried out.
  • calibration includes clock calibration and/or location calibration.
  • Communications from managing processor 600 to the PUA may further include one or more parameters in certain embodiments.
  • Parameters include, without limitation, (1) what to track; (2) when/where to track; (3) amount/type of data to gather; (4) type of processing, if any, of the gathered data; and (5) where/when and manner of sending the raw or processed data. None, some or all of these parameters may be preprogrammed within the PUA or be communicated to the PUA during or after initialization. These parameters are further described below.
  • What to Track refers to the specific secondary function to be implemented by the PUA.
  • Various examples of what to track are provided above and are disclosed in the various patents and patent applications mentioned herein. These examples are not exhaustive. Tracking may also entail not gathering data, but rather supplying a signal to enable other devices to gather research data.
  • the PUA may be programmed to implement the secondary function continuously or periodically. Conservation of battery life, limited data storage, limited bandwidth and other reasons may play a role in the extent (e.g., frequency and/or duration) of implementation of the secondary function. Frequency and/or duration of implementation of the secondary function also may differ on a day by day basis.
  • the PUA is programmed to implement the secondary function only in designated locations, if appropriate (e.g., certain geographic locations, only when certain signals are received by the PUA).
  • the PUA may be programmed to collect more data or less data and/or different types of data.
  • Various examples of gathering different amounts of data are provided in US Published Patent Application 2005/0243784, previously referenced.
  • the PUA may be programmed to store raw data or to process the raw data in accordance with various processing algorithms.
  • the secondary function entails gathering of research data by the PUA, the location of the destination to supply the gathered research data is provided.
  • Various PUA's e.g., cellular telephone PUA's
  • PUA's are capable of supplying data to a called telephone number and, in such cases, the telephone number to call is supplied.
  • data is sent via e-mail or other kind of database, in which cases, the e-mail address to send the gathered research data is supplied.
  • the PUA's employ a docking station, often utilized to recharge batteries within the PUA's.
  • Certain docking stations can be modified to communicate with the docked PUA and to supply the gathered research data to a particular destination (e.g., by telephoning the destination). Suitable techniques for transferring data utilizing a docking station are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,276 to Brooks, et al, assigned to the assignee of the present application and hereby incorporated herein in its entirety.
  • the gathered data is sent (e.g., daily, hourly, when storage capacity used reaches a certain level) also may be programmable or may be manually determined (e.g., each time the PUA is placed in the docking station).
  • the PUA After a PUA user has accepted participation in a panel, initialization of the PUA, and various other communications are carried out, as herein described, the PUA implements the designated secondary function.
  • various secondary functions employ gathering of either raw or processed research data.
  • Other secondary functions discussed herein entail transmitting data by the PUA to enable other devices, not carried by the PUA user, to gather research data.
  • the PUA implements two secondary functions, a first of which entails gathering by the PUA of research data and a second which entails transmitting data by the PUA to enable other electronic devices to gather research data.
  • the PUA implements two secondary functions, both of which entail the PUA gathering research data.
  • the PUA implements two secondary functions both of which entail transmitting information to enable other devices to gather research data.
  • more than two secondary functions are implemented.
  • a PUA may implement multiple secondary functions for purposes of gathering data for one or more studies.
  • a PUA user participates in multiple panels each making use of the PUA (or a single panel seeking to gather two different types of research data).
  • a PUA user is invited to join a second panel after having already joined a first panel.
  • each of the various research operations described herein may occur multiple and at different times.
  • the secondary function entails converting acoustic energy to audio data, and decoding the audio data to extract the research data therefrom
  • the same PUA user is invited to participate in another study (or an extension of the same study) pertaining to consumer exposure to billboards (e.g., wherein the secondary function for the second study entails the PUA emitting an identification signal that is received by electronic devices disposed in the vicinities of particular billboards).
  • the PUA has a first secondary function of gathering research data and a second secondary function that enables other electronic devices to gather research data.
  • There are numerous techniques for gathering various types of research data (some of these techniques are disclosed in the patents and patent applications identified herein) and, thus, a large number of combinations of techniques may be employed utilizing particular types of PUA's.
  • the managing processor 600 provides a communication to the user's PUA to initiate or control the PUA to discontinue its implementation of a designated secondary function.
  • the PUA user is informed of the termination via the PUA's interface with the user.
  • the user is notified by other means, such as by mail, telephone, e-mail or other communication.
  • the PUA automatically terminates its implementation of the secondary function at a predetermined time.
  • the predetermined time is communicated from the managing processor to the PUA prior to termination, either during initialization of the PUA as a parameter or while the PUA is gathering research data, or another time.
  • the PUA is pre-programmed during initialization or other time to self-terminate implementation of the secondary function if a designated rule is not complied with by the user or if a designated event occurs.
  • a panel membership rule may require the PUA user to carry the PUA around for at least eight (8) hours per day and for at least five (5) days each week during the panel study. If the PUA user does not comply with this rule, in certain embodiments the user's PUA automatically discontinues the secondary function and thus no longer gathers, stores and/or communicates research data.
  • the managing processor removes the PUA user from the list of active panel members for the particular study being carried out.
  • the PUA is programmed to provide the user with warnings or reminders of rules and requirements of the study, and/or violations thereof to prevent, or at least minimize, non-compliance.
  • the PUA is programmed to periodically perform self-tests to verify proper operability of the secondary function.
  • the PUA user is afforded the opportunity to discontinue his/her membership in a panel.
  • PUA user communication with the managing processor via the PUA may be possible to terminate membership.
  • the PUA user may terminate membership via other communication means, such as by telephone, e-mail, etc.
  • the PUA discontinues implementation of a designated secondary function.
  • software previously downloaded is uninstalled or otherwise removed from the PUA, or deactivated.
  • the identity of the PUA user or data suitable for identifying the user is obtained using various public and possibly non-public resources and databases.
  • User identity includes at least a unique identifier for the user, and preferably address and other demographic information, including occupation, age, gender and other data useful for media and/or market research purposes.
  • user identification information is obtained from the user via the user's PUA. For example, in a notebook computer PUA or a cellular telephone PUA, the user is prompted to provide identification information during recruitment of the user into the panel. In other embodiments, the PUA user is requested to provide identification information through means other than via the PUA.
  • the PUA user is prompted during recruitment to access a website, complete and mail a form or place a telephone call in order to provide requested identification information.
  • the PUA user becomes a member of the panel only after required identification information is supplied.
  • a user is deemed to own, lease or otherwise possess a PUA for a sufficiently large period of time so that a particular PUA is deemed to be associated with a particular user for the entire period of the study being conducted.
  • a particular PUA is not associated with a single user for the entire period of the study, but rather is associated with multiple users.
  • the multiple users are members of the same household.
  • a cellular telephone or laptop computer sometimes is utilized at different times by different members of a household.
  • Other types of PUA's are utilized by multiple individuals who are not part of the same household.
  • the PUA is programmed or otherwise controlled to ascertain or assist in ascertaining the identity of a user at a given instance, period of time or from time to time.
  • user identification is provided subsequent to use, via communications between the user and the managing processor through other means, such as by e-mail, website access, telephone, in-person contact, or other technique.
  • user identification information is supplied in advance of use of the PUA.
  • a user identifies his/her termination of usage of the PUA.
  • the identification of a PUA user is not known during the gathering of research data pertaining to that user.
  • the PUA user has authorized participation in the panel prior to the PUA's gathering of research data.
  • research data is gathered by a PUA (whether used by a single user or by multiple users) without prior authorization by the PUA user or users.
  • a particular user may voluntarily supply or be motivated via an incentive to supply, identification information to the managing processor (e.g., utilizing the Internet), at which point the previously obtained research data is associated with an identified person.
  • incentives to participate are offered.
  • incentives include benefits related to use of the PUA, such as PUA-supplied services, award points or credits (e.g., free cellular telephone use, free play time for a game device PUA).
  • incentives do not relate to use of the PUA, such as award points or award dollars applicable for use or purchases at retail stores, Internet sites and other locations.
  • Other incentives include free software or unique content available only to panelists.
  • benefits accrue during the period in which a PUA user remains a panel member. In other embodiments, benefits accrue during periods of time the PUA gathers research data, thus encouraging use and/or carrying around of the PUA. In further embodiments, benefits accrue when research data is received by the managing processor 600 .
  • PUA's such as cellular telephones, PDA's, portable storage devices, pens, and notebook computers.
  • PDA's portable storage devices
  • pens portable storage devices
  • notebook computers many different types of devices, electronic and non-electronic, may be employed as a PUA in accordance with various embodiments described herein.
  • a belt buckle, ring, watch, shoe, etc. may be retrofitted with technology that implements a designated secondary function to enable the gathering of research data.
  • the scope hereof is not limited to devices that have technical features or technical capabilities as their primary or only function.
  • the embodiments described herein employ PUA's for the purpose of carrying out research operations, which are also the kinds of devices or articles that individuals have already freely chosen to use or carry for other purposes beneficial to them.
  • recruited panel members are not burdened with the task of carrying around a device that they would otherwise not carry around.
  • implementation of the research operation by the user's PUA is transparent to the user.

Abstract

Methods and systems for setting up, promoting, operating, maintaining and/or terminating a research operation carried out with the use of a PUA are disclosed.

Description

    CROSS-RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/751,825, filed Dec. 20, 2005, in the names of Alan R. Neuhauser, Vijoy K. Gopalakrishnan, Jack C. Crystal, Jack K. Zhang, and Eugene L. Flanagan III.
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Collecting data reflecting usage of media is an increasingly complex task as the variety of media sources and techniques for presenting media to consumers, and the numbers and types of media presentation venues, increase over time.
  • A convergence of personal communications capabilities and multimedia options in a single portable device is occurring presently, such as in a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant, and the like. Increasingly, consumers are accessing and consuming media “on the go” and out-of-home using such portable devices, and as the quality of media presented by such devices is improved, it can be expected that such mobile consumption of media will increase.
  • The above trends in media usage, in addition to conventional in-home consumption demonstrate a need for new techniques for monitoring exposure to media of various types presented to consumers in a greater variety of ways than in the past.
  • Dedicated portable monitoring devices have been developed including the hardware and software required to monitor exposure to audio media. It has been proposed to monitor exposure of consumers to audio media by incorporating monitoring software for instance in a cellular telephone, making use of the cellular telephone's hardware, including its microphone, CPU, memory capacity and communications capabilities.
  • DISCLOSURE
  • For this application the following terms and definitions shall apply:
  • The term “data” as used herein means any indicia, signals, marks, symbols, domains, symbol sets, representations, and any other physical form or forms representing information, whether permanent or temporary, whether visible, audible, acoustic, electric, magnetic, electromagnetic or otherwise manifested. The term “data” as used to represent predetermined information in one physical form shall be deemed to encompass any and all representations of corresponding information in a different physical form or forms.
  • The terms “media data” and “media” as used herein mean data which is widely accessible, whether over-the-air, or via cable, satellite, network, internetwork (including the Internet), print, displayed, distributed on storage media, or by any other means or technique that is humanly perceptible, without regard to the form or content of such data, and including but not limited to audio, video, text, images, animations, databases, files, broadcasts, displays (including but not limited to video displays, posters and billboards), signs, signals, web pages, print media and streaming media data.
  • The term “presentation data” shall mean media data or content other than media data to be presented to a user.
  • The term “research data” as used herein means data comprising (1) data concerning usage of media, (2) data concerning exposure to media, and/or (3) market research data.
  • The terms “gather” and “gathering” as used herein include both directly gathering data with the use of a device as well as emitting data from a device that causes or enables another device to gather data.
  • The term “research operation” as used herein means an operation comprising gathering, storing and/or communicating research data.
  • The term “database” as used herein means an organized body of related data, regardless of the manner in which the data or the organized body thereof is represented. For example, the organized body of related data may be in the form of a table, a map, a grid, a packet, a datagram, a file, an e-mail, a message, a document, a list or in any other form.
  • The term “network” as used herein includes both networks and internetworks of all kinds, including the Internet, and is not limited to any particular network or internetwork.
  • The terms “first,” “second,” “primary,” and “secondary” are used herein to distinguish one element, set, data, object, step, process, function, action or thing from another, and are not used to designate relative position, arrangement in time or relative importance, unless otherwise stated explicitly.
  • The terms “coupled”, “coupled to”, and “coupled with” as used herein each mean a relationship between or among two or more devices, apparatus, files, circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, and/or means, constituting any one or more of (a) a connection, whether direct or through one or more other devices, apparatus, files, circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means, (b) a communications relationship, whether direct or through one or more other devices, apparatus, files, circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means, and/or (c) a functional relationship in which the operation of any one or more devices, apparatus, files, circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means depends, in whole or in part, on the operation of any one or more others thereof.
  • The terms “communicate”, and “communicating” as used herein include both conveying data from a source to a destination, and delivering data to a communications medium, system, channel, device, wire, cable, fiber, circuit or link to be conveyed to a destination, and the term “communication” as used herein means data so conveyed or delivered. The term “communications’ as used herein includes one or more of a communications medium, system, channel, device, wire, cable, fiber, circuit and link.
  • The term “processor” as used herein means processing devices, apparatus, programs, circuits, components, systems and subsystems, whether implemented in hardware, software or both, and whether or not programmable. The term “processor” as used herein includes, but is not limited to computers, hardwired circuits, signal modifying devices and systems, devices and machines for controlling systems, central processing units, programmable devices, field programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits, systems on a chip, systems comprised of discrete elements and circuits, state machines, virtual machines and combinations of any of the foregoing.
  • The terms “storage” and “data storage” as used herein mean data storage devices, apparatus, programs, circuits, components, systems, subsystems and storage media serving to retain data, whether on a temporary or permanent basis, and to provide such retained data.
  • The terms “panelist,” “panel member” and “participant” are interchangeably used herein to refer to a person who is, knowingly or unknowingly, participating in a study to gather information, whether by electronic, survey or other means, about that person's activity.
  • The term “household” as used herein is to be broadly construed to include family members, a family living at the same residence, a group of persons related or unrelated to one another living at the same residence, and a group of persons living within a common facility (of which the total number of unrelated persons does not exceed a predetermined number), such as a fraternity house, an apartment or other similar structure or arrangement.
  • The term “portable user appliance” (also referred to herein, for convenience, by the abbreviation “PUA”) as used herein means an electrical or non-electrical device capable of being carried by or on the person of a user or capable of being disposed on or in, or held by, a physical object (e.g., attache, purse) capable of being carried by or on the user, and having at least one function of primary benefit to such user, including without limitation, a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant (“PDA”), a Blackberry device, a radio, a television, a game system (e.g., a Gameboy® device), a notebook computer, a laptop computer, a GPS device, an iPod® device, a DVD player, a walkie talkie, a personal communications device, a telematics device, a remote control device, a wireless headset, a wristwatch, a portable data storage device (e.g., Thumb™ drive), a camera, a recorder, a keyless entry transmitter device, a ring, a comb, a pen, a pencil, a notebook, a wallet, a tool, an implement, a pair of glasses, an article of clothing, a belt, a belt buckle, a fob, an article of jewelry, an ornamental article, a pair of shoes or other foot garment (e.g., sandals), a jacket, and a hat, as well as any devices combining any of the foregoing or their functions.
  • The term “activation message” as used herein shall mean data comprising at least one of (1) an activation command for a PUA for activating a capability of the PUA to perform a research operation, (2) activation data for a PUA for enabling and/or providing a capability of the PUA to perform a research operation, (3) visual display data for a PUA including a message soliciting participation of a user of the PUA in a research operation, (4) activation request data for a PUA requesting activation, enablement or installation of a capability thereof to perform a research operation, (5) a message for a user of a PUA requesting an action thereof to activate, enable and/or install a capability of the PUA to perform a research operation, and/or providing instructions for participating in a research operation automatically by means of a PUA, (6) a message for a user of a PUA providing or offering to provide a benefit to the user in exchange for the user's participation in a research operation, and (7) a message to a PUA and/or a user of a PUA requesting communication of a participation message in response.
  • The term “maintenance message” as used herein shall mean data comprising at least one of (1) a test command for a PUA to control an operation thereof to test its operational status or ability to perform a research operation, (2) test data for a PUA to establish, enable or provide a capability thereof to test its operational status or ability to perform a research operation, (3) a message requesting a response from a user of a PUA identifying such user, and/or providing demographic or other user-specific data of the user, (4) a message requesting system data of the PUA, and (5) a command or request for a PUA to perform a research operation.
  • The term “termination message” as used herein shall mean data comprising at least one of: (1) a deactivation message for a PUA to deactivate a capability thereof to perform a research operation; (2) a deactivation message for a user of a PUA instructing them to deactivate a capability of the PUA to perform a research operation; and (3) providing a benefit to a person as a final consideration for the person's previous participation in a research operation, or notifying the person that such a benefit will be or has been provided.
  • The term “participation message” as used herein shall mean data comprising at least one of (1) research data gathered automatically by a PUA, (2) a message from a PUA indicating an operational status or ability thereof to perform a research operation, or providing results of a test of such operational status or ability, (3) a message from a user of a PUA concerning participation of the user in a research operation by means of a PUA, or ancillary to such participation, such as concerning a benefit provided to the user for such participation or indicating activation or deactivation of an ability of a PUA to perform a research operation, (4) a message from a user of a PUA identifying such user and/or providing demographic and/or other user-specific data of the user, (5) a message providing system data of the PUA, (6) a message from a benefit provider concerning a benefit provided or to be provided to a user of a PUA for participation in a research operation, such as a message indicating receipt of a benefit request or a termination message requesting a benefit, and (7) a message from a PUA indicating receipt thereby of an activation message, a maintenance message or a termination message.
  • Methods and systems are disclosed herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a PUA modified to carry out research operations;
  • FIG. 1A is a functional block diagram for use in explaining certain embodiments involving the use of the PUA of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a system for setting up, promoting, operating, maintaining and/or terminating research operations with the use of multiple PUA's, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a PUA in communication with a research system;
  • FIG. 2A is an exploded view of a PUA with a research data monitor affixed thereto;
  • FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating the PUA of FIG. 2A coupled with the research data monitor thereof;
  • FIG. 2C is a block diagram of the research data monitor of FIGS. 2A and 2B;
  • FIG. 2D is a layout diagram of an embodiment of the research data monitor of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C;
  • FIG. 2E is a block diagram of a PUA communicating with the research data monitor of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C;
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a personal digital assistant (PDA) modified to carry out research operations;
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an external storage device modified to carry out research operations;
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a pen in phantom lines, having a research data collection system therein which serves to carry out research operations;
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the research data collection system of FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7A illustrates a relational database between PUA users and a group of persons receiving communication services pursuant to a single agreement;
  • FIG. 7B illustrates a relational database between PUA users and demographic data of the PUA users;
  • FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a signature extraction technique; and
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of still further systems and processes for carrying out research operations with the use of personal user appliances (PUA's).
  • A method for setting up, promoting, operating, maintaining and/or terminating a research operation carried out automatically with the use of a PUA, comprises communicating a message to a PUA and/or to a user of a PUA comprising at least one of instructions for participating in a research operation carried out automatically by means of the PUA, a message for the user of the PUA providing or offering to provide a benefit to the user in exchange for the user's participation in a research operation, a message requesting a response from the user identifying the user, and a command or a request for the PUA to automatically gather, store and/or communicate research data; and receiving a participation message from at least one of the PUA, the user of the PUA and the benefit provider.
  • A method for setting up, promoting, operating, maintaining and/or terminating a research operation carried out automatically with the use of a PUA, comprises communicating at least one of an activation message, a maintenance message and a termination message to a PUA, to a user of a PUA and/or to a benefit provider; and receiving a participation message from at least one of the PUA, the user of the PUA and the benefit provider; and wherein the participation message comprises at least one of a message from the PUA indicating an operational status or ability thereof to carry out a research operation, a message from the PUA indicating an availability thereof to carry out a research operation, and a message from the user of the PUA identifying the user.
  • A method for setting up, promoting, operating, maintaining and/or terminating a research operation carried out automatically with the use of a PUA, comprises communicating at least one of an activation message, a maintenance message and a termination message to a PUA, to a user of a PUA and/or to a benefit provider; and receiving a participation message from at least one of the PUA, the user of the PUA and the benefit provider; and further comprising communicating a termination message to at least one of the PUA and a benefit provider.
  • A method of gathering research data, comprises receiving a message from a user's PUA including research data and identification data identifying the user's PUA; and storing the research data, together with an identification of the user's PUA from which it was received.
  • A method of recruiting a person to participate in a research operation, comprises communicating a recruitment message as media data to a plurality of PUA users to solicit participation in the research operation; and receiving a participation message from a PUA of a user who received the recruitment message.
  • A method of recruiting persons within a population to participate in a research operation, comprises obtaining a list of cellular telephone numbers of persons within a population; communicating a message addressed to at least some telephone numbers in the cellular telephone number list soliciting participation of persons in a research operation; and communicating a message to cellular telephones corresponding to the at least some telephone numbers to initiate, provide or enable a capability of the cellular telephones to carry out a research operation.
  • A method of recruiting PUA users within a population to participate in a research operation, comprises communicating a recruitment message to PUA's of PUA users within a population to solicit participation in the research operation; and if a response to the recruitment message is received from a PUA user indicating an unwillingness to participate in the research operation or if no response thereto is received, storing negative data indicating a failure to recruit the PUA user to participate in the research operation and subsequently communicating a further recruitment message to the PUA user to solicit participation in the research operation.
  • A method of administering surveys to persons for gathering research data, comprises communicating a first survey including a first number of questions to a person; receiving a response to the first survey from the person; based on the response, selecting a second survey including a second number of survey questions, the second number of survey questions being fewer than the first number of survey questions; and communicating the second survey to the participant.
  • A method of terminating participation of a person in a research operation carried out by means of a PUA used by the person, comprises at least one of: (1) communicating a deactivation message to the PUA used by the person to deactivate a capability thereof to carry out a research operation; (2) communicating a deactivation message to the person instructing them to deactivate a capability of the PUA to carry out a research operation; and (3) providing a benefit to the person as a final consideration for the person's previous participation in the research operation.
  • A method of operating a PUA in the course of setting up, operating, maintaining and/or terminating a research operation carried out automatically with the use of the PUA, comprises receiving a maintenance message in a PUA including at least one of a message requesting a response from the user identifying the user and a command or request to the PUA to automatically gather, store and/or communicate research data; and communicating a participation message from the PUA.
  • A method of operating a PUA in the course of setting up, operating, maintaining and/or terminating a research operation carried out automatically with the use of the PUA, comprises receiving a termination message in a PUA; and communicating a participation message from the PUA.
  • A method of terminating participation of a person in a research operation by means of a PUA used by the person, comprises at least one of: (1) receiving a deactivation message in the PUA used by the person to deactivate a capability thereof to carry out a research operation; and (2) inputting a deactivation command in the PUA instructing it to deactivate a capability thereof to carry out a research operation.
  • A method of recruiting a user of a PUA to participate in a research operation, comprises communicating a participation message from the PUA of the user relating to participation in a research operation; and communicating, in response to a message from the user, an initiation message to the PUA of the user to initiate, enable or establish a capability of the PUA to carry out a research operation; further comprising communicating at least one of a data collection type to the PUA of the user specifying a type of data to collect by means of the PUA, calibration data to the PUA for use in calibrating an operation of the PUA and destination data to the PUA specifying a destination for research data gathered or received by the PUA.
  • A method of terminating participation of a PUA user in a research operation by means of a PUA of the user, comprises receiving a deactivation message in the PUA comprising data for deactivating at least one function of the PUA to carry out a research operation, without deactivating at least one additional function of the PUA to carry out a research operation; and providing a control operable by the PUA user to deactivate the at least one additional function of the PUA.
  • A method of initiating participation of a PUA user in a research operation using multiple PUA's, comprises assigning user identification data to the user; associating the user identification data with data identifying multiple PUA's used by the user; and at least one of (1) activating or enabling each of the multiple PUA's to carry out a research operation, and (2) receiving research data from plural ones of the multiple PUA's.
  • Numerous types of research operations are possible, including, without limitation, television and radio program audience measurement; exposure to advertising in various media, such as television, radio, print and outdoor advertising, among others; consumer spending habits; consumer shopping habits including the particular retail stores and other locations visited during shopping and recreational activities; travel patterns, such as the particular routes taken between home and work, and other locations; consumer attitudes, awareness and preferences; and so on. For the desired type of media and/or market research operation to be conducted, particular activity of individuals is monitored, or data concerning their attitudes, awareness and/or preferences is gathered. In certain embodiments research data relating to two or more of the foregoing are gathered, while in others only one kind of such data is gathered.
  • Various monitoring techniques are suitable. For example, television viewing or radio listening habits, including exposure to commercials therein, are monitored utilizing a variety of techniques. In certain techniques, acoustic energy to which an individual is exposed is monitored to produce data which identifies or characterizes a program, song, station, channel, commercial, etc. that is being watched or listened to by the individual. Where audio media includes ancillary codes that provide such information, suitable decoding techniques are employed to detect the encoded information, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,490 and No. 5,764,763 to Jensen, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,124 to Aijala, et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,574,962, 5,581,800 and 5,787,334 to Fardeau, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,871,180 to Neuhauser, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,862,355 to Kolessar, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,845,360 to Jensen, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,319,735 to Preuss et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,191 to Lee, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,175,627 to Petrovich et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,828,325 to Wolosewicz et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,154,484 to Lee et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,945,932 to Smith et al., US 2001/0053190 to Srinivasan, US 2003/0110485 to Lu, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,737,025 to Dougherty, et al., US 2004/0170381 to Srinivasan, and WO 06/14362 to Srinivasan, et al., all of which hereby are incorporated by reference herein.
  • Examples of techniques for encoding ancillary codes in audio, and for reading such codes, are provided in Bender, et al., “Techniques for Data Hiding”, IBM Systems Journal, Vol. 35, Nos. 3 & 4, 1996, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. Bender, et al. disclose a technique for encoding audio termed “phase encoding” in which segments of the audio are transformed to the frequency domain, for example, by a discrete Fourier transform (DFT), so that phase data is produced for each segment. Then the phase data is modified to encode a code symbol, such as one bit. Processing of the phase encoded audio to read the code is carried out by synchronizing with the data sequence, and detecting the phase encoded data using the known values of the segment length, the DFT points and the data interval.
  • Bender, et al. also describe spread spectrum encoding and decoding, of which multiple embodiments are disclosed in the above-cited Aijala, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,124.
  • Still another audio encoding and decoding technique described by Bender, et al. is echo data hiding in which data is embedded in a host audio signal by introducing an echo. Symbol states are represented by the values of the echo delays, and they are read by any appropriate processing that serves to evaluate the lengths and/or presence of the encoded delays.
  • A further technique, or category of techniques, termed “amplitude modulation” is described in R. Walker, “Audio Watermarking”, BBC Research and Development, 2004. In this category fall techniques that modify the envelope of the audio signal, for example by notching or otherwise modifying brief portions of the signal, or by subjecting the envelope to longer term modifications. Processing the audio to read the code can be achieved by detecting the transitions representing a notch or other modifications, or by accumulation or integration over a time period comparable to the duration of an encoded symbol, or by another suitable technique.
  • Another category of techniques identified by Walker involves transforming the audio from the time domain to some transform domain, such as a frequency domain, and then encoding by adding data or otherwise modifying the transformed audio. The domain transformation can be carried out by a Fourier, DCT, Hadamard, Wavelet or other transformation, or by digital or analog filtering. Encoding can be achieved by adding a modulated carrier or other data (such as noise, noise-like data or other symbols in the transform domain) or by modifying the transformed audio, such as by notching or altering one or more frequency bands, bins or combinations of bins, or by combining these methods. Still other related techniques modify the frequency distribution of the audio data in the transform domain to encode. Psychoacoustic masking can be employed to render the codes inaudible or to reduce their prominence. Processing to read ancillary codes in audio data encoded by techniques within this category typically involves transforming the encoded audio to the transform domain and detecting the additions or other modifications representing the codes.
  • A still further category of techniques identified by Walker involves modifying audio data encoded for compression (whether lossy or lossless) or other purpose, such as audio data encoded in an MP3 format or other MPEG audio format, AC-3, DTS, ATRAC, WMA, RealAudio, Ogg Vorbis, APT X100, FLAC, Shorten, Monkey's Audio, or other. Encoding involves modifications to the encoded audio data, such as modifications to coding coefficients and/or to predefined decision thresholds. Processing the audio to read the code is carried out by detecting such modifications using knowledge of predefined audio encoding parameters.
  • It will be appreciated that various known encoding techniques may be employed, either alone or in combination with the above-described techniques. Such known encoding techniques include, but are not limited to FSK, PSK (such as BPSK), amplitude modulation, frequency modulation and phase modulation.
  • In some cases a signature is extracted from transduced media data for identification by matching with reference signatures of known media data. Suitable techniques for this purpose include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,612,729 to Ellis, et al. and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,739,398 to Thomas, et al., each of which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
  • Still other suitable techniques are the subject of U.S. Pat. No. 2,662,168 to Scherbatskoy, U.S. Pat. No. 3,919,479 to Moon, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,697,209 to Kiewit, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,677,466 to Lert, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,512,933 to Wheatley, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,955,070 to Welsh, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,918,730 to Schulze, U.S. Pat. No. 4,843,562 to Kenyon, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,450,551 to Kenyon, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,230,990 to Lert, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,594,934 to Lu, et al., European Published Patent Application EP 0887958 to Bichsel and PCT publication WO91/11062 to Young, et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
  • An advantageous signature extraction technique transforms audio data within a predetermined frequency range to the frequency domain by a transform function, such as an FFT. The FFT data from an even number of frequency bands (for example, eight, ten, sixteen or thirty two frequency bands) spanning the predetermined frequency range are used two bands at a time during successive time intervals. FIG. 8 provides an example of how pairs of the bands are selected during successive time intervals where the total number of bands used is equal to ten. The selected bands are indicated by an “X”.
  • When each band is selected, the energy values of the FFT bins within such band and such time interval are processed to form one bit of the signature. If there are ten FFT's for each interval of the audio signal, for example, the values of all bins of such band within the first five FFT's are summed to form a value “A” and the values of all bins of such band within the last five FFT's are summed to form a value “B”. In the case of a received broadcast audio signal, the value A is formed from portions of the audio signal that were broadcast prior to those used to form the value B.
  • To form a bit of the signature, the values A and B are compared. If B is greater than A, the bit is assigned a value “1” and if A is greater than or equal to B, the bit is assigned a value of “0”. Thus, during each time interval, two bits of the signature are produced.
  • One advantageous technique carries out either or both of code detection and signature extraction remotely from the location where the research data is gathered, as disclosed in US Published Patent Application 2003/0005430 published Jan. 2, 2003 to Ronald S. Kolessar, which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
  • If location tracking or exposure to outdoor advertising is carried out, then various techniques for doing so are employed. Suitable techniques for location tracking or monitoring exposure to outdoor advertising are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,958,710 in the names of Jack K. Zhang, Jack C. Crystal, and James M. Jensen, issued Oct. 25, 2005, and US Published Patent Application 2005/0035857 A1 published Feb. 17, 2005 in the names of Jack K. Zhang, Jack C. Crystal, James M. Jensen and Eugene L. Flanagan III, filed Aug. 13, 2003, all of which are assigned to the assignee of the present application and hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
  • Where usage of publications, such as periodicals, books, and magazines, is monitored, suitable techniques for doing so are employed, such as those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/084,481 in the names of James M. Jensen, Jack C. Crystal, Alan R. Neuhauser, Jack Zhang, Daniel W. Pugh, Douglas J. Visnius, and Eugene L. Flanagan III, filed Mar. 18, 2005, which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
  • In addition to those types of research data mentioned above and the various techniques identified for gathering such types of data, other types of research data may be gathered and other types of techniques may be employed. For example, research data relating to consumer purchasing conduct, consumer product return conduct, exposure of consumers to products and presence and/or proximity to commercial establishments may be gathered, and various techniques for doing so may be employed. Suitable techniques for gathering data concerning presence and/or proximity to commercial establishments are disclosed in US Published Patent Application 2005/0200476 A1 published Sep. 15, 2005 in the names of David Patrick Forr, James M. Jensen, and Eugene L. Flanagan III, filed Mar. 15, 2004, and in US Published Patent Application 2005/0243784 A1 published Nov. 3, 2005 in the names of Joan Fitzgerald, Jack Crystal, Alan Neuhauser, James M. Jensen, David Patrick Forr, and Eugene L. Flanagan III, filed Mar. 29, 2005. Suitable techniques for gathering data concerning exposure of consumers to products are disclosed in US Published Patent Application 2005/0203798 A1 published Sep. 15, 2005 in the names of James M. Jensen and Eugene L. Flanagan III, filed Mar. 15, 2004.
  • Moreover, techniques involving the active participation of the panel members may be used in research operations. For example, surveys may be employed where a panel member is asked questions utilizing the panel member's PUA after recruitment. Thus, it is to be understood that both the exemplary types of research data to be gathered discussed herein and the exemplary manners of gathering research data as discussed herein are illustrative and that other types of research data may be gathered and that other techniques for gathering research data may be employed.
  • Various PUA's already have capabilities sufficient to enable the implementation of the desired monitoring technique or techniques to be employed during the research operation. As an example, cellular telephones have microphones which convert acoustic energy into audio data. Various cellular telephones further have processing and storage capability.
  • In certain embodiments, various existing PUA's are modified merely by software and/or minor hardware changes to carry out a research operation. In certain other embodiments, PUA's are redesigned and substantially reconstructed for this purpose. In certain embodiments the PUA is coupled with a separate research data gathering system and provides operations ancillary or complementary thereto.
  • In certain embodiments, the PUA itself is operative to gather research data. In certain embodiments, the PUA emits data that causes another device to gather research data. Such embodiments include various embodiments disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,958,710 and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/084,481, referenced above. In certain embodiments, the PUA is operative both to gather research data and to emit data that causes another device to gather research data.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a PUA 20 (such as a cellular telephone or other data processing and communicating device) modified to carry out a research operation. The PUA 20 comprises a processor 30 that is operative to exercise overall control and to process audio and other data for transmission or reception and communications 40 coupled to the processor 30 and operative under the control of processor 30 to perform those functions required for establishing and maintaining a two-way wireless communication link with a PUA network. In certain embodiments, processor 30 also is operative to execute applications ancillary or unrelated to the conduct of PUA communications, such as applications serving to download audio and/or video data to be reproduced by PUA 20, e-mail clients and applications enabling the user to play games using the PUA 20. In certain embodiments, processor 30 comprises two or more processing devices, such as a first processing device (such as a digital signal processor) that processes audio, and a second processing device that exercises overall control over operation of the PUA 20. In certain embodiments, processor 30 employs a single processing device. In certain embodiments, some or all of the functions of processor 30 are implemented by hardwired circuitry.
  • PUA 20 further comprises storage 50 coupled with processor 30 and operative to store data as needed. In certain embodiments, storage 50 comprises a single storage device, while in others it comprises multiple storage devices. In certain embodiments, a single device implements certain functions of both processor 30 and storage 50.
  • In addition, PUA 20 comprises a microphone 60 coupled with processor 30 to transduce the user's voice to an electrical signal which it supplies to processor 30 for encoding, and a speaker and/or earphone 70 coupled with processor 30 to transduce received audio from processor 30 to an acoustic output to be heard by the user. PUA 20 also includes a user input 80 coupled with processor 30, such as a keypad, to enter telephone numbers and other control data, as well as a display 90 coupled with processor 30 to provide data visually to the user under the control of processor 30.
  • In certain embodiments, the PUA 20 provides additional functions and/or comprises additional elements. In certain ones of such embodiments, the PUA 20 provides e-mail, text messaging and/or web access through its wireless communications capabilities, providing access to media and other content. For example, Internet access by the PUA 20 enables access to video and/or audio content that can be reproduced by the cellular telephone for the user, such as songs, video on demand, video clips and streaming media. In certain embodiments, storage 50 stores software providing audio and/or video downloading and reproducing functionality, such as iPod® software, enabling the user to reproduce audio and/or video content downloaded from a source, such as a personal computer via communications 40 or through direct Internet access via communications 40.
  • To enable PUA 20 to gather research data, namely, data indicating exposure to audio such as programs, music and advertisements, in certain embodiments research software is installed in storage 50 to control processor 30 to gather such data and communicate it via communications 40 to a research organization. The research software in certain embodiments also controls processor 30 to store the data for subsequent communication.
  • In certain embodiments, the research software controls the processor 30 to decode ancillary codes in the transduced audio from microphone 60 using one or more of the known techniques identified hereinabove, and then to store and/or communicate the decoded data for use as research data indicating encoded audio to which the user was exposed. In certain embodiments, the research software controls the processor 30 to extract signatures from the transduced audio from microphone 60 using one or more of the known techniques identified hereinabove, and then to store and/or communicate the extracted signature data for use as research data to be matched with reference signatures representing known audio to detect the audio to which the user was exposed. In certain embodiments, the research software both decodes ancillary codes in the transduced audio and extracts signatures therefrom for identifying the audio to which the user was exposed. In certain embodiments, the research software controls the processor 30 to store samples of the transduced audio, either in compressed or uncompressed form for subsequent processing either to decode ancillary codes therein or to extract signatures therefrom. In certain ones of these embodiments, the compressed or uncompressed audio is communicated to a remote processor for decoding and/or signature extraction.
  • Where the PUA 20 possesses functionality to download and/or reproduce presentation data, in certain embodiments, research data concerning the usage and/or exposure to such presentation data as well as audio data received acoustically by microphone 60, is gathered by PUA 20 in accordance with the technique illustrated by the functional block diagram of FIG. 1A. Storage 50 of FIG. 1 implements an audio buffer 54 for audio data gathered with the use of microphone 60. In certain ones of these embodiments storage 50 implements a buffer 56 for presentation data downloaded and/or reproduced by PUA 20 to which the user is exposed via speaker and/or earphone 70 or display 90, or by means of a device coupled with PUA 20 to receive the data therefrom to present it to a user. In some of such embodiments, the reproduced data is obtained from downloaded data, such as songs, web pages or audio/video data (e.g., movies, television programs, video clips). In some of such embodiments, the reproduced data is provided from a device such as a broadcast or satellite radio receiver of the PUA 20 (not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity). In certain ones of these embodiments storage 50 implements a buffer 56 for metadata of presentation data reproduced by PUA 20 to which the user is exposed via speaker and/or earphone 70 or display 90, or by means of a device coupled with PUA 20 to receive the data therefrom to present it to a user. Such metadata can be, for example, a URL from which the presentation data was obtained, channel tuning data, program identification data, an identification of a prerecorded file from which the data was reproduced, or any data that identifies and/or characterizes the presentation data, or a source thereof. Where buffer 56 stores audio data, buffers 54 and 56 store their audio data (either in the time domain or the frequency domain) independently of one another. Where buffer 56 stores metadata of audio data, buffer 54 stores its audio data (either in the time domain or the frequency domain) and buffer 56 stores its metadata, each independently of the other.
  • Processor 30 separately produces research data 58 from the contents of each of buffers 54 and 56 which it stores in storage 50. In certain ones of these embodiments, one or both of buffers 54 and 56 is/are implemented as circular buffers storing a predetermined amount of audio data representing a most recent time interval thereof as received by microphone 60 and/or reproduced by speaker and/or earphone 70, or downloaded by PUA 20 for reproduction by a different device coupled with PUA 20. Processor 30 extracts signatures and/or decodes ancillary codes in the buffered audio data to produce research data. Where metadata is received in buffer 56, in certain embodiments the metadata is used, in whole or in part, as research data 58, or processed to produce research data 58. The research data is thus gathered representing exposure to and/or usage of audio data by the user where audio data is received in acoustic form by the PUA 20 and where presentation data is received in non-acoustic form (for example, as a cellular telephone communication, as an electrical signal via a cable from a personal computer or other device, as a broadcast or satellite signal or otherwise).
  • In certain embodiments, the PUA 20 is provided with a research data source 96 coupled by a wired or wireless coupling with processor 30 for use in gathering further or alternative research data to be communicated to a research organization. In certain ones of these embodiments, the research data source 96 comprises a location data producing device or function providing data indicating a location of the PUA 20. Various devices appropriate for use as source 96 include a satellite location signal receiver, a terrestrial location signal receiver, a wireless networking device that receives location data from a network, an inertial location monitoring device and a location data producing service provided by a PUA service provider. In certain embodiments, research data source 96 comprises a device or function for monitoring exposure to print media, for determining whether the user is at home or out of home, for monitoring exposure to products, exposure to displays (such as outdoor advertising), presence within or near commercial establishments, or for gathering research data (such as consumer attitude, preference or opinion data) through the administration of a survey to the user of the PUA 20. In certain embodiments, research data source 96 comprises one or more devices for receiving, sensing or detecting data useful in implementing one or more of the foregoing functions, other research data gathering functions and/or for producing data ancillary to functions of gathering, storing and/or communicating research data, such as data indicating whether the panelist has complied with predetermined rules governing the activity or an extent of such compliance. Such devices include, but are not limited to, motion detectors, accelerometers, temperature detectors, proximity detectors, satellite positioning signal receivers, RFID readers, RF receivers, wireless networking transceivers, wireless device coupling transceivers, pressure detectors, deformation detectors, electric field sensors, magnetic field sensors, optical sensors, electrodes, and the like.
  • FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a system 100 for setting up, promoting, operating, maintaining and/or terminating research operations with the use of multiple cellular telephones or other PUA's having communications capabilities, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1. For these purposes, the system 100 operates under the control of a processor 110 to communicate messages to the PUA 20, and receive communications therefrom, by means of communications 120 coupled with processor 110 and with PUA 20. In certain embodiments, some messages are sent and received for conducting tests. In certain embodiments, communications 120 is coupled with PUA 20 via a cellular telephone network. In certain embodiments, communications 120 is coupled with PUA 20 via the Internet or other network via a host or device (e.g., a telephone terminal or connection) able to communicate via such a network coupled with PUA 20, such as a personal computer, or via a wireless link or cable coupling the PUA 20 with such a network so that the PUA 20 functions as a host or device communicating on the network.
  • Instructions for operating processor 110 as well as research data received by the system 100 are stored in storage 130 coupled with processor 110. An input device or devices 140 coupled with processor 110 enable a user of the system 100 to enter commands and/or data such as system commands (for example, a system startup command or a command to enter a system maintenance mode), research data and/or software updates or other modifications. In certain embodiments, some commands are sent for conducting tests. System 100 in certain embodiments is maintained by a research organization. In certain embodiments, system 100 is maintained by another entity acting for or on behalf such a research organization. The operation of system 100 in cooperation with PUA 20 to set up, promote, operate, maintain and/or terminate research operations, is further described hereinbelow.
  • In order to identify PUA users for random sampling to establish a panel of such users for gathering research data, in certain embodiments one or more lists of subscribers are obtained from PUA service providers and the users are contacted at random to recruit them to participate on the panel. In certain instances, publicly available records may be sufficient to identify the users. Public records include telephone number and address directories, e-mail directories, and various governmental filings, among other records. Other public and non-public information, such as warranty records (e.g., from completed warranty cards), and retail store records containing purchaser information, may be utilized. In certain other embodiments, the identities of the owners and/or users of the PUA's to be employed are not ascertainable and thus are obtained from the users themselves. In certain embodiments, combinations of the foregoing user identification methods are used.
  • In certain embodiments, PUA users are recruited through a communication using a means other than their PUA's, such as by mail, e-mail, a call to a landline telephone number or by personal contact, while in certain embodiments, a widely disseminated solicitation is used, such as an advertisement or notice in one or more types of media. In certain embodiments, PUA users are contacted by system 100 of FIG. 2 or by other means via their PUA's, such as PUA 20, by supplying an appropriate communication which causes the PUA to provide a predetermined audible and/or visual message to the user providing a request for participation as a panel member. With reference again to FIG. 1, in certain ones of such embodiments, the communication comprises a live, synthesized or recorded voice call to the PUA 20 either from system 100 or by other means, while in certain ones of such embodiments, the communication comprises a visual message from system 100 to PUA 20 and provided thereby to the user via display 90. Such a visual message may be an e-mail, a text message, a web page or the like. In certain ones of such embodiments, the PUA 20 is provided to the user with software operative to control the PUA to communicate the message in audible and/or visual form to the user, with or without receipt of an activation message in the PUA to initiate the communication of the audible and/or visual message to the user. In certain ones of such embodiments, the visual display message is operative to control the PUA 20 to display an interactive control enabling the user to communicate an acceptance of the request to participate in the panel to the system 100. Such control may be a form, an e-mail address, a telephone number or the like and in certain embodiments, requests demographic information of the user and/or provides instructions for participating in a research operation by means of the user's cellular telephone.
  • In certain embodiments, multiple messages are communicated to users to recruit them. In certain ones of such embodiments, a first recruitment message is communicated containing data to indicate to the user that participants are being recruited and requesting the user to consider participating. Subsequently, a second recruitment message is communicated to the user containing data directly requesting the user's participation. In some implementations the first message is communicated by system 100 as an automatically generated message, while in others it is a widely disseminated message. In some implementations the first message contains data indicating that a benefit will be provided to the user for such participation or agreement to participate, as an incentive for the user to agree to participate. This gives the user an opportunity to consider the desirability of receiving the benefit before receiving the second message soliciting his/her participation, and thus serves as a pre-recruitment tool.
  • In order to encourage participation in such research operation, in certain embodiments the recruitment message provides or offers to provide a benefit to the user in exchange for the user's participation or agreement or willingness to participate in a research operation. In certain ones of such embodiments, the benefit is provided in response to a message from the user, via the PUA 20, indicating a willingness or agreement to participate in the research operation, and in certain cases a message is communicated by system 100 to PUA 20 indicating that the benefit is being provided, such as a cash benefit, a credit or a service, and a corresponding instruction for provision of the service is communicated by system 100 to an appropriate benefit provider. In certain ones of such embodiments, the offered benefit comprises a service provided by means of the PUA, such as voice, text message and/or e-mail communication services, other Internet services and/or access to certain applications (e.g., games or personal information management software), content or media data (such as ring tones, images, audio/video data, or songs). In certain ones of such embodiments, the offered benefit comprises cash or a credit, or a service provided apart from the use of the PUA. In certain ones of such embodiments, an offer is made to provide a PUA comprising a research data gathering system and/or a service provided by means of a PUA for a person's use conditioned on the person's participation in the research operation. Activation of the PUA to provide services to the user can be conditioned on such participation. In certain ones of such embodiments, the recruitment message is communicated to the PUA with an offer to provide a service with the use of the PUA or to activate such a service, such as voice or other data communication services or access to content such as audio or video content. The provision of the service is initiated or the service is activated in certain ones of such embodiments by communicating a benefit provision message to at least one of the cellular telephone and a service provider.
  • In certain embodiments, the PUA 20 as provided to the user stores software enabling it to gather, store and/or communicate research data, such as codes and/or signatures indicating exposure to audio media. In certain ones of such embodiments, the software is inoperative to carry out at least one of such gathering, storing or communicating functions until activated, by an action of the user (such as a command to the PUA entered by the user input 80 of the microphone 60, or data entered by the user indicating agreement to participate in the research operation) and/or by means of a communication received by the PUA from system 100. In certain ones of such embodiments, the software is enabled when the PUA is provided to the user.
  • In certain embodiments, the PUA 20 as provided to the user, while capable of gathering, storing and/or communicating research data when appropriate software runs on its processor 30, lacks some or all of such appropriate software. In certain ones of such embodiments, the PUA 20 is enabled to gather, store and/or communicate research data by downloading the required software from system 100. In certain ones of such embodiments, in response to a message expressing agreement to participate in a research data gathering, storage and/or communication activity or a different message from which such agreement can be inferred (such as a download request), the PUA 20 downloads the required software from system 100, as well as media data or other content (such as ring tones, images, audio/video data, or songs), games and/or other user software, provided as an incentive for such participation. The content and/or software can be sent from system 100 or from a different source. In certain ones of such embodiments, the user installs the software in the PUA 20 from external storage, such as a personal computer or external storage device, using a wireless communications link, a cable or an interface.
  • Various ways of responding to the recruitment message are provided in a variety of embodiments. In certain embodiments, the user responds to a recruitment message by communicating a message to system 100 or other destination in response via the PUA 20, either in the form of a voice call, a form containing the message, an e-mail, text message or the like, indicating a willingness or agreement to participate in the proposed research operation using the PUA. In certain embodiments, the responsive message is communicated by a different means, such as by a voice call using a different telephone, by mail, e-mail, a form provided by a web page, an in-person communication or the like. However the responsive message is communicated, in certain embodiments it includes demographic data and/or data that conveys other personal or household attributes to be stored in system 100. In certain embodiments, such data is communicated by a different message. In certain embodiments, a message is communicated from the PUA 20 in response to the recruitment message from which the user's willingness to participate can be inferred, such as a message to system 100 that conveys research data gathered by the PUA 20 where it is necessary for the user to activate its capability to gather, store and/or communicate research data or a message to system 100 requesting a download of software or other data required to provide, activate or enable the cellular telephone's capabilities to gather, store and/or communicate research data.
  • Where the user responds to a widely disseminated solicitation, such as an advertisement, a notice, a documentary solicitation provided with the PUA or the like, the responsive message can be communicated as described hereinabove. In certain embodiments, a response to a widely disseminated solicitation takes a different form or includes different content, such as a request communicated to system 100 for download of software or other data required to initiate, install or activate the operation of the PUA to automatically gather, store and/or communicate research data, and/or a communication of research data from the PUA to system 100 from which the user's willingness to participate can be inferred.
  • In certain embodiments, the PUA activates, installs and/or enables functionality to gather, store and/or communicate research data in response to or conditioned upon, the user's affirmative response to the recruitment message. In certain ones of such embodiments, an action of the user to produce, enter or communicate such an affirmative response using the PUA 20 activates such functionality implemented by software running on processor 30. In certain ones of such embodiments, such action of the user causes PUA 20 to request a download of software and/or data for installing, activating or enabling such functionality. In certain ones of such embodiments, such action of the user causes PUA 20 to install software provided with the recruitment message to implement such functionality, or else to make use of other data in or accompanying the recruitment message to implement such functionality.
  • Where the user responds to a widely disseminated solicitation, such as an advertisement, a notice, a documentary solicitation provided with the PUA or the like, the responsive message can be communicated as described hereinabove. In certain embodiments, a response to a widely disseminated solicitation takes a different form or includes different content, such as a request communicated to system 100 for download of software or other data required to initiate, install or activate the operation of the PUA to automatically gather, store and/or communicate research data, and/or a communication of research data from the PUA to system 100 from which the user's willingness to participate can be inferred.
  • Data indicating the recruitment of the user and indicating an identity of the PUA to be used in the research operation to gather, store and/or communicate research data by means of the PUA is stored in storage 130 of system 100 based on the responsive message. Research data gathered by means of such PUA is stored in association with data identifying the PUA.
  • It is desired to successfully recruit a substantial proportion of the users contacted. Where no response to a recruitment message is received or a response is received but indicates an unwillingness to participate, in certain embodiments negative data indicating a failure to recruit the user to participate in the research operation is stored in system 100 and subsequently a further recruitment message is communicated to the user to solicit participation in the research operation. The reason for failing to successfully recruit the user can be time-dependent. For example, the user might not have the PUA turned on during a time of day when the recruitment message is communicated, or the user might not be receptive to such a message at the time of day that the message is first sent. In certain ones of such embodiments, system 100 stores the time when the unsuccessful message was communicated and the further recruitment message is communicated under the control of system 100 at a time differing from the time at which the previous message was communicated. In certain ones of such embodiments, a content of a negative response from the user is employed as a basis for communicating the further recruitment message.
  • In certain embodiments, the recruitment message includes survey questions requesting the user to provide demographic or other data concerning the user or the user's household. Where fewer than all of the survey questions are answered, in certain embodiments, a further message is communicated to the user including a survey having fewer questions than the previous, uncompleted survey. In certain ones of such embodiments, the number of survey questions of the first message that were answered is used by system 100 to determine the number of questions included in the subsequent message. For example, if the user only answered three of eight questions contained in the first message, the subsequent message might include three or fewer questions to improve the likelihood that all will be answered by the user in a responsive message.
  • In certain embodiments, a response to the recruitment message is communicated by the PUA with or without any action by the user. In certain ones of such embodiments, the response comprises a message from the PUA indicating an operational status or ability thereof to gather, store and/or communicate research data and/or a message from the PUA indicating receipt of the recruitment message.
  • Where it is necessary to activate a capability of the PUA to automatically carry out a research operation, in response to the message from the user indicating a willingness to participate, in certain embodiments an activation message is communicated by system 100 to the PUA with a command or request to effect such activation. In certain embodiments, the activation message includes activation data to activate such capability, with or without an accompanying activation command. In certain ones of such embodiments, the activation data comprises a telephone number, a network address (such as an IP address, domain name, MAC address, or the like), a communication protocol or other data useful for communicating the research data gathered by means of the PUA. In certain ones of such embodiments, the activation data comprises software for running on the processor 30 of the PUA 20 to control, carry out and/or enable a research operation thereby. In certain embodiments, the activation message is communicated to the user, via PUA 20 or otherwise, by system 100 or by other means, and requests an action thereof to activate, enable and/or install a capability of the PUA to carry out a research operation and/or provides instructions for participating in a research operation automatically by means of the PUA 20.
  • In response to the message from the user indicating a willingness to participate, in certain embodiments a message is communicated by system 100 or by other means (for example, a live, synthesized or stored voice call, or in documentary form) to the user via the PUA or by other means providing instructions for participating in the research operation to gather, store and/or communicate research data automatically by means of the PUA. Where the user is offered an incentive to participate, such as cash, credit or a service, in certain embodiments, a message is communicated by system 100 in response to the message from the user to a provider of such incentive, such as a service provider, retailer or financial institution to instruct that the incentive be provided. In certain embodiments where the benefit comprises a service provided by means of the PUA, in response to the message from the user indicating a willingness to participate, system 100 communicates a message to the user and/or to the PUA enabling the PUA to provide the service or enabling the user to make use of the PUA to obtain the service. In certain ones of such embodiments, the service comprises a provision of media data or of content that is not widely available and a message is communicated by the system 100 or by a different source for such content in response to a message from system 100, to the PUA and/or the user comprising such media data or content and/or data enabling the user to access the media data or content by means of the PUA or otherwise.
  • In certain embodiments, an activation message is communicated to the PUA 20 by system 100 without regard to prior receipt of a participation message from the PUA or its user. In certain ones of such embodiments, the activation message comprises a request to the PUA 20 for data indicating an operational status thereof to gather, store and/or communicate research data and/or system data for the PUA, such as an identification thereof and/or data concerning its operating system that enables selection of appropriate software to run on the processor 30 thereof, and in response the PUA communicates the requested data to the system 100. A response to this message in certain ones of these embodiments can be used to build a database of potential panelists from whom such panelists may be recruited at random. It can also be employed as a means of determining one or more appropriate times to contact the user with a recruitment message. In certain ones of such embodiments, the activation message communicated by system 100 comprises a request to the PUA 20 or its user for research data gathered automatically by the PUA. This is useful where, for example, the user has previously entered data in the PUA indicating a willingness to participate in such a research operation, but where such data has not been communicated from the PUA. In certain ones of such embodiments, the activation message from system 100 comprises a request to the PUA for a response comprising a receipt for the activation message. A request of this kind can be used to determine that the PUA is operational. This is useful, for example, to build a database of potential panelists to be contacted subsequently or where no further data concerning the PUA or its user is required. In certain ones of such embodiments, the activation message comprises a message communicated from system 100 to PUA 20 comprising activation request data for the PUA 20 requesting activation of a capability thereof to gather, store and/or communicate research data to system 100 or elsewhere, or else requesting an action of the user to activate such capability. In certain ones of such embodiments, the PUA 20 responds (with or without any prior action by the user to effect such activation) by communicating one or more messages to system 100 comprising research data gathered automatically by the PUA 20, indicating an operational status or ability thereof to gather, store and/or communicate research data, indicating receipt by PUA 20 of the activation message and/or data from the user indicating a willingness or agreement to participate in the research operation.
  • With or without any prior communications between the system 100 and the PUA 20, the activation message in certain embodiments comprises instructions for participating in a research operation by means of the PUA 20. In certain ones of such embodiments, the PUA responds (with or without a prior action by the user that enables such response) by communicating a message to system 100 comprising at least one of research data gathered automatically by the PUA 20, a message from the PUA 20 indicating an operational status or ability thereof to gather, store and/or communicate research data, a message from the user of the PUA 20 concerning participation of the user in a research operation by means of the PUA, a message from the user of the PUA identifying such user and/or the PUA, and a message from the PUA indicating receipt thereby of the message from system 100. In some cases the message from PUA 20 to system 100 comprises data indicating a willingness or agreement of the user to participate in the research operation, which can be in the form of visual display data.
  • At the time of initiating the user's participation as a member of a panel, and/or from time to time, in certain embodiments a maintenance message is communicated by system 100 to the PUA 20 and/or a research data gathering system coupled therewith (as described herein below) for one or more purposes. In certain ones of such embodiments, a message is communicated by system 100 to the PUA 20 and/or the research data gathering system for testing its ability to gather, store and/or communicate research data as presently configured or as it may be configured using software and/or hardware to interact with the PUA's or the research data gathering system's pre-existing software and/or hardware. In certain embodiments, the message is communicated by a third party, such as a cellular telephone service provider. Such message comprises a test command to control a test operation of the PUA and/or the research data gathering system, test data for use in conducting such a test operation, such as by processing the test data in the processor 30, and/or test software to run on processor 30 or a processor of the research data gathering system to control it to carry out a test operation, and which in some cases is stored in storage 50 for subsequent use. That is, the test data thus provided to the PUA and/or the research data gathering system serves to establish, enable or provide a capability thereof to test its ability to carry out a research operation. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, test software and/or test data is stored in the PUA 20 and/or the research data gathering system when it is acquired by the user, or stored therein at a subsequent time, such as a part of software downloaded to or otherwise stored in PUA 20, with or without an action of the user. In certain ones of such embodiments, the PUA 20 communicates a message to system 100 in response indicating receipt of the maintenance message. Data providing results of the test operation is communicated from the PUA 20 to system 100, in certain ones of such embodiments, directly from PUA 20 and/or from a third party service provider.
  • In certain embodiments, such a test is conducted in response to a predetermined event, such as the occurrence of an operational condition of the PUA and/or the research data gathering system indicating a desirability of testing its operational capabilities, or the occurrence of a predetermined time. In certain embodiments, such a test is conducted in response to receipt of a recruitment message, communication of a response to the recruitment message or a message requesting that a test be carried out, or at the time of installation, activation or enablement of functionality in PUA 20 to gather, store and/or communicate research data. In certain embodiments, such a test is carried out when the production of data indicates faulty operation or inoperative state. In certain embodiments, the test results are communicated to a processing facility.
  • In certain embodiments, the operation of a clock of the PUA 20 (not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity) is tested to determine an offset in its clock rate from a standard. In certain ones of such embodiments, where the PUA implements a research data gathering operation with the use of a function for converting time-domain data (such as time-domain audio data) to frequency-domain data, the maintenance message from system 100 comprises time-domain test data having a predetermined frequency content, such as audio data having a single frequency component. The output of the function is data indicating a single frequency and any deviation of that single frequency from the predetermined frequency of the audio data will reveal any offset of the PUA's clock from the standard. The test results can be used either by system 100 or by PUA 20 to compensate for any such offset or else to disqualify the PUA for use in the research operation.
  • In certain embodiments, a maintenance message is communicated to the PUA 20 by system 100 requesting a response therefrom identifying the user. This is useful to confirm that the PUA is being used by the panelist/user or by another, such as another member of the panelist's household. In certain ones of such embodiments, the requested response comprises a voice message including identifying data, such as a screen name or other alias of the user that is known to system 100. In certain ones of such embodiments, the requested response is a voice signature gathered by software running on processor 30 or extracted from a responsive voice message from PUA 20 by processor 110 of system 100. In certain embodiments, the requested response comprises a text message, an e-mail or a response conveyed by means of a form.
  • In certain ones of such embodiments, the response is requested from the user by means of an audible or visual user identification request message and requires an action of the user before it is communicated. In certain ones of such embodiments, the requested response is communicated by the PUA 20 automatically in response to a user identification request message and without the need for the user's participation. In some of such embodiments, the processor 30 runs software that automatically extracts a voiceprint for a current user of the PUA which is sent as the responsive message. In some of such embodiments, the user is asked or required to enter user identification data in the PUA 20 when turning on the cellular telephone, and/or from time to time, and the user identification data is stored by storage 50 pending receipt of a user identification request message. The PUA 20 responds to the user identification request message from system 100 by communicating the user identification data to system 100. In certain embodiments, PUA 20 stores current user identification data and communicates it to system 100 without the need for any message from system 100 requesting such identification data. Such communications are made in response to the occurrence of a condition, such as storage of current user identification data in storage 50, passage of time, occurrence of a predetermined time, application of power to the PUA, detection of movement of the PUA or use of the PUA.
  • In certain embodiments, data identifying the PUA 20 and the user is communicated from the PUA 20 or otherwise by the user and is stored by system 100 in storage 130 prior to communicating the maintenance message to enable a determination that the user of the PUA is the panelist. When the response to the maintenance message is communicated by the PUA 20 and received by system 100, it is compared with the previously stored data to determine the user's identity.
  • In certain embodiments, a maintenance message is communicated by system 100 to the PUA 20 requesting demographic or other user-specific data or household data. This is useful to update such information from time to time, or to follow up an initial request for such information that did not prompt a complete response. In certain ones of such embodiments, then, a prior message is communicated from the PUA or otherwise from the user to system 100 to convey demographic or other user-specific data or household data to be stored in storage 130.
  • In certain embodiments, the maintenance message communicated by system 100 comprises a request for system data concerning the PUA 20. Such data is useful, for example, to determine whether research data software running in the PUA needs to be updated and, if so, which updates to provide. It is useful also to determine whether the functions and/or capabilities of the PUA 20 have changed, such as by installation of software from a third party, or whether the PUA 20 has been replaced by the user. In certain ones of such embodiments, the system data is requested from the user, while in others the system data is requested directly from the PUA 20 by system 100 without the need to involve the user.
  • In certain embodiments, the maintenance message comprises a command or request communicated by system 100 for the PUA to carry out a research operation. This is useful where, for example, it is desired to modify the type, quality or extent of the research data gathered or stored by means of the PUA, or else to reactivate a data gathering, storage and/or communication function of the PUA that had previously been disabled or otherwise been made unavailable (for example, where a modification of its software disabled such function or the PUA had been replaced with a new PUA). It is also useful for managing communications of research data from the PUA, so that they occur at times or under conditions determined by system 100, or else to provide an address for communicating such data. In certain ones of such embodiments, the PUA responds to the maintenance message by communicating research data to system 100 and/or by communicating an acknowledgement to system 100 that it has received the maintenance message and/or carried out a requested operation. In certain ones of such embodiments, the system 100 stores data identifying the PUA 20 and its user/panelist before communicating the maintenance message. In certain ones of such embodiments, the PUA responds to the maintenance message by communicating a message to system 100 indicating an ability and/or availability thereof to carry out a research operation.
  • When a user's participation in the panel is terminated, in certain embodiments a termination message is communicated by system 100 to the user's PUA for one or more purposes. In certain embodiments, the PUA 20 responds by communicating a message to system 100 indicating that it has received the termination message. In certain ones of such embodiments, the termination message comprises a deactivation message to the PUA 20 to deactivate a research operation or an ability to carry it out, either automatically without any action of the user, or else instructing the user to deactivate such function. Of these embodiments, in certain ones the termination message also comprises data for producing a message to the user, conveyed either visually or audibly, notifying the user than such research operation has been deactivated. Of these embodiments, if the research operation is deactivated, in certain ones the PUA 20 subsequently communicates a responsive message to the system 100 to indicate that the research operation has been deactivated. Of these embodiments, in certain cases, the deactivation message deactivates one data gathering, storage and/or communication function, but permits another to continue in operation while providing a control to the user enabling the user to deactivate the function that continues in operation, and in certain ones of these embodiments, the provision of the control is conditioned on deactivation of the one function by the user and/or receipt of the deactivation message in the PUA. Where the termination message comprises a deactivation message directed to the user, and the user is promised a credit or other benefit as an incentive, in certain cases the provision of the credit or other benefit is conditioned on deactivation of the one function by the user.
  • In response to such a deactivation message, in certain embodiments the PUA 20 communicates a message to system 100 reporting that the function has been deactivated and/or a message acknowledging receipt of the deactivation message. In response to such a deactivation message, in certain embodiments, the user inputs a deactivation command in the PUA 20 instructing it to deactivate a capability thereof to gather, store and/or communicate research data.
  • In certain embodiments where the user is promised a credit or other benefit for participation as an incentive, the termination message comprises a message communicated by system 100 to a third party credit facility or other benefit provider instructing that a final benefit be provided to the user. In certain ones of these embodiments, a corresponding notice is communicated by system 100 to the user, via the PUA 20 or otherwise.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates PUA 20 coupled by its communications 40 with communications 210 of a research system 200 comprising a microphone 220, a processor 230 coupled with microphone 220 and with communications 210 by a wired or wireless link. Research system 200 in certain embodiments comprises storage 240 coupled with processor 230. In certain embodiments, communications 40 is operative to communicate data to a research data processing facility. In certain embodiments, communications 40 is further operative to communicate data with the research system 200. Such communications between the PUA 20 and research system 200 may be triggered by, for example, either (1) the elapse of a predetermined interval of time, (2) production of a communications request or query by either the PUA 20 or the research system 200, (3) the storage of a predetermined amount of data by either PUA 20 and/or research system 200, (4) proximity of PUA 20 and the research system 200, or (5) any combination of (1)-(4). In certain embodiments, communications 40 of PUA 20 comprises a transceiver configured to communicate using a Bluetooth protocol, ZigBee™ protocol, wireless LAN protocol, or via an infrared data link, inductive link or the like, for enabling communications with the research system 200 as well as with a network, network host or other device to communicate data to a research data processing facility. In certain embodiments, communications 40 of PUA 20 comprises a first transceiver configured to communicate with research system 20 and a second transceiver (such as a cellular telephone transceiver) configured to communicate with the research data processing facility.
  • In certain embodiments research system 200 is housed separately from PUA 20 and is physically separated therefrom, but both are carried on the person of a panelist. In certain embodiments, research system 200 is housed separately from PUA 20 but is either (1) affixed to an exterior surface thereof, (2) carried by or in a common container or carriage device with PUA 20, (3) carried by or in a cover of PUA 20 (such as a decorative “skin”), or (4) arranged to contain PUA 20. In certain embodiments, PUA 20 and research system 200 are contained by a common housing.
  • In certain ones of such embodiments, processor 230 of research system 200 serves to read ancillary codes and/or extract signatures from audio data transduced by the microphone 220. Certain ones of these embodiments communicate the ancillary codes that have been read and/or the signatures that have been extracted to the PUA 20 by communications 210 for storage and/or communication from the PUA.
  • In certain ones of these embodiments, storage 240 serves to store the ancillary codes and/or signatures for subsequent communication to the PUA 20.
  • In certain ones of such embodiments, research system 200 serves to store audio data transduced by the microphone 220 in storage 240, and subsequently communicates the audio data to PUA 20 via communications 210. PUA 20 processes the audio data as described hereinabove to produce research data therefrom.
  • In certain ones of such embodiments, research system 200 receives audio data from PUA 20 via communications 210 and processor 230 serves to produce research data from the audio data which either is stored in storage 240 and subsequently communicated to PUA 20 by communications 210 or communicated thereby without prior storage in research system 200.
  • In certain ones of such embodiments, processor 230 of research system 200 receives presentation data and/or metadata of the presentation data from PUA 20 via communications 210 and processes the presentation data and/or metadata to produce research data therefrom. Such presentation data and metadata is received by PUA 20 in a form other than acoustic data such as electrical or electromagnetic data. Research system 200 either stores such research data in storage 240 and subsequently communicates it to PUA 20 by communications 210, or communicates the research data to PUA 20 by communications 210 without prior storage in research system 200.
  • In certain embodiments of research system 200, processor 230 adds a time and/or date stamp to research data, media data, presentation data or metadata of one of the foregoing received, produced, stored or communicated thereby.
  • In certain ones of such embodiments, research system 200 receives audio data, presentation data and/or metadata of one of the foregoing from PUA 20 via communications 210 and stores the received data in storage 240. Subsequently, system 200 reads the stored data from storage 240 and communicates it to PUA 20 which either processes it to produce research data therefrom or communicates it to a processing facility for producing research data. Communication of the research data from the PUA 20 affords a number of advantages. At least a first advantage includes being able to provide a user a research system of smaller size and lower weight since (1) it need not itself comprise hardware enabling communication of the research data to the processing facility, (2) a smaller power source, commonly a battery, thus decreasing the size and weight of the research system may be used for operation thereof, and (3) less data storage capacity is necessary in the research system given the opportunity for frequent communication of research data between the PUA 20 and the research system 200. At least a second advantage includes an opportunity for increased frequency of reporting of the research data to the research data processing facility since the PUA 20 is readily available for the communication thereof.
  • In certain ones of the foregoing embodiments, PUA 20 gathers media data research data from media data received thereby in non-acoustic form and/or metadata of such media data. PUA 20 either stores such media data research data and later communicates it to a research organization via communications 40, or communicates it without first storing it. In certain ones of such embodiments, PUA 20 receives audio data research data from system 200 produced thereby from audio data, and communicates the audio data research data to a research organization via communications 40. In certain ones of such embodiments, PUA 20 combines the audio data research data and the media data research data for communication to a research organization via communications 40.
  • FIG. 2A illustrates a research data monitor 72 affixed to an outer surface 21 of a PUA 20A, wherein the monitor 72 is operative in certain embodiments to gather research data and communicate it to PUA 20A which in turn communicates the research data to the system 100 of FIG. 1B. PUA 20A is illustrated in the block diagram of FIG. 2B. In certain embodiments, monitor 72 implements one or more of the research operations described above in connection with FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2B, PUA 20A comprises the same elements as PUA 20 of FIG. 1, except that research data source 96 is omitted from the embodiment of FIG. 2B.
  • Research data monitor 72 is illustrated in the block diagram of FIG. 2C. The research data monitor 72 comprises a processor 74 that is operative to exercise overall control of the monitor 72 and to process data for transmission or reception and communications 82 coupled to the processor 74 and operative under the control of processor 74 to perform those functions required for conducting communications with PUA 20A. In certain embodiments, processor 74 comprises two or more processing devices, such as a first processing device (such as a digital signal processor) that processes research data, such as audio data, and a second processing device that exercises overall control over operation of the monitor 72. In certain embodiments, processor 74 employs a single processing device. In certain embodiments, some or all of the functions of processor 74 are implemented by software, while in other embodiments, the functions of processor 74 are implemented in hardwired circuitry without the use of software.
  • In certain embodiments, communications 82 establishes and maintains a wireless communication link with communications 40 of PUA 20A, using a Bluetooth™ protocol, a ZigBee™ protocol, an inductive link, a capacitive link, an RF link, infrared link, or otherwise. In certain embodiments, communications 82 communicates with communications 40 using a wired link, such as a USB interface, a Firewire® interface, a connection to a plug or jack of the PUA 20A or an internal connection to PUA 20A.
  • Research data monitor 72 further comprises a research data source 76 coupled with processor 74. In certain embodiments, research data monitor 72 comprises a microphone that serves to transduce acoustic energy for processing by processor 74 to produce research data. In certain embodiments, research data source 76 comprises a keypad that enables the user to input data, such as channel or station data, user identification data or another kind of research data. In certain embodiments, monitor 72 comprises an RF receiver and/or infrared radiation detector. In certain embodiments, monitor 72 comprises a location data producing device or function providing data indicating a location of the monitor 72. Various devices appropriate for use as research data source 76 include a satellite location signal receiver, a terrestrial location signal receiver, a wireless networking device that receives location data from a network, an inertial location monitoring device and a location data producing service provided by a PUA service provider. In certain embodiments, monitor 76 comprises a device or function for monitoring exposure to print media, for determining whether the user is at home or out of home, for monitoring exposure to products, exposure to displays (such as outdoor advertising), presence within or near commercial establishments, or for gathering research data (such as consumer attitude, preference or opinion data) through the administration of a survey to the user of the PUA 20A. In certain embodiments, monitor 76 comprises one or more devices for receiving, sensing or detecting data useful in implementing one or more of the foregoing functions, other research data gathering functions and/or for producing data ancillary to functions of gathering, storing and/or communicating research data, such as data indicating whether the panelist has complied with predetermined rules governing the activity or an extent of such compliance. Such devices include, but are not limited to, motion detectors, accelerometers, temperature detectors, proximity detectors, satellite positioning signal receivers, RFID readers, RF receivers, wireless networking transceivers, wireless device coupling transceivers, pressure detectors, deformation detectors, electric field sensors, magnetic field sensors, optical sensors, electrodes, and the like.
  • Monitor 72 further comprises storage 78 coupled with processor 74 and operative to store data as needed. In certain embodiments, storage 78 comprises a single storage device, while in others it comprises multiple storage devices. In certain embodiments, a single device implements certain functions of both processor 74 and storage 78.
  • FIG. 2D illustrates an embodiment of research data monitor 72 fabricated on a substrate 83, such as a printed circuit board or a flexible substrate comprising paper, plastic or the like, on which certain elements of monitor 72 are printed on substrate 83. Power source 86 comprises a battery (either rechargeable or non-rechargeable) or a charge storage device such as a capacitor, printed on substrate 83. In the embodiment of FIG. 2D, communications 82 comprises an RF transceiver, such as a Bluetooth™ transceiver, a ZigBee™ transceiver or other RF transceiver. An antenna 92 is printed on substrate 83 and coupled with communications 82. It will be appreciated that monitor 72 can be fabricated to have a very thin profile and very low weight, so that it may be affixed to the enclosure of a cellular telephone, a PDA or other PUA that is carried on the person of a participant, without adding substantially to its size or weight. In certain embodiments, the monitor 72 is carried by a cover for the PUA (such as a decorative “skin”). In certain embodiments, monitor 72 is housed in or carried by a device separate from the PUA and adapted to be carried with the person of a panelist who carries the PUA.
  • FIG. 2E is a block diagram of a PUA comprising a personal communication device adapted to be carried on the person of a participant (such as a PDA, Blackberry® device, pager, notebook computer, walkie talkie, or the like) having a processor 94, and communications 95, user data source 96 and storage 97 coupled with processor 94. A research data gathering device 72, adapted to be carried on the person of a participant, is operative to gather research data and communicate the same wirelessly to communications 95 of the personal communication device for subsequent communication by the personal communication device to a research data processing facility. In certain embodiments, the research data gathering device 72 is separate from the personal communication device, so that it is carried by the participant separately therefrom. In certain ones of such embodiments, the device 72 is contained in a PUA such as an article of jewelry, an article of clothing, a fob, a wristwatch or other PUA. In certain ones of such embodiments, the device 72 is contained in its own enclosure and is carried on a lanyard to be worn about the participant's neck or provided with a pin, clasp or belt clip for attachment to an article of the participant's clothing.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a personal digital assistant (PDA) 300 modified to gather research data. The PDA comprises a processor 310 that is operative to exercise overall control and to process data for, among other purposes, transmission or reception by the PDA and communications 320 coupled to the processor 310 and operative under the control of processor 310 to perform those functions required for establishing and maintaining two-way communications over a network (not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity).
  • In certain embodiments, processor 310 comprises two or more processing devices, such as a first processing device that exercises overall control over operation of the PDA 300 and a second processing device that performs certain more specific operations such as digital signal processing. In certain embodiments, processor 310 employs a single processing device. In certain embodiments, some or all of the functions of processor 310 are implemented by hardwired circuitry.
  • PDA 300 further comprises storage 330 coupled with processor 310 and operative to store software that runs on processor 310, as well as temporary data as needed. In certain embodiments, storage 330 comprises a single storage device, while in others it comprises multiple storage devices. In certain embodiments, a single device implements certain functions of both processor 310 and storage 330.
  • PDA 300 also includes a user input 340 coupled with processor 310, such as a keypad, to enter commands and data, as well as a display 350 coupled with processor 310 to provide data visually to the user under the control of processor 310.
  • In certain embodiments, the PDA 300 provides additional functions and/or comprises additional elements. In certain embodiments, PDA 300 provides cellular telephone functionality, and comprises a microphone 370, as well as an ability of communications 320 to communicate wirelessly with a cell of a cellular telephone network, to enable its operation as a cellular telephone. Where PDA 300 possesses cellular telephone functionality, in certain embodiments PDA 300 is employed to gather, store and/or communicate research data, such as by storing appropriate research software in storage 330 to run on processor 310 and communicating with system 100 to set up, promote, operate, maintain and/or terminate a research operation using PDA 300.
  • In certain embodiments, communications 320 of PDA 300 provides wireless communications via Bluetooth protocol, ZigBee™ protocol, wireless LAN protocol, infrared data link, inductive link or the like, to a network, network host or other device, and/or through a cable to such a network, network host or other device. In such embodiments, PDA 300 is employed to gather, store and/or communicate research data, such as by storing appropriate research software in storage 330 to run on processor 310 and communicating with system 100 (either through a wireless link or through a connection, such as a cable) to set up, promote, operate, maintain and/or terminate a research operation using PDA 300.
  • In certain embodiments, the PDA is provided with a research data source 360 coupled by a wired or wireless coupling with processor 310 for use in gathering further or alternative research data to be communicated to a research organization. In certain ones of these embodiments, the research data source 360 comprises a location data producing device or function providing data indicating a location of the PDA 300. Various devices appropriate for use as source 360 include a satellite location signal receiver, a terrestrial location signal receiver, a wireless networking device that receives location data from a network, an inertial location monitoring device and a location data producing service provided by a cellular telephone service provider. In certain ones of these embodiments, research data source 360 comprises a device or function for monitoring exposure to print media, for determining whether the user is at home or out of home, for monitoring exposure to products, exposure to displays (such as outdoor advertising), presence within or near commercial establishments, or for gathering research data (such as consumer attitude, preference or opinion data) through the administration of a survey to the user of the PDA 300. In certain ones of these embodiments, research data source 360 comprises one or more devices for receiving, sensing or detecting data useful in implementing one or more of the foregoing functions, other research data gathering functions and/or for producing data ancillary to functions of gathering, storing and/or communicating research data, such as data indicating whether the panelist has complied with predetermined rules governing the activity or an extent of such compliance. Such devices include, but are not limited to, motion detectors, accelerometers, temperature detectors, proximity detectors, satellite positioning signal receivers, RFID readers, RF receivers, wireless networking transceivers, wireless device coupling transceivers, pressure detectors, deformation detectors, electric field sensors, magnetic field sensors, optical sensors, electrodes, and the like.
  • In addition, PDA 300 comprises a microphone 370 coupled with processor 310 to transduce the user's voice to an electrical signal which it supplies to processor 310 for encoding, and a speaker and/or earphone 380 coupled with processor 310 to transduce received audio from processor 310 to an acoustic output to be heard by the user. PDA 300 also includes a user input 340 coupled with processor 310, such as a keypad, to enter telephone numbers and other control data, as well as a display 350 coupled with processor 310 to provide data visually to the user under the control of processor 310.
  • In addition, PDA 300 comprises a personal communication device adapted to be carried on the person of a participant having a processor 310, and communications 320, and storage 330 coupled with processor 310. A research data source 360, adapted to be carried on the person of a participant, is operative to gather research data and communicate the same wirelessly to communications 320 of the personal communication device for subsequent communication by the personal communication device to a research data processing facility. In certain embodiments, research data source 360 comprises a microphone for receiving ambient acoustic energy and producing a corresponding electrical signal that is processed either by research data source 360 to read ancillary codes therein or extract signatures therefrom, or is instead processed for doing so by processor 310. In certain embodiments, the research data source 360 is separate from the personal communication device, so that it is carried by the participant separately therefrom. In certain ones of such embodiments, the research data source 360 is contained in a PUA such as an article of jewelry, an article of clothing, a fob, a wristwatch or other PUA. In certain ones of such embodiments, the research data source 360 is contained in its own enclosure and is carried on a lanyard to be worn about the participant's neck or provided with a pin, clasp or belt clip for attachment to an article of the participant's clothing.
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an external storage device 400, such as a portable storage drive, modified to gather research data. A storage 430, such as a flash memory, serves to store data for use by the user as well as research data. Access to storage 430 is controlled by a processor 410. In certain embodiments, storage 430 is partitioned into a portion used to store user data and a further portion used to store research data (as well as research software, if necessary, to run on processor 410). In certain embodiments, processor 410 dynamically partitions storage 430 into sections as needed so that each stores either user data or research data (and/or research software). Storage device 400 also comprises communications 420 coupled with processor 410 to receive data to be written in storage 430 and to communicate data read from storage 430. Communications 420 in certain embodiments communicates data by means of a connection, such as a USB interface, while in others communicates its data wirelessly, for example, by means of a Bluetooth protocol, wireless LAN protocol, infrared data link, inductive link or the like.
  • Storage device 400 also comprises a research data source 440 that provides research data to be stored in storage 430 and communicated to system 100 via communications 420. In certain embodiments, research data source 430 comprises an acoustic transducer, such as a microphone, and processing (not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity) to produce audio data in compressed or uncompressed form to be stored in storage 430 under the control of processor 410. In certain embodiments, ancillary codes in the audio data are decoded by processing in research data source 440 and/or signatures are extracted from the audio data thereby to be stored in storage 43Q. In certain embodiments other or additional types of research data are gathered by source 440, such as those described hereinabove.
  • In certain embodiments, storage device 400 employs external power to write and read user data via communications 420, as in the case of a USB interface. In such embodiments, research data source 440 includes a power source (not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity), such as a rechargeable battery, to provide power for operating research data source 440 and writing research data to the storage 430 while storage device 400 is not coupled to a source of external power.
  • In certain embodiments, communications between storage device 400 and system 100 of the kind described above in connection with PUA 20, are conducted without involving the user, so that a user input and display are not required. In certain embodiments, such communications are carried out by coupling storage device 400 with a networked host, such as a personal computer, cellular telephone or PDA to communicate with system 100. Of these embodiments, in some cases a user input and display of the networked host are used to carry out communications involving user interaction. In these cases, benefits for participating in a research operation to gather, store and/or communicate research data that require the user to carry the storage device 400 on his or her person, can be provided via the networked host or otherwise.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a pen 500 in phantom lines. A research data collection system 510 is contained within pen 500 and serves to gather research data of audio data to which a user carrying the pen is exposed. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of research data collection system 510.
  • With reference both to FIGS. 5 and 6, the research data collection system 510 includes a research data source 520 and a processor 530. The research data source 520 is coupled with processor 530 to provide research data therefrom or data from which research data may be produced. In certain embodiments, research data source 520 comprises a microphone operative to transduce acoustic energy to which a user of the pen 500 is exposed while carrying the pen to produce audio data. In such embodiments, processor 530 either stores the audio data or a compressed version thereof as research data in a storage 540 of the system 510 coupled with the processor 530, or extracts research data therefrom, such as data represented by an ancillary code of the audio data and/or a signature of the audio data which it stores in storage 540.
  • In certain embodiments, processor 530 comprises two or more processing devices, such as a first processing device that exercises overall control over operation of the system 510 and a second processing device that performs certain more specific operations such as digital signal processing. In certain embodiments, processor 530 employs a single processing device. In certain embodiments, some or all of the functions of processor 530 are implemented by hardwired circuitry. In certain embodiments, storage 540 comprises a single storage device, while in others it comprises multiple storage devices. In certain embodiments, a single device implements certain functions of both processor 530 and storage 540.
  • System 510 of pen 500 also includes communications 550 coupled with processor 530 to communicate stored research data to system 100 of FIG. 1B, as well as to receive communications therefrom and communicate other types of communications thereto of the kind described hereinabove for setting up, promoting, operating, maintaining and/or terminating a research operation with the use of the pen 500. In certain embodiments, communications 550 serves to establish a wireless communications link with a host or device on a network to conduct such communications, while in certain embodiments, system 510 serves as a host or device on a network for conducting such communications. In certain embodiments, communications 550 communicates with system 100 via a separate PUA having the ability to communicate with system 100. In certain ones of such embodiments communications 550 establishes a wireless link with the separate PUA according to a Bluetooth™ or ZigBee™ communications standard.
  • System 510 of pen 500 further includes compliance detection 560 that operates to detect data useful in determining whether the user is in compliance with rules governing the research operation. In certain embodiments, compliance detection 560 comprises a motion detector, a temperature sensor and/or a proximity detector and is coupled with processor 530 to provide its data thereto. Processor 530 processes such data to determine whether the pen is being carried by the user at prescribed times. System 510 also includes a compliance indicator 570 coupled with processor 530 which processor 530 controls to provide to the user an indication whether the user is in compliance with rules for the research operation concerning carriage of the pen. In certain embodiments, the indicator 570 comprises a light, such as an LED, that provides a visual indication of compliance or non-compliance under the control of processor 530. In certain embodiments, the indicator 570 comprises an audio transducer that produces sound under the control of processor 530 to indicate such compliance or non-compliance. Additional disclosures of compliance determination and indication techniques suitable for use in the various embodiments disclosed herein are provided by U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,276 to Brooks, et al., assigned to the assignee of the present application and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
  • In certain embodiments, system 510 is powered by a rechargeable battery (not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity). In such embodiments, recharging terminals 580 are provided for connecting system 510 to an external source of power for recharging such battery. In certain ones of such embodiments, the pen 510 is placed in a cradle of a base station (not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity) where the terminals 580 contact terminals of the base station where recharging power is supplied. Appropriate base stations for this purpose are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,276, referenced above.
  • FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary table of a relational database storing data associating individual PUA users with a group of persons receiving communication services pursuant to a single agreement with a communication service provider. The relational database is stored in storage 130 of FIG. 2 under the control of processor 110. Processor 110 stores data identifying each of a plurality of PUA users in the table of FIG. 7A to associate such data with data 700 identifying a group agreement governing the provision of communication services to a group of persons. For example, the group agreement may comprise a family plan with a cellular telephone service provider. The exemplary table of FIG. 7A associates data identifying four individual users (USER # 3456. USER # 3457, USER # 3458, and USER #3459) with a particular group agreement 700. In certain embodiments, the association of data indicates which particular user in the group is using a particular PUA. In certain embodiments, the data identifying the PUA user comprises a screen name adopted by the PUA user.
  • FIG. 7B illustrates a further exemplary table of the relational database of FIG. 7A that stores data associating demographic data of the four PUA users with data identifying with each respective user, that is, 3456, 3457, 3458 and 3459. Processor 110 stores data in the table of FIG. 7B to associate demographic data of the PUA user with the data identifying the PUA user. For example, user # 3456 corresponds to demographic data 710 which identifies the user as a female of age 40. Likewise, user # 3457 corresponds to demographic data 720, user # 3458 corresponds to demographic data 730, and user # 3459 corresponds to demographic data 740. The demographic data may comprise information relating to sex, age, occupation, salary, etc. In certain embodiments, the association of data may indicate the demographic data of the particular user of the particular PUA.
  • In certain embodiments, a message is communicated from system 100 of FIG. 2 to each respective PUA user requesting the demographic data of such user and a message containing the demographic data is received by system 100 from the respective PUA user in response. In certain ones of such embodiments, such messages are communicated to and from the user's PUA. In certain ones of these embodiments, a message is communicated to the respective PUA user in response to a message from the PUA user indicating an interest in participating in the research operation.
  • Still further embodiments are disclosed hereinbelow in connection with FIG. 9, where in certain embodiments multiple different types of PUA's are employed in one or more research data collection activities and/or panels, under the control of one or more managing processors.
  • For purposes of convenience, the functionality of a PUA that enables a research operation is referred to herein sometimes as a “secondary function” of the PUA. As understand herein, a PUA's “primary function” is the function for which the PUA was purchased, leased, used or obtained by the user. The primary function of a PUA may be complex or simple.
  • The managing processor 600 supplies a communication, via a suitable communication network, to each PUA 610 that is selected and capable of implementing a designated secondary function. This communication is shown schematically as “Communication A” in FIG. 9. Each receiving PUA 610 responds to Communication A to supply, either audibly or visually, an inquiry to the PUA user asking the PUA user if he/she would like to participate in a research operation as a panelist. Various forms of visual communications are possible, including text messages, graphic messages, e-mails, etc. An audible message may also be employed for various types of PUA's. For example, for a PUA that comprises a CD player, a personal audio player or similar device, and which is capable of receiving external communications, in certain embodiments the PUA responds to Communication A to provide an audible message to the user (e.g., via attached headphones). Text messages or e-mails, inter alia, are appropriate for PDA's, notebook computers and the like.
  • PUA users are provided an opportunity to respond to Communication A and may respond by accepting the offer to participate in the research operation, by declining the offer, or by not responding to the offer. In certain instances, a request for more information may be provided and/or an opportunity to defer the response, such as “ask me again tomorrow.” The PUA user's response is represented as Communication B in FIG. 9. If the user accepts the offer to participate, then the managing processor 600 includes the user as a panel member.
  • In certain embodiments, incentives to participate are offered. Various incentives, depending on the embodiment, include benefits related to use of the PUA, such as PUA-supplied services, award points or credits (e.g., free cellular telephone use, free play time for a game device PUA). Certain incentives do not relate to use of the PUA, such as award points or award dollars applicable for use or purchases at retail stores, Internet sites and other locations. Other incentives include free software or unique content available only to panelists.
  • In certain embodiments employing incentives, benefits accrue during the period in which a PUA user remains a panel member. In other embodiments, benefits accrue during periods of time the PUA gathers research data, thus encouraging use and/or carrying around of the PUA. In further embodiments, benefits accrue when research data is received by the managing processor 600.
  • After a PUA user's acceptance to participate in a research panel (via Communication B), managing processor 600 supplies a communication that “initializes” the PUA or requests an action of the user to do so. This communication is represented as Communication C in FIG. 9.
  • For those embodiments mentioned herein in which the PUA has the capability, without further modification, to implement a designated secondary function, initialization entails instructing or otherwise controlling the PUA to implement the secondary function or requesting that the user do so. For example, for particular cellular telephone PUA's that are capable of converting acoustic energy into audio data, storing that data and later supplying that data to a called or calling party, the cellular telephone is instructed to gather the audio data and to supply periodically the gathered audio data or research data derived therefrom or concerning such audio data to managing processor 600. Where it receives audio data, the managing processor 600 in turn extracts from the audio data relevant identification information to ascertain the particular media (e.g., station, channel, song, television/radio program, commercial, etc.) to which the PUA user was exposed.
  • As another example, a PDA capable of emitting a suitable identification signal is “initiated” to cause the PDA to periodically emit the identification signal (e.g., once per minute) during a research operation that seeks to gather data relating to consumer exposure to billboards. In this example, various billboards are equipped with electronic devices that receive the emitted identification signals. Hence, the PDA is controlled to carry out a secondary function that enables the implementation of a technique described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,958,710, referenced above.
  • In certain embodiments, the manufacturer of the PUA pre-installs and/or equips the PUA with appropriate software and/or hardware to carry out one or more particular secondary functions. In certain other embodiments, the manufactured PUA is later adapted (e.g., by another entity) to enable it to carry out a secondary function. Other entities include retailers, wholesalers, research data gathering entities, service provides and other parties. In yet other embodiments, software is downloaded to the PUA to enable it to carry out a secondary function prior to inviting the PUA user to participate in the research panel.
  • For those embodiments mentioned herein in which the PUA is modifiable to implement a secondary function, then PUA initialization (in response to Communication C) entails, in certain embodiments, downloading software to the PUA during recruitment of a panel member to enable the recruited panel member's PUA to carry out the secondary function. For example, a cellular telephone may be programmable to decode information conveyed by an ancillary code in audio data (as set forth in various patents and applications referenced above) and then to supply the extracted information to managing processor 600. Initialization of such a PUA in certain embodiments entails downloading and installing suitable software and then executing that software to implement the secondary function.
  • As another example, a notebook computer having the capability to receive wireless transmissions, such as by means of a wireless network card, a Bluetooth transceiver or the like, is programmed during initialization to periodically ascertain its current location (and thus the location of the PUA user) based on data received from the wireless network and to compare the ascertained location with a plural number of locations of interest that have been downloaded and stored within the notebook computer's storage. Each of the downloaded locations of interest may be a geographic location of a billboard, a retail store or other venue about which research data is being gathered. During implementation of this secondary function, the notebook computer ascertains when the PUA user is in the vicinity of (e.g., able to see) one of the stored venues of interest, and creates a record of the activity and later transmits to the managing processor the created records. This process and variations thereof are disclosed in US Published Patent Application 2005/0243784, referenced above.
  • For those embodiments mentioned above in which the PUA is modifiable with the PUA user's assistance to carry out a designated secondary function, certain embodiments entail instructing the PUA user to take his/her PUA to a designated service center that will retrofit the PUA with appropriate software and/or hardware modifications to enable it to implement the designated secondary function. In other embodiments, the PUA user performs the modification, such as by coupling the PUA to a computer for the transfer and installation of suitable code into the PUA. The code may be supplied to the PUA user's computer in various manners, such as by e-mail, downloading from an Internet site, from a CD-ROM mailed to or other otherwise obtained by the PUA user (e.g., at a retail establishment or entertainment facility) or other method.
  • After the PUA is initialized in the various embodiments described herein, various additional communications between the PUA and managing processor 600 are carried out. In certain embodiments, software/hardware tests or self-tests are executed to verify proper operation of the PUA. In certain embodiments, third parties, such as service providers, provide and receive various communications to and from the PUA to verify proper operation of the secondary function. In various embodiments, software tests and/or self-tests occur prior to PUA initialization. In various embodiments, PUA calibration is carried out. In certain embodiments calibration includes clock calibration and/or location calibration.
  • Communications from managing processor 600 to the PUA may further include one or more parameters in certain embodiments. Parameters include, without limitation, (1) what to track; (2) when/where to track; (3) amount/type of data to gather; (4) type of processing, if any, of the gathered data; and (5) where/when and manner of sending the raw or processed data. None, some or all of these parameters may be preprogrammed within the PUA or be communicated to the PUA during or after initialization. These parameters are further described below.
  • What to Track: What to track refers to the specific secondary function to be implemented by the PUA. Various examples of what to track are provided above and are disclosed in the various patents and patent applications mentioned herein. These examples are not exhaustive. Tracking may also entail not gathering data, but rather supplying a signal to enable other devices to gather research data.
  • When/Where to Track: The PUA may be programmed to implement the secondary function continuously or periodically. Conservation of battery life, limited data storage, limited bandwidth and other reasons may play a role in the extent (e.g., frequency and/or duration) of implementation of the secondary function. Frequency and/or duration of implementation of the secondary function also may differ on a day by day basis. In certain embodiments, the PUA is programmed to implement the secondary function only in designated locations, if appropriate (e.g., certain geographic locations, only when certain signals are received by the PUA).
  • Amount/Type of Data to Gather: The PUA may be programmed to collect more data or less data and/or different types of data. Various examples of gathering different amounts of data are provided in US Published Patent Application 2005/0243784, previously referenced.
  • Type of Processing of Collected Data: The PUA may be programmed to store raw data or to process the raw data in accordance with various processing algorithms.
  • Where/When/Manner of Sending Data: When the secondary function entails gathering of research data by the PUA, the location of the destination to supply the gathered research data is provided. Various PUA's (e.g., cellular telephone PUA's) are capable of supplying data to a called telephone number and, in such cases, the telephone number to call is supplied. In certain other types of PUA's, data is sent via e-mail or other kind of database, in which cases, the e-mail address to send the gathered research data is supplied. In certain other types of PUA's, the PUA's employ a docking station, often utilized to recharge batteries within the PUA's. Certain docking stations can be modified to communicate with the docked PUA and to supply the gathered research data to a particular destination (e.g., by telephoning the destination). Suitable techniques for transferring data utilizing a docking station are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,276 to Brooks, et al, assigned to the assignee of the present application and hereby incorporated herein in its entirety. When the gathered data is sent (e.g., daily, hourly, when storage capacity used reaches a certain level) also may be programmable or may be manually determined (e.g., each time the PUA is placed in the docking station).
  • After a PUA user has accepted participation in a panel, initialization of the PUA, and various other communications are carried out, as herein described, the PUA implements the designated secondary function. As discussed herein, various secondary functions employ gathering of either raw or processed research data. Other secondary functions discussed herein entail transmitting data by the PUA to enable other devices, not carried by the PUA user, to gather research data.
  • In certain embodiments, the PUA implements two secondary functions, a first of which entails gathering by the PUA of research data and a second which entails transmitting data by the PUA to enable other electronic devices to gather research data. In certain embodiments, the PUA implements two secondary functions, both of which entail the PUA gathering research data. In yet other embodiments, the PUA implements two secondary functions both of which entail transmitting information to enable other devices to gather research data. In yet other embodiments, more than two secondary functions are implemented.
  • A PUA may implement multiple secondary functions for purposes of gathering data for one or more studies. In certain embodiments, a PUA user participates in multiple panels each making use of the PUA (or a single panel seeking to gather two different types of research data). In certain embodiments, a PUA user is invited to join a second panel after having already joined a first panel. Thus, each of the various research operations described herein may occur multiple and at different times. For example, while a PUA is gathering research data pertaining to user exposure to audio content (e.g., the secondary function entails converting acoustic energy to audio data, and decoding the audio data to extract the research data therefrom), the same PUA user is invited to participate in another study (or an extension of the same study) pertaining to consumer exposure to billboards (e.g., wherein the secondary function for the second study entails the PUA emitting an identification signal that is received by electronic devices disposed in the vicinities of particular billboards). In this example, the PUA has a first secondary function of gathering research data and a second secondary function that enables other electronic devices to gather research data. There are numerous techniques for gathering various types of research data (some of these techniques are disclosed in the patents and patent applications identified herein) and, thus, a large number of combinations of techniques may be employed utilizing particular types of PUA's.
  • When a user's participation in a panel is terminated, the managing processor 600 provides a communication to the user's PUA to initiate or control the PUA to discontinue its implementation of a designated secondary function. In certain embodiments, the PUA user is informed of the termination via the PUA's interface with the user. In certain embodiments, the user is notified by other means, such as by mail, telephone, e-mail or other communication.
  • In certain embodiments, the PUA automatically terminates its implementation of the secondary function at a predetermined time. The predetermined time is communicated from the managing processor to the PUA prior to termination, either during initialization of the PUA as a parameter or while the PUA is gathering research data, or another time.
  • In certain embodiments, the PUA is pre-programmed during initialization or other time to self-terminate implementation of the secondary function if a designated rule is not complied with by the user or if a designated event occurs. For example, a panel membership rule may require the PUA user to carry the PUA around for at least eight (8) hours per day and for at least five (5) days each week during the panel study. If the PUA user does not comply with this rule, in certain embodiments the user's PUA automatically discontinues the secondary function and thus no longer gathers, stores and/or communicates research data. During subsequent communications between the PUA and the managing processor, the managing processor removes the PUA user from the list of active panel members for the particular study being carried out. In certain embodiments, the PUA is programmed to provide the user with warnings or reminders of rules and requirements of the study, and/or violations thereof to prevent, or at least minimize, non-compliance.
  • In certain embodiments, the PUA is programmed to periodically perform self-tests to verify proper operability of the secondary function.
  • In certain embodiments, the PUA user is afforded the opportunity to discontinue his/her membership in a panel. PUA user communication with the managing processor via the PUA may be possible to terminate membership. In other variations, the PUA user may terminate membership via other communication means, such as by telephone, e-mail, etc.
  • Upon the termination of the user's membership in a panel, in certain embodiments the PUA discontinues implementation of a designated secondary function. In certain ones of such embodiments, software previously downloaded is uninstalled or otherwise removed from the PUA, or deactivated.
  • In various embodiments described herein, the identity of the PUA user or data suitable for identifying the user is obtained using various public and possibly non-public resources and databases. User identity includes at least a unique identifier for the user, and preferably address and other demographic information, including occupation, age, gender and other data useful for media and/or market research purposes. In certain embodiments, user identification information is obtained from the user via the user's PUA. For example, in a notebook computer PUA or a cellular telephone PUA, the user is prompted to provide identification information during recruitment of the user into the panel. In other embodiments, the PUA user is requested to provide identification information through means other than via the PUA. For example, in certain embodiments the PUA user is prompted during recruitment to access a website, complete and mail a form or place a telephone call in order to provide requested identification information. In certain embodiments, the PUA user becomes a member of the panel only after required identification information is supplied.
  • In certain embodiments described herein, a user is deemed to own, lease or otherwise possess a PUA for a sufficiently large period of time so that a particular PUA is deemed to be associated with a particular user for the entire period of the study being conducted. In certain other embodiments, a particular PUA is not associated with a single user for the entire period of the study, but rather is associated with multiple users. In certain instances, the multiple users are members of the same household. A cellular telephone or laptop computer sometimes is utilized at different times by different members of a household. Other types of PUA's are utilized by multiple individuals who are not part of the same household. Various examples are provided below.
  • In embodiments where a PUA is known to have multiple users, the PUA is programmed or otherwise controlled to ascertain or assist in ascertaining the identity of a user at a given instance, period of time or from time to time. In certain embodiments, user identification is provided subsequent to use, via communications between the user and the managing processor through other means, such as by e-mail, website access, telephone, in-person contact, or other technique. In certain embodiments, user identification information is supplied in advance of use of the PUA. In certain embodiments, a user identifies his/her termination of usage of the PUA.
  • In certain embodiments described herein, the identification of a PUA user is not known during the gathering of research data pertaining to that user. In various embodiments, the PUA user has authorized participation in the panel prior to the PUA's gathering of research data. In certain other embodiments, research data is gathered by a PUA (whether used by a single user or by multiple users) without prior authorization by the PUA user or users. After use, a particular user may voluntarily supply or be motivated via an incentive to supply, identification information to the managing processor (e.g., utilizing the Internet), at which point the previously obtained research data is associated with an identified person.
  • In certain embodiments, incentives to participate are offered. Various incentives, depending on the embodiment, include benefits related to use of the PUA, such as PUA-supplied services, award points or credits (e.g., free cellular telephone use, free play time for a game device PUA). Certain incentives do not relate to use of the PUA, such as award points or award dollars applicable for use or purchases at retail stores, Internet sites and other locations. Other incentives include free software or unique content available only to panelists.
  • In certain embodiments employing incentives, benefits accrue during the period in which a PUA user remains a panel member. In other embodiments, benefits accrue during periods of time the PUA gathers research data, thus encouraging use and/or carrying around of the PUA. In further embodiments, benefits accrue when research data is received by the managing processor 600.
  • Various illustrative PUA's are presented herein, such as cellular telephones, PDA's, portable storage devices, pens, and notebook computers. As previously discussed, however, many different types of devices, electronic and non-electronic, may be employed as a PUA in accordance with various embodiments described herein. For example, a belt buckle, ring, watch, shoe, etc., may be retrofitted with technology that implements a designated secondary function to enable the gathering of research data. Thus, the scope hereof is not limited to devices that have technical features or technical capabilities as their primary or only function.
  • In general, the embodiments described herein employ PUA's for the purpose of carrying out research operations, which are also the kinds of devices or articles that individuals have already freely chosen to use or carry for other purposes beneficial to them. Hence, recruited panel members are not burdened with the task of carrying around a device that they would otherwise not carry around. Moreover, in many embodiments, implementation of the research operation by the user's PUA is transparent to the user.
  • Although various embodiments have been described with reference to a particular arrangement of parts, features and the like, these are not intended to exhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed many other embodiments, modifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill in the art.

Claims (59)

1. A method for setting up, promoting, operating, maintaining and/or terminating a research operation carried out automatically with the use of a PUA, comprising:
communicating a message to a PUA and/or to a user of a PUA comprising at least one of instructions for participating in a research operation carried out automatically by means of the PUA, a message for the user of the PUA providing or offering to provide a benefit to the user in exchange for the user's participation in a research operation, a message requesting a response from the user identifying the user, and a command or a request for the PUA to automatically gather, store and/or communicate research data; and
receiving a participation message from at least one of the PUA, the user of the PUA and the benefit provider.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the participation message comprises at least one of research data gathered automatically by the PUA, a message from the PUA indicating an operational status or ability thereof to carry out a research operation, a message from the user of the PUA concerning participation of the user in the research operation, a message from the user of the PUA identifying such user, and a message from the PUA indicating receipt thereby of an activation message.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the participation message comprises a message from the user of the PUA indicating agreement to participate in the research operation.
4. The method of claim 3, comprising communicating a message for the user of the PUA providing or offering to provide a benefit to the user in exchange for the user's participation in a research operation, and wherein the PUA comprises a personal communication device and the benefit comprises a communication service provided by means of the PUA.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the PUA comprises a cellular telephone.
6. The method of claim 3, comprising, in response to the participation message, communicating a message to a credit facility to transfer the at least one of a cash benefit and a credit to an account of the user.
7. The method of claim 3, comprising, in response to the participation message, communicating a message to a service provider requesting provision of a service to the user.
8. The method of claim 3, comprising, in response to the participation message, communicating a message to the user comprising media data for the user's benefit and/or data enabling the user to access media data for the user's benefit.
9. The method of claim 1, comprising storing data identifying the PUA and identifying a user thereof, and communicating a maintenance message to the PUA after storage of the identifying data.
10. The method of claim 1, comprising communicating a message to the PUA comprising instructions for participating in a research operation carried out automatically by means of the PUA.
11. The method of claim 1, comprising communicating a message to the PUA requesting a response from the user identifying the user.
12. The method of clam 11, wherein the participation message comprises a message identifying the user.
13. The method of claim 1, comprising communicating a command or request for the PUA to automatically gather, store and/or communicate research data.
14. A method for setting up, promoting, operating, maintaining and/or terminating a research operation carried out automatically with the use of a PUA, comprising:
communicating at least one of an activation message, a maintenance message and a termination message to a PUA, to a user of a PUA and/or to a benefit provider; and
receiving a participation message from at least one of the PUA, the user of the PUA and the benefit provider; and
wherein the participation message comprises at least one of a message from the PUA indicating an operational status or ability thereof to carry out a research operation, a message from the PUA indicating an availability thereof to carry out a research operation, and a message from the user of the PUA identifying the user.
15. The method of claim 14, comprising storing data identifying the PUA and identifying a user thereof, and communicating a maintenance message to the PUA after storage of the identifying data
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the participation message comprises a message indicating an ability of the PUA to carry out a research operation.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein the participation message comprises a message indicating an availability of the PUA to carry out a research operation.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein the participation message comprises a message from the PUA indicating an operational status thereof.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein the participation message comprises a message from the user of the PUA identifying the user.
20. A method for setting up, promoting, operating, maintaining and/or terminating a research operation carried out automatically with the use of a PUA, comprising:
communicating at least one of an activation message, a maintenance message and a termination message to a PUA, to a user of a PUA and/or to a benefit provider; and
receiving a participation message from at least one of the PUA, the user of the PUA and the benefit provider; and
further comprising communicating a termination message to at least one of the PUA and a benefit provider.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the participation message comprises at least one of a message from the PUA indicating that a function thereof to carry out a research operation has been deactivated and a message from the PUA indicating receipt thereby of the termination message.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the termination message comprises a deactivation message for the PUA to deactivate a function thereof to carry out a research operation.
23. The method of claim 22, comprising providing a control operable by the user to deactivate at least one additional function of the PUA to carry out a research operation.
24. The method of claim 20, wherein the termination message comprises a deactivation message for the user of the PUA instructing the user to deactivate a function of the PUA to carry out a research operation.
25. The method of claim 24, comprising providing a control operable by the user to deactivate an additional function of the PUA to carry out a research operation.
26. The method of claim 25, comprising providing the control operable by the user on the condition that the function is deactivated by the user.
27. The method of claim 24, comprising, on the condition that the user has deactivated the function, crediting an account of the user with a final consideration.
28. The method of claim 20, wherein the termination message comprises a benefit message to a benefit provider for providing a final consideration for the user's participation in the research operation.
29. A method of gathering research data, comprising:
receiving a message from a user's PUA including research data and identification data identifying the user's PUA; and
storing the research data, together with an identification of the user's PUA from which it was received.
30. A method of recruiting a person to participate in a research operation, comprising:
communicating a recruitment message as media data to a plurality of PUA users to solicit participation in the research operation; and
receiving a participation message from a PUA of a user who received the recruitment message.
31. A method of recruiting persons within a population to participate in a research operation, comprising:
obtaining a list of cellular telephone numbers of persons within a population;
communicating a message addressed to at least some telephone numbers in the cellular telephone number list soliciting participation of persons in a research operation; and
communicating a message to cellular telephones corresponding to the at least some telephone numbers to initiate, provide or enable a capability of the cellular telephones to carry out a research operation.
32. A method of recruiting PUA users within a population to participate in a research operation, comprising:
communicating a recruitment message to PUA's of PUA users within a population to solicit participation in the research operation; and
if a response to the recruitment message is received from a PUA user indicating an unwillingness to participate in the research operation or if no response thereto is received, storing negative data indicating a failure to recruit the PUA user to participate in the research operation and subsequently communicating a further recruitment message to the PUA user to solicit participation in the research operation.
33. The method of claim 32, comprising communicating the further recruitment message at a time differing from a time of communication of the recruitment message.
34. The method of claim 32, comprising communicating the further recruitment message based on a content of the response from the PUA user.
35. A method of administering surveys to persons for gathering research data, comprising:
communicating a first survey including a first number of questions to a person;
receiving a response to the first survey from the person;
based on the response, selecting a second survey including a second number of survey questions, the second number of survey questions being fewer than the first number of survey questions; and
communicating the second survey to the participant.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein the response to the first survey includes answers to a number of the survey questions less than the first number.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein the second number of survey questions is based on the number of survey questions of the first survey which were answered.
38. A method of terminating participation of a person in a research operation carried out by means of a PUA used by the person, comprising:
at least one of: (1) communicating a deactivation message to the PUA used by the person to deactivate a capability thereof to carry out a research operation; (2) communicating a deactivation message to the person instructing them to deactivate a capability of the PUA to carry out a research operation; and (3) providing a benefit to the person as a final consideration for the person's previous participation in the research operation.
39. A method of operating a PUA in the course of setting up, operating, maintaining and/or terminating a research operation carried out automatically with the use of the PUA, comprising:
receiving a maintenance message in a PUA including at least one of a message requesting a response from the user identifying the user and a command or request to the PUA to automatically gather, store and/or communicate research data; and
communicating a participation message from the PUA.
40. The method of claim 39, wherein the participation message comprises a message identifying the user.
41. The method of claim 39, wherein the participation message comprises at least one of research data gathered by the PUA and a message indicating receipt by the PUA of the maintenance message.
42. The method of claim 39, comprising communicating data identifying the PUA and identifying a user thereof, and wherein the maintenance message is received by the PUA after communication of the identifying data.
43. The method of claim 39, wherein the participation message comprises a message indicating an ability of the PUA to carry out a research operation.
44. The method of claim 39, wherein the participation message comprises a message indicating an availability of the PUA to carry out a research operation.
45. A method of operating a PUA in the course of setting up, operating, maintaining and/or terminating a research operation carried out automatically with the use of the PUA, comprising:
receiving a termination message in a PUA; and
communicating a participation message from the PUA.
46. The method of claim 45, wherein the participation message comprises at least one of a message indicating that a function of the PUA for gathering, storing and/or communicating research data has been deactivated and a message indicating receipt by the PUA of the termination message.
47. The method of claim 46, wherein the termination message comprises a deactivation message for the PUA to deactivate a function thereof to carry out a research operation.
48. The method of claim 47, comprising providing a control operable by the user to deactivate at least one additional function of the PUA to carry out a research operation.
49. The method of claim 45, wherein the termination message comprises a deactivation message for the user of the PUA instructing the user to deactivate a function of the PUA to carry out a research operation.
50. The method of claim 49, comprising providing a control operable by the user to deactivate an additional function of the PUA to carry out a research operation.
51. The method of claim 50, comprising providing the control operable by the user on the condition that the function is deactivated by the user.
52. A method of terminating participation of a person in a research operation by means of a PUA used by the person, comprising:
at least one of: (1) receiving a deactivation message in the PUA used by the person to deactivate a capability thereof to carry out a research operation; and (2) inputting a deactivation command in the PUA instructing it to deactivate a capability thereof to carry out a research operation.
53. A method of recruiting a user of a PUA to participate in a research operation, comprising:
communicating a participation message from the PUA of the user relating to participation in a research operation; and
communicating, in response to a message from the user, an initiation message to the PUA of the user to initiate, enable or establish a capability of the PUA to carry out a research operation; and
further comprising communicating at least one of a data collection type to the PUA of the user specifying a type of data to collect by means of the PUA, calibration data to the PUA for use in calibrating an operation of the PUA and destination data to the PUA specifying a destination for research data gathered or received by the PUA.
54. The method of claim 53, comprising communicating a data collection type to the PUA comprising one of audio data, location data, purchase data, presence data, exposure to advertisements data, and responses to questions data.
55. The method of claim 53, comprising communicating calibration data to the PUA for carrying out an operation for calibrating at least one of a clock of the PUA and a location of the PUA.
56. A method of terminating participation of a PUA user in a research operation by means of a PUA of the user, comprising:
receiving a deactivation message in the PUA comprising data for deactivating at least one function of the PUA to carry out a research operation, without deactivating at least one additional function of the PUA to carry out a research operation; and
providing a control operable by the PUA user to deactivate the at least one additional function of the PUA.
57. The method of claim 56, comprising providing the control operable by the PUA user conditioned on receipt of the deactivation message by the PUA.
58. A method of initiating participation of a PUA user in a research operation using multiple PUA's, comprising:
assigning user identification data to the user;
associating the user identification data with data identifying multiple PUA's used by the user; and
at least one of (1) activating or enabling each of the multiple PUA's to carry out a research operation, and (2) receiving research data from plural ones of the multiple PUA's.
59. The method of claim 58, comprising storing data associating the user identification data with data identifying multiple PUA's used by the user in a database accessible by a research organization.
US11/643,128 2005-12-20 2006-12-20 Methods and systems for conducting research operations Abandoned US20070294705A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/643,128 US20070294705A1 (en) 2005-12-20 2006-12-20 Methods and systems for conducting research operations
US12/006,449 US20080204273A1 (en) 2006-12-20 2007-12-31 Survey data acquisition
US14/698,483 US20150242864A1 (en) 2005-12-20 2015-04-28 Methods and systems for conducting research operations

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US75182505P 2005-12-20 2005-12-20
US11/643,128 US20070294705A1 (en) 2005-12-20 2006-12-20 Methods and systems for conducting research operations

Related Child Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/643,188 Continuation-In-Part US20070294132A1 (en) 2005-12-20 2006-12-20 Methods and systems for recruiting panelists for a research operation
US14/698,483 Continuation US20150242864A1 (en) 2005-12-20 2015-04-28 Methods and systems for conducting research operations

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20070294705A1 true US20070294705A1 (en) 2007-12-20

Family

ID=38189118

Family Applications (9)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/643,160 Active 2029-09-24 US8527320B2 (en) 2005-12-20 2006-12-20 Methods and systems for initiating a research panel of persons operating under a group agreement
US11/643,161 Active 2027-03-10 US8185351B2 (en) 2005-12-20 2006-12-20 Methods and systems for testing ability to conduct a research operation
US11/643,159 Abandoned US20070288277A1 (en) 2005-12-20 2006-12-20 Methods and systems for gathering research data for media from multiple sources
US11/643,360 Abandoned US20070288476A1 (en) 2005-12-20 2006-12-20 Methods and systems for conducting research operations
US11/643,128 Abandoned US20070294705A1 (en) 2005-12-20 2006-12-20 Methods and systems for conducting research operations
US11/643,188 Abandoned US20070294132A1 (en) 2005-12-20 2006-12-20 Methods and systems for recruiting panelists for a research operation
US13/476,180 Active US8949074B2 (en) 2005-12-20 2012-05-21 Methods and systems for testing ability to conduct a research operation
US14/015,328 Active US8799054B2 (en) 2005-12-20 2013-08-30 Network-based methods and systems for initiating a research panel of persons operating under a group agreement
US14/698,483 Abandoned US20150242864A1 (en) 2005-12-20 2015-04-28 Methods and systems for conducting research operations

Family Applications Before (4)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/643,160 Active 2029-09-24 US8527320B2 (en) 2005-12-20 2006-12-20 Methods and systems for initiating a research panel of persons operating under a group agreement
US11/643,161 Active 2027-03-10 US8185351B2 (en) 2005-12-20 2006-12-20 Methods and systems for testing ability to conduct a research operation
US11/643,159 Abandoned US20070288277A1 (en) 2005-12-20 2006-12-20 Methods and systems for gathering research data for media from multiple sources
US11/643,360 Abandoned US20070288476A1 (en) 2005-12-20 2006-12-20 Methods and systems for conducting research operations

Family Applications After (4)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/643,188 Abandoned US20070294132A1 (en) 2005-12-20 2006-12-20 Methods and systems for recruiting panelists for a research operation
US13/476,180 Active US8949074B2 (en) 2005-12-20 2012-05-21 Methods and systems for testing ability to conduct a research operation
US14/015,328 Active US8799054B2 (en) 2005-12-20 2013-08-30 Network-based methods and systems for initiating a research panel of persons operating under a group agreement
US14/698,483 Abandoned US20150242864A1 (en) 2005-12-20 2015-04-28 Methods and systems for conducting research operations

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (9) US8527320B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1977359A4 (en)
KR (4) KR101488317B1 (en)
CN (1) CN101496039A (en)
AU (1) AU2006327157B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2634706A1 (en)
GB (1) GB2448448A (en)
NO (1) NO20083221L (en)
WO (1) WO2007073484A2 (en)

Cited By (106)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080126420A1 (en) * 2006-03-27 2008-05-29 Wright David H Methods and systems to meter media content presented on a wireless communication device
US20080140479A1 (en) * 2006-06-29 2008-06-12 Brian Scott Mello Methods and apparatus to monitor consumer behavior associated with location-based web services
US20080221968A1 (en) * 2007-03-07 2008-09-11 Tamara Gaffney Method and system for interacting with users of portable devices
US20080263579A1 (en) * 2005-10-21 2008-10-23 Mears Paul M Methods and apparatus for metering portable media players
US20090005002A1 (en) * 2006-10-02 2009-01-01 Kanishka Agarwal Method and system for collecting information about portable device usage
US20090024448A1 (en) * 2007-03-29 2009-01-22 Neurofocus, Inc. Protocol generator and presenter device for analysis of marketing and entertainment effectiveness
US20090037575A1 (en) * 2004-03-26 2009-02-05 Crystal Jack C Research data gathering with a portable monitor and a stationary device
US20090171767A1 (en) * 2007-06-29 2009-07-02 Arbitron, Inc. Resource efficient research data gathering using portable monitoring devices
US20090210892A1 (en) * 2008-02-19 2009-08-20 Arun Ramaswamy Methods and apparatus to monitor advertisement exposure
US20090222324A1 (en) * 2008-02-29 2009-09-03 Keith Johnson Systems and methods for consumer price index determination using panel-based and point-of-sale market research data
US20090254851A1 (en) * 2008-04-08 2009-10-08 Techneos Systems Inc. Method and system for conducting a survey by using a wireless device
US20090257620A1 (en) * 2008-04-10 2009-10-15 Michael Alan Hicks Methods and apparatus for auditing signage
US20100077420A1 (en) * 2008-09-19 2010-03-25 Nielsen Christen V Methods and apparatus to detect carrying of a portable audience measurement device
US20100102981A1 (en) * 2008-10-29 2010-04-29 Nielsen Christen V Methods and apparatus to detect carrying of a portable audience measurement device
US20100114668A1 (en) * 2007-04-23 2010-05-06 Integrated Media Measurement, Inc. Determining Relative Effectiveness Of Media Content Items
US7739705B2 (en) 2004-09-27 2010-06-15 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus for using location information to manage spillover in an audience monitoring system
US20100280641A1 (en) * 2009-05-01 2010-11-04 David Henry Harkness Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to provide secondary content in association with primary broadcast media content
US8014726B1 (en) 2006-10-02 2011-09-06 The Nielsen Company (U.S.), Llc Method and system for collecting wireless information transparently and non-intrusively
US20110222528A1 (en) * 2010-03-09 2011-09-15 Jie Chen Methods, systems, and apparatus to synchronize actions of audio source monitors
US8121830B2 (en) 2008-10-24 2012-02-21 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to extract data encoded in media content
US8321556B1 (en) 2007-07-09 2012-11-27 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Method and system for collecting data on a wireless device
US8327396B2 (en) 2006-03-31 2012-12-04 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, systems, and apparatus for multi-purpose metering
US8359205B2 (en) 2008-10-24 2013-01-22 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to perform audio watermarking and watermark detection and extraction
US8386312B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2013-02-26 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Neuro-informatics repository system
US8386313B2 (en) 2007-08-28 2013-02-26 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Stimulus placement system using subject neuro-response measurements
US8392254B2 (en) 2007-08-28 2013-03-05 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Consumer experience assessment system
US8392251B2 (en) 2010-08-09 2013-03-05 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Location aware presentation of stimulus material
US8392250B2 (en) 2010-08-09 2013-03-05 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Neuro-response evaluated stimulus in virtual reality environments
US8392253B2 (en) 2007-05-16 2013-03-05 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Neuro-physiology and neuro-behavioral based stimulus targeting system
US8392255B2 (en) 2007-08-29 2013-03-05 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Content based selection and meta tagging of advertisement breaks
US8396744B2 (en) 2010-08-25 2013-03-12 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Effective virtual reality environments for presentation of marketing materials
US8406341B2 (en) 2004-01-23 2013-03-26 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Variable encoding and detection apparatus and methods
US8467717B2 (en) 2004-01-14 2013-06-18 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Portable audience measurement architectures and methods for portable audience measurement
US8494610B2 (en) 2007-09-20 2013-07-23 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Analysis of marketing and entertainment effectiveness using magnetoencephalography
US8494905B2 (en) 2007-06-06 2013-07-23 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Audience response analysis using simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
US8503991B2 (en) 2008-04-03 2013-08-06 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to monitor mobile devices
US8508357B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2013-08-13 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to encode and decode audio for shopper location and advertisement presentation tracking
US8533042B2 (en) 2007-07-30 2013-09-10 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Neuro-response stimulus and stimulus attribute resonance estimator
US20130262657A1 (en) * 2012-03-30 2013-10-03 Jan Besehanic Methods, apparatus, and machine readable storage media to monitor a media presentation
US8555304B2 (en) 2002-04-22 2013-10-08 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to collect audience information associated with a media presentation
US20130332235A1 (en) * 2012-06-08 2013-12-12 Ipinion, Inc. Optimizing Market Research Based on Mobile Respondent Location
US8635105B2 (en) 2007-08-28 2014-01-21 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Consumer experience portrayal effectiveness assessment system
US8650586B2 (en) 2005-03-17 2014-02-11 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus for using audience member behavior information to determine compliance with audience measurement system usage requirements
US8655428B2 (en) 2010-05-12 2014-02-18 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Neuro-response data synchronization
US8655437B2 (en) 2009-08-21 2014-02-18 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Analysis of the mirror neuron system for evaluation of stimulus
US8677385B2 (en) 2010-09-21 2014-03-18 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, apparatus, and systems to collect audience measurement data
WO2014065931A1 (en) * 2012-10-22 2014-05-01 Arbitron, Inc. Systems and methods for configuring media devices utilizing audio codes or signatures
US8762202B2 (en) 2009-10-29 2014-06-24 The Nielson Company (Us), Llc Intracluster content management using neuro-response priming data
US8885842B2 (en) 2010-12-14 2014-11-11 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to determine locations of audience members
US8918802B2 (en) 2011-02-28 2014-12-23 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to monitor media exposure
US8959016B2 (en) 2002-09-27 2015-02-17 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Activating functions in processing devices using start codes embedded in audio
US8989835B2 (en) 2012-08-17 2015-03-24 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Systems and methods to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data
US9021516B2 (en) 2013-03-01 2015-04-28 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and systems for reducing spillover by measuring a crest factor
US9088821B2 (en) 2003-02-10 2015-07-21 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to adaptively select sensor(s) to gather audience measurement data based on a variable system factor and a quantity of data collectible by the sensors
US9100132B2 (en) 2002-07-26 2015-08-04 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Systems and methods for gathering audience measurement data
US9118960B2 (en) 2013-03-08 2015-08-25 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and systems for reducing spillover by detecting signal distortion
US20150310371A1 (en) * 2014-04-29 2015-10-29 International Business Machines Corporation Spatio-Temporal Key Performance Indicators
US9191704B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2015-11-17 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and systems for reducing crediting errors due to spillover using audio codes and/or signatures
US9197421B2 (en) 2012-05-15 2015-11-24 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media
US9210208B2 (en) 2011-06-21 2015-12-08 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Monitoring streaming media content
US9219928B2 (en) 2013-06-25 2015-12-22 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to characterize households with media meter data
US9219969B2 (en) 2013-03-13 2015-12-22 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and systems for reducing spillover by analyzing sound pressure levels
US9223297B2 (en) 2013-02-28 2015-12-29 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Systems and methods for identifying a user of an electronic device
US9265081B2 (en) 2011-12-16 2016-02-16 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Media exposure and verification utilizing inductive coupling
US9282366B2 (en) 2012-08-13 2016-03-08 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to communicate audience measurement information
WO2013082276A3 (en) * 2011-11-30 2016-04-07 Arbitron, Inc. Tactile and gestational identification and linking to media consumption
US9313286B2 (en) 2011-12-16 2016-04-12 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Media exposure linking utilizing bluetooth signal characteristics
US9313544B2 (en) 2013-02-14 2016-04-12 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media
US9320450B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2016-04-26 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data
US9325381B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2016-04-26 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to monitor mobile devices
US9332035B2 (en) 2013-10-10 2016-05-03 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media
US9336784B2 (en) 2013-07-31 2016-05-10 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Apparatus, system and method for merging code layers for audio encoding and decoding and error correction thereof
US9380356B2 (en) 2011-04-12 2016-06-28 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to generate a tag for media content
US9426525B2 (en) 2013-12-31 2016-08-23 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc. Methods and apparatus to count people in an audience
US9449279B2 (en) 2010-06-24 2016-09-20 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Network server arrangements for processing non-parametric, multi-dimensional, spatial and temporal human behavior or technical observations measured pervasively, and related methods for the same
US9454646B2 (en) 2010-04-19 2016-09-27 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Short imagery task (SIT) research method
US9485534B2 (en) 2012-04-16 2016-11-01 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to detect user attentiveness to handheld computing devices
US9514479B2 (en) 2000-01-12 2016-12-06 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc System and method for estimating prevalence of digital content on the world-wide-web
US9519909B2 (en) 2012-03-01 2016-12-13 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to identify users of handheld computing devices
US9560984B2 (en) 2009-10-29 2017-02-07 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Analysis of controlled and automatic attention for introduction of stimulus material
US9569986B2 (en) 2012-02-27 2017-02-14 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc System and method for gathering and analyzing biometric user feedback for use in social media and advertising applications
US9609034B2 (en) 2002-12-27 2017-03-28 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus for transcoding metadata
US9613363B2 (en) 2010-08-25 2017-04-04 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, systems and apparatus to generate market segmentation data with anonymous location data
US9622703B2 (en) 2014-04-03 2017-04-18 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data
US9667365B2 (en) 2008-10-24 2017-05-30 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to perform audio watermarking and watermark detection and extraction
US9699499B2 (en) 2014-04-30 2017-07-04 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media
US9711153B2 (en) 2002-09-27 2017-07-18 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Activating functions in processing devices using encoded audio and detecting audio signatures
US9711152B2 (en) 2013-07-31 2017-07-18 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Systems apparatus and methods for encoding/decoding persistent universal media codes to encoded audio
US9762965B2 (en) 2015-05-29 2017-09-12 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media
US9848222B2 (en) 2015-07-15 2017-12-19 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to detect spillover
US9886981B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2018-02-06 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Neuro-feedback based stimulus compression device
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
US9936250B2 (en) 2015-05-19 2018-04-03 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to adjust content presented to an individual
US10083459B2 (en) 2014-02-11 2018-09-25 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to generate a media rank
US10169781B1 (en) 2007-03-07 2019-01-01 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Method and system for generating information about portable device advertising
US10885543B1 (en) 2006-12-29 2021-01-05 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Systems and methods to pre-scale media content to facilitate audience measurement
US10963895B2 (en) 2007-09-20 2021-03-30 Nielsen Consumer Llc Personalized content delivery using neuro-response priming data
US10987015B2 (en) 2009-08-24 2021-04-27 Nielsen Consumer Llc Dry electrodes for electroencephalography
US11227291B2 (en) 2007-11-02 2022-01-18 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to perform consumer surveys
US20220101350A1 (en) * 2019-06-26 2022-03-31 Jingdong Technology Holding Co.,Ltd. Information pushing method and apparatus
US11317175B2 (en) 2007-10-06 2022-04-26 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Gathering research data
US11481788B2 (en) 2009-10-29 2022-10-25 Nielsen Consumer Llc Generating ratings predictions using neuro-response data
US11502914B2 (en) 2009-05-08 2022-11-15 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Systems and methods for behavioural and contextual data analytics
US11704681B2 (en) 2009-03-24 2023-07-18 Nielsen Consumer Llc Neurological profiles for market matching and stimulus presentation
US11828769B2 (en) 2011-11-30 2023-11-28 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Multiple meter detection and processing using motion data
US11928707B2 (en) 2023-01-16 2024-03-12 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Systems and methods to pre-scale media content to facilitate audience measurement

Families Citing this family (59)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU2003249319A1 (en) 2003-06-20 2005-01-28 Nielsen Media Research, Inc Signature-based program identification apparatus and methods for use with digital broadcast systems
CN101283346B (en) * 2005-09-02 2012-05-30 尼尔逊媒介研究股份有限公司 Methods and apparatus for metering printed media
US9015740B2 (en) 2005-12-12 2015-04-21 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Systems and methods to wirelessly meter audio/visual devices
KR101488317B1 (en) * 2005-12-20 2015-02-04 아비트론 인코포레이티드 Methods and systems for conducting research operations
WO2008008915A2 (en) 2006-07-12 2008-01-17 Arbitron Inc. Methods and systems for compliance confirmation and incentives
US20120278377A1 (en) * 2006-07-12 2012-11-01 Arbitron, Inc. System and method for determining device compliance and recruitment
US8812355B2 (en) 2007-04-03 2014-08-19 International Business Machines Corporation Generating customized marketing messages for a customer using dynamic customer behavior data
US9685048B2 (en) 2007-04-03 2017-06-20 International Business Machines Corporation Automatically generating an optimal marketing strategy for improving cross sales and upsales of items
US20080249866A1 (en) * 2007-04-03 2008-10-09 Robert Lee Angell Generating customized marketing content for upsale of items
US20080249864A1 (en) * 2007-04-03 2008-10-09 Robert Lee Angell Generating customized marketing content to improve cross sale of related items
US8639563B2 (en) 2007-04-03 2014-01-28 International Business Machines Corporation Generating customized marketing messages at a customer level using current events data
US20080249870A1 (en) * 2007-04-03 2008-10-09 Robert Lee Angell Method and apparatus for decision tree based marketing and selling for a retail store
US9846883B2 (en) 2007-04-03 2017-12-19 International Business Machines Corporation Generating customized marketing messages using automatically generated customer identification data
US9031858B2 (en) 2007-04-03 2015-05-12 International Business Machines Corporation Using biometric data for a customer to improve upsale ad cross-sale of items
US9031857B2 (en) 2007-04-03 2015-05-12 International Business Machines Corporation Generating customized marketing messages at the customer level based on biometric data
US8831972B2 (en) * 2007-04-03 2014-09-09 International Business Machines Corporation Generating a customer risk assessment using dynamic customer data
US9626684B2 (en) 2007-04-03 2017-04-18 International Business Machines Corporation Providing customized digital media marketing content directly to a customer
US20080249858A1 (en) * 2007-04-03 2008-10-09 Robert Lee Angell Automatically generating an optimal marketing model for marketing products to customers
US9092808B2 (en) * 2007-04-03 2015-07-28 International Business Machines Corporation Preferred customer marketing delivery based on dynamic data for a customer
US20080249835A1 (en) * 2007-04-03 2008-10-09 Robert Lee Angell Identifying significant groupings of customers for use in customizing digital media marketing content provided directly to a customer
US8775238B2 (en) 2007-04-03 2014-07-08 International Business Machines Corporation Generating customized disincentive marketing content for a customer based on customer risk assessment
US9361623B2 (en) 2007-04-03 2016-06-07 International Business Machines Corporation Preferred customer marketing delivery based on biometric data for a customer
US20080249865A1 (en) * 2007-04-03 2008-10-09 Robert Lee Angell Recipe and project based marketing and guided selling in a retail store environment
US20090040028A1 (en) * 2007-05-31 2009-02-12 Cms Products Inc System and method for communicating data via a wireless high speed link between mobile computers and archival storage devices
US7908233B2 (en) * 2007-06-29 2011-03-15 International Business Machines Corporation Method and apparatus for implementing digital video modeling to generate an expected behavior model
US7908237B2 (en) * 2007-06-29 2011-03-15 International Business Machines Corporation Method and apparatus for identifying unexpected behavior of a customer in a retail environment using detected location data, temperature, humidity, lighting conditions, music, and odors
US8195499B2 (en) * 2007-09-26 2012-06-05 International Business Machines Corporation Identifying customer behavioral types from a continuous video stream for use in optimizing loss leader merchandizing
AU2008347134A1 (en) * 2007-12-31 2009-07-16 Arbitron, Inc. Survey data acquisition
US9124769B2 (en) 2008-10-31 2015-09-01 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to verify presentation of media content
US10008212B2 (en) * 2009-04-17 2018-06-26 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc System and method for utilizing audio encoding for measuring media exposure with environmental masking
US20100268573A1 (en) * 2009-04-17 2010-10-21 Anand Jain System and method for utilizing supplemental audio beaconing in audience measurement
US8990142B2 (en) * 2009-10-30 2015-03-24 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Distributed audience measurement systems and methods
US20130232198A1 (en) * 2009-12-21 2013-09-05 Arbitron Inc. System and Method for Peer-to-Peer Distribution of Media Exposure Data
US20110153391A1 (en) * 2009-12-21 2011-06-23 Michael Tenbrock Peer-to-peer privacy panel for audience measurement
US9134875B2 (en) 2010-03-23 2015-09-15 VoteBlast, Inc. Enhancing public opinion gathering and dissemination
US8732605B1 (en) 2010-03-23 2014-05-20 VoteBlast, Inc. Various methods and apparatuses for enhancing public opinion gathering and dissemination
US20120130770A1 (en) * 2010-11-19 2012-05-24 Heffernan James W Method and apparatus to monitor human activities in students' housing
WO2013003643A2 (en) * 2011-06-28 2013-01-03 Mullin Terence J Information management software and method
US9967365B2 (en) 2011-06-28 2018-05-08 Viridistor, LLC Information management software and method
US20130132152A1 (en) * 2011-07-18 2013-05-23 Seema V. Srivastava Methods and apparatus to determine media impressions
US9332363B2 (en) 2011-12-30 2016-05-03 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc System and method for determining meter presence utilizing ambient fingerprints
US9339691B2 (en) 2012-01-05 2016-05-17 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. System and method for controlling an exercise device
KR101273535B1 (en) * 2012-06-14 2013-06-17 삼성에스디에스 주식회사 Polling system using presentation material, polling method thereof and storage medium storing plug-in program for generating the presentation material
US8874924B2 (en) 2012-11-07 2014-10-28 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to identify media
AU2013203768B2 (en) 2013-03-07 2016-05-05 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to monitor media presentations
WO2014153158A1 (en) 2013-03-14 2014-09-25 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Strength training apparatus with flywheel and related methods
CN105848733B (en) 2013-12-26 2018-02-13 爱康保健健身有限公司 Magnetic resistance mechanism in hawser apparatus
US10433612B2 (en) 2014-03-10 2019-10-08 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Pressure sensor to quantify work
WO2015191445A1 (en) 2014-06-09 2015-12-17 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Cable system incorporated into a treadmill
WO2015195965A1 (en) 2014-06-20 2015-12-23 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Post workout massage device
CN106797507A (en) 2014-10-02 2017-05-31 美商楼氏电子有限公司 Low-power acoustic apparatus and operating method
US20160097855A1 (en) * 2014-10-02 2016-04-07 Knowles Electronics, Llc Acoustic apparatus with ultrasonic detector
US10391361B2 (en) 2015-02-27 2019-08-27 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Simulating real-world terrain on an exercise device
US10625137B2 (en) 2016-03-18 2020-04-21 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Coordinated displays in an exercise device
US10272317B2 (en) 2016-03-18 2019-04-30 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Lighted pace feature in a treadmill
US10493349B2 (en) 2016-03-18 2019-12-03 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Display on exercise device
US10671705B2 (en) 2016-09-28 2020-06-02 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Customizing recipe recommendations
US9936249B1 (en) 2016-11-04 2018-04-03 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to measure audience composition and recruit audience measurement panelists
IT201700030441A1 (en) * 2017-03-21 2018-09-21 Davide Antonio Stanca Device and method for recording payments

Citations (93)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2662168A (en) * 1946-11-09 1953-12-08 Serge A Scherbatskoy System of determining the listening habits of wave signal receiver users
US3919479A (en) * 1972-09-21 1975-11-11 First National Bank Of Boston Broadcast signal identification system
US4230990A (en) * 1979-03-16 1980-10-28 Lert John G Jr Broadcast program identification method and system
US4450551A (en) * 1981-06-19 1984-05-22 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Keel-tipped stylus, and method and device for making keel-tipped stylus
US4578700A (en) * 1983-05-25 1986-03-25 Agb Research Plc Apparatus for storing data relating to television viewing
US4677466A (en) * 1985-07-29 1987-06-30 A. C. Nielsen Company Broadcast program identification method and apparatus
US4697209A (en) * 1984-04-26 1987-09-29 A. C. Nielsen Company Methods and apparatus for automatically identifying programs viewed or recorded
US4718106A (en) * 1986-05-12 1988-01-05 Weinblatt Lee S Survey of radio audience
US4739398A (en) * 1986-05-02 1988-04-19 Control Data Corporation Method, apparatus and system for recognizing broadcast segments
US4843562A (en) * 1987-06-24 1989-06-27 Broadcast Data Systems Limited Partnership Broadcast information classification system and method
US4918730A (en) * 1987-06-24 1990-04-17 Media Control-Musik-Medien-Analysen Gesellschaft Mit Beschrankter Haftung Process and circuit arrangement for the automatic recognition of signal sequences
US4930011A (en) * 1988-08-02 1990-05-29 A. C. Nielsen Company Method and apparatus for identifying individual members of a marketing and viewing audience
US4955070A (en) * 1988-06-29 1990-09-04 Viewfacts, Inc. Apparatus and method for automatically monitoring broadcast band listening habits
US5023929A (en) * 1988-09-15 1991-06-11 Npd Research, Inc. Audio frequency based market survey method
US5214793A (en) * 1991-03-15 1993-05-25 Pulse-Com Corporation Electronic billboard and vehicle traffic control communication system
US5319735A (en) * 1991-12-17 1994-06-07 Bolt Beranek And Newman Inc. Embedded signalling
US5382970A (en) * 1991-07-19 1995-01-17 Kiefl; John B. Television viewer monitoring system including portable data meter for each viewer
US5450490A (en) * 1994-03-31 1995-09-12 The Arbitron Company Apparatus and methods for including codes in audio signals and decoding
US5457807A (en) * 1994-03-21 1995-10-10 Weinblatt; Lee S. Technique for surveying a radio or a television audience
US5461390A (en) * 1994-05-27 1995-10-24 At&T Ipm Corp. Locator device useful for house arrest and stalker detection
US5483276A (en) * 1993-08-02 1996-01-09 The Arbitron Company Compliance incentives for audience monitoring/recording devices
US5510828A (en) * 1994-03-01 1996-04-23 Lutterbach; R. Steven Interactive video display system
US5512933A (en) * 1992-10-15 1996-04-30 Taylor Nelson Agb Plc Identifying a received programme stream
US5541585A (en) * 1994-10-11 1996-07-30 Stanley Home Automation Security system for controlling building access
US5579124A (en) * 1992-11-16 1996-11-26 The Arbitron Company Method and apparatus for encoding/decoding broadcast or recorded segments and monitoring audience exposure thereto
US5594934A (en) * 1994-09-21 1997-01-14 A.C. Nielsen Company Real time correlation meter
US5612729A (en) * 1992-04-30 1997-03-18 The Arbitron Company Method and system for producing a signature characterizing an audio broadcast signal
US5612741A (en) * 1993-11-05 1997-03-18 Curtis Mathes Marketing Corporation Video billboard
US5630203A (en) * 1993-01-12 1997-05-13 Weinblatt; Lee S. Technique for surveying a radio or a television audience
US5687191A (en) * 1995-12-06 1997-11-11 Solana Technology Development Corporation Post-compression hidden data transport
US5737025A (en) * 1995-02-28 1998-04-07 Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Co-channel transmission of program signals and ancillary signals
US5787334A (en) * 1991-09-30 1998-07-28 Ceridian Corporation Method and apparatus for automatically identifying a program including a sound signal
US5828325A (en) * 1996-04-03 1998-10-27 Aris Technologies, Inc. Apparatus and method for encoding and decoding information in analog signals
US5848129A (en) * 1996-11-05 1998-12-08 Baker; Earl Electronic billboard with telephone call-in control
US5923252A (en) * 1995-04-06 1999-07-13 Marvel Corporation Pty Limited Audio/visual marketing device and marketing system
US5945932A (en) * 1997-10-30 1999-08-31 Audiotrack Corporation Technique for embedding a code in an audio signal and for detecting the embedded code
US5966696A (en) * 1998-04-14 1999-10-12 Infovation System for tracking consumer exposure and for exposing consumers to different advertisements
US6154484A (en) * 1995-09-06 2000-11-28 Solana Technology Development Corporation Method and apparatus for embedding auxiliary data in a primary data signal using frequency and time domain processing
US6175627B1 (en) * 1997-05-19 2001-01-16 Verance Corporation Apparatus and method for embedding and extracting information in analog signals using distributed signal features
US6252522B1 (en) * 1998-05-28 2001-06-26 Solana Technology Development Corporation Billboard consumption measurement system
US6266442B1 (en) * 1998-10-23 2001-07-24 Facet Technology Corp. Method and apparatus for identifying objects depicted in a videostream
US6286005B1 (en) * 1998-03-11 2001-09-04 Cannon Holdings, L.L.C. Method and apparatus for analyzing data and advertising optimization
US6294999B1 (en) * 1999-12-29 2001-09-25 Becton, Dickinson And Company Systems and methods for monitoring patient compliance with medication regimens
US20010042002A1 (en) * 1999-08-30 2001-11-15 Jeff Koopersmith Method and system for communicating targeted information
US20010053190A1 (en) * 1998-07-16 2001-12-20 Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Broadcast encoding system and method
US20010056374A1 (en) * 2000-06-22 2001-12-27 Joao Raymond Anthony Apparatus and method for providing compensation for advertisement viewing and/or participation and/or for survey participation
US20020032771A1 (en) * 2000-07-20 2002-03-14 Trond Gledje Event-based advertisements
US6360167B1 (en) * 1999-01-29 2002-03-19 Magellan Dis, Inc. Vehicle navigation system with location-based multi-media annotation
US20020035474A1 (en) * 2000-07-18 2002-03-21 Ahmet Alpdemir Voice-interactive marketplace providing time and money saving benefits and real-time promotion publishing and feedback
US20020049628A1 (en) * 2000-10-23 2002-04-25 West William T. System and method providing automated and interactive consumer information gathering
US20020052778A1 (en) * 1999-12-13 2002-05-02 Murphy Thomas P. System and method for providing incentives to purchasers
US6396413B2 (en) * 1999-03-11 2002-05-28 Telephonics Corporation Personal alarm monitor system
US20020091569A1 (en) * 2000-08-01 2002-07-11 Keiko Kitaura Electronic coupon system
US20020097193A1 (en) * 2001-01-23 2002-07-25 Freecar Media System and method to increase the efficiency of outdoor advertising
US20020108125A1 (en) * 2001-02-07 2002-08-08 Joao Raymond Anthony Apparatus and method for facilitating viewer or listener interaction
US20020107027A1 (en) * 2000-12-06 2002-08-08 O'neil Joseph Thomas Targeted advertising for commuters with mobile IP terminals
US20020128898A1 (en) * 1998-03-02 2002-09-12 Leroy Smith Dynamically assigning a survey to a respondent
US20020133402A1 (en) * 2001-03-13 2002-09-19 Scott Faber Apparatus and method for recruiting, communicating with, and paying participants of interactive advertising
US20020138848A1 (en) * 2001-02-02 2002-09-26 Rachad Alao Service gateway for interactive television
US20020143563A1 (en) * 2001-04-02 2002-10-03 Hufford Michael R. System for clinical trial subject compliance
US20020143607A1 (en) * 2001-03-29 2002-10-03 Connelly Jay H. System and method for transparently obtaining customer preferences to refine product features or marketing focus
US6484148B1 (en) * 2000-02-19 2002-11-19 John E. Boyd Electronic advertising device and method of using the same
US20020178060A1 (en) * 2001-05-25 2002-11-28 Sheehan Patrick M. System and method for providing and redeeming electronic paperless coupons
US20030005430A1 (en) * 2001-06-29 2003-01-02 Kolessar Ronald S. Media data use measurement with remote decoding/pattern matching
US6507802B1 (en) * 2000-02-16 2003-01-14 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Mobile user collaborator discovery method and apparatus
US20030032409A1 (en) * 2001-03-16 2003-02-13 Hutcheson Stewart Douglas Method and system for distributing content over a wireless communications system
US20030036683A1 (en) * 2000-05-01 2003-02-20 Kehr Bruce A. Method, system and computer program product for internet-enabled, patient monitoring system
US20030055707A1 (en) * 1999-09-22 2003-03-20 Frederick D. Busche Method and system for integrating spatial analysis and data mining analysis to ascertain favorable positioning of products in a retail environment
US20030063072A1 (en) * 2000-04-04 2003-04-03 Brandenberg Carl Brock Method and apparatus for scheduling presentation of digital content on a personal communication device
US6546257B1 (en) * 2000-01-31 2003-04-08 Kavin K. Stewart Providing promotional material based on repeated travel patterns
US20030097302A1 (en) * 2001-11-21 2003-05-22 Overhultz Gary L. Advertising compliance monitoring system
US6571279B1 (en) * 1997-12-05 2003-05-27 Pinpoint Incorporated Location enhanced information delivery system
US20030125958A1 (en) * 2001-06-19 2003-07-03 Ahmet Alpdemir Voice-interactive marketplace providing time and money saving benefits and real-time promotion publishing and feedback
US20030200137A1 (en) * 2002-03-05 2003-10-23 Drummond Jill A. Novel system and method for polling a group
US20030236712A1 (en) * 2002-06-25 2003-12-25 American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. System and method for distributing vouchers
US20040098306A1 (en) * 2002-09-30 2004-05-20 Fitzpatrick Brian F. Platform system and method for extending sales and use of a resource of motivational programs
US20040117246A1 (en) * 2002-11-07 2004-06-17 Applebaum Ted H. Navigation and promotion distribution system
US20040236607A1 (en) * 2003-05-22 2004-11-25 Medmanage Systems, Inc. Architecture for orchestrating promotional services
US20050015307A1 (en) * 2003-04-28 2005-01-20 Simpson Todd Garrett Method and system of providing location sensitive business information to customers
US20050096975A1 (en) * 2003-11-05 2005-05-05 Eliahu Moshe Method and system for interactive advertisement
US20050216346A1 (en) * 2000-05-15 2005-09-29 Avatizing, Llc System and method for consumer-selected advertising and branding in interactive media
US20050234771A1 (en) * 2004-02-03 2005-10-20 Linwood Register Method and system for providing intelligent in-store couponing
US20050278215A1 (en) * 2003-03-14 2005-12-15 Seele Jr Norvell D Consumer reward system
US20060004631A1 (en) * 2003-09-11 2006-01-05 Roberts Gregory B Method and system for generating real-time directions associated with product promotions
US20060015404A1 (en) * 2004-05-28 2006-01-19 Infinian Corporation Service provider system and method for marketing programs
US20060047573A1 (en) * 2004-08-26 2006-03-02 True Resources, Llc Coupon and sweepstakes dispensing system and method of use
US20060053049A1 (en) * 2004-09-04 2006-03-09 Nolan Brian A Process for delivering a menu of media and computer options potentially at no cost to consumers in exchange for viewing interactive advertisements
US20060122905A1 (en) * 1998-06-11 2006-06-08 Nuworld Marketing Ltd. Wireless system for recording, transmitting and receiving messages on a consumer accessible receiver
US20060167971A1 (en) * 2004-12-30 2006-07-27 Sheldon Breiner System and method for collecting and disseminating human-observable data
US20060227944A1 (en) * 2005-04-12 2006-10-12 Sbc Knowledge Ventures Lp Method and apparatus for managing surveys across service centers
US7197534B2 (en) * 1998-09-01 2007-03-27 Big Fix, Inc. Method and apparatus for inspecting the properties of a computer
US20070107008A1 (en) * 2005-10-18 2007-05-10 Radiostat, Llc, System for gathering and recording real-time market survey and other data from radio listeners and television viewers utilizing telephones including wireless cell phones
US7280975B1 (en) * 2000-07-24 2007-10-09 Donner Irah H System and method for determining and/or transmitting and/or establishing communication with a mobile device user for providing, for example, concessions, tournaments, competitions, matching, reallocating, upgrading, selling tickets, other event admittance means, goods and/or services

Family Cites Families (197)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US538970A (en) * 1895-05-07 Convertible carriage
US3585599A (en) 1968-07-09 1971-06-15 Ibm Universal system service adapter
US5359697A (en) 1985-03-25 1994-10-25 Trw Inc. Fuzzy associative memory
US4695879A (en) 1986-02-07 1987-09-22 Weinblatt Lee S Television viewer meter
DE3751518T2 (en) * 1986-08-01 1996-03-28 Ikegami Tsushinki Kk ARRANGEMENT FOR COLLECTING TELEVISION CHANNEL DATA AND MARKET RESEARCH DATA.
JPS6416054A (en) * 1987-07-09 1989-01-19 Nec Corp Maintenance device for mobile telephone system
US4858000A (en) * 1988-09-14 1989-08-15 A. C. Nielsen Company Image recognition audience measurement system and method
KR100191811B1 (en) 1989-10-24 1999-06-15 이브 오드베르 Portable electronic device to establish public loyalty to a medium or similar
AU7224491A (en) 1990-01-18 1991-08-05 Elliott D Blatt Method and apparatus for broadcast media audience measurement
US5031204A (en) * 1990-02-13 1991-07-09 Gte Mobile Communications Service Corporation Interactive diagnostic system for cellular telephones
CA2041210C (en) 1991-04-25 1998-12-29 Michel Dufresne Television audience data gathering
WO1994017609A1 (en) 1991-07-19 1994-08-04 John Barrett Kiefl Television viewer monitoring system
US5740035A (en) * 1991-07-23 1998-04-14 Control Data Corporation Self-administered survey systems, methods and devices
ZA929925B (en) 1991-12-20 1994-09-21 Zietsman David Wallace Data communications systems
US5724357A (en) 1992-01-28 1998-03-03 Fleetwood Group, Inc. Remote response system and data transfer protocol
US7316025B1 (en) * 1992-11-16 2008-01-01 Arbitron Inc. Method and apparatus for encoding/decoding broadcast or recorded segments and monitoring audience exposure thereto
US5394461A (en) * 1993-05-11 1995-02-28 At&T Corp. Telemetry feature protocol expansion
US5382983A (en) * 1993-07-29 1995-01-17 Kwoh; Daniel S. Apparatus and method for total parental control of television use
US5481294A (en) 1993-10-27 1996-01-02 A. C. Nielsen Company Audience measurement system utilizing ancillary codes and passive signatures
DE69532596T2 (en) 1994-05-09 2004-08-05 Canon K.K. Method for controlling the power supply in a multi-process operating environment
EP0713335A2 (en) 1994-11-15 1996-05-22 AT&T Corp. System and method for wireless capture of encoded data transmitted with a television, video or audio signal and subsequent initiation of a transaction using such data
CA2136054C (en) 1994-11-17 2005-06-21 Liechti Ag Method and device for the determination of radio and television users behaviour
US5720200A (en) * 1995-01-06 1998-02-24 Anderson; Kenneth J. Performance measuring footwear
US5629739A (en) 1995-03-06 1997-05-13 A.C. Nielsen Company Apparatus and method for injecting an ancillary signal into a low energy density portion of a color television frequency spectrum
US5621793A (en) * 1995-05-05 1997-04-15 Rubin, Bednarek & Associates, Inc. TV set top box using GPS
US5768680A (en) * 1995-05-05 1998-06-16 Thomas; C. David Media monitor
US6157413A (en) 1995-11-20 2000-12-05 United Video Properties, Inc. Interactive special events video signal navigation system
US5848396A (en) * 1996-04-26 1998-12-08 Freedom Of Information, Inc. Method and apparatus for determining behavioral profile of a computer user
JPH1028297A (en) 1996-07-12 1998-01-27 Toshiba Corp Bi-directional remote controller
US6108637A (en) * 1996-09-03 2000-08-22 Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Content display monitor
US6647548B1 (en) 1996-09-06 2003-11-11 Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Coded/non-coded program audience measurement system
US6958710B2 (en) * 2002-12-24 2005-10-25 Arbitron Inc. Universal display media exposure measurement
US7607147B1 (en) * 1996-12-11 2009-10-20 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Interactive service device metering systems
FR2757664B1 (en) * 1996-12-24 1999-01-22 Bull Cp8 TERMINAL AND SELF-DIAGNOSIS OR MONITORING METHOD AND PORTABLE OBJECT USED IN SUCH A TERMINAL OR METHOD
US5959529A (en) * 1997-03-07 1999-09-28 Kail, Iv; Karl A. Reprogrammable remote sensor monitoring system
US6353929B1 (en) * 1997-06-23 2002-03-05 One River Worldtrek, Inc. Cooperative system for measuring electronic media
ES2190578T3 (en) 1997-06-23 2003-08-01 Liechti Ag METHOD FOR THE COMPRESSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE RECORDINGS, METHOD FOR DETECTION OF THE SAME PROGRAM ELEMENTS, DEVICE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR APPLICATION.
US6493652B1 (en) 1997-10-02 2002-12-10 Personal Electronic Devices, Inc. Monitoring activity of a user in locomotion on foot
US6611789B1 (en) 1997-10-02 2003-08-26 Personal Electric Devices, Inc. Monitoring activity of a user in locomotion on foot
US6018705A (en) * 1997-10-02 2000-01-25 Personal Electronic Devices, Inc. Measuring foot contact time and foot loft time of a person in locomotion
US6898550B1 (en) * 1997-10-02 2005-05-24 Fitsense Technology, Inc. Monitoring activity of a user in locomotion on foot
US6882955B1 (en) * 1997-10-02 2005-04-19 Fitsense Technology, Inc. Monitoring activity of a user in locomotion on foot
US6298314B1 (en) 1997-10-02 2001-10-02 Personal Electronic Devices, Inc. Detecting the starting and stopping of movement of a person on foot
US6636489B1 (en) 1997-11-03 2003-10-21 Bell South Wireless Data. L.P. Wireless management system and a method for an automated over-the-air managing process for wireless communication device
US6467089B1 (en) 1997-12-23 2002-10-15 Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Audience measurement system incorporating a mobile handset
US6097441A (en) 1997-12-31 2000-08-01 Eremote, Inc. System for dual-display interaction with integrated television and internet content
US6128608A (en) 1998-05-01 2000-10-03 Barnhill Technologies, Llc Enhancing knowledge discovery using multiple support vector machines
EP1043854B1 (en) * 1998-05-12 2008-01-02 Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Audience measurement system for digital television
US6434614B1 (en) 1998-05-29 2002-08-13 Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Tracking of internet advertisements using banner tags
CA2247706C (en) * 1998-06-23 2010-11-23 Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Use of browser history file to determine web site reach
US6327619B1 (en) 1998-07-08 2001-12-04 Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Metering of internet content using a control
US6898762B2 (en) * 1998-08-21 2005-05-24 United Video Properties, Inc. Client-server electronic program guide
US6327570B1 (en) 1998-11-06 2001-12-04 Dian Stevens Personal business service system and method
US6298348B1 (en) * 1998-12-03 2001-10-02 Expanse Networks, Inc. Consumer profiling system
US20020059218A1 (en) * 1999-01-26 2002-05-16 Katherine Grace August System and method for obtaining real time survey information for media programming using input device
MX231727B (en) * 1999-02-25 2005-11-01 Macrovision Corp Method and apparatus for enhanced audio/video services with watermarks and associated data.
FI113821B (en) * 1999-03-29 2004-06-15 Nokia Corp Method and arrangement for measuring and optimizing general communication quality in a digital cellular radio system
JP2000307530A (en) 1999-04-21 2000-11-02 Takahiro Yasuhoso Wearable audience rate meter system
AUPQ439299A0 (en) * 1999-12-01 1999-12-23 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd Interface system
US6871180B1 (en) 1999-05-25 2005-03-22 Arbitron Inc. Decoding of information in audio signals
US7284255B1 (en) * 1999-06-18 2007-10-16 Steven G. Apel Audience survey system, and system and methods for compressing and correlating audio signals
US20050038819A1 (en) * 2000-04-21 2005-02-17 Hicken Wendell T. Music Recommendation system and method
US6873688B1 (en) * 1999-09-30 2005-03-29 Oy Riddes Ltd. Method for carrying out questionnaire based survey in cellular radio system, a cellular radio system and a base station
US20030216961A1 (en) * 2002-05-16 2003-11-20 Douglas Barry Personalized gaming and demographic collection method and apparatus
US6577713B1 (en) * 1999-10-08 2003-06-10 Iquest Technologies, Inc. Method of creating a telephone data capturing system
US20040205065A1 (en) * 2000-02-10 2004-10-14 Petras Gregory J. System for creating and maintaining a database of information utilizing user opinions
US6615038B1 (en) * 2000-04-28 2003-09-02 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. System and method for automatically creating and updating a mobile station configuration database in a wireless network
US20060122474A1 (en) * 2000-06-16 2006-06-08 Bodymedia, Inc. Apparatus for monitoring health, wellness and fitness
US6879652B1 (en) * 2000-07-14 2005-04-12 Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Method for encoding an input signal
US6731952B2 (en) * 2000-07-27 2004-05-04 Eastman Kodak Company Mobile telephone system having a detachable camera / battery module
US6990453B2 (en) * 2000-07-31 2006-01-24 Landmark Digital Services Llc System and methods for recognizing sound and music signals in high noise and distortion
JP2002051274A (en) 2000-07-31 2002-02-15 Aiwa Co Ltd Satellite digital broadcast reception system
WO2002013396A2 (en) 2000-08-03 2002-02-14 Apel Steven G Audience survey system and method
US6647269B2 (en) * 2000-08-07 2003-11-11 Telcontar Method and system for analyzing advertisements delivered to a mobile unit
US6754470B2 (en) 2000-09-01 2004-06-22 Telephia, Inc. System and method for measuring wireless device and network usage and performance metrics
JP2002077212A (en) * 2000-09-01 2002-03-15 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Optical multi-branch communication system
US6745011B1 (en) 2000-09-01 2004-06-01 Telephia, Inc. System and method for measuring wireless device and network usage and performance metrics
US6580916B1 (en) * 2000-09-15 2003-06-17 Motorola, Inc. Service framework for evaluating remote services based upon transport characteristics
AU2002215963A1 (en) 2000-10-20 2002-04-29 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) Compensation for time drift in a digital communication system
EP1928109B1 (en) 2000-11-30 2012-05-23 Intrasonics S.A.R.L. Cellular telephone for collecting audience survey data
US20020112048A1 (en) 2000-12-11 2002-08-15 Francois Gruyer System and method for providing behavioral information of a user accessing on-line resources
US7171331B2 (en) * 2001-12-17 2007-01-30 Phatrat Technology, Llc Shoes employing monitoring devices, and associated methods
US20020169835A1 (en) * 2000-12-30 2002-11-14 Imarcsgroup.Com,Llc E-mail communications system, method and program
US8316390B2 (en) * 2001-01-22 2012-11-20 Zeidman Robert M Method for advertisers to sponsor broadcasts without commercials
GB0105493D0 (en) * 2001-03-06 2001-04-25 Cellular Design Services Ltd Method of cell site location in a cellular mobile network
US20020133393A1 (en) 2001-03-15 2002-09-19 Hidenori Tatsumi Viewing information collection system and method using data braodcasting, and broadcast receiver, viewing information server, shop terminal, and advertiser terminal used therein
US6934508B2 (en) * 2001-03-19 2005-08-23 Navigaug Inc. System and method for obtaining comprehensive vehicle radio listener statistics
CH695526A5 (en) * 2001-03-20 2006-06-15 Supercomputing Systems Ag A method and installation for the measurement of audience ratings.
CN1231077C (en) * 2001-04-25 2005-12-07 塞尔蒂克技术有限公司 Mobile cellular telecommunications infrastructure based multi-user applications
US20020169665A1 (en) * 2001-05-10 2002-11-14 The Procter & Gamble Company In-channel marketing and product testing system
US7006982B2 (en) * 2001-05-15 2006-02-28 Sorensen Associates Inc. Purchase selection behavior analysis system and method utilizing a visibility measure
JP3689021B2 (en) 2001-05-25 2005-08-31 三菱電機株式会社 Timing control apparatus and timing control method
GB2377758B (en) * 2001-07-19 2005-03-16 Advanced Technical Projects Lt Portable survey device
JP2003058652A (en) * 2001-08-20 2003-02-28 Tsubasa System Co Ltd Optimizing method for operation procedure manual
US20030040344A1 (en) * 2001-08-23 2003-02-27 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Power caching pan architecture
US6920328B2 (en) * 2001-08-30 2005-07-19 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Family calendar notification and tracking
US6862355B2 (en) * 2001-09-07 2005-03-01 Arbitron Inc. Message reconstruction from partial detection
US20030110503A1 (en) * 2001-10-25 2003-06-12 Perkes Ronald M. System, method and computer program product for presenting media to a user in a media on demand framework
JP2003173385A (en) * 2001-12-05 2003-06-20 Fukui Computer Kk Investigation method
JP4039851B2 (en) 2001-12-07 2008-01-30 株式会社エヌ・ティ・ティ・ドコモ Mobile communication terminal, application program execution state control method, application program, and record recording application program
US7392392B2 (en) * 2001-12-13 2008-06-24 Digimarc Corporation Forensic digital watermarking with variable orientation and protocols
US20050071863A1 (en) * 2001-12-21 2005-03-31 Matz William R. System and method for storing and distributing television viewing patterns form a clearinghouse
WO2003061285A2 (en) 2001-12-24 2003-07-24 Scientific Generics Limited Captioning system
US7038619B2 (en) * 2001-12-31 2006-05-02 Rdp Associates, Incorporated Satellite positioning system enabled media measurement system and method
US20030130862A1 (en) * 2002-01-09 2003-07-10 Stern Edith H. Method and apparatus for establishing a distribution network
US20040236621A1 (en) * 2002-02-07 2004-11-25 Eder Jeff Scott Business context layer
US6720876B1 (en) * 2002-02-14 2004-04-13 Interval Research Corporation Untethered position tracking system
US7353184B2 (en) * 2002-03-07 2008-04-01 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Customer-side market segmentation
US7181159B2 (en) * 2002-03-07 2007-02-20 Breen Julian H Method and apparatus for monitoring audio listening
US7471987B2 (en) * 2002-03-08 2008-12-30 Arbitron, Inc. Determining location of an audience member having a portable media monitor
US6751295B2 (en) 2002-04-03 2004-06-15 Criterion Wireless Corp. Method and apparatus for measuring communication market statistics
US20050181722A1 (en) 2002-04-22 2005-08-18 Toni Kopra Method, system and user terminal for collecting information on audience of broadcast media stream
MXPA04010349A (en) * 2002-04-22 2005-06-08 Nielsen Media Res Inc Methods and apparatus to collect audience information associated with a media presentation.
JP3885657B2 (en) * 2002-05-10 2007-02-21 Kddi株式会社 Receiver for correcting frequency error of OFDM signal
US7015817B2 (en) * 2002-05-14 2006-03-21 Shuan Michael Copley Personal tracking device
US20040005900A1 (en) * 2002-07-05 2004-01-08 Martin Zilliacus Mobile terminal interactivity with multimedia programming
US20040010418A1 (en) * 2002-07-10 2004-01-15 Buonocore Marc A. Method and system for increasing the efficacy of a clinical trial
US6970698B2 (en) 2002-07-23 2005-11-29 Sbc Technology Resources, Inc. System and method for updating data in remote devices
US7239981B2 (en) * 2002-07-26 2007-07-03 Arbitron Inc. Systems and methods for gathering audience measurement data
US7627872B2 (en) * 2002-07-26 2009-12-01 Arbitron Inc. Media data usage measurement and reporting systems and methods
US7222071B2 (en) * 2002-09-27 2007-05-22 Arbitron Inc. Audio data receipt/exposure measurement with code monitoring and signature extraction
AU2003294702A1 (en) * 2002-10-22 2004-05-13 Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab Battery supply for headset system
US6862253B2 (en) * 2002-10-23 2005-03-01 Robert L. Blosser Sonic identification system and method
US6845360B2 (en) 2002-11-22 2005-01-18 Arbitron Inc. Encoding multiple messages in audio data and detecting same
US20040215701A1 (en) * 2002-12-23 2004-10-28 Sasha Vrajich Mobile contractor performance evaluation system and method
KR20040068743A (en) * 2003-01-27 2004-08-02 엔에이치엔(주) Method and System for providing Online Questionnaire and Target-Marketing Service
US7965851B2 (en) * 2003-03-21 2011-06-21 Gn Resound A/S Modular wireless auditory test instrument with intelligent transducers
US7917130B1 (en) * 2003-03-21 2011-03-29 Stratosaudio, Inc. Broadcast response method and system
US7522908B2 (en) * 2003-04-21 2009-04-21 Airdefense, Inc. Systems and methods for wireless network site survey
US20040252816A1 (en) 2003-06-13 2004-12-16 Christophe Nicolas Mobile phone sample survey method
FI20030998A0 (en) * 2003-07-02 2003-07-02 Nokia Corp Network measurements in a radio telecommunications network
US6882951B2 (en) 2003-07-07 2005-04-19 Dell Products L.P. Method and system for information handling system automated and distributed test
US7592908B2 (en) * 2003-08-13 2009-09-22 Arbitron, Inc. Universal display exposure monitor using personal locator service
DE10348458A1 (en) * 2003-10-14 2005-05-19 Arlow Pieniak Conducting surveys with test persons via telecommunications network involves sending question(s)by data transmission to mobile telecommunications device, test person entering response at mobile telecommunications device
WO2005041109A2 (en) * 2003-10-17 2005-05-06 Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Methods and apparatus for identifiying audio/video content using temporal signal characteristics
WO2005071961A1 (en) 2004-01-14 2005-08-04 Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Portable audience measurement architectures and methods for portable audience measurement
CA2543017C (en) 2003-10-17 2013-11-26 Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Portable multi-purpose audience measurement system
US7155305B2 (en) * 2003-11-04 2006-12-26 Universal Electronics Inc. System and methods for home appliance identification and control in a networked environment
US7784069B2 (en) * 2003-12-01 2010-08-24 International Business Machines Corporation Selecting divergent storylines using branching techniques
US20060095628A1 (en) * 2003-12-19 2006-05-04 Microsoft Corporation External-Network Data Content Exposure to Network-Connected Devices
US20050267605A1 (en) 2004-01-07 2005-12-01 Lee Paul K Home entertainment, security, surveillance, and automation control system
US8023882B2 (en) * 2004-01-14 2011-09-20 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc. Portable audience measurement architectures and methods for portable audience measurement
US7672677B2 (en) * 2004-01-16 2010-03-02 Compasscom Software Corporation Method and system to transfer and to display location information about an object
US6947466B2 (en) 2004-01-29 2005-09-20 Coherent, Inc. Optically pumped edge-emitting semiconductor laser
US7716291B2 (en) 2004-02-03 2010-05-11 Joel Thorson Method and apparatus for a message targeting and filtering database system
US20050186905A1 (en) 2004-02-24 2005-08-25 Tracy James L. Independently actuating electronic components and method of operating therefor
EP1569067A1 (en) 2004-02-24 2005-08-31 Research In Motion Limited Handheld electronic device having a battery compartment door that includes a camera
JP2005260728A (en) * 2004-03-12 2005-09-22 Ntt Docomo Inc Mobile terminal, viewing and listening information collection system, and viewing and listening information collection method
US7398469B2 (en) 2004-03-12 2008-07-08 United Parcel Of America, Inc. Automated test system for testing an application running in a windows-based environment and related methods
US7463143B2 (en) * 2004-03-15 2008-12-09 Arbioran Methods and systems for gathering market research data within commercial establishments
US8229469B2 (en) * 2004-03-15 2012-07-24 Arbitron Inc. Methods and systems for mapping locations of wireless transmitters for use in gathering market research data
US20050203798A1 (en) * 2004-03-15 2005-09-15 Jensen James M. Methods and systems for gathering market research data
US7420464B2 (en) * 2004-03-15 2008-09-02 Arbitron, Inc. Methods and systems for gathering market research data inside and outside commercial establishments
DK1776688T3 (en) * 2004-03-19 2013-06-10 Arbitron Inc Collect data regarding the use of a publication
US7483975B2 (en) 2004-03-26 2009-01-27 Arbitron, Inc. Systems and methods for gathering data concerning usage of media data
US8135606B2 (en) 2004-04-15 2012-03-13 Arbitron, Inc. Gathering data concerning publication usage and exposure to products and/or presence in commercial establishment
US20050267750A1 (en) * 2004-05-27 2005-12-01 Anonymous Media, Llc Media usage monitoring and measurement system and method
CN102592638A (en) 2004-07-02 2012-07-18 尼尔逊媒介研究股份有限公司 Method and apparatus for mixing compressed digital bit streams
WO2006014344A2 (en) 2004-07-02 2006-02-09 Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Wireless monitors for audience measurement and methods of determining a distance between a wireless monitor and an informaiton presenting device
WO2006023770A2 (en) 2004-08-18 2006-03-02 Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Methods and apparatus for generating signatures
US7623823B2 (en) 2004-08-31 2009-11-24 Integrated Media Measurement, Inc. Detecting and measuring exposure to media content items
US7914468B2 (en) * 2004-09-22 2011-03-29 Svip 4 Llc Systems and methods for monitoring and modifying behavior
US20060075111A1 (en) * 2004-09-30 2006-04-06 Mosen Auryan Virtual internet based PC service for households
US20060074883A1 (en) * 2004-10-05 2006-04-06 Microsoft Corporation Systems, methods, and interfaces for providing personalized search and information access
EP1829368B1 (en) * 2004-11-22 2019-09-11 Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Methods and apparatus for media source identification and time shifted media consumption measurements
US8281037B2 (en) * 2005-01-03 2012-10-02 Orb Networks, Inc. System and method for delivering content to users on a network
US7877115B2 (en) * 2005-01-24 2011-01-25 Broadcom Corporation Battery management in a modular earpiece microphone combination
MX2007011471A (en) 2005-03-17 2007-12-05 Nielsen Media Res Inc Methods and apparatus for using audience member behavior information to determine compliance with audience measurement system usage requirements.
US20060218034A1 (en) * 2005-03-23 2006-09-28 Kelly Laird R System and method for monitoring and recording research activity
US20060294108A1 (en) * 2005-04-14 2006-12-28 Adelson Alex M System for and method of managing schedule compliance and bidirectionally communicating in real time between a user and a manager
US20060245585A1 (en) * 2005-04-29 2006-11-02 Memphis-Zhihong Yin Portable computer device with wireless earpiece
US7584484B2 (en) * 2005-06-02 2009-09-01 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus for collecting media consumption data based on usage information
KR100750357B1 (en) * 2005-06-17 2007-08-17 주식회사 향기원 Contents publicity using mobile phone terminal and free distribution system thereof
US7849154B2 (en) 2005-06-27 2010-12-07 M:Metrics, Inc. Acquiring, storing, and correlating profile data of cellular mobile communications system's users to events
US20080091489A1 (en) * 2005-06-27 2008-04-17 Larock Garrison J Acquiring, storing, and correlating profile data of cellular mobile communications system's users to Events
US20070028273A1 (en) * 2005-07-28 2007-02-01 Zanaty Farouk M Wireless satellite transverser with secured wireless infrastructure/ad-hoc modes
US7343181B2 (en) * 2005-08-08 2008-03-11 Motorola Inc. Wireless communication device having electromagnetic compatibility for hearing aid devices
WO2007027741A2 (en) * 2005-08-29 2007-03-08 Mrv Communications, Inc. Transmission of pathological data patterns
US20070067419A1 (en) 2005-09-19 2007-03-22 Bennett James D Dedicated client devices supporting web based service, specifications and interaction
CN101371472B (en) 2005-12-12 2017-04-19 尼尔逊媒介研究股份有限公司 Systems and methods to wirelessly meter audio/visual devices
US7959086B2 (en) * 2005-12-15 2011-06-14 Gfk Mediamark Research & Intelligence, Llc System and method for RFID-based printed media reading activity data acquisition and analysis
KR101488317B1 (en) 2005-12-20 2015-02-04 아비트론 인코포레이티드 Methods and systems for conducting research operations
US7876696B2 (en) 2006-01-27 2011-01-25 Texas Instruments Incorporated Adaptive upstream bandwidth estimation and shaping
KR20160079150A (en) * 2006-03-27 2016-07-05 닐슨 미디어 리서치 인코퍼레이티드 Methods and systems to meter media content presented on a wireless communication device
WO2007143394A2 (en) 2006-06-02 2007-12-13 Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Digital rights management systems and methods for audience measurement
US20080021741A1 (en) * 2006-07-19 2008-01-24 Mdatalink, Llc System For Remote Review Of Clinical Data
US20080022294A1 (en) * 2006-07-21 2008-01-24 Perrin Stephen L Matching users with wirelessly downloaded video and audio content
US8707459B2 (en) * 2007-01-19 2014-04-22 Digimarc Corporation Determination of originality of content
AU2007293092A1 (en) * 2006-09-05 2008-03-13 Innerscope Research, Inc. Method and system for determining audience response to a sensory stimulus
US7778929B2 (en) 2006-12-13 2010-08-17 Ricall Inc. Online music and other copyrighted work search and licensing system
US10489795B2 (en) * 2007-04-23 2019-11-26 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Determining relative effectiveness of media content items
US9064019B2 (en) * 2007-12-06 2015-06-23 Yahoo! Inc. Virtual billboard display on a mobile device
US20090307061A1 (en) 2008-06-10 2009-12-10 Integrated Media Measurement, Inc. Measuring Exposure To Media
US20090307084A1 (en) 2008-06-10 2009-12-10 Integrated Media Measurement, Inc. Measuring Exposure To Media Across Multiple Media Delivery Mechanisms
US20100268573A1 (en) 2009-04-17 2010-10-21 Anand Jain System and method for utilizing supplemental audio beaconing in audience measurement
CA2760677C (en) * 2009-05-01 2018-07-24 David Henry Harkness Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to provide secondary content in association with primary broadcast media content
US8918802B2 (en) 2011-02-28 2014-12-23 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to monitor media exposure

Patent Citations (100)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2662168A (en) * 1946-11-09 1953-12-08 Serge A Scherbatskoy System of determining the listening habits of wave signal receiver users
US3919479A (en) * 1972-09-21 1975-11-11 First National Bank Of Boston Broadcast signal identification system
US4230990C1 (en) * 1979-03-16 2002-04-09 John G Lert Jr Broadcast program identification method and system
US4230990A (en) * 1979-03-16 1980-10-28 Lert John G Jr Broadcast program identification method and system
US4450551A (en) * 1981-06-19 1984-05-22 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Keel-tipped stylus, and method and device for making keel-tipped stylus
US4578700A (en) * 1983-05-25 1986-03-25 Agb Research Plc Apparatus for storing data relating to television viewing
US4697209A (en) * 1984-04-26 1987-09-29 A. C. Nielsen Company Methods and apparatus for automatically identifying programs viewed or recorded
US4677466A (en) * 1985-07-29 1987-06-30 A. C. Nielsen Company Broadcast program identification method and apparatus
US4739398A (en) * 1986-05-02 1988-04-19 Control Data Corporation Method, apparatus and system for recognizing broadcast segments
US4718106A (en) * 1986-05-12 1988-01-05 Weinblatt Lee S Survey of radio audience
US4843562A (en) * 1987-06-24 1989-06-27 Broadcast Data Systems Limited Partnership Broadcast information classification system and method
US4918730A (en) * 1987-06-24 1990-04-17 Media Control-Musik-Medien-Analysen Gesellschaft Mit Beschrankter Haftung Process and circuit arrangement for the automatic recognition of signal sequences
US4955070A (en) * 1988-06-29 1990-09-04 Viewfacts, Inc. Apparatus and method for automatically monitoring broadcast band listening habits
US4930011A (en) * 1988-08-02 1990-05-29 A. C. Nielsen Company Method and apparatus for identifying individual members of a marketing and viewing audience
US5023929A (en) * 1988-09-15 1991-06-11 Npd Research, Inc. Audio frequency based market survey method
US5214793A (en) * 1991-03-15 1993-05-25 Pulse-Com Corporation Electronic billboard and vehicle traffic control communication system
US5382970A (en) * 1991-07-19 1995-01-17 Kiefl; John B. Television viewer monitoring system including portable data meter for each viewer
US5787334A (en) * 1991-09-30 1998-07-28 Ceridian Corporation Method and apparatus for automatically identifying a program including a sound signal
US5319735A (en) * 1991-12-17 1994-06-07 Bolt Beranek And Newman Inc. Embedded signalling
US5612729A (en) * 1992-04-30 1997-03-18 The Arbitron Company Method and system for producing a signature characterizing an audio broadcast signal
US5512933A (en) * 1992-10-15 1996-04-30 Taylor Nelson Agb Plc Identifying a received programme stream
US5579124A (en) * 1992-11-16 1996-11-26 The Arbitron Company Method and apparatus for encoding/decoding broadcast or recorded segments and monitoring audience exposure thereto
US5630203A (en) * 1993-01-12 1997-05-13 Weinblatt; Lee S. Technique for surveying a radio or a television audience
US5483276A (en) * 1993-08-02 1996-01-09 The Arbitron Company Compliance incentives for audience monitoring/recording devices
US5612741A (en) * 1993-11-05 1997-03-18 Curtis Mathes Marketing Corporation Video billboard
US5510828A (en) * 1994-03-01 1996-04-23 Lutterbach; R. Steven Interactive video display system
US5457807A (en) * 1994-03-21 1995-10-10 Weinblatt; Lee S. Technique for surveying a radio or a television audience
US5764763A (en) * 1994-03-31 1998-06-09 Jensen; James M. Apparatus and methods for including codes in audio signals and decoding
US5450490A (en) * 1994-03-31 1995-09-12 The Arbitron Company Apparatus and methods for including codes in audio signals and decoding
US5461390A (en) * 1994-05-27 1995-10-24 At&T Ipm Corp. Locator device useful for house arrest and stalker detection
US5594934A (en) * 1994-09-21 1997-01-14 A.C. Nielsen Company Real time correlation meter
US5541585A (en) * 1994-10-11 1996-07-30 Stanley Home Automation Security system for controlling building access
US5737025A (en) * 1995-02-28 1998-04-07 Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Co-channel transmission of program signals and ancillary signals
US5923252A (en) * 1995-04-06 1999-07-13 Marvel Corporation Pty Limited Audio/visual marketing device and marketing system
US6154484A (en) * 1995-09-06 2000-11-28 Solana Technology Development Corporation Method and apparatus for embedding auxiliary data in a primary data signal using frequency and time domain processing
US5687191A (en) * 1995-12-06 1997-11-11 Solana Technology Development Corporation Post-compression hidden data transport
US5828325A (en) * 1996-04-03 1998-10-27 Aris Technologies, Inc. Apparatus and method for encoding and decoding information in analog signals
US5848129A (en) * 1996-11-05 1998-12-08 Baker; Earl Electronic billboard with telephone call-in control
US6175627B1 (en) * 1997-05-19 2001-01-16 Verance Corporation Apparatus and method for embedding and extracting information in analog signals using distributed signal features
US5945932A (en) * 1997-10-30 1999-08-31 Audiotrack Corporation Technique for embedding a code in an audio signal and for detecting the embedded code
US6571279B1 (en) * 1997-12-05 2003-05-27 Pinpoint Incorporated Location enhanced information delivery system
US20020128898A1 (en) * 1998-03-02 2002-09-12 Leroy Smith Dynamically assigning a survey to a respondent
US20050071219A1 (en) * 1998-03-02 2005-03-31 Kahlert Florian Michael Dynamically assigning a survey to a respondent
US6993495B2 (en) * 1998-03-02 2006-01-31 Insightexpress, L.L.C. Dynamically assigning a survey to a respondent
US7398223B2 (en) * 1998-03-02 2008-07-08 Insightexpress, L.L.C. Dynamically assigning a survey to a respondent
US6286005B1 (en) * 1998-03-11 2001-09-04 Cannon Holdings, L.L.C. Method and apparatus for analyzing data and advertising optimization
US5966696A (en) * 1998-04-14 1999-10-12 Infovation System for tracking consumer exposure and for exposing consumers to different advertisements
US6252522B1 (en) * 1998-05-28 2001-06-26 Solana Technology Development Corporation Billboard consumption measurement system
US20060122905A1 (en) * 1998-06-11 2006-06-08 Nuworld Marketing Ltd. Wireless system for recording, transmitting and receiving messages on a consumer accessible receiver
US20010053190A1 (en) * 1998-07-16 2001-12-20 Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Broadcast encoding system and method
US7197534B2 (en) * 1998-09-01 2007-03-27 Big Fix, Inc. Method and apparatus for inspecting the properties of a computer
US6266442B1 (en) * 1998-10-23 2001-07-24 Facet Technology Corp. Method and apparatus for identifying objects depicted in a videostream
US6360167B1 (en) * 1999-01-29 2002-03-19 Magellan Dis, Inc. Vehicle navigation system with location-based multi-media annotation
US6396413B2 (en) * 1999-03-11 2002-05-28 Telephonics Corporation Personal alarm monitor system
US20010042002A1 (en) * 1999-08-30 2001-11-15 Jeff Koopersmith Method and system for communicating targeted information
US20030055707A1 (en) * 1999-09-22 2003-03-20 Frederick D. Busche Method and system for integrating spatial analysis and data mining analysis to ascertain favorable positioning of products in a retail environment
US20020052778A1 (en) * 1999-12-13 2002-05-02 Murphy Thomas P. System and method for providing incentives to purchasers
US6294999B1 (en) * 1999-12-29 2001-09-25 Becton, Dickinson And Company Systems and methods for monitoring patient compliance with medication regimens
US6546257B1 (en) * 2000-01-31 2003-04-08 Kavin K. Stewart Providing promotional material based on repeated travel patterns
US6507802B1 (en) * 2000-02-16 2003-01-14 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Mobile user collaborator discovery method and apparatus
US6484148B1 (en) * 2000-02-19 2002-11-19 John E. Boyd Electronic advertising device and method of using the same
US20030063072A1 (en) * 2000-04-04 2003-04-03 Brandenberg Carl Brock Method and apparatus for scheduling presentation of digital content on a personal communication device
US20030036683A1 (en) * 2000-05-01 2003-02-20 Kehr Bruce A. Method, system and computer program product for internet-enabled, patient monitoring system
US20050216346A1 (en) * 2000-05-15 2005-09-29 Avatizing, Llc System and method for consumer-selected advertising and branding in interactive media
US20010056374A1 (en) * 2000-06-22 2001-12-27 Joao Raymond Anthony Apparatus and method for providing compensation for advertisement viewing and/or participation and/or for survey participation
US20020035474A1 (en) * 2000-07-18 2002-03-21 Ahmet Alpdemir Voice-interactive marketplace providing time and money saving benefits and real-time promotion publishing and feedback
US20020032771A1 (en) * 2000-07-20 2002-03-14 Trond Gledje Event-based advertisements
US7280975B1 (en) * 2000-07-24 2007-10-09 Donner Irah H System and method for determining and/or transmitting and/or establishing communication with a mobile device user for providing, for example, concessions, tournaments, competitions, matching, reallocating, upgrading, selling tickets, other event admittance means, goods and/or services
US20020091569A1 (en) * 2000-08-01 2002-07-11 Keiko Kitaura Electronic coupon system
US20020049628A1 (en) * 2000-10-23 2002-04-25 West William T. System and method providing automated and interactive consumer information gathering
US20020107027A1 (en) * 2000-12-06 2002-08-08 O'neil Joseph Thomas Targeted advertising for commuters with mobile IP terminals
US20020097193A1 (en) * 2001-01-23 2002-07-25 Freecar Media System and method to increase the efficiency of outdoor advertising
US20020138848A1 (en) * 2001-02-02 2002-09-26 Rachad Alao Service gateway for interactive television
US20020108125A1 (en) * 2001-02-07 2002-08-08 Joao Raymond Anthony Apparatus and method for facilitating viewer or listener interaction
US20020133402A1 (en) * 2001-03-13 2002-09-19 Scott Faber Apparatus and method for recruiting, communicating with, and paying participants of interactive advertising
US20030032409A1 (en) * 2001-03-16 2003-02-13 Hutcheson Stewart Douglas Method and system for distributing content over a wireless communications system
US20020143607A1 (en) * 2001-03-29 2002-10-03 Connelly Jay H. System and method for transparently obtaining customer preferences to refine product features or marketing focus
US20020143563A1 (en) * 2001-04-02 2002-10-03 Hufford Michael R. System for clinical trial subject compliance
US20020178060A1 (en) * 2001-05-25 2002-11-28 Sheehan Patrick M. System and method for providing and redeeming electronic paperless coupons
US20030125958A1 (en) * 2001-06-19 2003-07-03 Ahmet Alpdemir Voice-interactive marketplace providing time and money saving benefits and real-time promotion publishing and feedback
US20030005430A1 (en) * 2001-06-29 2003-01-02 Kolessar Ronald S. Media data use measurement with remote decoding/pattern matching
US20030097302A1 (en) * 2001-11-21 2003-05-22 Overhultz Gary L. Advertising compliance monitoring system
US20030200137A1 (en) * 2002-03-05 2003-10-23 Drummond Jill A. Novel system and method for polling a group
US20030236712A1 (en) * 2002-06-25 2003-12-25 American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. System and method for distributing vouchers
US20040098306A1 (en) * 2002-09-30 2004-05-20 Fitzpatrick Brian F. Platform system and method for extending sales and use of a resource of motivational programs
US20040193492A1 (en) * 2002-11-07 2004-09-30 Applebaum Ted H. Navigation and promotion distribution system
US20040117246A1 (en) * 2002-11-07 2004-06-17 Applebaum Ted H. Navigation and promotion distribution system
US20050278215A1 (en) * 2003-03-14 2005-12-15 Seele Jr Norvell D Consumer reward system
US20050015307A1 (en) * 2003-04-28 2005-01-20 Simpson Todd Garrett Method and system of providing location sensitive business information to customers
US20040236607A1 (en) * 2003-05-22 2004-11-25 Medmanage Systems, Inc. Architecture for orchestrating promotional services
US20060004631A1 (en) * 2003-09-11 2006-01-05 Roberts Gregory B Method and system for generating real-time directions associated with product promotions
US20060089878A1 (en) * 2003-09-11 2006-04-27 Roberts Gregory B Method and system for generating real-time directions associated with product promotions
US20050096975A1 (en) * 2003-11-05 2005-05-05 Eliahu Moshe Method and system for interactive advertisement
US20050234771A1 (en) * 2004-02-03 2005-10-20 Linwood Register Method and system for providing intelligent in-store couponing
US20060015404A1 (en) * 2004-05-28 2006-01-19 Infinian Corporation Service provider system and method for marketing programs
US20060047573A1 (en) * 2004-08-26 2006-03-02 True Resources, Llc Coupon and sweepstakes dispensing system and method of use
US20060053049A1 (en) * 2004-09-04 2006-03-09 Nolan Brian A Process for delivering a menu of media and computer options potentially at no cost to consumers in exchange for viewing interactive advertisements
US20060167971A1 (en) * 2004-12-30 2006-07-27 Sheldon Breiner System and method for collecting and disseminating human-observable data
US20060227944A1 (en) * 2005-04-12 2006-10-12 Sbc Knowledge Ventures Lp Method and apparatus for managing surveys across service centers
US20070107008A1 (en) * 2005-10-18 2007-05-10 Radiostat, Llc, System for gathering and recording real-time market survey and other data from radio listeners and television viewers utilizing telephones including wireless cell phones

Cited By (271)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9514479B2 (en) 2000-01-12 2016-12-06 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc System and method for estimating prevalence of digital content on the world-wide-web
US9326034B2 (en) 2002-04-22 2016-04-26 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to collect audience information associated with a media presentation
US8555304B2 (en) 2002-04-22 2013-10-08 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to collect audience information associated with a media presentation
US9100132B2 (en) 2002-07-26 2015-08-04 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Systems and methods for gathering audience measurement data
US8959016B2 (en) 2002-09-27 2015-02-17 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Activating functions in processing devices using start codes embedded in audio
US9711153B2 (en) 2002-09-27 2017-07-18 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Activating functions in processing devices using encoded audio and detecting audio signatures
US9900652B2 (en) 2002-12-27 2018-02-20 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus for transcoding metadata
US9609034B2 (en) 2002-12-27 2017-03-28 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus for transcoding metadata
US9936234B2 (en) 2003-02-10 2018-04-03 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to facilitate gathering of audience measurement data based on a fixed system factor
US9426508B2 (en) 2003-02-10 2016-08-23 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to adaptively select sensor(s) to gather audience measurement data based on a variable system factor
US9088821B2 (en) 2003-02-10 2015-07-21 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to adaptively select sensor(s) to gather audience measurement data based on a variable system factor and a quantity of data collectible by the sensors
US8467717B2 (en) 2004-01-14 2013-06-18 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Portable audience measurement architectures and methods for portable audience measurement
US8761301B2 (en) 2004-01-23 2014-06-24 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Variable encoding and detection apparatus and methods
US8406341B2 (en) 2004-01-23 2013-03-26 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Variable encoding and detection apparatus and methods
US9210416B2 (en) 2004-01-23 2015-12-08 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Variable encoding and detection apparatus and methods
US20090037575A1 (en) * 2004-03-26 2009-02-05 Crystal Jack C Research data gathering with a portable monitor and a stationary device
US8738763B2 (en) 2004-03-26 2014-05-27 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Research data gathering with a portable monitor and a stationary device
US9317865B2 (en) 2004-03-26 2016-04-19 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Research data gathering with a portable monitor and a stationary device
US7739705B2 (en) 2004-09-27 2010-06-15 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus for using location information to manage spillover in an audience monitoring system
US9794619B2 (en) 2004-09-27 2017-10-17 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus for using location information to manage spillover in an audience monitoring system
US9094710B2 (en) 2004-09-27 2015-07-28 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus for using location information to manage spillover in an audience monitoring system
US8650586B2 (en) 2005-03-17 2014-02-11 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus for using audience member behavior information to determine compliance with audience measurement system usage requirements
US9167298B2 (en) 2005-03-17 2015-10-20 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus for using audience member behavior information to determine compliance with audience measurement system usage requirements
US9118962B2 (en) 2005-03-17 2015-08-25 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus for using audience member behavior information to determine compliance with audience measurement system usage requirements
US11882333B2 (en) 2005-10-21 2024-01-23 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus for metering portable media players
US10356471B2 (en) 2005-10-21 2019-07-16 The Nielsen Company Inc. Methods and apparatus for metering portable media players
US9514135B2 (en) 2005-10-21 2016-12-06 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus for metering portable media players
US11057674B2 (en) 2005-10-21 2021-07-06 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus for metering portable media players
US8914819B2 (en) 2005-10-21 2014-12-16 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus for metering portable media players
US20080263579A1 (en) * 2005-10-21 2008-10-23 Mears Paul M Methods and apparatus for metering portable media players
US10412427B2 (en) 2006-03-27 2019-09-10 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and systems to meter media content presented on a wireless communication device
US11190816B2 (en) 2006-03-27 2021-11-30 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and systems to meter media content presented on a wireless communication device
US8514907B2 (en) 2006-03-27 2013-08-20 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and systems to meter media content presented on a wireless communication device
US11677997B2 (en) 2006-03-27 2023-06-13 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and systems to meter media content presented on a wireless communication device
US10785519B2 (en) 2006-03-27 2020-09-22 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and systems to meter media content presented on a wireless communication device
US9942584B2 (en) 2006-03-27 2018-04-10 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and systems to meter media content presented on a wireless communication device
US20080126420A1 (en) * 2006-03-27 2008-05-29 Wright David H Methods and systems to meter media content presented on a wireless communication device
US9438939B2 (en) 2006-03-27 2016-09-06 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and systems to meter media content presented on a wireless communication device
US11765411B2 (en) 2006-03-27 2023-09-19 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and systems to meter media content presented on a wireless communication device
US9185457B2 (en) 2006-03-31 2015-11-10 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, systems and apparatus for multi-purpose metering
US8752081B2 (en) 2006-03-31 2014-06-10 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc. Methods, systems and apparatus for multi-purpose metering
US9055336B2 (en) 2006-03-31 2015-06-09 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, systems and apparatus for multi-purpose metering
US8327396B2 (en) 2006-03-31 2012-12-04 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, systems, and apparatus for multi-purpose metering
US20080140479A1 (en) * 2006-06-29 2008-06-12 Brian Scott Mello Methods and apparatus to monitor consumer behavior associated with location-based web services
US9008586B2 (en) 2006-10-02 2015-04-14 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to collect wireless information
US20090005002A1 (en) * 2006-10-02 2009-01-01 Kanishka Agarwal Method and system for collecting information about portable device usage
US8538343B2 (en) 2006-10-02 2013-09-17 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to collect wireless information
US8260252B2 (en) 2006-10-02 2012-09-04 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Method and apparatus for collecting information about portable device usage
US9432868B2 (en) 2006-10-02 2016-08-30 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to collect wireless information
US8014726B1 (en) 2006-10-02 2011-09-06 The Nielsen Company (U.S.), Llc Method and system for collecting wireless information transparently and non-intrusively
US9225845B2 (en) 2006-10-02 2015-12-29 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus for collecting information about portable device usage
US10885543B1 (en) 2006-12-29 2021-01-05 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Systems and methods to pre-scale media content to facilitate audience measurement
US11568439B2 (en) 2006-12-29 2023-01-31 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Systems and methods to pre-scale media content to facilitate audience measurement
US10909578B2 (en) 2007-03-07 2021-02-02 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus for generating information about portable device advertising
US10169781B1 (en) 2007-03-07 2019-01-01 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Method and system for generating information about portable device advertising
US11468479B2 (en) 2007-03-07 2022-10-11 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus for generating information about portable device advertising
US20080221968A1 (en) * 2007-03-07 2008-09-11 Tamara Gaffney Method and system for interacting with users of portable devices
US11250465B2 (en) 2007-03-29 2022-02-15 Nielsen Consumer Llc Analysis of marketing and entertainment effectiveness using central nervous system, autonomic nervous sytem, and effector data
US10679241B2 (en) 2007-03-29 2020-06-09 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Analysis of marketing and entertainment effectiveness using central nervous system, autonomic nervous system, and effector data
US20090024448A1 (en) * 2007-03-29 2009-01-22 Neurofocus, Inc. Protocol generator and presenter device for analysis of marketing and entertainment effectiveness
US8484081B2 (en) 2007-03-29 2013-07-09 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Analysis of marketing and entertainment effectiveness using central nervous system, autonomic nervous system, and effector data
US8473345B2 (en) 2007-03-29 2013-06-25 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Protocol generator and presenter device for analysis of marketing and entertainment effectiveness
US11790393B2 (en) 2007-03-29 2023-10-17 Nielsen Consumer Llc Analysis of marketing and entertainment effectiveness using central nervous system, autonomic nervous system, and effector data
US20100114668A1 (en) * 2007-04-23 2010-05-06 Integrated Media Measurement, Inc. Determining Relative Effectiveness Of Media Content Items
US10489795B2 (en) 2007-04-23 2019-11-26 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Determining relative effectiveness of media content items
US11222344B2 (en) 2007-04-23 2022-01-11 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Determining relative effectiveness of media content items
US8386312B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2013-02-26 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Neuro-informatics repository system
US9886981B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2018-02-06 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Neuro-feedback based stimulus compression device
US10580031B2 (en) 2007-05-16 2020-03-03 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Neuro-physiology and neuro-behavioral based stimulus targeting system
US8392253B2 (en) 2007-05-16 2013-03-05 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Neuro-physiology and neuro-behavioral based stimulus targeting system
US11049134B2 (en) 2007-05-16 2021-06-29 Nielsen Consumer Llc Neuro-physiology and neuro-behavioral based stimulus targeting system
US8494905B2 (en) 2007-06-06 2013-07-23 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Audience response analysis using simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
US20090171767A1 (en) * 2007-06-29 2009-07-02 Arbitron, Inc. Resource efficient research data gathering using portable monitoring devices
US9203642B2 (en) 2007-07-09 2015-12-01 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc. Method and system for collecting data on a wireless device
US8321556B1 (en) 2007-07-09 2012-11-27 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Method and system for collecting data on a wireless device
US11244345B2 (en) 2007-07-30 2022-02-08 Nielsen Consumer Llc Neuro-response stimulus and stimulus attribute resonance estimator
US10733625B2 (en) 2007-07-30 2020-08-04 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Neuro-response stimulus and stimulus attribute resonance estimator
US8533042B2 (en) 2007-07-30 2013-09-10 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Neuro-response stimulus and stimulus attribute resonance estimator
US11763340B2 (en) 2007-07-30 2023-09-19 Nielsen Consumer Llc Neuro-response stimulus and stimulus attribute resonance estimator
US10937051B2 (en) 2007-08-28 2021-03-02 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Stimulus placement system using subject neuro-response measurements
US10127572B2 (en) 2007-08-28 2018-11-13 The Nielsen Company, (US), LLC Stimulus placement system using subject neuro-response measurements
US8635105B2 (en) 2007-08-28 2014-01-21 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Consumer experience portrayal effectiveness assessment system
US8386313B2 (en) 2007-08-28 2013-02-26 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Stimulus placement system using subject neuro-response measurements
US8392254B2 (en) 2007-08-28 2013-03-05 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Consumer experience assessment system
US11488198B2 (en) 2007-08-28 2022-11-01 Nielsen Consumer Llc Stimulus placement system using subject neuro-response measurements
US11023920B2 (en) 2007-08-29 2021-06-01 Nielsen Consumer Llc Content based selection and meta tagging of advertisement breaks
US8392255B2 (en) 2007-08-29 2013-03-05 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Content based selection and meta tagging of advertisement breaks
US11610223B2 (en) 2007-08-29 2023-03-21 Nielsen Consumer Llc Content based selection and meta tagging of advertisement breaks
US10140628B2 (en) 2007-08-29 2018-11-27 The Nielsen Company, (US), LLC Content based selection and meta tagging of advertisement breaks
US10963895B2 (en) 2007-09-20 2021-03-30 Nielsen Consumer Llc Personalized content delivery using neuro-response priming data
US8494610B2 (en) 2007-09-20 2013-07-23 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Analysis of marketing and entertainment effectiveness using magnetoencephalography
US11832036B2 (en) 2007-10-06 2023-11-28 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Gathering research data
US11317175B2 (en) 2007-10-06 2022-04-26 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Gathering research data
US11227291B2 (en) 2007-11-02 2022-01-18 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to perform consumer surveys
US20090210892A1 (en) * 2008-02-19 2009-08-20 Arun Ramaswamy Methods and apparatus to monitor advertisement exposure
US8302120B2 (en) 2008-02-19 2012-10-30 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to monitor advertisement exposure
US8275682B2 (en) 2008-02-29 2012-09-25 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc. Systems and methods for consumer price index determination using panel-based and point-of-sale market research data
US20090222324A1 (en) * 2008-02-29 2009-09-03 Keith Johnson Systems and methods for consumer price index determination using panel-based and point-of-sale market research data
US8503991B2 (en) 2008-04-03 2013-08-06 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to monitor mobile devices
US20090254851A1 (en) * 2008-04-08 2009-10-08 Techneos Systems Inc. Method and system for conducting a survey by using a wireless device
US20090257620A1 (en) * 2008-04-10 2009-10-15 Michael Alan Hicks Methods and apparatus for auditing signage
US8315456B2 (en) * 2008-04-10 2012-11-20 The Nielsen Company Methods and apparatus for auditing signage
US8649610B2 (en) 2008-04-10 2014-02-11 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus for auditing signage
US20100077420A1 (en) * 2008-09-19 2010-03-25 Nielsen Christen V Methods and apparatus to detect carrying of a portable audience measurement device
US9491508B2 (en) 2008-09-19 2016-11-08 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to detect carrying of a portable audience measurement device
US8843948B2 (en) 2008-09-19 2014-09-23 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to detect carrying of a portable audience measurement device
US9667365B2 (en) 2008-10-24 2017-05-30 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to perform audio watermarking and watermark detection and extraction
US8121830B2 (en) 2008-10-24 2012-02-21 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to extract data encoded in media content
US11809489B2 (en) 2008-10-24 2023-11-07 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to perform audio watermarking and watermark detection and extraction
US10467286B2 (en) 2008-10-24 2019-11-05 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to perform audio watermarking and watermark detection and extraction
US11386908B2 (en) 2008-10-24 2022-07-12 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to perform audio watermarking and watermark detection and extraction
US8554545B2 (en) 2008-10-24 2013-10-08 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to extract data encoded in media content
US8359205B2 (en) 2008-10-24 2013-01-22 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to perform audio watermarking and watermark detection and extraction
US11256740B2 (en) 2008-10-24 2022-02-22 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to perform audio watermarking and watermark detection and extraction
US10134408B2 (en) 2008-10-24 2018-11-20 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to perform audio watermarking and watermark detection and extraction
US20100102981A1 (en) * 2008-10-29 2010-04-29 Nielsen Christen V Methods and apparatus to detect carrying of a portable audience measurement device
US8040237B2 (en) 2008-10-29 2011-10-18 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to detect carrying of a portable audience measurement device
US8248234B2 (en) 2008-10-29 2012-08-21 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to detect carrying of a portable audience measurement device
US8508357B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2013-08-13 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to encode and decode audio for shopper location and advertisement presentation tracking
US11704681B2 (en) 2009-03-24 2023-07-18 Nielsen Consumer Llc Neurological profiles for market matching and stimulus presentation
US10003846B2 (en) 2009-05-01 2018-06-19 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to provide secondary content in association with primary broadcast media content
US10555048B2 (en) 2009-05-01 2020-02-04 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to provide secondary content in association with primary broadcast media content
US20100280641A1 (en) * 2009-05-01 2010-11-04 David Henry Harkness Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to provide secondary content in association with primary broadcast media content
US11004456B2 (en) 2009-05-01 2021-05-11 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to provide secondary content in association with primary broadcast media content
US8666528B2 (en) 2009-05-01 2014-03-04 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to provide secondary content in association with primary broadcast media content
US11502914B2 (en) 2009-05-08 2022-11-15 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Systems and methods for behavioural and contextual data analytics
US8655437B2 (en) 2009-08-21 2014-02-18 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Analysis of the mirror neuron system for evaluation of stimulus
US10987015B2 (en) 2009-08-24 2021-04-27 Nielsen Consumer Llc Dry electrodes for electroencephalography
US11669858B2 (en) 2009-10-29 2023-06-06 Nielsen Consumer Llc Analysis of controlled and automatic attention for introduction of stimulus material
US10068248B2 (en) 2009-10-29 2018-09-04 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Analysis of controlled and automatic attention for introduction of stimulus material
US11170400B2 (en) 2009-10-29 2021-11-09 Nielsen Consumer Llc Analysis of controlled and automatic attention for introduction of stimulus material
US8762202B2 (en) 2009-10-29 2014-06-24 The Nielson Company (Us), Llc Intracluster content management using neuro-response priming data
US10269036B2 (en) 2009-10-29 2019-04-23 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Analysis of controlled and automatic attention for introduction of stimulus material
US9560984B2 (en) 2009-10-29 2017-02-07 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Analysis of controlled and automatic attention for introduction of stimulus material
US11481788B2 (en) 2009-10-29 2022-10-25 Nielsen Consumer Llc Generating ratings predictions using neuro-response data
US8824242B2 (en) 2010-03-09 2014-09-02 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, systems, and apparatus to calculate distance from audio sources
US8855101B2 (en) 2010-03-09 2014-10-07 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, systems, and apparatus to synchronize actions of audio source monitors
US20110222528A1 (en) * 2010-03-09 2011-09-15 Jie Chen Methods, systems, and apparatus to synchronize actions of audio source monitors
US9250316B2 (en) 2010-03-09 2016-02-02 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, systems, and apparatus to synchronize actions of audio source monitors
US9217789B2 (en) 2010-03-09 2015-12-22 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, systems, and apparatus to calculate distance from audio sources
US11200964B2 (en) 2010-04-19 2021-12-14 Nielsen Consumer Llc Short imagery task (SIT) research method
US10248195B2 (en) 2010-04-19 2019-04-02 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc. Short imagery task (SIT) research method
US9454646B2 (en) 2010-04-19 2016-09-27 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Short imagery task (SIT) research method
US8655428B2 (en) 2010-05-12 2014-02-18 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Neuro-response data synchronization
US9336535B2 (en) 2010-05-12 2016-05-10 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Neuro-response data synchronization
US9449279B2 (en) 2010-06-24 2016-09-20 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Network server arrangements for processing non-parametric, multi-dimensional, spatial and temporal human behavior or technical observations measured pervasively, and related methods for the same
US8392250B2 (en) 2010-08-09 2013-03-05 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Neuro-response evaluated stimulus in virtual reality environments
US8392251B2 (en) 2010-08-09 2013-03-05 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Location aware presentation of stimulus material
US11769174B2 (en) 2010-08-25 2023-09-26 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, systems and apparatus to generate market segmentation data with anonymous location data
US10380643B2 (en) 2010-08-25 2019-08-13 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, systems and apparatus to generate market segmentation data with anonymous location data
US8396744B2 (en) 2010-08-25 2013-03-12 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Effective virtual reality environments for presentation of marketing materials
US10713687B2 (en) 2010-08-25 2020-07-14 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, systems and apparatus to generate market segmentation data with anonymous location data
US9996855B2 (en) 2010-08-25 2018-06-12 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, systems and apparatus to generate market segmentation data with anonymous location data
US8548852B2 (en) 2010-08-25 2013-10-01 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Effective virtual reality environments for presentation of marketing materials
US11170410B2 (en) 2010-08-25 2021-11-09 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, systems and apparatus to generate market segmentation data with anonymous location data
US9613363B2 (en) 2010-08-25 2017-04-04 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, systems and apparatus to generate market segmentation data with anonymous location data
US11528530B2 (en) 2010-09-21 2022-12-13 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, apparatus, and systems to collect audience measurement data
US9521456B2 (en) 2010-09-21 2016-12-13 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, apparatus, and systems to collect audience measurement data
US8677385B2 (en) 2010-09-21 2014-03-18 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, apparatus, and systems to collect audience measurement data
US9055334B2 (en) 2010-09-21 2015-06-09 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, apparatus, and systems to collect audience measurement data
US9942607B2 (en) 2010-09-21 2018-04-10 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, apparatus, and systems to collect audience measurement data
US10231012B2 (en) 2010-09-21 2019-03-12 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, apparatus, and systems to collect audience measurement data
US10924802B2 (en) 2010-09-21 2021-02-16 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, apparatus, and systems to collect audience measurement data
US8885842B2 (en) 2010-12-14 2014-11-11 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to determine locations of audience members
US9258607B2 (en) 2010-12-14 2016-02-09 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to determine locations of audience members
US9113205B2 (en) 2011-02-28 2015-08-18 The Neilsen Company (US), LLC Methods and apparatus to monitor media exposure
US8918802B2 (en) 2011-02-28 2014-12-23 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to monitor media exposure
US9681204B2 (en) 2011-04-12 2017-06-13 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to validate a tag for media
US9380356B2 (en) 2011-04-12 2016-06-28 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to generate a tag for media content
US11296962B2 (en) 2011-06-21 2022-04-05 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Monitoring streaming media content
US11252062B2 (en) 2011-06-21 2022-02-15 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Monitoring streaming media content
US9515904B2 (en) 2011-06-21 2016-12-06 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Monitoring streaming media content
US11784898B2 (en) 2011-06-21 2023-10-10 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Monitoring streaming media content
US9838281B2 (en) 2011-06-21 2017-12-05 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Monitoring streaming media content
US9210208B2 (en) 2011-06-21 2015-12-08 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Monitoring streaming media content
US10791042B2 (en) 2011-06-21 2020-09-29 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Monitoring streaming media content
WO2013082276A3 (en) * 2011-11-30 2016-04-07 Arbitron, Inc. Tactile and gestational identification and linking to media consumption
US11828769B2 (en) 2011-11-30 2023-11-28 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Multiple meter detection and processing using motion data
US9386111B2 (en) 2011-12-16 2016-07-05 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Monitoring media exposure using wireless communications
US9894171B2 (en) 2011-12-16 2018-02-13 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Media exposure and verification utilizing inductive coupling
US9313286B2 (en) 2011-12-16 2016-04-12 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Media exposure linking utilizing bluetooth signal characteristics
US9265081B2 (en) 2011-12-16 2016-02-16 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Media exposure and verification utilizing inductive coupling
US9569986B2 (en) 2012-02-27 2017-02-14 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc System and method for gathering and analyzing biometric user feedback for use in social media and advertising applications
US10881348B2 (en) 2012-02-27 2021-01-05 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc System and method for gathering and analyzing biometric user feedback for use in social media and advertising applications
US9519909B2 (en) 2012-03-01 2016-12-13 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to identify users of handheld computing devices
US11601714B2 (en) 2012-03-30 2023-03-07 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, apparatus, and machine-readable storage media to monitor a media presentation
US11039208B2 (en) 2012-03-30 2021-06-15 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, apparatus, and machine-readable storage media to monitor a media presentation
US10200751B2 (en) * 2012-03-30 2019-02-05 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, apparatus, and machine readable storage media to monitor a media presentation
US20130262657A1 (en) * 2012-03-30 2013-10-03 Jan Besehanic Methods, apparatus, and machine readable storage media to monitor a media presentation
US10536747B2 (en) 2012-04-16 2020-01-14 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to detect user attentiveness to handheld computing devices
US10080053B2 (en) 2012-04-16 2018-09-18 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to detect user attentiveness to handheld computing devices
US11792477B2 (en) 2012-04-16 2023-10-17 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to detect user attentiveness to handheld computing devices
US9485534B2 (en) 2012-04-16 2016-11-01 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to detect user attentiveness to handheld computing devices
US10986405B2 (en) 2012-04-16 2021-04-20 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to detect user attentiveness to handheld computing devices
US9197421B2 (en) 2012-05-15 2015-11-24 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media
US9209978B2 (en) 2012-05-15 2015-12-08 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media
US20130332235A1 (en) * 2012-06-08 2013-12-12 Ipinion, Inc. Optimizing Market Research Based on Mobile Respondent Location
WO2013185143A1 (en) * 2012-06-08 2013-12-12 Ipinion, Inc. Optimizing market research based on mobile respondent location
US9282366B2 (en) 2012-08-13 2016-03-08 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to communicate audience measurement information
US8989835B2 (en) 2012-08-17 2015-03-24 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Systems and methods to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data
US9215978B2 (en) 2012-08-17 2015-12-22 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Systems and methods to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data
US10842403B2 (en) 2012-08-17 2020-11-24 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Systems and methods to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data
US9907482B2 (en) 2012-08-17 2018-03-06 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Systems and methods to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data
US10779745B2 (en) 2012-08-17 2020-09-22 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Systems and methods to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data
US9060671B2 (en) 2012-08-17 2015-06-23 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Systems and methods to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data
WO2014065931A1 (en) * 2012-10-22 2014-05-01 Arbitron, Inc. Systems and methods for configuring media devices utilizing audio codes or signatures
US9292251B2 (en) 2012-10-22 2016-03-22 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Systems and methods for configuring media devices utilizing audio codes or signatures
US8826316B2 (en) * 2012-10-22 2014-09-02 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Systems and methods for configuring media devices utilizing audio codes or signatures
CN104885583A (en) * 2012-10-22 2015-09-02 尼尔森(美国)有限公司 Systems and methods for configuring media devices utilizing audio codes or signatures
US9635403B2 (en) 2012-10-22 2017-04-25 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Systems and methods for configuring media devices utilizing audio codes or signatures
US9313544B2 (en) 2013-02-14 2016-04-12 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media
US9357261B2 (en) 2013-02-14 2016-05-31 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media
US9223297B2 (en) 2013-02-28 2015-12-29 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Systems and methods for identifying a user of an electronic device
US9264748B2 (en) 2013-03-01 2016-02-16 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and systems for reducing spillover by measuring a crest factor
US9021516B2 (en) 2013-03-01 2015-04-28 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and systems for reducing spillover by measuring a crest factor
US9118960B2 (en) 2013-03-08 2015-08-25 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and systems for reducing spillover by detecting signal distortion
US9332306B2 (en) 2013-03-08 2016-05-03 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and systems for reducing spillover by detecting signal distortion
US9219969B2 (en) 2013-03-13 2015-12-22 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and systems for reducing spillover by analyzing sound pressure levels
US9668694B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2017-06-06 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data
US9380339B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2016-06-28 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and systems for reducing crediting errors due to spillover using audio codes and/or signatures
US11076807B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2021-08-03 Nielsen Consumer Llc Methods and apparatus to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data
US9320450B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2016-04-26 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data
US9191704B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2015-11-17 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and systems for reducing crediting errors due to spillover using audio codes and/or signatures
US9769294B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-09-19 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to monitor mobile devices
US9325381B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2016-04-26 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to monitor mobile devices
US9219928B2 (en) 2013-06-25 2015-12-22 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to characterize households with media meter data
US9336784B2 (en) 2013-07-31 2016-05-10 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Apparatus, system and method for merging code layers for audio encoding and decoding and error correction thereof
US9711152B2 (en) 2013-07-31 2017-07-18 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Systems apparatus and methods for encoding/decoding persistent universal media codes to encoded audio
US10356455B2 (en) 2013-10-10 2019-07-16 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media
US9503784B2 (en) 2013-10-10 2016-11-22 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media
US10687100B2 (en) 2013-10-10 2020-06-16 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media
US11563994B2 (en) 2013-10-10 2023-01-24 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media
US11197046B2 (en) 2013-10-10 2021-12-07 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media
US9332035B2 (en) 2013-10-10 2016-05-03 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media
US11197060B2 (en) 2013-12-31 2021-12-07 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to count people in an audience
US10560741B2 (en) 2013-12-31 2020-02-11 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to count people in an audience
US9918126B2 (en) 2013-12-31 2018-03-13 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to count people in an audience
US11711576B2 (en) 2013-12-31 2023-07-25 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to count people in an audience
US9426525B2 (en) 2013-12-31 2016-08-23 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc. Methods and apparatus to count people in an audience
US10083459B2 (en) 2014-02-11 2018-09-25 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to generate a media rank
US9622702B2 (en) 2014-04-03 2017-04-18 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data
US9622703B2 (en) 2014-04-03 2017-04-18 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data
US11141108B2 (en) 2014-04-03 2021-10-12 Nielsen Consumer Llc Methods and apparatus to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data
US10318910B2 (en) * 2014-04-29 2019-06-11 International Business Machines Corporation Spatio-temporal key performance indicators
US20150379452A1 (en) * 2014-04-29 2015-12-31 International Business Machines Corporation Spatio-Temporal Key Performance Indicators
US20150310371A1 (en) * 2014-04-29 2015-10-29 International Business Machines Corporation Spatio-Temporal Key Performance Indicators
US10318909B2 (en) * 2014-04-29 2019-06-11 International Business Machines Corporation Spatio-temporal key performance indicators
US10231013B2 (en) 2014-04-30 2019-03-12 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media
US9699499B2 (en) 2014-04-30 2017-07-04 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media
US10721524B2 (en) 2014-04-30 2020-07-21 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media
US11831950B2 (en) 2014-04-30 2023-11-28 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media
US11277662B2 (en) 2014-04-30 2022-03-15 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media
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
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
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
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
US11290779B2 (en) 2015-05-19 2022-03-29 Nielsen Consumer Llc Methods and apparatus to adjust content presented to an individual
US9936250B2 (en) 2015-05-19 2018-04-03 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to adjust content presented to an individual
US10771844B2 (en) 2015-05-19 2020-09-08 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to adjust content presented to an individual
US10299002B2 (en) 2015-05-29 2019-05-21 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media
US11689769B2 (en) 2015-05-29 2023-06-27 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media
US9762965B2 (en) 2015-05-29 2017-09-12 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media
US10694254B2 (en) 2015-05-29 2020-06-23 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media
US11057680B2 (en) 2015-05-29 2021-07-06 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media
US11716495B2 (en) 2015-07-15 2023-08-01 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to detect spillover
US9848222B2 (en) 2015-07-15 2017-12-19 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to detect spillover
US10264301B2 (en) 2015-07-15 2019-04-16 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to detect spillover
US10694234B2 (en) 2015-07-15 2020-06-23 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to detect spillover
US11184656B2 (en) 2015-07-15 2021-11-23 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to detect spillover
US20220101350A1 (en) * 2019-06-26 2022-03-31 Jingdong Technology Holding Co.,Ltd. Information pushing method and apparatus
US11928707B2 (en) 2023-01-16 2024-03-12 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Systems and methods to pre-scale media content to facilitate audience measurement

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20150242864A1 (en) 2015-08-27
US8949074B2 (en) 2015-02-03
US20130346149A1 (en) 2013-12-26
KR101487798B1 (en) 2015-02-02
KR101435531B1 (en) 2014-10-16
US8527320B2 (en) 2013-09-03
US8799054B2 (en) 2014-08-05
US20070294706A1 (en) 2007-12-20
US20070294057A1 (en) 2007-12-20
US20120290265A1 (en) 2012-11-15
GB2448448A (en) 2008-10-15
US20070288277A1 (en) 2007-12-13
US8185351B2 (en) 2012-05-22
WO2007073484A3 (en) 2008-11-13
AU2006327157B2 (en) 2013-03-07
US20070288476A1 (en) 2007-12-13
CN101496039A (en) 2009-07-29
EP1977359A4 (en) 2010-08-25
EP1977359A2 (en) 2008-10-08
AU2006327157A1 (en) 2007-06-28
KR20080101878A (en) 2008-11-21
KR20140110102A (en) 2014-09-16
GB0813338D0 (en) 2008-08-27
KR20130048278A (en) 2013-05-09
US20070294132A1 (en) 2007-12-20
KR101395648B1 (en) 2014-05-16
NO20083221L (en) 2008-08-27
WO2007073484A2 (en) 2007-06-28
CA2634706A1 (en) 2007-06-28
KR101488317B1 (en) 2015-02-04
KR20130049833A (en) 2013-05-14

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
AU2006327157B2 (en) Methods and systems for conducting research operations
US11832036B2 (en) Gathering research data
US9378728B2 (en) Systems and methods for gathering research data
US20090171767A1 (en) Resource efficient research data gathering using portable monitoring devices
US20080204273A1 (en) Survey data acquisition
AU2019201945A1 (en) Gathering research data
AU2008347134A1 (en) Survey data acquisition

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: ARBITRON INC., MARYLAND

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:GOPALAKRISHNAN, VIJOY K., MR.;NEUHAUSER, ALAN R., MR.;CRYSTAL, JACK C., MR.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:020313/0836;SIGNING DATES FROM 20070822 TO 20071224

AS Assignment

Owner name: THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC, ILLINOIS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:NIELSEN AUDIO, INC.;REEL/FRAME:032554/0801

Effective date: 20140325

Owner name: NIELSEN AUDIO, INC., NEW YORK

Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:ARBITRON INC.;REEL/FRAME:032554/0759

Effective date: 20131011

Owner name: NIELSEN HOLDINGS N.V., NEW YORK

Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:ARBITRON INC.;REEL/FRAME:032554/0765

Effective date: 20121217

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION

AS Assignment

Owner name: CITIBANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT FOR THE FIRST LIEN SECURED PARTIES, DELAWARE

Free format text: SUPPLEMENTAL IP SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:THE NIELSEN COMPANY ((US), LLC;REEL/FRAME:037172/0415

Effective date: 20151023

Owner name: CITIBANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT FOR THE FIRST

Free format text: SUPPLEMENTAL IP SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:THE NIELSEN COMPANY ((US), LLC;REEL/FRAME:037172/0415

Effective date: 20151023

AS Assignment

Owner name: THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC, NEW YORK

Free format text: RELEASE (REEL 037172 / FRAME 0415);ASSIGNOR:CITIBANK, N.A.;REEL/FRAME:061750/0221

Effective date: 20221011