DE4401571A1 - Central processing of independent reactions TV and/or radio broadcast signals - Google Patents

Abstract

Audio and/or picture signals are viewed, as are signal sequences from a central source (11). The signals are independently received as stimuli. A reaction to the stimuli is measured (2) and stored (10,13). Received signals are stored according to the sequence of stimulus signals so that significant individual signals can be detected.Magnetic tape (8) is used for signal data storage. The central processing of the signals is carried out with time delay for documentation purposes. The processing may also occur at the same time as the signal transmission, resulting in automatic intermediate value generation.

Description

Recording devices for image and sound broadcasts belong today for standard equipment in offices and many households. Be is interested in a radio or television program a time in which one listens directly and / or Is prevented from watching, the program is recorded, to be listened to or viewed at an appropriate time. "Audio recorders" or "video recorders" required for this are well known, common and on a high technical level Was standing.

There is also a procedure in the area of sound and image recording ren known with which a lecturer the current interest can see that a circle of listeners is giving his lecture brings (DE 36 30 424 C2).

The listeners generate by means of a continuously adjustable position limbs signals that indicate the level of attention, of Of interest, consent or rejection indicative are. The signals of all listeners are entered into a computer give the mean and the spread from all signals calculated and immediately indicates to the lecturer, so that the latter the average assessment of his lecture and the Recognizes the degree of homogeneity of this statement and its breadth can design your lecture accordingly.  

Have devices that operate according to this procedure meanwhile especially in adult education proven.

When recognizing the audience's judgment on radio and television so far, the institutions have relied on surveys to organize or statements of participants in the program to evaluate one.

The results achieved are only partially meaningful about an actual state and the course of a Broadcast audience / viewer assessment.

In the latter problem, the present Er without going into this area and that specifically problems described in this area should. It is a variety of areas with similar pros blemen known and for this purpose the invention is intended in the same Wise meaning.

The object of the invention is therefore based on a method to show the assessment of a situation by a Variety of people who are in different places can keep being able to evaluate at a central point where for the "facts" the word "source of stimulus" or "from stimuli ", whereby it is to be specific, the broadcast program of a hearing radio or television station should act, the designation "Reaction" for the "assessment of listeners and / or viewers" and the central point is a studio of the broadcaster can be, but be pointed out again should be that it is a preferred but not the only one Use case of the invention should act.  

The problem is solved by the claims defined invention.

This differs from the one mentioned at the beginning closest prior art (DE 36 30 424 C2) everything as follows:

• - decentralized recording of the reaction generator signals,
• - recording the stimulus sequence of significant first signals, (preferably sound signals) simultaneously with the reaction encoder signals, in clear assignment,
• - Medium for recording and group evaluation Storage tape (magnetic tape), recording the first signals and the frequency-coded reaction transmitter Signals preferably on a common sound track,
• - Medium for recording and group evaluation Semiconductor memory, recording digitized Consequences of the first signals and the digitized reac tion transmitter signals,
• - Central group-wise evaluation of the individual orders drawings, in the case of magnetic tape recording Decoding of the reaction generator recordings, Synchronization of the individual recordings based on a significant first signal position.

The following applies with regard to the further state of the art:
It is known to see a large number of remote receiving devices with regard to different broadcast television programs with a special arrangement on the receiving devices (US 5,034,807), but without the transmitted signals including an additional instruction signal (questions to the viewer / listener). One or more members of a (distant) audience have the opportunity to react to the presented situation, but not by means of a keypad. It is also not by means of a memory at each of the remote receiving stations for storing the instruction by means of a comparison circuit that the information entered by means of the keypad is compared with the stored information. The proposed method is intended to interest and stimulate viewers / listeners to a greater extent, in order to be able to captivate them with appropriate programs.

It is also known to have a large number of remote receivers advise on various television programs broadcast each with a special unit on the receiving devices to be provided (US 4,658,290). However, not everyone can the units the operating mode of the television receiver recognize, recognize the selected channel, optical signals record or data entered by the viewer / listener to take. The data does not become a central device either transmitted directly, but only in one transport len stored. Messages to viewers can sent out centrally, but not in the individual remote units are cached for later to be displayed on the television.

The invention is now shown in the drawing and explained below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows:  

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a way of distributed individual gathering on a magnetic tape memory (coding)

Fig. 2 corresponding to FIGS. 1 Presentation a possibility of decentralized single detection in a semiconductor memory (coding)

Shows a possible ness of the central group analysis (decoding) of a number of band memories. 3 in a schematic representation,

Fig. 3A is a modification of the arrangement according to FIG. 3 and

Fig. 4 in a schematic representation of a central group evaluation of a number of semiconductor memories.

With a radio broadcast there are sound signals, with a long distance audio and video signals are sent, corresponding Signal sequences are broadcast by a broadcasting station and by receive individual radio and television sets and act as stimulus consequences on the listener / viewer.  

According to the invention, the individual listener or Zu now operates show a continuously adjustable position during the broadcast limb, a responder, according to his sensation towards the shipment, d. H. he gives by adjusting the Actuator his feedback, his reaction to that currently presented stimulus follow, which this in him call.

As an assessment criterion, depending on the nature of the shipment presented sequence of stimuli the gradual pleasure / dislike (for entertainment programs), gradual approval / rejection (in discussions), the gradual interest (in information shipments). The assessment will generally on the overall impression of the stimulus sequences, d. H. integrating image and sound in the case of sound / image broadcasts, can also be aligned in a special case on specific aspects such as sound design, image editing, Related actions, etc.

The position of the reaction generator causes a corresponding assigned signal, the ongoing feedback via reak tion transmitter a corresponding signal sequence as a practical Reality.

The reaction generator signal sequence is inserted into a memory which can be a magnetic tape on which the supplied signal sequence creates a pattern that the shoot transfers of the reaction generator over the course of time Mapping captures.

For storing digitized information sequences semiconductor memory, which is a micro  computer module with analog / digital converter for conversion of the response signal, clock / calendar for the time order of the stored signals, communication lines for reading out the stored data and a sequence program for controlling the functions mentioned becomes.

In order to allocate the data required for the evaluation recorded signal sequence of the reaction generator to the transmit To ensure ten stimulus sequence, the invention transmitted signal sequences, for image and sound signals practical considerations preferred only one of the Sig nalsequenzen and again preferably only the sound signal sequence entered into memory. This can be the case with audio / video broadcasts also be striking single images, which in connection with ent speaking timestamps the required stimulus-response-zu bring order.

It is expedient for each transmission to be examined a recording of the sound sequence or image / sound sequence on audio or video tape for structuring the program into a listening sequence or scene sequence for later analysis and in general used to reproduce the stimulus-response sequence in detail.

The one per listener / viewer of a broadcast in one Memory collected coded data of the reaction generator Signal sequences are stored together in a computer for evaluation read.

This can be done continuously by the whole the memory, which in turn contains data which is necessary for a short time interval (between 0.1 seconds and 2 seconds) were averaged and filed, and the calculator together,  (e.g. wirelessly using existing radio telephone networks) are interconnected so that an evaluation at the location of the broadcast can be practically synchronized with the broadcast.

However, it is also possible to use all of the memory with the assessment file filed for a specific shipment Information of the individual listeners / viewers about these sen away to a central evaluation location and there the evaluation in basically the same way cause.

To evaluate the signal sequences of the individual memories To be able to effect in a time-lapse form is the last mentioned methods do not select one memory after another evaluated, but the evaluation takes place in the computer the same early, first in a synchronization phase of the signal follow, then in the actual evaluation phase, in the the recorded signal sequences of the individual memories if necessary again in digitized information regarding the reaction transmitter position are implemented (with analog Recording on magnetic tape), per selectable time interval the total of the digitized individual reactions in the computer stored, mean value and scatter calculated as graphi shown course and are also saved.

It has already been pointed out that in order to defi at the specified time intervals to be able to assign the assessment in a concrete way, obvious would be the entire signal sequence presented (sound and image at Television programs) together with the reaction sequence in one Store memory. However, this would be a significant one Storage effort required.  

Therefore, it is in accordance with a further Aus according to the invention Education provided that only one of the signal sequences, in general mean the audio signal sequence is saved.

With a memory in the form of a tape with two independent pending tracks can be judged on one track the signal sequence of the reaction generator, on the other track the subject of the assessment, generally the sound signals the listening sequence, to ensure the assignability of stimulus Response sequence can be saved.

With a memory in the form of a tape with only one Track or a tape with two non-independent tracks can the sound signal sequence of the broadcast with that in sound signals implemented sequence of reaction generator mixes are drawn, the recorded stimulus sequence signals on the lower and middle frequency range of the magnetic tape Transmission range remains limited to for the implemented Reactor signals the upper frequency range of the magnet to keep the band transmission range clear.

The implementation (coding) of the reaction generator in Signals when recording on magnetic tape and the conversion (Decoding) in the evaluation is in the following table shown.

Process for further evaluation of this decoder scale ten donor positions are known per se and also with one Process according to DE 36 30 424 C2 applied, so that on such mathematical / statistical evaluation method can be.

Fig. 1 of the drawing shows a schematic representation of the decentralized detection of the reactions of a listener / viewer (coding) of an audiovisual presentation 11 from a stimulus source by means of a reaction generator 2 and recording the tone sequence on the tape 8 of a conventional cassette recorder 10 , being the stimulus source 11 is a device for reproducing a radio broadcast, sound recordings of various types, a television broadcast, a video tape, a film, but it can also be a life performance in image and sound.

During the performance, the subject 1 , the listener-viewer, the reaction transmitter 2 , ie he changes the position of the transmitter 3 according to the current assessment of the performance, a signal generator 4 generates a signal determined by the transmitter position in the upper range of the transmission range of the band , wherein the recorded by means of microphone 5 and preamplifier 6 , limited by a low-pass filter 7 to the lower and middle range of the transmission range of the band 8 , the generator signal is mixed via a summing amplifier 9 and stored on a channel of the conventional cassette recorder 10 . In addition, provided and necessary, known construction stones and their interconnection result from Fig. 1 and on there registered names, so that they would only have to be listed, what is dispensed with, in order not to make the description unnecessarily long. The components of the signal generator part are combined in an assembly 100 .

Fig. 2 of the drawing shows a schematic representation of the decentralized detection of the reactions of a subject 1 (Codie tion) an audiovisual presentation (stimulus source 11 or stimulus sequence) by means of a microcomputer with a computer core (CPU) 12 and read-only memory (ROM) 16 in a semiconductor memory 13 with the stimulus source 11 described for FIG. 1. The continuously changed position of the reaction generator 2 during the performance provides an electrical signal proportional thereto, which is continuously digitized by means of an analog-digital converter 14 . At the same time, the sound signal, which is converted by means of microphone 5 and preamplifier 6 , is digitized by means of an analog-digital converter 17 . A clock 18 with calendar, which also runs in the idle state, provides exact time stamps. The building blocks of this reaction detection are summarized in an assembly 200 .

Corresponding sequences, stored in the read-only memory (ROM) 16 as part of the microcomputer 12 , 16 , are realized by the computer core (CPU) 12 , for. B .:

• - Computer-controlled activation (default settings):
  Start of the system activation at a certain pre-set date, time (scheduled start of the program), acquisition of a tone sequence over a few seconds to identify the program, digitization and storage in the semiconductor memory, then ongoing acquisition of the response signal, notification of a preset time interval (e.g. 0.5 seconds), storage in the semiconductor memory 13 , termination after a pre-set, intended duration of the program, possibly again recording and storing the sound sequence over a few seconds to identify the (subsequent) program.
• - user-controlled activation:
  As above, but start and stop determined by listener-viewer 1 .

Fig. 3 of the drawing shows a schematic representation of the central group evaluation (decoding) of a number of tape memories 10 a, 10 b. . . with manual positioning of the straps 8 a, 8 b. . . to the same starting position. A corresponding number of cassette players 20 a, 20 b. . . delivers at the outputs of playback amplifiers 21 a, 21 b. . . each mixed signals that contain both the recorded tone sequence and the recorded coded response positions.

These mixed signals are amplified in amplifiers 22 a, 22 b. . . (Reaction generator 2 a, 2 b...) By means of a low-pass filter 23 a, 23 b. . . and a high-pass filter 24 a, 24 b. . . (or bandpass filter) split into the tone sequence and coded reaction transmitter position, the sound signals are further amplified, the signals of the reaction transmitter are by means of pulse shapers 25 a, 25 b in the signal form of the reaction transmitter 2 a, 2 b. . . brought.

The amplified sound signals of the individual (rewound) bands 8 a, 8 b. . . are after reinforcement in a amplifier ker 28 a, 28 b. . . selected by channel switch 26 a made loudspeaker or headphone 27 audible, corresponding band positions with respect to the same starting point of the evaluation are set.

The actual evaluation is then started, the reaction transmitter signals are recorded via a corresponding number of input lines, the average period is determined per line (channel) in a selectable time interval (e.g. 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2 seconds) and derived and saved a digitized encoder position via a table (analogous to the table above). The mean value, scatter, number of changes compared to the previous time interval are saved for each time interval. The course of the mean and the scatter is shown graphically. In the writings in Fig. 3 give this evaluation and details again without special explanation in detail. They could only be repeated here.

As a result of the following change in the arrangement, the manual selection and positioning of the individual magnetic tapes can also be replaced in an automatic computer-controlled positioning at the same starting positions ( FIG. 3A).

The amplified sound signals of the individual (rewound) bands 8 a, 8 b. . . are instead of manual channel selection and monitoring by the processor in parallel via analog inputs, per channel a comparison of the respective sound signal with a previously read pattern signal (over a certain time window of a few seconds). If there is agreement (high correlation of the two signals), the belt drive is stopped per channel, the starting position for the evaluation has been reached.

Fig. 4 of the drawing finally shows in a schematic Dar position the central group evaluation (decoding) of a number of semiconductor memories 13 a, 13 b. . . with sound pattern recognition, time stamp assignment of the individual recordings and digital data transfer to a central computer with display and storage in a cheerful computer.

The in the semiconductor memories 13 a, 13 b. . . Stored data are grouped as described above in the coded sequences of the reaction generator positions, averaged over short time intervals (e.g. 0.5, 1, 2 seconds), for periods corresponding to the duration of the respective audiovisual broadcasts, clearly assigned by the likewise stored computers - or user-controlled times (time / date) with regard to the start and stop of data acquisition.

Additionally stored tone sequence sections are required for a possibly necessary identification of the program actually heard by the user / test person, the temporal assignment is already given by the clock / calendar of the data acquisition (according to FIG. 2).

The converging in a central computer in Fig. 4 digital information of the ge provided by various subjects coded reaction generator positions of certain previously centrally selected stimulus sequences, for. B. of radio or television programs, for the corresponding institutions, are stored in a memory of the central computer in accordance with the actual time grid of the programs in accordance with the above-mentioned basic parameters of time-date. The tone sequence sections additionally recorded at certain times within the detection periods serve, if considered necessary, to check that the test person had actually stopped the centrally scheduled program at the given time.

The transmitted data sequence of the acquisition may be required If necessary in the central computer by further averaging be implemented on a coarser time grid.

The encoded for a particular program parallel time sequences, the feedback from the test subjects on the audiovisual performance of the corresponding broadcast, are regarding the course of group mean and scatter evaluated and together with the above Time sequences of the individual subjects to another Transfer calculator. In this the course of Mit telwert and scatter plotted, the over carried data are stored on file and are the basis of a more extensive application-oriented Analysis.  

The computer-controlled activation addressed in the decentralized individual detection in semiconductors according to FIG. 2 requires application-specific presettings of the individual detection devices.

The necessary presettings and the adjustment of the internal clocks are expediently carried out by means of the central computer of an arrangement according to FIG. 4, with the difference from the data evaluation shown in FIG. 4 that, in the presetting, data are not taken over from the central computer, but the central computer controls the individual recording devices as part of a dialog sequence.

The individual detection units of FIG. 4 are in the basic state with respect to the possibly associated with them ZENTRA len computer to receive switched.

After requesting and decoding special data words on Communication input of an acquisition device, message from the central computer, this may go from the exit survived in another operating state.

In the normal process, the sequence of operations results states of the individual recording device

• 1) Transfer of the default settings from the central computer:
  • - computer or user-controlled process,
  • - averaging time interval,
  • - If necessary, activation and deactivation times with regard to recording the feedback for shipment 1, 2. . ., Internal clock / calendar adjustment, delete data storage, then transition to operating state 2),
• 2) Acquisition and coding of the response signal sequence according to the preset parameters, periodic polling of the communication input Apply a message as a command to transition to operating status 3) or operating status 1),
• 3) transmission of the coded data to the central computer, expediently as a data block of a defined structure and scope, finally transition to operating state 1) again.

To reduce the power consumption of the battery operated Detection devices are expediently used as microcomputers uses a highly integrated microcontroller, being above named operating state 2) as working state 2-A) for the period of data collection or as a control status 2-K) or as a waiting state 2-W).

In the waiting state 2-W) the power requirement of the microcontrol by switching off functions reduced the working state. The microcontroller is now programmed so that it periodically (e.g. every second) from the waiting state 2-W) to the control state 2-K) passes over and checks for certain conditions, e.g. B., whether according to the computer-specified start time or user actuated switch the acquisition / coding of the sequence of Reactor signals etc. must take place, whether at the commun cation input a message from the central computer lies etc., if necessary in the working mode 2-A), in the preset operating state 1) or in the  Transfer operating state 3), or else, if none of the above or other corresponding Conditions is fulfilled, again in the waiting state 2-U) to fall behind.

The change of the operating states mentioned can the Be users of the recording devices or the technician / test head on the central computer expediently by opti cal signaling device (e.g. LEDs) and / or acoustic signal encoder (e.g. piezo electronic sound transducer) is displayed become.

By means of an acoustic signal generator, at preset Activation times in the user registration device / Subject from the registration device again for safety the beginning of the intended for submitting the feedback Be made aware of the shipment.

Claims (18)

1. Use of a method according to patent DE 36 30 424 for the assessment of sound and / or video transmissions and of signals, which proceed in a similar manner from a central point ( 11 ) and from a large number of mutually independent subjects ( 1 ) are received as a stimulus sequence and are to be assessed, with a progressive stimulus sequence with one reaction generator ( 2 ) per test person ( 1 ) generating a signal sequence and being fed to a storage means ( 10 , 13 ), the first signal sequence, at least significant individual signals from it Storage means ( 10 , 13 ) are fed in such a way that on the storage means Assessment signals from the respective reaction generator ( 2 ) and the first signal follow, at least significant individual signals from it, appear as signals in a clear association with each other, thus giving a decentralized individual detection is ( Fig. 1, 2), whose evaluation using the individual storage means in the form of a central group Pen evaluation takes place ( Fig. 3)
2. Decentralized individual detection and central group evaluation in the context of the use according to claim 1, characterized in that the individual detection of the signals from each of the reac tion transmitter ( 2 ) together with significant for the stimulus sequence first signals in a clear assignment and the group evaluation by means of a storage tape ( 8 ) as storage means ( Fig. 1). 3. Decentralized individual detection and central group evaluation in the context of the use according to claim 1, characterized in that the individual detection of the signals from each of the reac tion transmitter ( 2 ) together with significant for the stimulus sequence first signals in a clear assignment and the group evaluation by means of a semiconductor memory ( 13 ) as a storage medium ( Fig. 2). 4. Distributed single entry for an arrangement according to claim 2, characterized by a signal transmitter part (100) and a known cassette recorder (10), wherein the signal transmitter part (100) on the one hand a Signalflußzweig with the reaction generator (2) and a generator ( 4 ) with a selected frequency range, on the other hand includes a signal flow branch with a stimulus sequence recording ( 5 ), a preamplifier ( 6 ) and a low-pass filter ( 7 ) with a selected pass band, different from the frequency range in the first signal flow branch, the two signal branches before one common sum amplifier ( 9 ) are merged, the output of which leads to a recording amplifier ( 10 a) of the conventional len cassette recorder ( 10 ) with a tape cassette ( 10 b) ( Fig. 1). 5. Decentralized individual detection for an arrangement according to claim 3, characterized by a signal transmitter branch with the reac tion transmitter ( 2 ) and a converter ( 14 ) and a further signal transmitter branch with a stimulus response recording ( 5 ), a preamplifier ( 6 ) and a converter ( 17 ) , wherein the two signal generator branches after the converters ( 14 , 17 ) in a computer ( 12 , 16 ) are merged, the output of which leads to the semiconductor memory ( 13 ) ( Fig. 2). 6. Decentralized individual detection according to claim 5, characterized in that the computer ( 12 , 16 ) has a computer core ( 12 ) and a fixed memory ( 16 ) for receiving the signals of the stimulus sequence recording ( 5 ) via preamplifier ( 6 ) and converter ( 17 ) and the signals from the reaction generator ( 2 ) via the converter ( 14 ). 7. Decentralized individual registration according to claim 4 or according to Claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the stimulus sequence is an acoustic stimulus sequence. 8. Decentralized individual detection according to claim 7, characterized records that the acoustic stimulus sequence is one of two stimuli follow, of which the second stimulus sequence is an optical one Sequence of stimuli is. 9. Central group evaluation for an arrangement according to claim 2, using a plurality of decentralized individual versions according to claim 4 or according to claims 5 and 6, wherein the stimulus sequence can be an acoustic stimulus sequence according to claim 7 or an acoustic and optical stimulus sequence according to claim 8 , characterized by a playback device ( 20 ) for each of a response transmitter ( 2 ), stored signal sequence with a playback amplifier ( 21 ), the output signals of which are on the one hand in a low-pass filter ( 23 ) with a defined pass band and on the other hand in a high-pass filter ( 24 ) with a defined, different Durchlaßbe rich an evaluation station ( 300 ) are entered, the output of the low-pass filter to a channel selection ( 26 a) of a signal reproduction device ( 27 ) is guided, while the output of the high-pass filter ( 24 ) to the digital input of a computer is led. 10. Central group evaluation according to claim 9, characterized in that the output of each high-pass filter ( 24 ) is initially fed to a pulse shaper ( 25 ), while the output of each low-pass filter ( 23 ) is first to an amplifier. 11. Central group evaluation according to claim 9, characterized in that both the output signals of the high-pass filter ( 24 ) and that of the low-pass filter ( 23 ) of each group of high-pass filter and low-pass filter for the respective reproduction device ( 20 ) are guided to a computer that in addition to the digital input for the signals from the high-pass filters, an analog input for the signals from the low-pass filters ( 23 ). 12. Decentralized individual recording according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized by a central recording of the outside signal sequence, in particular the tone sequence or image Tone sequence, on a memory tape, in particular on a Audio or video tape, to structure the entire signal line ge. 13. Central group evaluation according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the entirety of the memories ( 13 ), which in turn contain data, and the computer ( 12 , 16 ) are interconnected, the data of the individual memory for a short Time interval are averaged and stored in order to be used as the basis for the central evaluation. 14. Central group evaluation according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the entirety of the memory with the stored for a certain signal sequence assessment information of the individual subjects ( 1 ) across the signal sequence to a central evaluation location are characterized in that Evaluation of the signal sequences of the individual memories in time-lapse form in the computer simultaneously, first in a synchronization phase of the signal sequences, then in the actual evaluation phase, in which the recorded signal sequences of the individual memories are converted again, if appropriate, into digitized information relating to the reaction generator position . 15. Central group evaluation according to claim 14, characterized records that the total for each selectable time interval the digitized individual reactions in the computer chert, mean value and scatter calculated as graphical History is shown and also saved. 16. Decentralized individual detection according to claim 5 and 6 with central group evaluation according to claim 13 to 15, characterized in that by means of internal clock / calendar of the detection devices ( 200 ) there is a clear time allocation of the signal sequences in the group evaluation. 17. Decentralized individual registration according to claim 5 and 6 with central group evaluation according to claims 13 to 16, characterized in that by means of the central The clocks / Calendar calibrated, data storage deleted and Acquisition parameters are passed.   18. Decentralized individual detection according to claim 5 and 6 with central group evaluation according to claim 13 to 17. characterized in that the detection devices ( 200 ) are only at the time of transmission of certain programs in the detection state via preset activation and deactivation times. 19. Decentralized individual detection according to claim 5 and 6 with central group evaluation according to claim 13 to 18, characterized in that the individual user of the detection device ( 200 ) before / at the time of activation of the program intended for the feedback (s) made aware by an acoustic signal becomes.