WO2006025756A1 - Method and system for suveying the ratings of popularity of tv and/or radio programs - Google Patents

Method and system for suveying the ratings of popularity of tv and/or radio programs Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006025756A1
WO2006025756A1 PCT/PL2005/000056 PL2005000056W WO2006025756A1 WO 2006025756 A1 WO2006025756 A1 WO 2006025756A1 PL 2005000056 W PL2005000056 W PL 2005000056W WO 2006025756 A1 WO2006025756 A1 WO 2006025756A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
radio
programs
telemetric
signal
surveyed person
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Application number
PCT/PL2005/000056
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jakub Bierzynski
Original Assignee
Jakub Bierzynski
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Jakub Bierzynski filed Critical Jakub Bierzynski
Publication of WO2006025756A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006025756A1/en

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/61—Arrangements for services using the result of monitoring, identification or recognition covered by groups H04H60/29-H04H60/54
    • H04H60/66—Arrangements for services using the result of monitoring, identification or recognition covered by groups H04H60/29-H04H60/54 for using the result on distributors' side
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/56—Arrangements characterised by components specially adapted for monitoring, identification or recognition covered by groups H04H60/29-H04H60/54
    • H04H60/58—Arrangements characterised by components specially adapted for monitoring, identification or recognition covered by groups H04H60/29-H04H60/54 of audio

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a method and a system for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs wherein data obtained from telemetric device(s) of the surveyed person(s) is transferred on-line to a central unit for presentation of the popularity ratings related to TV programs being watched by spectators or radio programs being listened to by listeners.
  • the Polish patent No 169709 discloses a method and a device for generating and storing the statistic information related to viewing ratings and applicable to the system of two-way cable television.
  • the information about the TV channels watched on remote terminals is generated by each remote terminal and then collected by a managing unit of the system.
  • the managing unit of the system transmits one or several time-related packages towards one or several remote terminals and these packages determine the moments of time when the statistical data should be recorded.
  • Memory units of remote terminals store one or more values of time for data capturing and if the recorded time of data capturing is equal to the actual clock time, the statistic data for visual presentation are captured and stored in the memory units of remote terminals.
  • the managing unit of the system after sending queries to the remote terminals, obtains the statistic data for visual presentation that have already been captured and stored in memory units of the terminals along with the encoded moments of time when the statistic data for visual presentation are transmitted to the managing unit of the system, whose managing unit later processes the received data appropriately.
  • the Polish patent No 176336 discloses both a method and a device for data acquisition applicable to survey popularity ratings of TV programs, where the identification signal (signal pulse) is supeiposed with the video component of the TV signal for the channel selected.
  • the identification signal signal pulse
  • receiving of a specific TV channel is detected by a single unit of the CATV system.
  • the identification signal is received from the video output of a TV set or detected by means of a probe installed outside the TV set, nearby the picture tube.
  • the Polish patent application No P.354949 discloses that a LF video output of a TV set is connected to an input of a signal content analyser through a converter. Its output is connected to the first input of an encoder whereas the second input of the same is connected to an infrared receiver.
  • the infrared receiver is sensitive to signals generated by a remote control.
  • Output signals of the encoder are delivered to the input of a radio transmitter that has a transmitting antenna connected to its output.
  • the US Patent No 6124877 discloses a method for monitoring and reporting popularity ratings of television programs that consists in positioning of a RF probe on the exterior of the receiver housing in close proximity to the intermediate frequency amplifier of the receiver to pick up the intermediate frequency signal therein.
  • a demodulator circuit derives a composite video signal from the intermediate frequency signal.
  • a decoder derives channel and/or information program from among the twenty one lines of the composite signal, information on which is periodically stored in the memory with associated time, date and viewer ID information. The stored viewing information is periodically transmitted by a modem to the central monitoring location for relevant analysis.
  • An object of the present invention is to enable the editor manager of the TV and/or radio broadcasting station, who is responsible for program matters, provision on ⁇ line with information on the most popular TV and/or radio programs that are frequently watched /listened to by the surveyed people hence the editor is concurrently informed whether the specific subjects of programs or the way of presentation of the same have proved to be interesting to the respondents.
  • a method for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs is characterized in that acoustic signals generated by a loudspeaker of the TV set or the radio receiver that belongs to the surveyed person are sensed by a microphone of a telemetric unit, then the signal of telemetric information is transmitted to the receiver of a central unit whereas the signal of telemetric information is modulated by acoustic signals that are sensed by the microphone, said signal of telemetric information is delivered to the receiver of the central unit and then demodulated to obtain an electric signal that reproduces acoustic signals that are generated by the loudspeaker of the TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to the surveyed person, said electric signal as well as the electric signals that reproduce the acoustic signals of broadcast radio and TV programs are delivered to the central unit, the electric signal that has been received from the telemetric unit is compared with electric signals that correspond to acoustic signals of broadcast TV and radio programs, then the TV and/or radio program that is watched
  • a system for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs is characterized in that is comprises a telemetric unit for sensing, by means of a built-in microphone, acoustic signals generated by a loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to the surveyed person as well as for transmission of telemetric information whereas the telemetric signal is modulated by acoustic signals as sensed by the microphone, and a central unit for receiving the signal of telemetric information and further demodulation of the same in order to obtain the electric signal that reflects the acoustic signals generated by the loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to the surveyed person as well as for receiving electric signals that reproduce acoustic waves of broadcast TV and radio programs whereas the electric signals as received from the telemetric unit are compared with electric signals that correspond to acoustic waves of broadcast TV and radio programs in order to identify which TV program is watched or which radio program is listened to by the surveyed person with
  • a method for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs is characterized in that acoustic signals generated by a loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to a surveyed person are sensed by a microphone of a telemetric unit, the signal of telemetric information is transmitted to a receiver of a central unit whereas the signal of telemetric information is modulated by acoustic signals that are sensed by said microphone in combination with the identification signal specific for the surveyed person, said signal of telemetric information is delivered to the receiver of the central unit and then demodulated to obtain an electric signal that reproduces acoustic signals that are generated by the loudspeaker of the TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to the surveyed person as well as an electric signal that identifies the surveyed person, both said electric signals and the electric signals that reproduce the acoustic signals of broadcast radio and TV programs are delivered to the central unit, the central unit compares the electric signal that has been received from the tele
  • a system for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs is characterized in that is comprises a telemetric unit for sensing, by means of a built-in microphone, acoustic signals generated by a loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to the surveyed person as well as for transmission of telemetric information whereas the telemetric signal is modulated by acoustic signals sensed by the microphone in combination with the identification signal specific for the surveyed person, a central unit for receiving the signal of telemetric information and further demodulation of the same in order to obtain the electric signal that reflects the acoustic signals generated by the loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to the surveyed person and the electric signal that identifies the surveyed person as well as for receiving electric signals that reproduce acoustic waves of broadcast TV and radio programs whereas the electric signals received from the telemetric unit are compared with electric signals that correspond to acoustic waves of broadcast TV and radio
  • a method for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs is characterized in that acoustic signals generated by a loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to a surveyed person are sensed by a microphone of a telemetric unit, the telemetric unit also receives identification signals generated by a microtransmitter canied by or attached to the surveyed person, the signal of telemetric information is transmitted to a receiver of a central unit whereas the signal of telemetric information is modulated by acoustic signals that are sensed by said microphone in combination with the identification signal generated by the microtransmitter and specific for the surveyed person, said signal of telemetric information is delivered to the receiver of the central unit and then demodulated to obtain an electric signal that reproduces acoustic signals that are generated by the loudspeaker of the TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to the surveyed person as well as an electric signal that identifies the surveyed person, both said electric signals and the electric signals
  • a system for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs is characterized in that is comprises a telemetric unit for sensing, by means of a built-in microphone, acoustic signals generated by a loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to the surveyed person and for receiving identifications signals generated by a microtransmitter that is attached to or carried by a surveyed person as well as for transmission of telemetric information whereas the telemetric signal is modulated by acoustic signals as sensed by the microphone in combination with the identification signal specific for the surveyed person and generated by said microtransmitter, the microtransmitter designed to generate signals that are used for identification of the surveyed person, a central unit for receiving the signal of telemetric information and further demodulation of the same in order to obtain the electric signal that reflects the acoustic signals generated by the loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to the surveyed person and the electric signal that identifies the
  • the microtransmitter is a radio microtransmitter.
  • the microtransmitter is an infrared microtransmitter.
  • a method for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs is characterized in that signals with information on the settings of the TV set /radio receiver are transmitted from the TV and/or radio equipment to the telemetric unit whereas the received package includes information whether the TV set /radio receiver is on or off and, if on, which TV and/or radio program is currently watched /listened to by the surveyed person.
  • the telemetric unit receives also identification signals being transmitted by a microtransmitter carried by or attached to the surveyed person, - the signal of telemetric information is transmitted to a receiver of a central unit whereas the signal of telemetric information is modulated by the signal that reflects the settings of the TV and/or radio equipment in combination with the identification signal specific for the surveyed person and generated by a microtransmitter, said signal of telemetric information is delivered to the receiver of the central unit and then demodulated to obtain an electric signal that corresponds to the settings of the TV set or a radio receiver as well as an electric signal that identifies the surveyed person, both said electric signals and the electric signals that identify broadcast radio and TV programs are delivered to the central unit, the central unit compares the electric signal that has been received from the telemetric unit with electric signals that identify broadcast TV and radio programs, then on the basis of the figures of identified programs that are watched or listened to by the surveyed person the popularity ratings of the relevant programs can be calculated.
  • a system for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs is characterized in that is comprises a telemetric unit for receiving information on the settings of the TV set /radio receiver whereas the received package includes information whether the TV set /radio receiver is on or off and, if on, which TV and/or radio program is currently watched /listened to by the surveyed person as well as for transmission of telemetric information whereas the telemetric signal is modulated by electric signals that correspond to the settings of the TV and/or radio equipment in combination with the identification signal specific for the surveyed person and generated by a microtransmitter, the microtransmitter to generate signals that are used for identification of the surveyed person, and a central unit for receiving the signal of telemetric information and further demodulation of the same in order to obtain the electric signal that reflects the settings of a TV and/or radio equipment and the electric signal that identifies the surveyed person as well as for receiving electric signals that identify the broadcast TV and radio programs whereas the electric signals as received from the
  • the acoustic signals generated by a loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to the surveyed person are received during the predefined time intervals and /or within predefined bandwidth limits of acoustic frequencies.
  • both the electric signal received from the telemetric unit and the electric signal that correspond to the broadcast radio /TV programs are sampled before transmission or comparison thereof.
  • both the electric signal received from the telemetric unit and the electric signal that correspond to the broadcast radio /TV programs are transmitted on-line to the central unit.
  • the electric signal that correspond to the broadcast radio /TV programs are stored in a local memory module of the central unit then the further comparison and analysis thereof is carried out after receiving the electric signal from the telemetric unit.
  • popularity ratings for specific TV and /or radio programs are assessed in accordance with any predefined criteria.
  • the telemetric unit attributable to the surveyed person establishes contacts with the central unit receiver through GPRS network or the Internet.
  • telemetric units are connected to a central unit.
  • the telemetric unit is coupled with a transmitter of telemetric information.
  • the central unit is coupled with a receiver of telemetric information.
  • the central unit incorporates a memory module dedicated to storing electric signals corresponding to broadcast TV and/or radio programs.
  • the central unit incorporates an operator's terminal station and a display.
  • An advantage of the present invention is the fact that he relevant information is displayed on-line on the screen of the editor's terminal and interpreted by the editor manager of the radio /TV programs. Moreover, for individual TV and/or radio programs diagrams of popularity thereof are developed and displayed on the terminal screen of the editor who is responsible for programs that are broadcast by the TV and/or radio stations whilst the TV program being surveyed is displayed in the background.
  • the method and the system for surveying the ratings of TV and/or radio programs popularity according to the present invention are applicable to all standards for broadcasting TV programs as well as broadcasting the radio programs. Brief description of the drawing
  • Fig.l shows the general structure of the system for surveys where the acoustic signal that is generated by the loudspeaker of the TV and/or radio equipment in use is sensed by the microphone of the telemetric device and then transmitted along with the identification signal of the surveyed person to the central unit of the system;
  • Fig. 2 shows the general structure of another embodiment of the system for surveys where the acoustic signal that is generated by the loudspeaker of the TV and/or radio equipment in use is sensed by the microphone of the telemetric device as well as the identification signal of the surveyed person is received by the telemetric unit from a microtransmitter attributable to the surveyed person and next, both signals are transmitted to the central unit;
  • Fig. 3 shows the general structure of another embodiment of the system for surveys where the electric signal that reflects the information on the settings of the TV and/or radio equipment is delivered to the telemetric unit whereas the identification signal of the surveyed person is received by the telemetric unit from a microtransmitter attributable to the surveyed person and next, both signals are transmitted to the central unit.
  • Fig. 1 in the system for surveying the popularity ratings of TV and/or radio programs, when any surveyed person enters the room 1 where the TV and/or radio equipment 2 is in use the acoustic signals generated by loudspeakers of the equipment are sensed by the microphone 3 of the telemetric unit in accordance to the specific time intervals and predefined bandwidth of acoustic frequency.
  • the telemetric unit 3 processes the acoustic signals into electric parameters so that the resulting electric signals along with the electric signal that identifies the surveyed person and is retrieved from the built-in memory module of the telemetric unit are delivered to the transmitter 4 of telemetric signals.
  • These electric signals are sequentially combined, e.g.
  • any data-carrying link can be used to provide transmission between the telemetric device(s) and the receiver, in particular the equipment that operates within the network for fast data transmission GPRS (General Packed Radio Service) or any other communication network, including the Internet.
  • GPRS General Packed Radio Service
  • the transmitted electromagnetic wave is sensed by the antenna of the receiver 5 of telemetric signals.
  • the receiver reproduces the original electric signals and then these electric signals and the electric signals that correspond to broadcast TV and/or radio programs and have already been received by the operator's station 6 are delivered to the central unit 7 where the relevant parameters that enable identification of both the surveyed person and the TV and/or radio program the person watches /listens to are compared.
  • the electric signals that correspond to broadcast TV and/or radio programs can be preliminarily stored into the memory unit 8 being coupled with the central unit 7.
  • the comparative analysis follows the predefined criteria as stated by the administrator /editor manager who is responsible for programs broadcast by TV and/or radio stations, e.g.
  • Results of the comparative analysis are displayed on the terminal screen 9 of the station that is used by the editor manager responsible for programs broadcast by the radio /TV stations.
  • Information about popularity of specific radio /TV programs that is stored in the memory module 8 of the central unit 7 may be used for development of diagrams that highlight dynamic variations of specific TV and/or radio programs popularity. Such diagrams are displayed on the terminal screen 9 of the editor who is responsible for programs that are broadcast by the TV and/or radio stations whilst the surveyed TV program is displayed in the background.
  • the operator of the central unit 7 is capable to trace on-line on the screen 8 of his display how the identification process is carried out with respect to specific signals as well as to monitor the process of comparative analysis and drawing up popularity diagrams related to individual TV and/or radio programs within the predefined time limits.
  • the telemetiic unit 3 is disposed nearby the TV and/or radio equipment 2 that is used by the surveyed person in a room 1.
  • the embedded microphone of the unit senses acoustic signals generated by loudspeakers 2 of the equipment whereas the ultrasonic head of the unit is sensitive to ultrasonic signals generated by the portable microtransmitter 10 so that identification of the surveyed person is possible.
  • any other transmitter can be applied, e.g. the transmitter that generates infrared bandwidth signals or those within the RF range.
  • Miniaturised casing of the portable microtransmitter 10 can be attached to a bracelet, an armband or a necklace as well as the microtransmitter can be manufactured as an object of any outer appearance, e.g. a pendant or a badge. Range of the microcontroller 10 can be limited to the room 1 where the TV and/or radio equipment 2 is used. Should the surveyed person with the microtransmitter 10 appear nearby the receiver 2, proximity of such a person is automatically sensed by the telemetiic unit 3.
  • the telemetiic unit 3 processes the acoustic and ultrasonic signals into electric parameters then the electric signals are sequentially combined with the electric signal of carrier frequency. Next the corresponding electromagnetic wave, e.g. within the UHF bandwidth, is transmitted by means of the antenna of the telemetiic information transmitter 4 and sensed by the receiving antenna 5 and processed in the central unit 7 similarly to the process as described for the embodiment in. Fig. 1.
  • a telemetiic unit 3 is disposed in the room 1 where the TV and/or radio equipment 2 is used.
  • An electric cable connected at its terminus to the TV and/or radio equipment, conveys the electric signals that correspond to the settings of the equipment to the telemetiic unit 3 whereas the settings comprise information whether the TV set /radio receiver equipment is on or off and, if on, which TV and/or radio program is currently watched /listened to by the surveyed person.
  • the ultrasonic head of the telemetric unit 3 senses the ultrasonic signals that are generated by a portable ultrasonic microtransmitter 10 to enable identification of the surveyed person as described in case of the embodiment in reference to Fig. 2,
  • Electric signals that represent the settings of the TV and/or radio equipment as well as identifying signals specific for the microtransmitter 10 of the surveyed person are received by the telemetric unit 3 and then delivered to the transmitter 4 of telemetric information where they are sequentially combined with the electric signal of carrier frequency.
  • the telemetric information transmitter 4 transmits the information and electromagnetic wave that is sensed by the receiving antenna 5 is processed by the central unit 7 similarly to the process as described with respect to Fig. 1.

Abstract

The method for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs discloses that acoustic signals generated by a loudspeaker of the TV set or a radio receiver (2) that belongs to the surveyed person are sensed by a microphone of a telemetric unit (3) and then transmitted by the telemetric unit (3) to the receiver of the central unit whereas the signal of telemetric information is modulated by acoustic signals that are sensed by the microphone. Then this signal of telemetric information is delivered to the receiver (5) and then demodulated to obtain an electric signal that reflects the acoustic signals that are generated by the loudspeaker of the TV set or a radio receiver (2) that belongs to the surveyed person. Later the obtained electric signal as well as the electric signals that reproduce acoustic waves of broadcast radio and TV programs are delivered to the central unit (7) where the electric signal that has been received from the telemetric unit (3) is compared with electric signals that correspond to acoustic signals of broadcast TV and radio programs what makes possible to identify which TV program is watched or which radio program is listened to by the surveyed person. On the basis of the figures of identified programs that are watched or listened to by the surveyed person the popularity ratings can be calculated. The subject of the present invention also comprises a system for surveying the ratings of TV and/or radio programs popularity.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SURVEYING THE RATINGS OF POPULARITY
OF TV AND/OR RADIO PROGRAMS
Background of the Invention
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method and a system for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs wherein data obtained from telemetric device(s) of the surveyed person(s) is transferred on-line to a central unit for presentation of the popularity ratings related to TV programs being watched by spectators or radio programs being listened to by listeners.
2. Description of the Related Art
The Polish patent No 169709 discloses a method and a device for generating and storing the statistic information related to viewing ratings and applicable to the system of two-way cable television. In the presented system the information about the TV channels watched on remote terminals is generated by each remote terminal and then collected by a managing unit of the system. The managing unit of the system transmits one or several time-related packages towards one or several remote terminals and these packages determine the moments of time when the statistical data should be recorded. Memory units of remote terminals store one or more values of time for data capturing and if the recorded time of data capturing is equal to the actual clock time, the statistic data for visual presentation are captured and stored in the memory units of remote terminals. The managing unit of the system, after sending queries to the remote terminals, obtains the statistic data for visual presentation that have already been captured and stored in memory units of the terminals along with the encoded moments of time when the statistic data for visual presentation are transmitted to the managing unit of the system, whose managing unit later processes the received data appropriately.
The Polish patent No 176336 discloses both a method and a device for data acquisition applicable to survey popularity ratings of TV programs, where the identification signal (signal pulse) is supeiposed with the video component of the TV signal for the channel selected. On the basis of the identification signal in the output signal of a CATV device, such as TV sets or VCRs, receiving of a specific TV channel is detected by a single unit of the CATV system. The identification signal is received from the video output of a TV set or detected by means of a probe installed outside the TV set, nearby the picture tube.
The Polish patent application No P.354949 discloses that a LF video output of a TV set is connected to an input of a signal content analyser through a converter. Its output is connected to the first input of an encoder whereas the second input of the same is connected to an infrared receiver. The infrared receiver is sensitive to signals generated by a remote control. Output signals of the encoder are delivered to the input of a radio transmitter that has a transmitting antenna connected to its output.
The US Patent No 6124877 discloses a method for monitoring and reporting popularity ratings of television programs that consists in positioning of a RF probe on the exterior of the receiver housing in close proximity to the intermediate frequency amplifier of the receiver to pick up the intermediate frequency signal therein. A demodulator circuit derives a composite video signal from the intermediate frequency signal. A decoder derives channel and/or information program from among the twenty one lines of the composite signal, information on which is periodically stored in the memory with associated time, date and viewer ID information. The stored viewing information is periodically transmitted by a modem to the central monitoring location for relevant analysis.
An object of the present invention is to enable the editor manager of the TV and/or radio broadcasting station, who is responsible for program matters, provision on¬ line with information on the most popular TV and/or radio programs that are frequently watched /listened to by the surveyed people hence the editor is concurrently informed whether the specific subjects of programs or the way of presentation of the same have proved to be interesting to the respondents.
Summary of the invention
According to the present invention a method for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs is characterized in that acoustic signals generated by a loudspeaker of the TV set or the radio receiver that belongs to the surveyed person are sensed by a microphone of a telemetric unit, then the signal of telemetric information is transmitted to the receiver of a central unit whereas the signal of telemetric information is modulated by acoustic signals that are sensed by the microphone, said signal of telemetric information is delivered to the receiver of the central unit and then demodulated to obtain an electric signal that reproduces acoustic signals that are generated by the loudspeaker of the TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to the surveyed person, said electric signal as well as the electric signals that reproduce the acoustic signals of broadcast radio and TV programs are delivered to the central unit, the electric signal that has been received from the telemetric unit is compared with electric signals that correspond to acoustic signals of broadcast TV and radio programs, then the TV and/or radio program that is watched /listened to by the surveyed person can be identified, next on the basis of the figures of identified programs that are watched or listened to by the surveyed person the popularity ratings can be calculated.
According to the present invention a system for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs is characterized in that is comprises a telemetric unit for sensing, by means of a built-in microphone, acoustic signals generated by a loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to the surveyed person as well as for transmission of telemetric information whereas the telemetric signal is modulated by acoustic signals as sensed by the microphone, and a central unit for receiving the signal of telemetric information and further demodulation of the same in order to obtain the electric signal that reflects the acoustic signals generated by the loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to the surveyed person as well as for receiving electric signals that reproduce acoustic waves of broadcast TV and radio programs whereas the electric signals as received from the telemetric unit are compared with electric signals that correspond to acoustic waves of broadcast TV and radio programs in order to identify which TV program is watched or which radio program is listened to by the surveyed person with further calculation of popularity ratings for specific TV or radio programs on the basis of identified programs that are watched or listened to by the surveyed person.
According to another embodiment of the present invention a method for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs is characterized in that acoustic signals generated by a loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to a surveyed person are sensed by a microphone of a telemetric unit, the signal of telemetric information is transmitted to a receiver of a central unit whereas the signal of telemetric information is modulated by acoustic signals that are sensed by said microphone in combination with the identification signal specific for the surveyed person, said signal of telemetric information is delivered to the receiver of the central unit and then demodulated to obtain an electric signal that reproduces acoustic signals that are generated by the loudspeaker of the TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to the surveyed person as well as an electric signal that identifies the surveyed person, both said electric signals and the electric signals that reproduce the acoustic signals of broadcast radio and TV programs are delivered to the central unit, the central unit compares the electric signal that has been received from the telemetric unit with electric signals that correspond to acoustic waves of broadcast TV and radio programs, then the TV and/or radio program that is watched /listened to by the identified surveyed person can be identified, next on the basis of the figures of identified programs that are watched or listened to by the surveyed person the popularity ratings of the relevant programs can be calculated. According to another embodiment of the present invention a system for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs is characterized in that is comprises a telemetric unit for sensing, by means of a built-in microphone, acoustic signals generated by a loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to the surveyed person as well as for transmission of telemetric information whereas the telemetric signal is modulated by acoustic signals sensed by the microphone in combination with the identification signal specific for the surveyed person, a central unit for receiving the signal of telemetric information and further demodulation of the same in order to obtain the electric signal that reflects the acoustic signals generated by the loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to the surveyed person and the electric signal that identifies the surveyed person as well as for receiving electric signals that reproduce acoustic waves of broadcast TV and radio programs whereas the electric signals received from the telemetric unit are compared with electric signals that correspond to acoustic waves of broadcast TV and radio programs in order to identify which TV program is watched or which radio program is listened to by the surveyed person with further calculation of popularity ratings for specific TV or radio programs on the basis of identified programs that are watched or listened to by the surveyed person. According to still another embodiment of the present invention a method for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs is characterized in that acoustic signals generated by a loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to a surveyed person are sensed by a microphone of a telemetric unit, the telemetric unit also receives identification signals generated by a microtransmitter canied by or attached to the surveyed person, the signal of telemetric information is transmitted to a receiver of a central unit whereas the signal of telemetric information is modulated by acoustic signals that are sensed by said microphone in combination with the identification signal generated by the microtransmitter and specific for the surveyed person, said signal of telemetric information is delivered to the receiver of the central unit and then demodulated to obtain an electric signal that reproduces acoustic signals that are generated by the loudspeaker of the TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to the surveyed person as well as an electric signal that identifies the surveyed person, both said electric signals and the electric signals that reproduce acoustic waves of broadcast radio and TV programs are delivered to the central unit, the central unit compares the electric signal that has been received from the telemetric unit with electric signals that correspond to acoustic waves of broadcast TV and radio programs, then the TV and/or radio program that is watched /listened to by the identified surveyed person can be identified, next on the basis of the figures of identified programs that are watched or listened to by the surveyed person the popularity ratings of the relevant programs can be calculated.
According to still another embodiment of the present invention a system for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs is characterized in that is comprises a telemetric unit for sensing, by means of a built-in microphone, acoustic signals generated by a loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to the surveyed person and for receiving identifications signals generated by a microtransmitter that is attached to or carried by a surveyed person as well as for transmission of telemetric information whereas the telemetric signal is modulated by acoustic signals as sensed by the microphone in combination with the identification signal specific for the surveyed person and generated by said microtransmitter, the microtransmitter designed to generate signals that are used for identification of the surveyed person, a central unit for receiving the signal of telemetric information and further demodulation of the same in order to obtain the electric signal that reflects the acoustic signals generated by the loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to the surveyed person and the electric signal that identifies the surveyed person as well as for receiving electric signals that reproduce acoustic waves of broadcast TV and radio programs whereas the electric signals as received from the telemetric unit are compared with electric signals that correspond to acoustic waves of broadcast TV and radio programs in order to identify which TV program is watched or which radio program is listened to by the surveyed person with further calculation of popularity ratings for specific TV or radio programs on the basis of identified programs that are watched or listened to by the surveyed person.
Preferably the microtransmitter is a radio microtransmitter. Preferably the microtransmitter is an infrared microtransmitter.
According to another embodiment of the present invention a method for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs is characterized in that signals with information on the settings of the TV set /radio receiver are transmitted from the TV and/or radio equipment to the telemetric unit whereas the received package includes information whether the TV set /radio receiver is on or off and, if on, which TV and/or radio program is currently watched /listened to by the surveyed person. the telemetric unit receives also identification signals being transmitted by a microtransmitter carried by or attached to the surveyed person, - the signal of telemetric information is transmitted to a receiver of a central unit whereas the signal of telemetric information is modulated by the signal that reflects the settings of the TV and/or radio equipment in combination with the identification signal specific for the surveyed person and generated by a microtransmitter, said signal of telemetric information is delivered to the receiver of the central unit and then demodulated to obtain an electric signal that corresponds to the settings of the TV set or a radio receiver as well as an electric signal that identifies the surveyed person, both said electric signals and the electric signals that identify broadcast radio and TV programs are delivered to the central unit, the central unit compares the electric signal that has been received from the telemetric unit with electric signals that identify broadcast TV and radio programs, then on the basis of the figures of identified programs that are watched or listened to by the surveyed person the popularity ratings of the relevant programs can be calculated.
According to still another embodiment of the present invention a system for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs is characterized in that is comprises a telemetric unit for receiving information on the settings of the TV set /radio receiver whereas the received package includes information whether the TV set /radio receiver is on or off and, if on, which TV and/or radio program is currently watched /listened to by the surveyed person as well as for transmission of telemetric information whereas the telemetric signal is modulated by electric signals that correspond to the settings of the TV and/or radio equipment in combination with the identification signal specific for the surveyed person and generated by a microtransmitter, the microtransmitter to generate signals that are used for identification of the surveyed person, and a central unit for receiving the signal of telemetric information and further demodulation of the same in order to obtain the electric signal that reflects the settings of a TV and/or radio equipment and the electric signal that identifies the surveyed person as well as for receiving electric signals that identify the broadcast TV and radio programs whereas the electric signals as received from the telemetric unit are compared with electric signals that are attributable to the broadcast TV and radio programs in order to identify which TV program is watched or which radio program is listened to by the surveyed person with further calculation of popularity ratings for specific TV or radio programs on the basis of identified programs that are watched or listened to by the surveyed person. Preferably in the method according to the invention many telemetric units are used.
Preferably in the method according to the invention the acoustic signals generated by a loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to the surveyed person are received during the predefined time intervals and /or within predefined bandwidth limits of acoustic frequencies.
Preferably in the method according to the invention both the electric signal received from the telemetric unit and the electric signal that correspond to the broadcast radio /TV programs are sampled before transmission or comparison thereof.
Preferably in the method according to the invention both the electric signal received from the telemetric unit and the electric signal that correspond to the broadcast radio /TV programs are transmitted on-line to the central unit. Preferably in the method according to the invention the electric signal that correspond to the broadcast radio /TV programs are stored in a local memory module of the central unit then the further comparison and analysis thereof is carried out after receiving the electric signal from the telemetric unit. Preferably in the method according to the invention popularity ratings for specific TV and /or radio programs are assessed in accordance with any predefined criteria.
Preferably in the method according to the invention the telemetric unit attributable to the surveyed person establishes contacts with the central unit receiver through GPRS network or the Internet.
Preferably in the system according to the invention many telemetric units are connected to a central unit.
Preferably in the system according to the invention the telemetric unit is coupled with a transmitter of telemetric information. Preferably in the system according to the invention the central unit is coupled with a receiver of telemetric information.
Preferably in the system according to the invention the central unit incorporates a memory module dedicated to storing electric signals corresponding to broadcast TV and/or radio programs. Preferably in the system according to the invention the central unit incorporates an operator's terminal station and a display.
An advantage of the present invention is the fact that he relevant information is displayed on-line on the screen of the editor's terminal and interpreted by the editor manager of the radio /TV programs. Moreover, for individual TV and/or radio programs diagrams of popularity thereof are developed and displayed on the terminal screen of the editor who is responsible for programs that are broadcast by the TV and/or radio stations whilst the TV program being surveyed is displayed in the background. The method and the system for surveying the ratings of TV and/or radio programs popularity according to the present invention are applicable to all standards for broadcasting TV programs as well as broadcasting the radio programs. Brief description of the drawing
The subject of the invention is described in details on the basis of the exemplary embodiments of the system for surveying the ratings of TV and/or radio programs popularity as shown in the drawing wherein: Fig.l shows the general structure of the system for surveys where the acoustic signal that is generated by the loudspeaker of the TV and/or radio equipment in use is sensed by the microphone of the telemetric device and then transmitted along with the identification signal of the surveyed person to the central unit of the system;
Fig. 2 shows the general structure of another embodiment of the system for surveys where the acoustic signal that is generated by the loudspeaker of the TV and/or radio equipment in use is sensed by the microphone of the telemetric device as well as the identification signal of the surveyed person is received by the telemetric unit from a microtransmitter attributable to the surveyed person and next, both signals are transmitted to the central unit; Fig. 3 shows the general structure of another embodiment of the system for surveys where the electric signal that reflects the information on the settings of the TV and/or radio equipment is delivered to the telemetric unit whereas the identification signal of the surveyed person is received by the telemetric unit from a microtransmitter attributable to the surveyed person and next, both signals are transmitted to the central unit.
Detailed description of the Invention
For convenience, identical components of the disclosed systems are marked in the drawings by the same numbers.
In Fig. 1 in the system for surveying the popularity ratings of TV and/or radio programs, when any surveyed person enters the room 1 where the TV and/or radio equipment 2 is in use the acoustic signals generated by loudspeakers of the equipment are sensed by the microphone 3 of the telemetric unit in accordance to the specific time intervals and predefined bandwidth of acoustic frequency. The telemetric unit 3 processes the acoustic signals into electric parameters so that the resulting electric signals along with the electric signal that identifies the surveyed person and is retrieved from the built-in memory module of the telemetric unit are delivered to the transmitter 4 of telemetric signals. These electric signals are sequentially combined, e.g. by pulse modulation, with the electric signal of carrier frequency then the corresponding electromagnetic wave is transmitted by means of the antenna of the telemetric information transmitter 4. It should be noted here that any data-carrying link can be used to provide transmission between the telemetric device(s) and the receiver, in particular the equipment that operates within the network for fast data transmission GPRS (General Packed Radio Service) or any other communication network, including the Internet. According to the presented embodiment the transmitted electromagnetic wave is sensed by the antenna of the receiver 5 of telemetric signals. The receiver reproduces the original electric signals and then these electric signals and the electric signals that correspond to broadcast TV and/or radio programs and have already been received by the operator's station 6 are delivered to the central unit 7 where the relevant parameters that enable identification of both the surveyed person and the TV and/or radio program the person watches /listens to are compared. Alternatively, the electric signals that correspond to broadcast TV and/or radio programs can be preliminarily stored into the memory unit 8 being coupled with the central unit 7. The comparative analysis follows the predefined criteria as stated by the administrator /editor manager who is responsible for programs broadcast by TV and/or radio stations, e.g. with respect to variety of social groups, age of the surveyed persons, their jobs, education or place of residence as well as to variation of subjects of specific radio /TV programs, e.g. education, information/ news, culture, youth, commentary or entertainment. Results of the comparative analysis are displayed on the terminal screen 9 of the station that is used by the editor manager responsible for programs broadcast by the radio /TV stations.
Information about popularity of specific radio /TV programs that is stored in the memory module 8 of the central unit 7 may be used for development of diagrams that highlight dynamic variations of specific TV and/or radio programs popularity. Such diagrams are displayed on the terminal screen 9 of the editor who is responsible for programs that are broadcast by the TV and/or radio stations whilst the surveyed TV program is displayed in the background. The operator of the central unit 7 is capable to trace on-line on the screen 8 of his display how the identification process is carried out with respect to specific signals as well as to monitor the process of comparative analysis and drawing up popularity diagrams related to individual TV and/or radio programs within the predefined time limits.
In Fig. 2 in the system for surveying the ratings of TV and/or radio programs popularity, the telemetiic unit 3 is disposed nearby the TV and/or radio equipment 2 that is used by the surveyed person in a room 1. The embedded microphone of the unit senses acoustic signals generated by loudspeakers 2 of the equipment whereas the ultrasonic head of the unit is sensitive to ultrasonic signals generated by the portable microtransmitter 10 so that identification of the surveyed person is possible. It is obviously understood that any other transmitter can be applied, e.g. the transmitter that generates infrared bandwidth signals or those within the RF range.
Miniaturised casing of the portable microtransmitter 10 can be attached to a bracelet, an armband or a necklace as well as the microtransmitter can be manufactured as an object of any outer appearance, e.g. a pendant or a badge. Range of the microcontroller 10 can be limited to the room 1 where the TV and/or radio equipment 2 is used. Should the surveyed person with the microtransmitter 10 appear nearby the receiver 2, proximity of such a person is automatically sensed by the telemetiic unit 3.
The telemetiic unit 3 processes the acoustic and ultrasonic signals into electric parameters then the electric signals are sequentially combined with the electric signal of carrier frequency. Next the corresponding electromagnetic wave, e.g. within the UHF bandwidth, is transmitted by means of the antenna of the telemetiic information transmitter 4 and sensed by the receiving antenna 5 and processed in the central unit 7 similarly to the process as described for the embodiment in. Fig. 1.
With respect to one more embodiment another embodiment of the system for surveying the popularity ratings of TV and/or radio programs as presented in Fig. 3, a telemetiic unit 3 is disposed in the room 1 where the TV and/or radio equipment 2 is used. An electric cable, connected at its terminus to the TV and/or radio equipment, conveys the electric signals that correspond to the settings of the equipment to the telemetiic unit 3 whereas the settings comprise information whether the TV set /radio receiver equipment is on or off and, if on, which TV and/or radio program is currently watched /listened to by the surveyed person. Subsequently the ultrasonic head of the telemetric unit 3 senses the ultrasonic signals that are generated by a portable ultrasonic microtransmitter 10 to enable identification of the surveyed person as described in case of the embodiment in reference to Fig. 2,
Electric signals that represent the settings of the TV and/or radio equipment as well as identifying signals specific for the microtransmitter 10 of the surveyed person are received by the telemetric unit 3 and then delivered to the transmitter 4 of telemetric information where they are sequentially combined with the electric signal of carrier frequency. Next, the telemetric information transmitter 4 transmits the information and electromagnetic wave that is sensed by the receiving antenna 5 is processed by the central unit 7 similarly to the process as described with respect to Fig. 1.
However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in a number of variations, modifications and improvements that are all included into the scope of the present invention whilst such variations, modifications and improvements are obvious in the viewpoint of the disclosed essence of the invention along with the enclosed claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. A method for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs, characterized in that
- acoustic signals generated by a loudspeaker of the TV set or the radio receiver that belongs to the surveyed person are sensed by a microphone of a telemetric unit, then the signal of telemetric information is transmitted to the receiver of a central unit whereas the signal of telemetric information is modulated by acoustic signals that are sensed by the microphone,
- said signal of telemetric information is delivered to the receiver of the central unit and then demodulated to obtain an electric signal that reproduces acoustic signals that are generated by the loudspeaker of the TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to the surveyed person,
- said electric signal as well as the electric signals that reproduce the acoustic signals of broadcast radio and TV programs are delivered to the central unit,
- the electric signal that has been received from the telemetric unit is compared with electric signals that correspond to acoustic signals of broadcast TV and radio programs, then
- the TV and/or radio program that is watched /listened to by the surveyed person can be identified, next
- on the basis of the figures of identified programs that are watched or listened to by the surveyed person the popularity ratings can be calculated.
2. A system for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs, characterized in that is comprises - a telemetiic unit (3) for sensing, by means of a built-in microphone, acoustic signals generated by a loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver (2) that belongs to the surveyed person as well as for transmission of telemetiic information whereas the telemetiic signal is modulated by acoustic signals as sensed by the microphone, and
- a central unit (7) for receiving the signal of telemetiic information and further demodulation of the same in order to obtain the electric signal that reflects the acoustic signals generated by the loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver (2) that belongs to the surveyed person as well as for receiving electric signals that reproduce acoustic waves of broadcast TV and radio programs whereas the electric signals as received from the telemetiic unit (3) are compared with electric signals that correspond to acoustic waves of broadcast TV and radio programs in order to identify which TV program is watched or which radio program is listened to by the surveyed person with further calculation of popularity ratings for specific TV or radio programs on the basis of identified programs that are watched or listened to by the surveyed person.
3. A method for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs, characterized in that - acoustic signals generated by a loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to a surveyed person are sensed by a microphone of a telemetiic unit,
- the signal of telemetiic information is transmitted to a receiver of a central unit whereas the signal of telemetiic information is modulated by acoustic signals that are sensed by said microphone in combination with the identification signal specific for the surveyed person,
- said signal of telemetiic information is delivered to the receiver of the central unit and then demodulated to obtain an electric signal that reproduces acoustic signals that are generated by the loudspeaker of the TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to the surveyed person as well as an electric signal that identifies the surveyed person, - both said electric signals and the electric signals that reproduce the acoustic signals of broadcast radio and TV programs are delivered to the central unit,
- the central unit compares the electric signal that has been received from the telemetric unit with electric signals that correspond to acoustic waves of broadcast TV and radio programs, then
- the TV and/or radio program that is watched /listened to by the identified surveyed person can be identified, next
- on the basis of the figures of identified programs that are watched or listened to by the surveyed person the popularity ratings of the relevant programs can be calculated,
4. A system for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs, characterized in that is comprises
- a telemetric unit (3) for sensing, by means of a built-in microphone, acoustic signals generated by a loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver (2) that belongs to the surveyed person as well as for transmission of telemetric information whereas the telemetric signal is modulated by acoustic signals sensed by the microphone in combination with the identification signal specific for the surveyed person, - a central unit (7) for receiving the signal of telemetric information and further demodulation of the same in order to obtain the electric signal that reflects the acoustic signals generated by the loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver (2) that belongs to the surveyed person and the electric signal that identifies the surveyed person as well as for receiving electric signals that reproduce acoustic waves of broadcast TV and radio programs whereas the electric signals received from the telemetric unit (3) are compared with electric signals that correspond to acoustic waves of broadcast TV and radio programs in order to identify which TV program is watched or which radio program is listened to by the surveyed person with further calculation of popularity ratings for specific TV or radio programs on the basis of identified programs that are watched or listened to by the surveyed person.
5. A method for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs, characterized in that
- acoustic signals generated by a loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to a surveyed person are sensed by a microphone of a telemetric unit,
- the telemetric unit also receives identification signals generated by a microtransmitter carried by or attached to the suiveyed person,
- the signal of telemetric information is transmitted to a receiver of a central unit whereas the signal of telemetric information is modulated by acoustic signals that are sensed by said microphone in combination with the identification signal generated by the microtransmitter and specific for the surveyed person,
- said signal of telemetric information is delivered to the receiver of the central unit and then demodulated to obtain an electric signal that reproduces acoustic signals that are generated by the loudspeaker of the TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to the suiveyed person as well as an electric signal that identifies the surveyed person,
- both said electric signals and the electric signals that reproduce acoustic waves of broadcast radio and TV programs are delivered to the central unit,
- the central unit compares the electric signal that has been received from the telemetric unit with electric signals that correspond to acoustic waves of broadcast TV and radio programs, then
- the TV and/or radio program that is watched /listened to by the identified surveyed person can be identified, next
- on the basis of the figures of identified programs that are watched or listened to by the surveyed person the popularity ratings of the relevant programs can be calculated,
6. A system for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs, characterized in that is comprises - a telemetiic unit (3) for sensing, by means of a built-in microphone, acoustic signals generated by a loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver (2) that belongs to the surveyed person and for receiving identifications signals generated by a microtransmitter (10) that is attached to or carried by a surveyed person as well as for transmission of telemetiic information whereas the telemetric signal is modulated by acoustic signals as sensed by the microphone in combination with the identification signal specific for the surveyed person and generated by said microtransmitter (10),
- the microtransmitter (10) designed to generate signals that are used for identification of the surveyed person,
- a central unit (7) for receiving the signal of telemetric information and further demodulation of the same in order to obtain the electric signal that reflects the acoustic signals generated by the loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver (2) that belongs to the surveyed person and the electric signal that identifies the surveyed person as well as for receiving electric signals that reproduce acoustic waves of broadcast TV and radio programs whereas the electric signals as received from the telemetric unit (3) are compared with electric signals that correspond to acoustic waves of broadcast TV and radio programs in order to identify which TV program is watched or which radio program is listened to by the surveyed person with further calculation of popularity ratings for specific TV or radio programs on the basis of identified programs that are watched or listened to by the surveyed person.
7. The system according to claim 6 characterized in that the microtransmitter (10) is a radio microtransmitter.
8. The system according to claim 6 characterized in that the microtransmitter (10) is an infrared microtransmitter.
9. A method for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs, characterized in that
- signals with information on the settings of the TV set /radio receiver are transmitted from the TV and/or radio equipment to the telemetric unit whereas the received package includes information whether the TV set /radio receiver is on or off and, if on, which TV and/or radio program is currently watched /listened to by the surveyed person,
- the telemetric unit receives also identification signals being transmitted by a microtransmitter carried by or attached to the surveyed person,
- the signal of telemetric information is transmitted to a receiver of a central unit whereas the signal of telemetric information is modulated by the signal that reflects the settings of the TV and/or radio equipment in combination with the identification signal specific for the surveyed person and generated by a microtransmitter,
- said signal of telemetric information is delivered to the receiver of the central unit and then demodulated to obtain an electric signal that corresponds to the settings of the TV set or a radio receiver as well as an electric signal that identifies the surveyed person, - both said electric signals and the electric signals that identify broadcast radio and TV programs are delivered to the central unit,
- the central unit compares the electric signal that has been received from the telemetric unit with electric signals that identify broadcast TV and radio programs, then - on the basis of the figures of identified programs that are watched or listened to by the surveyed person the popularity ratings of the relevant programs can be calculated.
10. A system for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs, characterized in that is comprises - a telemetric unit (3) for receiving information on the settings of the TV set /radio receiver (2) whereas the received package includes information whether the TV set /radio receiver (2) is on or off and, if on, which TV and/or radio program is currently watched /listened to by the surveyed person as well as for transmission of telemetric information whereas the telemetric signal is modulated by electric signals that correspond to the settings of the TV and/or radio equipment in combination with the identification signal specific for the surveyed person and generated by a microtransmitter (10),
- the microtransmitter (10) to generate signals that are used for identification of the surveyed person, and - a central unit (7) for receiving the signal of telemetric information and further demodulation of the same in order to obtain the electric signal that reflects the settings of a TV and/or radio equipment and the electric signal that identifies the surveyed person as well as for receiving electric signals that identify the broadcast TV and radio programs whereas the electric signals as received from the telemetric unit (3) are compared with electric signals that are attributable to the broadcast TV and radio programs in order to identify which TV program is watched or which radio program is listened to by the surveyed person with further calculation of popularity ratings for specific TV or radio programs on the basis of identified programs that are watched or listened to by the surveyed person.
11. The method for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs according to claims 1 or 3 or 5 or 7 wherein many telemetric units are used.
12. The method for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs according to claims 1 or 3 or 5 or 7 wherein the acoustic signals generated by a loudspeaker of a TV set or a radio receiver that belongs to the surveyed person are received during the predefined time intervals and /or within predefined bandwidth limits of acoustic frequencies.
13. The method for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs according to claims 1 or 3 or 5 or 7 wherein both the electric signal received from the telemetric unit and the electric signal that correspond to the broadcast radio /TV programs are sampled before transmission or comparison thereof.
14. The method for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs according to claims 1 or 3 or 5 or 7 wherein both the electric signal received from the telemetric unit and the electric signal that correspond to the broadcast radio /TV programs are transmitted on-line to the central unit.
15. The method for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs according to claims 1 or 3 or 5 or 7 wherein the electric signal that correspond to the broadcast radio /TV programs are stored in a local memory module of the central unit then the further comparison and analysis thereof is carried out after receiving the electric signal from the telemetric unit.
16. The method for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs according to claims 1 or 3 or 5 or 7 wherein popularity ratings for specific TV and /or radio programs are assessed in accordance with any predefined criteria.
17. The method for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs according to claims 1 or 3 or 5 or 7 wherein the telemetric unit attributable to the surveyed person establishes contacts with the central unit receiver through GPRS network or the Internet.
18. The system for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs according to claims 2 or 4 or 6 or 8 wherein many telemetric units (3) are connected to a central unit (7).
19. The system for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs according to claims 2 or 4 or 6 or 8 wherein the telemetric unit
(3) is coupled with a transmitter (4) of telemetric information.
20. The system for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs according to claims 2 or 4 or 6 or 8 wherein the central unit (7) is coupled with a receiver (5) of telemetric information.
21. The system for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs according to claims 2 or 4 or 6 or 8 wherein the central unit (7) incorporates a memory module (8) dedicated to storing electric signals corresponding to broadcast TV and/or radio programs.
22 . The system for surveying the ratings of popularity of TV and/or radio programs according to claims 2 or 4 or 6 or 8 wherein the central unit (7) incorporates an operator's terminal station (6) and a display (9).
PCT/PL2005/000056 2004-08-31 2005-08-31 Method and system for suveying the ratings of popularity of tv and/or radio programs WO2006025756A1 (en)

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5481294A (en) * 1993-10-27 1996-01-02 A. C. Nielsen Company Audience measurement system utilizing ancillary codes and passive signatures
US20020072325A1 (en) * 2000-12-11 2002-06-13 Hayter Gary Alan Broadcast audience surveillance using intercepted audio

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5481294A (en) * 1993-10-27 1996-01-02 A. C. Nielsen Company Audience measurement system utilizing ancillary codes and passive signatures
US20020072325A1 (en) * 2000-12-11 2002-06-13 Hayter Gary Alan Broadcast audience surveillance using intercepted audio

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