Arbitron, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150039321 | Apparatus, System and Method for Reading Codes From Digital Audio on a Processing Device - Apparatus, system and method for reading ancillary code embedded into digital audio, where a processing device executes a decoder application that includes a decoder application interface that is communicatively coupled to a media player application within one or more frameworks of the processing device. As digital audio is received and sampled, the decoder application is configured to transform the digital audio from a time domain to a frequency domain and to process frequency characteristics to determine the presence of ancillary audio codes. | 02-05-2015 |
20140187268 | Apparatus, System and Method for Location Detection and User Identification for Media Exposure Data - A computer-implemented system, apparatus and method for monitoring media exposure data and correlating media exposure data to locations. Location data may be generated utilizing measurements of radio waves from WiFi and/or Bluetooth. Identification may also be transmitted when WiFi and/or Bluetooth transmission are received. As media is reproduced or received on/near a portable device, media exposure data is generated. Subsequent location data is monitored and processed to determine specific locations that may include commercial establishments. The locations are then correlated to the media exposure data to determine user actions related to media exposure. | 07-03-2014 |
20140180675 | Audio Decoding with Supplemental Semantic Audio Recognition and Report Generation - System, apparatus and method for determining semantic information from audio, where incoming audio is sampled and processed to extract audio features, including temporal, spectral, harmonic and rhythmic features. The extracted audio features are compared to stored audio templates that include ranges and/or values for certain features and are tagged for specific ranges and/or values. The semantic information may be associated with audio codes to determine changing characteristics of identified media during a time period. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180674 | AUDIO MATCHING WITH SEMANTIC AUDIO RECOGNITION AND REPORT GENERATION - System, apparatus and method for determining semantic information from audio, where incoming audio is sampled and processed to extract audio features, including temporal, spectral, harmonic and rhythmic features. The extracted audio features are compared to stored audio templates that include ranges and/or values for certain features and are tagged for specific ranges and/or values. The semantic information may be associated with audio signature data | 06-26-2014 |
20140180673 | Audio Processing Techniques for Semantic Audio Recognition and Report Generation - System, apparatus and method for determining semantic information from audio, where incoming audio is sampled and processed to extract audio features, including temporal, spectral, harmonic and rhythmic features. The extracted audio features are compared to stored audio templates that include ranges and/or values for certain features and are tagged for specific ranges and/or values. Extracted audio features that are most similar to one or more templates from the comparison are identified according to the tagged information. The tags are used to determine the semantic audio data that includes genre, instrumentation, style, acoustical dynamics, and emotive descriptor for the audio signal. | 06-26-2014 |
20140114456 | Methods and Systems for Clock Correction and/or Synchronization for Audio Media Measurement Systems - Systems and methods are disclosed for synchronizing devices that produce identifiable characteristics from audio media. A device receives audio and produces initial time data. Subsequent time data is received at a coupling interface from a portable device that has access to accurate time sources. The subsequent time data is processed to determine if it is more accurate than the initial time data. If so, the clock of the device is updated to reflect the second time data. The device then processes the audio media to generate at least one identifiable characteristic relating to the audio, which may include ancillary codes and/or audio signatures. The identifiable characteristics are then transmitted together with the subsequent time data for detection. | 04-24-2014 |
20140113557 | Systems and Methods for Wirelessly Modifying Detection Characteristics of Portable Devices - A computer-implemented method for modifying operation of a portable processing device configured to scan for wireless signals under a first scan rate. As wireless signals are received in the portable processing device, characteristics of the wireless signals are analyzed, and if the characteristics match one or more characteristics, the operation of the portable processing device is modified. Under one exemplary embodiment, the first scan rate is modified to a second scan rate, where the second scan rate being different from the first. Under another exemplary embodiment, monitoring capabilities in the portable processing device are activated or modified to collect research data on media data. The characteristics may include identification information or messages/commands that are transmitted wirelessly. | 04-24-2014 |
20140111698 | Systems and Methods for Configuring Media Devices Utilizing Audio Codes or Signatures - A computer-implemented method for modifying operation of a media terminal device using characteristics of audio, wherein the characteristics may include ancillary code embedded in audio and/or audio signatures. When audio codes are read and/or signatures are extracted, they are processed to determine if they correspond to a predetermined characteristic that has a linked command. If correspondence is found, the command is executed to affect one or more operational layers of the media terminal device to modify at least one operational parameter. | 04-24-2014 |
20130346149 | Network-Based Methods and Systems for Initiating a Research Panel of Persons Operating Under a Group Agreement - Methods and systems for initiating participation of a user of a portable device (PUA) in a research operation using a respective one of a plurality of PUA's providing communication services pursuant to a single agreement with a communication service provider. Data identifying the PUA user is associated with data identifying a group of persons receiving communication services pursuant to the single agreement, and demographic data of the PUA user is associated with the data identifying the PUA user. | 12-26-2013 |
20130262184 | Systems and Methods for Presence Detection and Linking to Media Exposure Data - A computer-implemented system, apparatus and method for monitoring media exposure data and correlating media exposure data to locations. Location data may be generated utilizing measurements of radio waves from WiFi and/or Bluetooth. Identification may also be transmitted when WiFi and/or Bluetooth transmission are received. As media is reproduced or received on/near a portable device, media exposure data is generated. Subsequent location data is monitored and processed to determine specific locations that may include commercial establishments. The locations are then correlated to the media exposure data to determine user actions related to media exposure. | 10-03-2013 |
20130232198 | System and Method for Peer-to-Peer Distribution of Media Exposure Data - Systems and methods for operating an anonymous peer-to-peer (“P2P”) privacy panel for audience measurement is disclosed. A plurality of processing devices are configured to record and process research data pursuant to a research operation. Each of the users associated with each processing devices provide user data to a central site, where the user data includes demographic information, previous media exposure data, and other data. In accordance with user data, a customized P2P network is created where media exposure data including audio codes, signatures and data objects is obfuscated and communicate among portable devices in the network. By utilizing a P2P network, together with obfuscation techniques, panelist privacy is greatly increased. | 09-05-2013 |
20130202128 | System and Method for Determining Meter Presence Utilizing Ambient Fingerprints - Systems and methods are disclosed for providing portable device presence utilizing environmental ambient audio fingerprints. Portable devices provide media exposure data and environmental ambient fingerprints to a processing device, where the environmental ambient signatures provide at least one characteristic of the ambient audio surrounding each portable device. The environmental ambient signatures are then processed to determine if they match. Portable devices associated with matching signatures are identified. Ambient fingerprints may also be used to establish a logical location where media exposure took place. The ambient signatures are alternately combined with monitored data to provide more robust data sets for contextual processing. | 08-08-2013 |
20130174231 | MEDIA EXPOSURE DATA COLLECTION AND SECURITY - Systems and methods are disclosed for securely transferring research data relating to media exposure data, such as radio, television, streaming media and the Internet. A plurality of portable computing devices seek and bond to a collector via Bluetooth in a specific area, such as a household. The collector authenticates itself with each of the portable computing devices and vice versa where the collector arranges a secure research data transfer session with each respective device using exchanged authentication files. As each secure session is made, each portable computing device transmits stored research data during the session. | 07-04-2013 |
20130157568 | MEDIA EXPOSURE LINKING UTILIZING BLUETOOTH SIGNAL CHARACTERISTICS - A computer-implemented method for establishing media data exposure for a computer processing device, where media data received in the computer processing device. The computer processing device pairs itself with a plurality of portable computing devices using a Bluetooth connection when media data is received. A signal strength characteristic of the Bluetooth connection is established in the computer processing device for each of the paired plurality of portable computing devices. Each signal strength characteristic with the received media data is then established to determine which signal strength characteristic is the strongest when the media data was received in the computer processing device. | 06-20-2013 |
20130157563 | MEDIA EXPOSURE AND VERIFICATION UTILIZING INDUCTIVE COUPLING - A computer-implemented system and method for establishing media data exposure, where a media device, such as a computer, radio, television and the like, receive media data and produces research data from it. The research data may be based on computer-based or computer network-based characteristics, ancillary codes or audio signatures. As the research data is being produced, an inductive coupling is sought for nearby portable computer devices. Once a portable computing device inductively couples to the media device, information is transferred, allowing a system to determine and/or verify that specific users were exposed to particular media data. | 06-20-2013 |
20130138388 | MULTIPLE METER DETECTION AND PROCESSING USING MOTION DATA - Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying users of portable user devices according to one or more accelerometer profiles created for a respective user. During a media session, the portable computing device collects media exposure data, while at the same time, collects data from the accelerometer and compares it to the user profile. The comparison authenticates the user and determines the physical activity the user is engaged in. Additional data may be collected from the portable computing device to determine one or more operational conditions of the device itself, including the detection of multiple devices being physically carried by one user. Gross motion strings may also be generated by devices and compared to see if strings match, thus suggesting multiple devices are being carried by one user. | 05-30-2013 |
20130138386 | MOVEMENT/POSITION MONITORING AND LINKING TO MEDIA CONSUMPTION - Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying users of portable user devices according to one or more accelerometer profiles created for a respective user. During a media session, the portable computing device collects media exposure data, while at the same time, collects data from the accelerometer and compares it to the user profile. The comparison authenticates the user and determines the physical activity the user is engaged in. Additional data may be collected from the portable computing device to determine one or more operational conditions of the device itself. Accelerometer data may also be used to determine probabilities that one or more users were actually exposed to a media event. | 05-30-2013 |
20130138231 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACTIVATING FUNCTIONS IN PROCESSING DEVICES USING ENCODED AUDIO - Apparatus, system and method for accessing supplementary data on a device capable of receiving multimedia are disclosed. After multimedia is received, ancillary code is detected from an audio portion of the multimedia. The ancillary code includes a plurality of code symbols arranged in a plurality of layers in a predetermined time period, wherein data associated with the supplementary data is arranged in at least one of the plurality of layers. Supplementary data is accessed using the data associated with the supplementary data. | 05-30-2013 |
20130135218 | TACTILE AND GESTATIONAL IDENTIFICATION AND LINKING TO MEDIA CONSUMPTION - Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying users of touch screens according to a touch/gesture profile. The profile includes stored electrical characteristics of contact with the touch screen. The profile is correlated with applications opened and/or accessed, along with any associated metadata, as well as media exposure data derived from audio received at the device. The correlated information may be used to confirm identification of one or more individuals using a device for audience measurement purposes. | 05-30-2013 |
20130035979 | CROSS-PLATFORM AUDIENCE MEASUREMENT WITH PRIVACY PROTECTION - Systems and methods for performing market research studies using techniques for maximizing privacy for persons. Exposure data relating to television, radio, outdoor advertising, digital signage, newspapers and magazines, retail store visits, interne usage and panelists' beliefs and opinions relating to consumer products and services are received along with facial image data that is secured to allow only partial reproduction of the image data and/or otherwise minimize further identification of the person beyond a market study identity. Further privacy features are employed to allow for blind participation in a given market study. | 02-07-2013 |
20120290360 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MAPPING LOCATIONS OF WIRELESS TRANSMITTERS FOR USE IN GATHERING MARKET RESEARCH DATA - Methods and systems are provided for mapping locations of wireless transmitters for use in gathering market research data. A layout map includes location data representing a plurality of locations within a market research area. Transmitter data representing respective ones of the wireless transmitters is provided and the transmitter data is associated with the location data. | 11-15-2012 |
20120290265 | Methods and Systems for Testing Ability to Conduct a Research Operation - Methods and systems for testing an ability of a Portable User Appliance (PUA) and/or a research data gathering system coupled therewith including a method for testing an ability of a PUA to carry out a research operation, comprises communicating a testing message to the PUA and/or research data gathering system coupled therewith, the testing message comprising one of a test command to test its ability to carry out a research operation, and test data to establish, enable or provide a capability thereof to test its ability to carry out a research operation. | 11-15-2012 |
20120278377 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING DEVICE COMPLIANCE AND RECRUITMENT - Systems and methods are disclosed for processing data provided by portable user appliances (PUAs) that are configured to provide research data that includes media exposure data. Each of the PUAs include a detector or sensor that reports a configuration and/or usage of the PUA. The configuration and/or usage is processed to determine if the PUA is in compliance with a predetermined usage criteria. Under one example, each panelist is equipped with a plurality of PUAs such as smart phones, computers or other devices, and compliance is measured for each panelist across the plurality of PUAs while research data is collected. | 11-01-2012 |
20120245978 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINIMG CONTEXTUAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MEDIA EXPOSURE DATA - Systems and methods are disclosed for providing contextual information to research data relating to media exposure. Ambient fingerprints are formed on a device, where the fingerprints are used to establish a logical location where media exposure took place. The ambient signatures are alternately combined with monitored data to provide more robust data sets for contextual processing. | 09-27-2012 |
20120239407 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UTILIZING AUDIO ENCODING FOR MEASURING MEDIA EXPOSURE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL MASKING - An audio beacon system, apparatus and method for collecting information on a panelist's exposure to media. An audio beacon is configured as on-device encoding technology that is operative in a processing device (e.g., cell phone, PDA, PC) to enable the device to encode an environmental sound and transmit it for a predetermined period of time. The acoustically transmitted data is received and processed by a portable audience measurement device, such as Arbitron's Personal People Meter™ (“PPM”), or other specially equipped portable device to enable audience measurement systems to achieve higher levels of detail on panel member activity and greater association of measurement devices to their respective users. | 09-20-2012 |
20120203559 | ACTIVATING FUNCTIONS IN PROCESSING DEVICES USING START CODES EMBEDDED IN AUDIO - Apparatus, system and method for performing an action such as accessing supplementary data and/or executing software on a device capable of receiving multimedia are disclosed. After multimedia is received, a monitoring code is detected and a signature is extracted in response thereto from an audio portion of the multimedia. The ancillary code includes a plurality of code symbols arranged in a plurality of layers in a predetermined time period, and the signature is extracted from features of the audio of the multimedia. Supplementary data is accessed and/or software is executed using the detected code and/or signature. | 08-09-2012 |
20120203363 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACTIVATING FUNCTIONS IN PROCESSING DEVICES USING ENCODED AUDIO AND AUDIO SIGNATURES - Apparatus, system and method for accessing supplementary data and/or executing software on a device capable of receiving multimedia are disclosed. After multimedia is received, ancillary code is detected and a signature is concurrently extracted from an audio portion of the multimedia. The ancillary code includes a plurality of code symbols arranged in a plurality of layers in a predetermined time period, and the signature is extracted from features of the audio of the multimedia. Supplementary data is accessed and/or software is executed using the detected code an/or signature. | 08-09-2012 |
20120173701 | MATCHING TECHNIQUES FOR CROSS-PLATFORM MONITORING AND INFORMATION - Systems and methods are disclosed for employing matching techniques for cross-platform monitoring. A content sequence is produced for determining network content accessed at certain times by a computer registered to a particular user. Another content sequence is produced for determining media exposure at certain times for a portable user device registered to the same user. The content sequences are then processed and compared in a resolution server to validate the content sequences against each other, and to populate either or both sequences with missing data. | 07-05-2012 |
20110208515 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GATHERING RESEARCH DATA - Methods and systems are provided for gathering research data that includes information pertaining to audio signals received on a portable device, such as a cell phone. Frequency domain data is received or produced, a signature is extracted from the frequency domain data and an ancillary code is read from the frequency domain data. | 08-25-2011 |
20110134129 | Presenting Listener Information - Listening information indicating a number of audience members who switched stations during each of the designated periods of time is displayed on a graph having a plot representing the listening information. The graph is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion about a normalized line representing an average number of audience members who listened during designated periods of time. Additional plots can also be presented, including plots arranged so that portions above the normalized line represent a greater than average number of listeners, and portions below the normalized line represent a lower than average number of listeners. | 06-09-2011 |
20100226494 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PAYLOAD ENCODING AND DECODING - Systems, methods and apparatuses are disclosed for protecting encoded media data. A minimum set of information needed to encode a single message for an encoded audio signal is loaded separately from the media data into an encoder. A media license file is generated to protect the encoded data, where the underlying information relevant to the media data may be hidden through encryption or other means in order to foster security. The algorithm(s) for encoding may be provided using a shared library, combined with an encoding payload that provides the minimum information set required to form the single message. A partial decoder may apply pattern matching information in the encoded payload in order to confirm that the encoding is actually present and is proper. Accordingly, the payload must be successfully decoded and verified before the underlying data may be decoded. | 09-09-2010 |
20090292587 | CROSS-MEDIA INTERACTIVITY METRICS - Processes and systems for use in media and market research are provided. In certain embodiments, media usage activities relating to interactivity between two or more media are measured and correlated to produce a metric for rating the interactivity. | 11-26-2009 |
20090264092 | ENSURING EAS PERFORMANCE IN AUDIO SIGNAL ENCODING - An encoding system for encoding a first ancillary code in media data and monitoring for reception of a second ancillary code that has a higher priority than the first ancillary code, such that upon detection of the higher priority ancillary code the encoding system modifies a characteristic and/or characteristics of the first ancillary code. | 10-22-2009 |
20090193052 | GATHERING RESEARCH DATA - Systems and methods for gathering research data using multiple monitoring devices are provided. At least a pair of the monitoring devices each read ancillary codes contained within media data and which represents research data. The decoded data read by at least one of the pair is associated with a further set of data offering a correspondence between each of the sets of decoded data. Such correspondence allows a determination that the data decoded by each of the pair of monitoring devices is the same. | 07-30-2009 |
20090171767 | RESOURCE EFFICIENT RESEARCH DATA GATHERING USING PORTABLE MONITORING DEVICES - Methods and systems are provided for carrying out a research operation in which each of a plurality of panelists carries a portable research data gathering device. Each of the portable research data gathering devices is configured to gather research data only during a time period or time periods of a monitoring day of the research operation having a total duration which is less than the duration of the monitoring day. Methods and systems are also provided for setting up and/or managing such a research operation. | 07-02-2009 |