' CA 02211963 1997-07-29
Television Audienc- Data Coll-ction System
FIELD AND ~ ..~ OF THE lNv~..~ON
This invention relates generally to a television
program data collection method and system, and more
particularly to a non-invasive, non-intrusive and user-
friendly method and apparatus for the collection of
televislon audience information.
For many years, researchers have collected
television audience information to develop television
ratings useful to advertisers and broadcasters in evaluating
the size and demographics of audiences for particular
programming. To obtain such information, the researcher
identifies a sample of households and/or people selected to
represent a defined population. The defined population can
be any population under review; for exampla: local
television audiences, national television audiences, persons
of a particular origin or other groups. The researcher uses
the information collected from this sample to produce
television audience estimates for the defined population.
Television audience information includes the television
status (on or off), program information and the identity of
persons using television for given time periods. This
information is essential when determining the demographics
and the numbers of television users.
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One of the earliest methods of recording
television audience information was to have a selected group
of people keep television usage diaries. Participants wrote
down which channels they watched and the times that they
watched them. A problem with this approach was that it
relled upon participants providing detailed and accurate
information, and required individual dedication to
conscientiously enter the programming information.
A subsequent system directed to a form of
television audience measurement is disclosed in U.S. Patent
No. 4,107,735, which issued August 15, 1978. This patent
discloses a method and system for determining the reaction
of television users to particular video programs. This is
accomplished through the use of an interrogator associated
with a remote control. The interrogator periodically polls
the remote control to determine whether the channel is being
watched and, in one embodiment, monitors viewers' reactions
to the program (e.~., favorable or unfavorable) based upon
their depression of particular buttons on the remote. The
system records the user's response locally and transmits the
response to a central computer. The system has no
capability for entering demographic data of the household
user or visitor.
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One system utilized to provide demographic
information is a "people meter" utilized by the A.C. Nielsen
Company. The Nielsen system consist~ of a ~et-top box
having parallel rows of green and red lights. Each
household member, for whom selected de..-oyra~hics are known,
is assigned a pair of green and red lights. The box
indicates a user's presence by illuminating either the
associated green (active) or red (non-active) light. In
operation, the red light acts as a prompt until the
associated user responds by input of an appropriate
identification number on a keypad. The system does not
otherwise prompt the user, ask questions or provide any
instruction. From a distance, it may also be difficult for
the user to discern which lights are on. As a result, the
user may register an incorrect identification number or not
register at all.
Another difficulty with the Nielsen system is that
a meter must be invasively attached to the television
receiver, as well as any cable converter and VCR attached to
the television set. Thus, installation is cumbersome and
may cause concern over possible signal interference and/or
damage to the receiver, making the system less palatable to
the participating household user than a non-invasive system.
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The resulting reluctance to participate may skew audience
demographics.
Using the Nielsen system, it is also difficult to
register the presence of users who are non-household
members. Non-household members must re-enter their
demographic data each time they commence using a television
set. The Nielsen system does not store visitor demographic
information.
In another audience measurement system, described
in Canadian Patent 1,241,736 which issued September 6, 1988,
visual prompting of the viewer is provided, through a
periodic overlay over normal programming on the television
screen. The purpose of the prompt is to ensure
participation through a visual reminder, rather than rely on
a single light system such as found in the Nielsen system.
However, this overlay can irritate the user. In addition,
because the identification number and the channel number are
entered via the same keypad in this system, the system
enters a "channel-lock" mode before the user responds to the
prompt. The channel-lock mode prevents the user from
changing channels. This can also be irritating, and can
alter the participant's television usage. Other prior art
systems similarly display a "confirmation" message on the
television screen over normal programming. Again,
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television viewing is obscured and the user may be annoyed
and reluctant to participate.
A recent audience measurement system, described in
U.S. Patent No. 5,382,970, issued January 17, 1995, uses
individual meter boxes for each participant in the
household. This installation occupies a large area. Also,
participants must move personal data entry equipment to
whichever television they are using within the household.
This inconveniences the participants and lowers the
participation rate. Another problem with the disclosed
system is that it uses only cellular communications for data
communications with a central location. The cost of
implementation is high and households in areas where
cellular phone service is not available are eliminated from
the sample, further reducing the response rate. Moreover,
no provision is made for monitoring of non-household members
for whom data entry equipment has not been assigned.
A further problem associated with current systems
utilized for audience participation measurement is that they
require wiring for data communications between system
components. Routing this wiring may require drilling holes
in the home and may be unsightly. Other systems use only
existing power lines for data communications within the
household. A limitation of these systems is that households
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without suitable power lines for data communication are
eliminated from the sample, lowering the response rate.
Finally, some of the foregoing systems and other
prior art systems are not accurate because the system does
not recognize when the television is turned off. As a
result, the corresponding television audience measurement
may overstate the actual size of the audience.
The present invention avoids the above problems
and increases the accuracy of the data collected. In
contradistinction to the foregoing and other known prior art
systems, the disclosed invention is non-hardwired and
otherwise non-invasive, easy to install and use, does not
affect television usage through unnecessary screen usage,
facilitates user registration and input, allows for both
household and non-household member participation, and
maximizes the response rate and overall participation.
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SU~RY OF TEIE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a data
collection box is installed near each television set in a
household participating in the audience measurement survey.
No wiring to the internal circuitry of the television is
necessary, as a remote sensor may be utilized to detect
television using status. A remote data entry device is
provided for each data collection box for periodic entry of
user data. A single home communications unit is installed
in each household to collect data from the data collection
boxes and to periodically transmit such data to a central
location for compilation and evaluation.
Prior to installation, demographic information for
each household user is stored on the host computer.
Provision is made whereby visitor information is easily
input at any time through use of the remote data entry
device. In operation, a sensor detects when a television
set is turned on or off and conveys that information to the
data collection box. If the television set is on, the data
collection box prompts audience members for user
information, which is input with the remote data entry
device. Television audience information is transmitted to
the home communications unit from the data collection boxes
throughout the household, and then transmitted over
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telephone lines to remote locations or over other data
channels to external computers for compilation and
evaluation.
It is an object of the present invention to
provide a non-invasive and easy to use method and apparatus
for the collection of data for the purpose of obtaining
television audience information.
It is a further object of the present invention to
provide a non-invasive method and apparatus for obtaining
television audience information consisting of a hand-held
remote data entry device, a data collection box, a
television on-off detection sensor, and a home
communica'ions unit.
It is still a further object of the present
invention to utilize stylized symbols on the remote data
entry device and the data collection box of the television
audience measurement system, which stylized symbols are
selected to facilitate particlpation of audience members
through ease of identification and use and to create a sense
of "ownership" and involvement with the audience reporting
process.
It is still a further object of the present
invention to provide a remote data entry device for input of
demographic information for visitors and/or household
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members, which data entry device is also used to record
television usage information for such household members and
visitors, and which data entry device may also be used to
initiate system tests during installation.
It is still a further object of the invention to
provide the data collection box having a message display to
provide visual prompting to ensure participation by
household members and visitors without use of any portion of
the television screen, and which message display may also be
used to display results of system tests during the
installation.
It is still a further object of the present
invention that the IR codes used by the remote data entry
device for communications with the data collection box be
configurable tc prevent interoperability problems with
existing household equipment.
It is still a further object of the present
invention to provide an installation method which utilizes a
laptop computer with installation software and does not
require use of additional equipment.
Other objects and advantageous features of the
invention will be apparent in the description of specific
embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, to enable
one skilled in the art to readily practice the invention
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which is described hereinafter with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which like numerals are intended to
refer to like elements.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a system block diagram for the
television audience data collection system according to the
present invention.
Figure 2 depicts front and rear views of an
embodiment of the data collection box of the present
nventlon .
Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D are block and schematic
diagrams depicting conventions and elements for the data
collection box.
Figure 4 is an assembly view of the sensor and
associated attachment assembly according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
Figure 5 depicts the front and side views of an
embodiment of the persons entry device according to the
present invention.
Figure 6 depicts an embodiment of the symbols
imprinted on the persons entry device and displayed on the
data collection box.
Figure 7A is a state diagram showing the states of
human interface control according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
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Figure 7B is a state diagram showing the
relationships between event states and event logging
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7C is a state diagram showing the
relationships between the states associated with TV events
and logging in an embodiment of the present invention
Figure 8 is a state diagram showing the
relationships between the states associated with symbol
display control and event logging according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a flow chart showing the steps of the
Television On prompting sequence according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
Figure 10 is a flow chart showing the steps of the
periodic reminder prompting sequence according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 is a flow chart showing the steps of the
visitor entry sequence according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
Figure 12 is a flow chart of the response sequence
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13 is a hardware block diagram for an
embodiment of the home communications unit of the present
invention.
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Figures 14-26 are screens associated with the Test
Set Program governing the installation procedures according
to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 14 is a view of the Test Set Program Main
Menu Dialog Box.
Figure 15 is a view of the Test Set Program
Household Dialog Box.
Figure 16 is a view of the Test Set Program TV Set
Locations Dialog Box.
Figure 17 is a view of the Test Set Program Data
Collection Box Vnique Parameters Dialog Box.
Figure 18 is a view of the Test Set Program People
Dialog Box.
Figure 19 is a view of the Test Set Program
Install HCU Dialog Box.
Figure 20 is a view of the Test Set Program Home
Communications Unit (2) Main Dialog Box.
Figure 21 is a view of the Test Set Program Home
to Host Communications Dialog Box.
Figure 22 is a view of the Test Set Program
Install Data Collection Box (1) Dialog Box.
Figure 23 is a view of the Test Set Program Proof
of Performance Dialog Box.
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~ Figure 24 is a view of the Test Set Program Data
Records Dialog Box.
Figure 25 is a view of the Test Set Program Load
Home Communications Unit (2) Software Dialog Box and of the
Test Set Program Load Data Collection Box (1) Software
Dialog Box.
Figure 26 is a view of the Test Set Program Data
Collection Box (1) Shared Parameters Dialog Box.
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D~C~TPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT
Measurement System Component~
Figure 1 depicts, in block diagram form, an
embodiment of the television audience data collection system
according to the present invention. The television audience
data collection system includes a data collection box (1),
persons entry device (4) and sensor (7) for each televislon
set (8) to be monitored in a household, and home
communications unit (2) for the household. The data
collection box (1) and the home communications unit (2) each
have an associated power supply (6) which provides power to
the equipment and couples them to the power line.
Each data collec.ion box (1) of the system is
utilized to prompt participants to enter their status as
"active" television users by pressing their symbol key (42)
or confirmation key (43) on a persons entry device (4).
Each data collection box (1) of the system is also utilized
to prompt visitors to enter their demographic data by
pressing associated keys (44) on the persons entry device
(4), and their status as "active" television users by
pressing their symbol keys (42) or confirmation key (43) on
a persons entry device (4). Such communication of
information between data collection box (1) and persons
entry device (4) may be through infra-red or other suitable
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transmission means. Data collection box (1) is active for
such communications only during television "on" conditions,
as determined by sensor (7).
Each data collection box (1) downloads the
information contained therein via power lines (5), twisted
pair wiring, or through known wireless transmission means
into home communications unit (2) in the household. As
shown in Figure 1, home communications unit (2) periodically
downloads the information to a central computer via a
telephone line, or other suitable means, whereby information
pertinent to audience measurement may be compiled and
analyzed.
1. Data Collection Box
Data collection box (1) provides visual and/or
audio prompting to ensure participation of users, and query
users as to~whether they have registered with the system at
any given moment. As detailed below, circuitry of data
collection box (1) is self-contained and does not require
connection to internal circuitry of television set (8).
Accordingly, data collection box (1) may be easily installed
in any location within easy viewing of the participant on or
near television set (8).
Figure 2 depicts the front and rear views of data
collection box (1) in accordance with one aspect of the
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invention. Front display panel (70) of data collection box
(1) comprises LEDs, LCDs or other suitable display means to
provide a message display (72). Display (72) is utilized to
prompt TV users as to what actions are to be taken for
registration, and, as detailed herein, may be utilized
during installation to advise the installer regarding the
operating status of the system, as well as to confirm
appropriate entry of demographic data for household members.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention,
message display (72) has sixteen vacuum fluorescent
characters (72A). As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the
message display circuit (32) receives data fl-om the
microprocessor (25) and enables the display (72)(see Figure
2). The display characters may be alpha-numeric or
punctuation characters. Alternatively, message display (72)
could be a separate device connected to the network via
Network port (41,75) of data collection box (1). This would
enable data collection box (1) to be hidden, while the
display could remain visible to the user. It is
contemplated that message display (72) shows messages in any
selected language.
In addition to the message display, the data
collection box (1) includes stylized personal symbols (73)
to be assigned to various users of the system. Personal
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symbols (73) are selected by the TV users through depression
of a key (42) on a remote persons entry device (4) bearing
the corresponding symbol. Upon depression of the key ~42)
(See Figure 5), the corresponding symbol (73A) remains lit
to indicate that the individual is using the television, and
will remain lit to indicate this status until the user
redepresses the key or the television set is turned off,
whereupon data is no longer collected to indicate television
usage. Personal symbols (42) are selected to facilitate a
user's identification with that symbol. Any symbols may be
implemented as personal symbols ~73A) and imprinted on data
collection box (1) and, correspondingly, as personal symbols
(42) on persons entry device (4).
A preferred embodiment of the stylized symbols is
provided in Figure 6, which contains the following 12
stylized symbols: numeral one, baseball, heart, horseshoe,
smile face, house, car, apple, saw, flower, sailboat, and
telephone. However, data collection box (1) and persons
entry device (4) can be designed with any other suitable
stylized personal symbols.
In one embodiment of the present invention,
stylized personal symbols (73A) provided on data collection
box (1) are associated with intermittent illuminating means
whereby symbols (73A) may be flashed to correspond to
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symbols (73A) not in use. Intermittent flashing means may
thus be used to aid in the selection of a symbol (73A) by
any visitor or non-registered household member.
As depicted in Figure 2, the front panel of data
collection box (1) also includes an infra-red ("IR")
detector (69) and ambient light sensor (78). IR detector
(69) receives IR codes transmitted by the persons entry
device (4). As would be apparent to those of skill in the
art, other systems of matched detectors and receivers may be
used employing other forms of transmission. In one
embodiment, a hardwired system may also be used to
communicate the user's input of data to data collection box
(1), though this would be more cumbersome.
Ambient light sensor (78) of data collection box
(1) detects the amount of light in the room and transmits
this information to microprocessor (25) (shown in Figure 3)
of data collection box (1) so that the brightness of message
display (72) and symbol display (73) may be adjusted to the
appropriate intensity based upon ambient light conditions.
For this purpose, message display (72) and symbol display
(73) may have multiple associated brightness settings.
In one embodiment of the present invention as
shown in Figure 3A, a photodiode or other suitable light
sensing means in ambient light detection circuitry (15)
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senses the amount of light in the room and outputs a
corresponding measurement signal. Multiplexor ~16) routes
the photodiode output measurement signal to A/D converter
(17). A/D converter (17) sends a digital representation of
the ambient light measurement signal to microprocessor (25),
which selects a suitable display brightness setting. The
microprocessor sends the brightness setting information to
the message display (72) and the symbol display (73). The
displays adjust brightness accordingly. In addition, as
discussed herein, in one embodiment of the present invention
there is a brightness offset parameter which is programmed
using Test Set software during installation. The brightness
offset parameter may be used to limit the microprocessor
(25) selection of display brightness settings to those which
would be appropriate for the specific location and expected
ambient or direct light conditions affecting the data
collection box (1).
Data collection box (1) further includes ambient
sound detection circuitry (20). With reference to Figures
3A and 3B, ambient sound detection circuitry (20) includes
microphone (18) which detects sound in the room and outputs
a corresponding signal to a band pass filter (19) and
rectifier circuit (14). Band pass filter (19) sends its
output to Multiplexor (16) which routes the signal to A/D
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converter (17) for digital conversion of the signal and
routing to microprocessor (25). After microprocessor (25)
determines the volume of ambient sound level in the room, it
determines the appropriate volume of the audio prompt so
that the prompt may be heard over the ambient sound. It
sends a volume signal to potentiometer (35A) contained
within volume and frequency control circuit (35), whereby
the audio prompt volume is adjusted through appropriate
resistance of the potentiometer ~35A). The volume and
frequency control circuit (35) thereafter sends an output
signal to the spea~er (36) which emits the audio prompt.
As depicted in Figure 3B, data collection box (1)
contains control software with executable code which may
reside in EPROM !30). EPROM (30) may, in an alternative
implementation, contain boot code and communicate over CEBus
port (37) or RS 232 port (40) to download the executable
code from the host computer via the home communications unit
(2) or from an external computer into SRAM (31). Control
would then be transferred from EPROM (30) to SRAM (31). The
executable code may utilize configuration parameters to
facilitate changes to variables within the system or,
alternatively, could operate with fixed values for these
parameters and not utilize configuration parameters.
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When a parameter changes, microprocessor (25)
generates a data record. Data collection box (1) notifies
home communications unit (2) when a parameter has changed
and, when such changed parameter is a shared parameter, home
communications unit (2) updates that parameter for all data
collection boxes (1) in the household.
In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the executable code resides in EPROM (30). SRAM
(31) provides microprocessor (25) support, stores all
read/write parameters and contains a buffer for data record
storage. Microprocessor (25) generates data records and
transmits all unsent data records to home communications
unit (2) via CEBus port (37) or via RS-485 PORT (41), until
all data records have been transmitted to and acknowledged
by home communications unit (2).
As shown in Figure 2, rear panel (71) of each data
collection box (1) also includes external power supply port
(37), Test Set port (40), TV detect port (74), one or more
network ports (41) and (75) and antenna port (68). Test Set
port (40) is an RS-232 serial port which contains drivers
which enable microprocessor (25) (see Figure 3) of data
collection box (1) to send and receive data to and from an
external computer.
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2. P-rsons Entry Device
Persons entry device (4) comprises a hand-held or
stationary remote control type of device utilized by the
viewer as a means to indicate television usage status and to
enter demographic data into data collection box (1). While
various types of remote entry devices (4) may be used, in a
preferred embodiment of the present invention an infra-red
("IR") remote is utilized to communicate with data
collection box (1).
One embodiment of persons entry device (4) in
accordance with the present invention is depicted in Figure
5. As shown, persons entry device (9) is a hand-held remote
data entry device. In one embodimer.t, persons entry device
(9) may have a plastic housing (45' with an elastomeric
keypad. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the keypad has
three types of keys: symbol keys (42), a confirm key (43),
and demographic keys (44). When the user presses a button
on persons entry device (4), a code associated with the
pressed key in the form of infrared radiation is transmitted
to data collection box (1).
Symbols (42) on persons entry device ~4) as shown
in Figure 5 correspond in number and appearance with
stylized personal symbols (46) displayed on data collection
box (1) as shown in Figure 6. A symbol is assigned to each
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television user in the household, whether a household member
or visitor. Symbols for household members may be selected
through programming during installation. At that time, the
persons entry device (4) or an external computer keyboard
may be used to download configuration parameters associated
with the symbols. The configuration parameters indicate
whether a symbol is assigned and to which household member
it is assigned. The associated household member's or
visitor's demographic information is associated with the
configuration parameters, or may be otherwise stored in a
local or remote host computer with some reference to
establish association with the configuration parameters.
With reference to Figure 3A, IR circuitry (21)
associated with persons entry device (4) and data collection
box (1) includes IR receiver (22) which detects the infrared
radiation input from operation of an associated persons
entry device (4) and sends the infrared input to IR
processor circuit (23). IR processor circuit (23) converts
this signal to digital data. The data indicates which
persons entry device key (42-44) was pressed (see Figure 5)
and is used to identify the demographics of the individual
during television usage. IR processor circuit (23) may be
configured to route the data within the system either on a
real time basis or periodically.
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The IR remote persons entry device (7) may be
configured to use different, installer or user selected IR
codes to ensure minimal interoperability interference with
existing devices that utilize IR based remote controls, such
as televisions or VCRs.
IR code format utilized for transmission between
persons entry device (4) and data collection box (1) may be
changed during installation or upon detection of
interference by changing the associated parameter value
using Test Set software discussed herein and by physical
means such as by including a dip switch panel on the persons
entry device (4) .
3. Sensor
Sensor (7) is placed on or near each television
set (8) utilized in the audience measurement system in the
household and is also plugged into the associated data
collection box (1). Sensor (7) is utilized to determine
television's (8) status as being either "on" or "off" so
that audience data is collected only during television usage
periods.
With reference to Figure 2, rear panel (71) of
data collection box (1) includes television detect connector
(74) to which sensor (7) (See Figure 1.) is connected,
whereby television "on/off" status may be monitored
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electronically by data collection box (1). Detection of
television on/off status is essential not only to ensure
that data collection occurs only during television usage,
but, further, to enable sequences of audio and video prompts
to users to ensure accurate indication of television usage.
In a preferred embodiment, sensor (7) is an
external sensor utilized to determine television (8) "on"
status without connections to the internal circuits of
television set (8). While various sensors may be utilized
for this purpose, as recognized by those of ordinary skill
in the art, in one embodiment of the invention an
electromagnetic pick-up device may be used.
Figure 4 is an assembly view of an embodiment of
sensor (7~ and the associated attachment spot assembly (80)
according to the present invention. In the embodiment,
sensor (7) includes electronic sensing device (83A)
containing an internal inductor coil (83B) which picks up
the electromagnetic radiation from television's horizontal
deflection circuitry. Sensor (7) transfers the horizontal
signal to data collection box (1) for determination of
television "on/off" status. (See Figure 3A.) Because such
detection requires no hard wiring to the television's
internal circuitry, sensor ~7) may be attached non-
invasively to the television (8), such as by a combination
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of tape adhesives (82) and hook material (81) and loop
material (83) such as Velcro. (See Figure 4.)
A preferred embodiment of the operation of the
sensor (7) is next explained with reference to Figures 3A
and 3B. Television on/off detection circuitry depicted
generally at (11) is used to check whether sensor (7) has
detected a television "on" condition. This determination is
performed during the time multiplexor (9) is switched to TV
on/off detection circuitry (11). The multiplexor switches
the sensor (7) signal back and forth between the television
on/off detection circuit (11) and the sensor
connect/disconnect circuit (10). In one embodiment, the
sensor (7) which contains an internal inductor (83B) is
connected between ground and 5V in the sensor
connect/disconnect circuit (10). (Refer to Figure 3C.)
Microprocessor (25) measures actual voltage of the sensor
signal. When the voltage nears 5V, microprocessor (25)
generates a data record indicating that sensor (7) is not
connected. When the signal voltage of sensor (7) is less
than 0.5V, microprocessor (25) generates a data record
indicating that sensor (7) is connected.
Also depicted in Figure 3A is sensitivity circuit
(12) forming part of TV on/off detection circuitry (11)
which receives a signal from sensor (7) and amplifies the
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voltage, so that data collection box (1) can detect weak
signals. This internal amplifier circuit (Refer to Figure
3D) has two switchable gain resistors, R1 (200) and R2 (201)
utilized to adjust the gain of circuit (11) under control of
Switch S1 (202).
Sensitivity circuit (12) shown in Figure 3A sends
the amplified sensor signal to band pass filter (13). Band
pass filter (13) limits the signal frequency range to that
of the television's horizontal oscillator. In this manner,
the circuit eliminates spurious electronic signals that
could cause a TV On condition to be detected erroneously.
The band pass filter (13) sends the output signal to the
rectifier circuit (14) which rectifies and conditions the
signal. The rectifier circuit (14) then sends the output
signal to the multiplexor (16). When multiplexor (16)
receives control signals from the microprocessor (25), it
sends the sensor signal to A/D converter (17). A/D
converter (17) converts the analog signal to a digital
signal and routes the digital signal to microprocessor (25).
The microprocessor (25) compares the value of the digital
signal to a programmed threshold parameter value, and if it
is equal to or greater than the parameter value, the
microprocessor (25) recognizes a TV On condition. Message
display (72) may be used to display the value of the digital
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signal to show the signal strength of the sensor signal for
installation and testing purposes.
In an alternative embodiment, a threshold
detection circuit may be provided using an internal
comparator circuit to compare the amplified sensor signal to
a threshold voltage. The threshold detection circuit
generates a digital output that indicates whether television
(8) is on or off. If the sensor signal is equal to or
greater than the threshold voltage, the threshold detection
circuit issues a television "on" signal. If the voltage is
below the threshold, threshold detection circuit issues a
television "off" signal. The threshold detection circuit
sends the detected television "on" or "off" signal to
microprocessor (25). When microprocessor (25) receives a
transmission of the television "on"/"off" signal, it creates
a data record in SRAM (31).
Upon detection of the television "on" signal from
sensor (7), the audience participation measurement system is
activated, and sequencing of audio and video prompts to
ensure participation of TV users commences, as detailed
herein.
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CA 02211963 1997-07-29
4. Home Communications Unit
A home communications unit (2) may be provided at
any suitable location in the home. Home communications unit
(2) is utilized not only for collection of data from each
data collection box (1), but also for transmission of such
data to a remote site for compilation and evaluation. With
reference to Figure 1, communications between the home
communications unit t2) and each data collection box (1)
occur via one of several types of transmission media:
existing household electrical wire (power line), twisted
pair wire, or wireless transmission, means which may include
RF communications, or other suitable transmission means.
As shown in Figure 3B, data collection box (1)
includes CEBus driver and header connector (37A) of CEBus
port (37-) to connect to either a Power Line node board (38)
or an RF node board (39) for communications with the home
communications unit (2). In the preferred embodiment, node
boards (38 and 39) comply with the EIA IS-60 CEBus physical
layer signaling standards. In alternative embodiments, the
node boards could comply with any other signaling protocol.
For power line (PL) (5) communications, PL node
board (38) sends and receives signals to the household AC
line using coupling circuits in external power supply (6).
CA 02211963 1997-07-29
For RF communications, RF node board (39) sends
and receives signals through the RF antenna (23). (See
Figure 1.)
Network port (41) contains drivers which enable
microprocessor (25) to send and receive data to an external
device via the Network connection (41, 75). Data collection
box (1) may use this port to communicate with home
communications unit (2) or with a television program code
decoder. In addition, this port may be used for
communications with any other intelligent peripherals.
Communication between home communications unit (2)
and a remote device is next explained with reference to
Figure 13 which depicts a preferred implementation of the
block diagram of home communications unit (2).
Microprocessor (83), depicted in Figure 13, controls the
operation of home communications unit (2). EEPROM (84)
stores the read/write parameters necessary to transmit data
to the host computer via telephone lines. EPROM (85)
permanently stores the executable code. Alternatively,
EPROM (85) could contain the minimal amount of boot code
necessary to allow home communications unit (2) to
communicate over serial COM port (88) and download
executable code into SRAM (86). A section of SRAM (86) may
be implemented as a circular buffer which utilizes a
CA 02211963 1997-07-29
newest-record pointer and a last-record-sent pointer. SRAM
(86) stores parameters, data records, and, optionally,
executable codè downloaded from the host computer.
As depicted in Figure 13, the PC ISA (Personal
Computer Industry Standard Architecture) bus modem (87) and
interface ~87A) enable communication between home
communications unit (2) and host computer via telephone
lines. The modem (87) dials the host computer telephone
number at a programmed time. If the call does not go
through, the modem will re-dial the phone number at
programmed time intervals. PC ISA bus modem (87) is
compatible with an external cellular telephone transceiver.
Serial port RS-232 drivers (88) enable communications
between home communications unit (2) and an external
computer. Network port drivers (89) enable communications
between home communications unit (2) and any external device
(e.g., data collection box (1)). The optional CEBus RF node
board (99) enables communications via RF using an external
antenna (not shown). The antenna connects to node board
(99) via the back panel opening on home communications unit
(2). CEBus PL node board (90) enables communications with
data collection boxes (1) via household power lines (5).
As depicted in Figure 13, home communications unit
(2) may also contain a low power, reset & watch dog circuit
CA 02211963 1997-07-29
(92) which alarms microprocessor (83) when the input power
is low and issues a reset to home communications unit (2)
circuitry. Battery (93) provides emergency power to SRAM
(86) and real time/date clock (91). This maintains memory
and clock timing during an unpowered state. The real
time/date clock (91) provides home communications unit (2)
with the current time and date.
The EEPROM (84) contains all parameters required
to call the host computer in case this data is lost from
SRAM (86).
Auto answer switch (102) may place home
communications unit (2) into an auto answer mode for several
minutes. The auto answer mode allows home communications
unit (2) to answer an incoming phone call from the host
computer. This allows emergency recovery in case home
communications unit (2) configuration parameters are
corrupted or parameter changes are required.
The external line share device (not shown) is
installed between PC ISA bus modem (87) and the telephone
line wall jack, and automatically disconnects the modem from
the line whenever a phone in the home goes off-hook. This
assures that home communications unit (2) has minimal impact
on use of the telephone line by persons in the home.
CA 02211963 1997-07-29
Installation of the System
The invention includes a means for easy
installation using only an external computer with associated
Test Set software and no other additional devices. The Test
Set software automatically checks the installation procedure
to ensure complete and accurate installation of the
equipment.
The Test Set program is used to install and test
the home communications unit (2), and data collection boxes
(1) .
In a preferred embodiment, during installation,
the Test Set program may be used, for example, to record
home communications unit (2) and data collection box (1)
serial numbers, software version numbers and location of TV
sets (8); specify and record type of communications and
medium used between the data collection box (1) and the home
communications unit (2); assign stylized symbols (46) to
household members; set parameters for the home
communications unit (2) and the data collection box (1);
select persons entry device (4) IR communications format;
select audio prompting volume level for each data collection
box (1); enable time and day to be displayed on the message
display ~77); specify messages displayed and audio prompts;
specify types of data records (TV state and household member
34
CA 02211963 1997-07-29
registration only or extended logging, which includes idle
states, prompts and transitions records) stored in SRAM
(31); extract operational data records from the home
communications unit (2) and the data collection box (1) for
review; reset the home communications unit (2) and the data
collection box (1); and download software to a home
communications unit (2) or a data collection box (1).
The Test Set program may further facilitate
installation by automatically testing system functions,
including testing and confirmation of accuracy of television
on/off determination, searching and confirming user symbol
registration data records, and testing communication with
the host computer.
As would be obvious to one of skill in the art,
persons entry device (4) may be used to facilitate
installation through interactive communication with message
display (72) of data collection box (1). Through
appropriate programming, such communication may then be
used, for example, to provide a means to initiate and
confirm installation tests, a means to adjust the gain in
the sensitivity circuit (12) for a weak signal received by
sensor (7), a means to demonstrate and temporarily adjust
volume levels for audio prompting (34), and a means to
demonstrate and confirm prompt sequences of data collection
CA 02211963 1997-07-29
box (1) during household member/visitor training or regular
input. For this purpose, test and prompt sequences are
initiated and level adjustments may be made by a prescribed
series of key (42, 44A) presses/releases on persons entry
device (4).
Among those tests which may be initiated via the
persons entry device (4) are comparison of number of times
data is transmitted by the data collection box (1) and the
number of times same data is received back from the home
communications unit (2); observation of change in number of
data records stored in SRAM (31) in data collection box (1)
during data transfer between the home communications unit
(2) and the data collection box (1); operational tests of
data collection box (1) SRAM (31), A/D converter (17) and
real time clock (not shown); measurement of sensor (7)
signal strength by reading the output of the A/D converter
(17); message display (72) and symbol display (73)
operation; check of type of communications used for
communications between the data collection box (1) and the
home communications unit (2) and when communications are in
progress; comparison of ambient sound detection levels to
audio prompting levels; testing sounds generated by audio
prompting (34); comparison of ambient light measurement by
ambient light detection circuitry (15) with the brightness
36
CA 02211963 1997-07-29
settings for the message display (72) and symbol display
(73); verification that the persons entry device (4) does
not affect other remotely controlled equipment and
determination of persons entry device (4) IR format.
One embodiment of the installation procedures for
the audience participation measurement system according to
the present invention is next discussed with reference to
menu and interactive screens (Figures 14-26) under
appropriate software control. While the following
embodiments of the installation and Test Set software
routines detail the various purposes of the disclosed Test
Set program, various software and other means of installer
interaction, whether through different menu and interactive
screens, through simple keyboard input and interaction, or
otherwise, may be used to accomplish these various purposes
and features, as it would be obvious to one of ordinary
skill in the art.
In operation, the installation may be conducted in
two parts to minimize the amount of time spent in the home:
the outside home installation and the inside home
installation.
Outside home installation may be commenced by
connecting the data collection box (1) to the Test Set RS-
232 (40) port to the external computer. The installer
CA 02211963 1997-07-29
starts the Test Set software. In the preferred embodiment,
the Test Set software is a Windows~-based application and
initially presents the installer with a main menu dialog box
(130) as depicted in Figure 14.
In one preferred embodiment, the main menu dialog
box (130) offers the installer four installation procedure
categories conforming to the various functions performed by
the Test Set software: define household (131), install home
communications unit (132), install data collection boxes
(133), and proof of performance (134). In the disclosed
main dialog box (130), a checklist of installation
procedures appears below each category heading. To assist
proper completion of the installation, the control program
may be used to automatically cause a checkmark to appear
next to each procedure on the list after the installer
completes the procedure.
For the installer's convenience, Test Set dialog
boxes may include a menu (135) providing selection of
program control based upon selected operational concerns.
As depicted in Figure 14, a menu (including the categories:
File, Installation, Parameters, Communications, and Help) is
used to invoke dialog boxes associated with the categories
in one embodiment of the present invention.
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CA 02211963 1997-07-29
A control file is a data file which contains
information specific to a household that is utilized by a
home communications unit (2) or a data collection box (1).
The control file provides the installer with a central
storage location for household information. To specify
household information in a control file, the installer
clicks on the define household button (136) from the main
menu dialog box (130). For the purpose of audience
participation measurement, pertinent household information
would include information describing the location of the
household and identifying the household members and number
of television sets. Accordingly, in the embodiment of
Figure 14 the define household procedure checklist includes:
DMA (designated market area), People, TV sets. As depicted
in Figures 14 and 15, expansion of the define household
function can include display of such items as household
identification number, designated market area, sequence
file, and local time through clicking the define household
button (136) of Figure 14 to invoke the household dialog box
(137) of Figure 15. The installer checks this information
and corrects it, as required.
As detailed in Figure 16, to enter information
about the television set (8) locations and the data
collection boxes (1) into the control file, the installer
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CA 02211963 1997-07-29
presses the TV sets button (138) which invokes the TV set
location dialog box (140). For each television set, the
installer selects a~ television identification number (141).
For each television location, the installer connects the
external computer to the data collection box (1) RS-232 Test
Set port (40) and presses a parameters button (142) which
invokes Unique Parameters dialog box (143) as depicted in
Figure 17.
Reset button (144) may be used to clear all
previous installation settings from SRAM (31) of data
collection box (1) and loads default parameter settings from
EPROM (30) into SRAM (31).
Depression of get parameters button (145), may be
used to retrieve information from SRAM (31) in data
collection box (1). The system can be configured such that
the information retrieved includes fixed configuration
information such as the data collection box serial number,
software version number, CEBus node address.
At this stage, the installer may enter variable
configuration information such as television identification
number, television location, CEBus media, persons entry
device IR format setting, audio volume offset and display
brightness offset through a selected interactive menu such
as that depicted in Figure 17.
CA 02211963 1997-07-29
With respect to Figures 15 and 18, recording of
household members is next described. In the embodiment, the
installer clicks People button (139) to enter the household
member names and numbers into the control file. This
invokes the people dialog box (146) as depicted in Figure
18. For each household member, the installer then enters
names and identification data next to symbols which have
been chosen by each member.
To set or make changes to the visual and audio
prompts, the installer may enter the appropriate software
routine, such as through selection of prompts button (192)
of Figure 18, which is used to open the sequence file. The
sequence file may be used to specify messages displayed on
the message display (72) and audio prompts. The installer
makes changes as required either through keyboard entry or
through a suitably configured persons entry device (4).
Installation of the home communications unit (2)
will next be described with respect to Figures 5, 13, 14,
and 19 through 21. Installation according to embodiment
shown commences with connection of the communications port
on the external computer to the home communications unit (2)
RS-232 Test Set port (40).
Activation of install home communications unit
button (149) on the main menu dialog box (130) invokes the
CA 02211963 1997-07-29
install home communications unit dialog box (150) of Figure
19. Selection of the parameters button (151) further
invokes the home communications unit main dialog box (152)
of Figure 20. The installer clears all previous
installation information from the SRAM (86) of home
communications unit (2) through activation of reset button
(153) and loads the default parameter settings from EPROM
(85)-
In operation, in one preferred embodiment, theinstaller selects the host communications button (154)
which invokes the home-to-host communications dialog box
(155). See Figure 21. The installer checks the
communications information which the modem of home
communications unit (2) utilizes when calling the host
computer.
As disclosed in Figure 20, the installer may
select the appropriate telephone type through interaction
with main dialog box (152), as required.
The installer further checks the home
communications unit modem initialization string by first
clicking on the host communications button (154) which
invokes the home to host communications dialog box (155).
The installer then clicks the modem button (195) which
invokes a dialog box displaying the modem initialization
42
CA 02211963 1997-07-29
string. On the home communications unit main dialog box
(152~, the installer may further select the time that the
home communications unit (2) will automatically call the
host each day.
At any time, the installer may send the
installation information to SRAM (86) of home communications
unit (2). In one embodiment depicted in Figure 20, the
installer selects "put" parameters button (156) and "get"
parameters button (157), respectively, to send and retrieve
and verify the installation information, as well as retrieve
the home communications unit serial number, software version
number and home communications unit time from the home
communications unit (2).
To install data collection box(es) (1), the
installer selects the appropriate software routine such as
pressing the Install Data Collection Boxes Button (257)
(Figure 14) which invokes the install data collection box
dialog box (158) of Figure 22. The dialog box displays the
data collection boxes (1) which were entered earlier in the
installation procedure.
The installer transmits household information to
all data collection boxes (1) via the home communications
unit (2). To verify that all of the information has been
transmitted, the installer can retrieve selected portions or
43
CA 02211963 1997-07-29
all of the information such as through selection of the "get
all" button (161) of Figure 22 which retrieves the household
information for all data collection boxes (1) from the home
communications unit (2).
The installer clicks the people button (159) which
invokes the people dialog box (146) (Figure 18). The
transmission of household member names and numbers to the
home communications unit (2) SRAM (86) may next be
accomplished such as by selection of the put parameters
button (147). The people dialog box (146) displays the
names, identification numbers and symbols associated with
the household members. The home communications unit (2)
transmits this same information to all data collection boxes
(1). The installer verifies that the home communications
unit received the information by pressing the get parameters
button (148) which retrieves the people information from
SRAM (86) of home communications unit (2).
Inside home installation according to the example
embodiment begins by the installer connecting a line share
device to the phone jack in the household to which the home
communications unit (2) will be connected. The line share
device interrupts a call between the home communications
unit (2) and the host computer if any telephone extension in
the home goes off-hook during the call.
44
CA 02211963 1997-07-29
The installer connects the power cord of home
communications unit (2) to an AC outlet and the telephone
line of home communications unit (2) to a phone jack through
an external line share device. The external computer still
has the Test Set program and control file installed. The
installer connects the communications port on the external
computer to the home communications unit RS232 Test Set port
(40).
The installer opens the Test Set program and opens
the control file associated with the household. The main
menu (130) displays checkmarks next to the procedures that
were already completed during the outside home installation.
In operation, in one preferred embodiment, in-home
installation of data collection box (1) begins by plugging
in the data collection box (1) and connecting the sensor (7)
to the data collection box (1). Then, the installer enters
the test mode using a prescribed series of keypresses on
persons entry device (4).
To determine the optimum attachment position for
the sensor ~7) on the TV, the installer measures the
strength of the signal detected by the sensor (7). The data
collection box (1) measures the strength of the signal
detected by the sensor (7) by reading the output of the A/D
converter (17). In the preferred embodiment, to initiate
CA 02211963 1997-07-29
this measurement, the installer presses a selected key (42)
or (44). The message display (72) of data collection box
(1) may be used to show a measurement corresponding to the
signal. For weak signals, the installer may increase the
gain in the sensitivity circuit (12) by pressing an assigned
key (42) or (44).
The installer may similarly test data record
transfer between the home communications unit (2) and data
collection box (1) simultaneously through a selected
keypress (42)-(44). For this purpose, the data collection
box message display (72) may be used to show the number of
data records stored in SRAM (31). ~nder normal operation,
the data collection box (1) continuously attempts to
transfer data records to the home communications unit (2)
until all data records have been sent.
Selection of suitable infra-red frequency for the
persons entry device (4) may also be accomplished during
installation. In one preferred embodiment, the installer
tests the data collection box (1) for interference with
other remotely operated devices by pressing a selected key
(42). The message display (72) of data collection box (1)
may be used to show the IR frequency mode and the code for
the key (42)-(44) that was depressed. The installer presses
all buttons on all other remote controls to make sure that
46
CA 02211963 1997-07-29
the data collection box (1) does not mistake their
transmission for transmission from persons entry device (4).
If the data collection box (1) mistakes another remote
control transmission for a persons entry device (4)
transmission, it will show the mistaken code on the message
display (72).
In the event that another remote control
interferes with operation of data collection box (1), the
installer may change the IR frequency mode by changing the
associated data collection box (1) parameter setting using
Test Set software, as described above, and/or by changing a
dip switch setting or other suitable physical switch measure
on the persons entry device (4).
The installer can test the message display (72)
and the symbol display (73) by entering the test mode using
the persons entry device (4) as described above and pressing
a selected key (42). In operation, in one preferred
embodiment, the message display (72) may be tested to
illuminate and extinguish each or all characters on each of
the vacuum florescent display characters (72A). Symbol
display LEDs (73A) may simultaneously be tested.
The installer may check the ambient sound
detection circuitry (20) and the audio prompting system (34)
by entering the test mode using the persons entry device (4)
47
. CA 02211963 1997-07-29
as described above and pressing a selected key (42). The
message display (72) may be used to show the ambient sound
measurement, the audio prompt volume measurement, and the
programmed audio prompt volume parameter value. The
installer may initiate a test sound by pressing a selected
key (42)-(44) for a short sound or a different selected key
(42)-(44) for a long sound. The installer can thereafter
increase or decrease the audio prompt volume range and/or
duration by selection of assigned keys (42)-(44) of persons
entry device (4). Ambient light detection circuitry (15)
and the message display circuit (32) may be similarly tested
and adjusted.
Message display (72) may also be used to indicate
and check the communications medium used, and when
communications occur between the home communications unit
(2) and the data collection box (1).
The installer may next test the overall
functionality of the system. In the embodiment screens
shown, the installer clicks on the proof of performance
button (165) on the main menu dialog box (130) which invokes
the proof of performance dialog box(166). (Figure 23) The
installer ensures accuracy and operation of system and
records household member registration and television on/off
conditions by clicking the start button (167), turning on
48
CA 02211963 1997-07-29
each television (8) and registering all household members on
each data collection box (1) using the persons entry device
(4), turning each television (8) off, and clicking the stop
button (168) on the proof of performance dialog box (166).
Test Set searches the SRAM (86) of home communications unit
(2) for television on/off data records and user symbol
registration data records. When the system operates
normally, checkmarks may be caused to appear on the proof of
performance dialog box next to each television (169), next
to each household member symbol (170), next to the TV On/Off
procedure (171) and next to the family on/off procedure
(172).
In one embodiment, the installer may use the
system to train household members. With the television (8)
off, the installer may enter a test mode using the persons
entry device (4) as described above. The installer turns
the television (8) on. The installer enters the periodic
prompt test mode by pressing a selected key (42) on the
persons entry device (4). The data collection box message
display (72) may then be used to show a programmed sequence
of visual and audio prompts which simulates normal system
operation but does not generate any data records. The
lnstaller may then teach the household members to register
their symbols while using television (8).
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CA 02211963 1997-07-29
If the home communications unit (2) or data
collection box (1) does not appear to function normally, the
installer can review the operational data records in SRAM
(31 or 86). To retrieve data records from either the data
collection box (1) or home communications unit (2), the
installer connects the external computer with Test Set to
the unit, and from the main menu dialog box (130), selects
inspect data records button(177) which invokes the data
records dialog box (178) of Figure 24. In this fashion, the
installer may retrieve the data records in SRAM (31 or 86)
that have not yet been transmitted by the unit (get current
button (179)), retrieve all data records in SRAM (31 or 86),
(get all button (180)), open an existing output file for
review, (load file button (188)), reset the SRAM (31 or 86)
last-record-sent data pointer to 00, (clear memory button
(181)).
To download software to a home communications
unit, the installer may select download button (182) on the
main menu dialog box (130), which invokes the load home
communications unit software dialog box (184). (Figure 25)
The installer selects a file in the window (185) and clicks
on the OK button (232).
The installer downloads software to a selected
data collection box (1) through selection of the data
CA 02211963 1997-07-29
collection box download button (183) on the main menu dialog
box (130), which invokes the load data collection box
software dialog box (186). (Figure 25) Window (187) and OK
button (233) may be utilized to select a file for
downloading for this purpose.
As would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in
the art, the installer may perform various additional tests
during installation to verify proper system and component
function.
Operation of the System
Operation of the audience participation
measurement system is next discussed with reference to
Figures 7A and 7B, detailing a human interface control and
event logging flow chart according to the present invention.
Initially, prior to activation of the system, television set
(8) is in "off" mode (110). In the off mode, symbol display
(73) located on data control box (1) is also off. Once
television set (8) is turned on (111), symbol display (73)
on data control box (1) (see Figure 2) is enabled. At this
time, data entry via the persons entry device (4) is also
enabled. With the symbol display (73) enabled, and data
entry via the persons entry device (4) enabled, pressing a
symbol key (42) toggles the symbol light (73A) on (113) or
CA 02211963 1997-07-29
off (112). The turning on of television set (8) also begins
the TV On prompting sequence (114).
In order to prevent the generation of data records
(logging) for very short changes in the TV On/Off state, a
TV On/Off stability parameter, P (204) (Refer to Figure 7C),
defines the minimum amount of time required for the data
collection box (1) to recognize a change in TV On/Off state.
The data collection box (1) also may be configured to
generate a data record associated with a TV On/Off cycling.
Cycling is when the TV is being turned on and off
repeatedly, not remaining in either state for more than an
amount of time defined by the TV On/Off stability parameter,
P (204).
In order to prevent the generation of sequential
data records for the same state, a hysteresis flag, H (205)
may be used. In operation, initially, the data collection
box (1) sets H(205)=0.
In operation, when the TV is in an off state for a
persisted amount of time (206), and when the TV is turned
on, the data collection box (1) enters the TV On: persisting
state (209), sets the elapsed time, Te (207), equal to 0 and
the accumulated time, 'A' (208), equal to 0. The elapsed
time, Te (207), is the amount of time in one state. 'A'
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CA 02211963 1997-07-29
(208) is the accumulated time from all of the states
entered.
In operation, when the data collection box (1) is
in the TV On: persisting state (209), and if the TV remains
on for more than 'P' (204) time, the data collection box (1)
enters the TV On: persisted state (231). When the data
collection box (1) enters the TV On: persisted state (231),
if H=0, the microprocessor (25) logs TV On and sets H (205)
equal to 1. To log the TV On, the microprocessor (25)
generates a data record and stores it in SRAM (31).
If when the data collection box (1) is in the TV
On: persisting state (209), the TV is turned off before
Te(207)+A(205)=P(204), the data collection box (1) enters
the TV Off: persisting state (210). The microprocessor (25)
sets A(205)=A(205)+Te(207) and sets Te(207)=0.
In operation, if the TV is turned on after
Te(207)+A(205)=P(204), the data collection box (1) enters
the TV On: cycling state (211). The microprocessor (25)
generates a TV cycle data record, sets Te(207)=0 and
A(205)=0.
If the TV remains on for P (204) time, the data
collection box (1) enters the TV On: persisted state (231),
logs the TV on and sets H (205) equal to 1.
CA 02211963 1997-07-29
If instead, the TV is turned off, the data
collection box (1) enters the TV Off: cycling state t212),
sets Te(207)=0 and A (208)=0.
If the TV remains off for P(204) time, the data
collection box (1) enters the TV Off: persisted state (206),
logs TV off and sets H(205)=0. If the data collection box
(1) is in the TV Off cycling state (212), and the TV is
turned on again, the data collection box (1) enters the TV
On cycling (211) state, sets Te(207)=0 and A(208)=0.
In operation, if when the data collection box (1)
is in the TV On: persisted state (231), the TV is turned
off, the data collection box (1) enters the TV Off:
persisting state (210). The microprocessor (25) sets
A(208)=0 and sets Te(207)=0.
If when the data collectlon box (1) is in the TV
On: persisting state (209), the TV is turned off when
Te(207)+A(208)>=P(204), the data collection box (1) enters
the TV Off: cycling state (212). The microprocessor (25)
logs a TV cycle, sets A(208)=0 and sets Te(207)=0.
If when the data collection box (1) is in the TV
Off: persisting state (210), the TV is turned on when
Te(207)+A(208)<P(204), the data collection box (1) enters
the TV On- Persisting state (209). The microprocessor (25)
sets A(208)=A(208)+Te(207) and sets Te(207)=O.
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In operation, when the data collection box (1) is
in the TV Off: persisting state (210), and if the TV remains
off for at least P(204) time, the data collection box (1)
enters the TV Off: persisted state (206). When the data
collection box (1) enters the TV Off: persisted state (206),
if H(205) equals 1, the microprocessor (25) logs TV off and
sets H(205)=0. To log the TV off, the microprocessor (25)
generates a data record and stores it in SRAM (31).
Immediately after television (8) is turned on and
is in the TV On: persisting state (209) for a suitable,
preselected period, prompting begins. Figure 9 shows a
preferred embodlment of the Television On prompting sequence
(llg) according to present invention.
As depicted in Figure 9, ~isual prompting begins
with message display (72) (see Figure 2) showing an
appropriate programmable message to greet the user, such as:
"HELLO!" (46). If the user does not register a symbol (42,
44) (see Figure 5) after a programmable number of seconds,
the display shows the next programmable message, such as:
"WHO'S THERE?" (47). The display shows this message for a
fixed duration or until the user registers a symbol. If the
user does not register his or her symbol (42, 44) before a
programmed amount of time, the display will extinguish the
CA 02211963 1997-07-29
message and contlnue the preselected programmed message
sequence.
The visual prompting may be accompanied by
programmed audio prompts generated by the sound subsystem
(34) (See Figure 3B.) In the preferred embodiment, the
sound subsystem generates a chime during message M4 t49).
If the user does not register, the message display (72)
continues to display: "WHO'S THERE?" (49-50) for up to
several more minutes. Whenever the user registers a symbol,
the display shows a closure message such as: "THANK YOU!"
(62) (See Figure 12.) The text of each of these messages,
and associated audio prompt and timing, can be changed by
resetting the associated parameter values.
After the TV On prompting sequence (114) is
complete, the data collection box (1) enters an idle state
(199). (Refer to Figure 7B.) Upon entering the idle state
(199), elapsed time parameter Te(233) is set to 0.
Figure 8 depicts the sub-states which define
symbol event logging and symbol display control. In order to
prevent the generation of data records (logging) for very
short changes in the symbol On/Off state, a persons On/Off
stability parameter, P (213) (Refer to Figure 8.), defines
the minimum amount of time required for the data collection
box (1) to recognize a change in Symbol On/Off state. The
CA 02211963 1997-07-29
data collection box (1) enters a series of states before
generating a Symbol On or Off data record. The data
collection box (1) also recognizes Symbol On/Off cycling and
generates an associated data record. Cycling is when the
symbol is being turned on and off repeatedly, not remaining
in either state for more than an amount of time defined by
the Persons On/Off stability parameter, P (213).
In order to prevent the generation of sequential
data records for the same state, a hysteresis flag, H (214)
may be used. In operation, initially, the data collection
box (1) sets H(214)=0.
In operation, when a symbol is in an off state for
a persisted amount of time (120), and when the symbol is
turned on, the data collection box (1) enters the Symbol On:
persisting state (121), sets the elapsed time, Te (215)
equal to 0 and the accumulated time, 'A' (216) equal to 0.
The elapsed time, Te (215), is the amount of time in one
state. 'A' (216) is the accumulated time from all of the
states entered.
In operation, when the data collection box (1) is
in the Symbol On: persisting state (121), and if the symbol
remains on for more than P (213) time, the data collection
box (1) enters the Symbol On: persisted state (219). When
the data collection box (1) enters the Symbol On: persisted
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state (219), and if H~214)=0, the microprocessor (25) logs
the symbol on and sets H (214) equal to 1. To log the
symbol on, the microprocessor (25) generates a data record
and stores it in SRAM (31).
In operation, if when the data collection box (1)
is in the Symbol On: persisting state (121), the symbol is
turned off before Te(215)+A(216)=P(213), the data collection
box (1) enters the Symbol Off: persisting state (217). The
microprocessor (25) sets A(216)=A(216)+Te(215) and sets
Te(215)=0.
In operation, if the symbol is turned on after
Te(215)+A(216)=P(213), the data collection box (1) enters
the Symbol On: cycling state (218). The microprocessor (25)
generates a TV cycle data record, sets Te(215)=0, A(216)=0
and H(214)=1.
If the symbol remains on for P (213) time, the
data collection box (1) enters the Symbol On: persisted
state (219) and logs the symbol on.
If instead, the symbol is turned off, the data
collection box (1) enters the Symbol Off: cycling state
(220), sets Te(215)=0 and A (216)=0.
In operation, when the data collection box (1) is
in the Symbol Off: persisting (217) state, if the symbol
remains off for P(213) time, the data collection box (1)
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enters the Symbol Off: persisted state (120). If H(214)=1,
the microprocessor (25) logs symbol off and sets H (214) =0.
If, when in the Symbol Off : cycling state (220),
the symbol is turned on again, the data collection box (1)
enters the Symbol On cycling (218) state, sets Te (215)=0 and
A (216) =0.
In operation, if when the data collection box (1)
is in the Symbol On: persisted state (219), the symbol is
turned off, the data collection box (1) enters the Symbol
Off: persisting state (217). The microprocessor (25) sets
A (216) =0 and sets Te (215) =0.
In operation, if when the data collection box (1)
is in the Symbcl On: persisting state (121), the symbol is
turned off when Te (215) +A (216) >=P (213), the data collection
box (1) enters the Symbol Off: cycling state (220). The
microprocessor (25) logs a symbol cycle, sets A(216)=0, sets
Te (215) =0 and sets H (214) =1.
If when the data collection box (1) is in the
Symbol Off : persisting state (217), the symbol is turned on
when Te (215)+A(216)<P(213), the data collection box (1)
enters the Symbol On: persisting state (121). The
microprocessor (25) sets A (216) +A (216) +Te (215) and sets
Te (215) =0.
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- In operation, when the data collection box (1) is
in the Symbol Off: persisting state (217), and if the symbol
remains off for at least P (213) time, the data collection
box (1) enters the Symbol Off: persisted state (120). When
the data collection box (1) enters the Symbol Off: persisted
state (120), if H(214) equals 1, the microprocessor (25)
logs symbol off and sets H(214)=0. To log the symbol off,
the microprocessor (25) generates a data record and stores
it in SRAM (31).
In operation, when the TV is turned off and a TV
Off data record is generated, the data collection box (1)
enters the Symbol Off: persisted state ~120); and if
H(214)=1, the microprocessor (25) generates a forced Symbol
Off data record and sets H(214)=0. H(214) must be set to 1
when entering the cycling states (218, 220) to assure symbol
is logged off if the TV is turned off.
As depicted in Figure 1, once television set (8)
is turned on, the symbols on data collection box (1) are
enabled and persons entry device (4) data entry is enabled,
a visitor may register his or her television (8) usage by
selecting and pressing an appropriate demographic key (44)
(see Figure 5) and an unassigned symbol key (42) on persons
entry device (4).
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Demographic keys (44) are designed and labeled
such that a single key on persons entry device (4) may be
selected for input of all necessary demographic data
concerning the visitor.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention shown
in Figure 5, demographic keys (49) are either pink for
females, or blue for males and are each associated with an
age group (44B). Thus, a single key (44) may be used to
indicate the presence of a TV user and the user's age and
sex. In alternate embodiments, demographic keys could
identify any other single or multiple demographic variables,
such as income or ethnic group, and the keys could be any
color.
Figure 11 shows tha visitor entry sequence ~118).
In operation, the data collection box (1) enters the
sequence when a visitor selects the appropriate demographic
key (44) (see Figure 5.). Simultaneously, the symbol
display (73) flashes unassigned symbol ~EDs (73A) and the
visitor entry sequence (118) enters the first programmable
message state (59). The microprocessor (25) does not accept
entry of assigned symbol keys. The message display (72) may
be used to show the demographic information which the user
entered.
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When an unassigned symbol key (42) is pressed, the
symbol display (73) stops flashing the symbols, illuminates
the chosen visitor symbol, and the visitor entry sequence
(118) enters the second programmable message state (60).
The microprocessor (25) accepts entry of assigned symbol
keys. As confirmation, the message display may be used to
show an appropriate message such as "visitor entered" (60)
until the clock (91) reaches a preselected programmed time-
out.
If the visitor does not press an unassigned symbol
key (42) and the clock (91) reaches a programmed time-out,
the symbol display ~73) stops flashing the symbols and the
microprocessor accepts entry of assigned symbol keys. The
message display pauses (61) until a programmed time-out is
reached. This ends the visitor entry sequence.
When a visitor symbol is assigned, the associated
configuration parameter is changed to reflect visitor
demographics. The data collection box (1) sends the
parameter data to home communication unit (2). (See Figure
1). Home communication unit (2) then downloads the
parameter change data to all other data collection boxes (1)
in the household to enable the symbol usage. The visitor
does not have to enter his or her demographic data again,
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even if the visitor uses another television (8) in the
household.
Home communications unit (2) may instruct
microprocessor (25) to cancel visitor symbol assignments
after a fixed period, such as after one day of inactivity.
When the data collection box (1) has been in the
idle state (199) for a preselected period (Refer to Figure
7B), the data collection box (1) enters the "periodic
prompting" sequence (115). In the routine shown in Figure
7B, this occurs when the real time, Tc(234), ends in 07 or
37 minutes, and the elapsed time, Te(233) is at least 15
minutes. Other time intervals may be used.
In operation, as shown in Figure 10, upon data
collection box (1) entry of the periodic prompting sequence,
visual prompts are supplied to the user to confirm his or
her usage status. Message display (72) shows a query, such
as: "CONFIRM/CHANGE?" (52) and audio prompting system (34)
may be used to produce a chime or other audio prompt. The
message display (72) continues to show this message for
several minutes or some other preselected time or until a
key (42)-(44) of persons entry device (4) (See Figure 5) is
depressed. These messages and the duration of their display
can be changed by changing the associated parameter values.
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If the usage status is unchanged, the user presses confirm
key (43) on persons entry device (4).
Alternatively, users could confirm their TV usage
status by re-entering their symbols (45) by pressing
appropriate symbol keys (42). If the usage status has
changed, the user may log someone in or out by depressing
the appropriate symbol key (42), which has the further
effect of illuminating or extinguishing the associated
symbol.
As depicted in Figure 12, once a persons entry
device key (42, 43, 94) is depressed, a display shows the
message: "THANK YOU!" (62, 63, 64). The message display
(72) pauses (65) until the next action occurs or sequence
begins.
As depicted in Figure 3B, microprocessor (25)
creates a data record each time the television is switched
on or off, the user confirms TV usage, the user registers in
or out, a symbol is assigned or registered, a parameter
otherwise changes, when a command is received from the home
communications unit (2), host computer or external computer;
when the sensor is connected or disconnected; when a device
is connected to the RS485 Network port; when installation
tests or self tests are run; or when there is a power loss.
Microprocessor (25) stores the data records in SRAM (31).
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With reference to Figure 3B, data records are
stored in SRAM (31). This may be accomplished by insertion
into a circular list within SRAM. Records in the circular
list which have been transmitted to and acknowledged by home
communications unit (2) (Figure 1) may be sequentially
overwritten without generating an overflow condition.
The circular list has two pointers: a newest
record pointer and a sent record pointer. As data records
are generated, the newest record pointer is repositioned to
the most recently generated record.
When the microprocessor (25) (Figure 3A) generates
a data record, it attempts to transmit the data record to
the home communications unit (2). If the attempt fails, the
microprocessor (25) continues to try to send all unsent data
records. As each data record is transmitted to and
acknowledged by home communications unit (2), data
collection box (1) repositions the sent record pointer to
the most recently sent record.
A reset data pointer command received from home
communications unit (2) repositions the sent data record
pointer to the same position as the newest record pointer.
In addition, during installation or testing, an
external computer may retrieve unsent data records from data
collection box (1) without repositioning the sent record
CA 02211963 1997-07-29
pointer or it may transmit a command to reposition the sent
record pointer accordingly.
Although the foregoing invention has been
described in some detail by way of illustration and example
for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be obvious
that certain changes and modifications may be practiced
within the scope of the appended claims.
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