USRE46329E1 - Methods and apparatus to monitor media exposure in vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods and apparatus to monitor media exposure in vehicles are disclosed. An example implementation includes collecting audience measurement data with a media monitoring device fixed in a vehicle and transmitting the audience measurement data from the media monitoring device to a shuttle located within the vehicle, the shuttle being incapable of collecting audience measurement data independent of the media monitoring device.

Description

Notice: More than one reissue application has been filed for the reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 8,549,552. The reissue applications are U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/667,315 and 14/260,890. This application is a reissue divisional application of application Ser. No. 14/260,890 filed on Apr. 24, 2014 which is an application for reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 8,549,552 filed on Nov. 3. 2009.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure pertains to media monitoring and, more specifically to, methods and apparatus to monitor media exposure in vehicles.

BACKGROUND

Determining size, demographics, and media exposure and/or consumption patterns of a media audience helps media providers to understand their audience and better tailor their media content. Further, accurate media exposure demographics allow advertisers to target media content to audiences of a desired size and/or audiences comprising members having a set of common desired characteristics (e.g., income level, lifestyles, interests, etc.) associated with typical buyers of the advertised product or service.

In order to collect demographics of audiences, an audience measurement company may enlist a number of media utilizing households and/or consumers (e.g., panelists) to cooperate in an audience measurement study for a period of time. The media usage habits of these panelists, as well as demographic data about these panelists, are collected using automated and/or manual collection methods. The collected data is subsequently used to generate informational statistics related to media exposure, including, for example, audience sizes, audience demographics, audience preferences, the total number of hours of media exposed per audience member and/or per region, program ratings, etc.

Traditional audience measurement systems have employed a client/server architecture wherein the client (e.g., a metering device) and server (e.g., a data collection unit to collect data from the metering device) are in different physical locations. For example, in a typical system, the client is located near an audience member being monitored (e.g., attached to or otherwise in proximity to a television, included in a portable device carried by the audience member, etc.). The server is typically located at an off-site location that is away from the client (e.g., a central office of an audience measurement company such as the Nielsen Company, etc.) The client typically collects audience measurement data and transmits the same to the server. The server then analyzes audience measurement data from a number of panelists to identify ratings, trends, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example system to monitor media exposure in vehicles.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the example media monitoring device ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the example audience measurement data shuttle ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the example audience measurement data aggregator ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart representative of example machine readable instructions that may be executed to implement the example media monitoring device ofFIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart representative of example machine readable instructions that may be executed to implement the audience measurement data transmission process of the example media monitoring device ofFIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart representative of example machine readable instructions that may be executed to implement a second example audience measurement data transmission process of the example media monitoring device ofFIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart representative of example machine readable instructions that may be executed to implement the audience measurement data reception process of the example audience measurement data shuttle ofFIGS. 1 and 3.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart representative of example machine readable instructions that may be executed to implement the audience measurement data transmission process of the example audience measurement data shuttle ofFIGS. 1 and 3.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart representative of example machine readable instructions that may be executed to implement the audience measurement data reception process of the example audience measurement data aggregator ofFIGS. 1 and 4.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart representative of example machine readable instructions that may be executed to implement the audience measurement data transmission process of the example audience measurement data aggregator ofFIGS. 1 and 4.

FIG. 12 is a side, cross-sectional view of the example media monitoring device ofFIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 13 is a top, cross-sectional view of the example media monitoring device ofFIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a rear, cross-sectional view of the example media monitoring device ofFIGS. 12 and 13.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an example processor system that may execute, for example, the machine readable instructions ofFIGS. 5 through 11 to implement the example media monitoring device ofFIGS. 1, 2, and 12 through 14; the example audience measurement data shuttle ofFIGS. 1 and 3; and/or the example audience measurement data aggregator ofFIGS. 1 and 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Media monitoring systems may be implemented in different configurations based on their intended use. For example, vehicles typically include a media receiver capable of tuning a plurality of inputs (e.g., AM Radio, FM Radio, satellite radio, CD player, MP3 player, DVD player, etc.) via wired and/or wireless connections. As described herein, an example media monitoring device communicates with the media receiver to extract or generate information about media content presented by the media receiver. The media monitoring device may be implemented by any combination of hardware, firmware, and/or software. Such hardware, firmware, and/or software may be adapted to perform a number of monitoring tasks including, by way of example, not limitation, detecting a channel tuning status of a tuner disposed in the media receiver, extracting program identification codes embedded in or otherwise associated with signals tuned by the media receiver, generating signatures characteristic of signals tuned by the media receiver, etc. Alternatively, the media monitoring device may not communicate with the media receiver of the vehicle. In such an implementation, the media monitoring device wirelessly monitors media presented to the audience by the media receiver (e.g., by collecting free field audio). In the illustrated example, collected media exposure data is transported out of the vehicle via an audience measurement data shuttle and is then transmitted to a data collection facility for processing. If an audience measurement data shuttle is assigned to each individual panelist, the audience measurement data shuttle may add a unique identifier to the data to thereby associate demographic data with the collected audience measurement data.

In the field of media monitoring, media companies seek high accuracy media exposure data. To achieve such accuracy, it is desirable to reduce the level of involvement of the panelists. The more panelists are asked to do, the more likely the panelists will forget or intentionally fail to perform a requested task. The degree to which the panelists perform requested tasks (e.g., carrying a meter, logging into a meter, etc.) is referred to as the degree of compliance of the panelist.

Media monitoring systems are designed to result in high levels of audience member compliance, resulting in data that more accurately reflects the actual exposure of panelists to media content. Media monitoring in vehicles presents challenges that are different in degree or type from the challenges faced by in home media monitoring. If panelists are required to take more extensive action to enable in-vehicle data collection than to enable in-home data collection, the in vehicle collection system may exhibit lower levels of audience member compliance than are experienced in home media monitoring systems due to the constraints of the in vehicle environment, the amount of time audience members spend in vehicles, and/or the occurrence of frequently entering/exiting of the vehicle (e.g., short trips). Additionally, the physical aspects of vehicles present constraints on the in-vehicle monitoring. Such constraints include limited physical space, limited selection of power sources, and limited methods of transmitting collected monitoring data.

In examples disclosed herein, an example media monitoring device is placed in a vehicle to monitor media exposure and an audience measurement data shuttle is used to transport and/or transmit stored audience measurement data to a central location. To increase the probability of audience member compliance, example implementations of the media monitoring device use automated methods to collect and wirelessly transmit audience measurement data. In some implementations, audience measurement data is transmitted to an intermediate collection site or audience measurement data aggregator in, for example, the audience member's residence to aggregate audience measurement data before being sent to a processing location (e.g., an audience measurement data collection server, a central facility, etc.) A direct communication link between the in-vehicle media monitoring device and a collection site is typically not available. Accordingly, example media monitoring systems as disclosed herein include an intermediary audience measurement data shuttle to wirelessly receive audience measurement data from the in-vehicle media monitoring device and to wirelessly transmit that data to the audience measurement data aggregator when the audience measurement data shuttle is removed from the vehicle and brought into communication range of the audience measurement data aggregator. For example, the intermediate audience measurement data shuttle may be implemented as a key chain or other small device to be carried by the panelist. In this way, the panelist will naturally carry the audience measurement data shuttle into proximity of the audience measurement data aggregator when the panelist returns home. Because the audience measurement data shuttle is implemented as a device that the panelist will naturally carry in and out of the house (e.g., a car key chain), the panelist is not required to take any extraordinary measures to facilitate in-vehicle data collection and panelist compliance is improved.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of anexample system100 for in-vehicle audience measurement. The exampleaudience measurement system100 ofFIG. 1 is adapted to monitor media exposure in a vehicle. Theexample system100 includes amedia monitoring device104 fixed in the vehicle; an audiencemeasurement data shuttle112; an audiencemeasurement data aggregator120; and an audience measurementdata collection server124. The audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 of the illustrated example is located in the home of the panelist. The audience measurementdata collection server124 communicates with the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 via acommunication link126 such as, for example, the interne, the plain old telephone system (POTS), etc. Themedia monitoring device104, the audiencemeasurement data shuttle112, and the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 of the illustrated example communicate via the communication links106,108, and114.

The examplemedia monitoring device104 of the illustrated example is fixed in the vehicle. Themedia monitoring device104 may have any structure and/or form factor that enables the device to be permanently or semi-permanently installed in the vehicle. In the illustrated example, themedia monitoring device104 is configured to be engaged within a power socket of the vehicle (e.g., a 12 volt power socket such as a cigarette lighter socket or other multi-purpose electrical socket.) However, themedia monitoring device104 may be fixed in a vehicle by any other means. For example, themedia monitoring device104 may be mounted on a windshield, secured to a dashboard, placed in a glove box or vehicle console, attached to a visor, mounted inside a vehicle, mounted outside a vehicle, etc. Further, where the media monitoring device is engaged within a vehicle power socket, the socket may be of any voltage, current, or configuration. For example, the power socket may be a 115-120 volt outlet. In alternative examples, the in-vehiclemedia monitoring device104 may be integrated into a GPS receiver, an MP3 player, a portable (e.g., cellular) telephone and/or a garage door opener.

The examplemedia monitoring device104 ofFIG. 1 monitors media exposure within the vehicle, and captures audience measurement data reflecting that exposure. The captured audience measurement data is stored within a memory of themedia monitoring device104 until it is wirelessly transferred to one or more audience measurement data shuttles112 and/or directly to the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120.

In operation, themedia monitoring device104 may enter a wireless transmission range of the audience measurement data aggregator120 (e.g., when the vehicle is parked in a garage associated with the house) and transmit the collected audience measurement data to the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120, viawireless transmission106. In some cases, themedia monitoring device104 may not come within the wireless transmission range of the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120. In other cases, themedia monitoring device104 may enter the wireless transmission range of the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 on a limited basis or infrequently. For example, an audience member may park their vehicle at a distance which exceeds the wireless transmission range of the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 and/or the in-vehiclemedia monitoring device104. If thewireless transmission106 is only performed on a limited basis (e.g. once a week, once a month, etc.), the memory of themedia monitoring device104 may become full, resulting in loss of audience measurement data, and/or data may not be received for analysis in a timely manner.

To address this issue, in the illustrated example, one or more audience measurement data shuttle(s)112 are used to transport audience measurement data from themedia monitoring device104 into a wireless transmission range of the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120. In the illustrated example, the audience measurement data shuttle112 is a key fob, which may be carried by an audience member along with their keys (e.g., on an audience member's keychain). When the audience measurement data shuttle112 is within wireless transmission range of themedia monitoring device104, themedia monitoring device104 wirelessly transmits the audience measurement data to the audience measurement data shuttle112 viawireless transmission108.

The audience measurement data shuttle112 may be provided to each panelist in a given household (e.g., father, mother, son, daughter, etc.) As a result, each audience measurement data shuttle112 within the vehicle may collect wirelessly transmitted audience measurement data from the samemedia monitoring device104. Each audience measurement data shuttle is preferably provided with a unique identifier that is appended or otherwise associated with the audience measurement data that the audience measurement data shuttle receives (e.g., the audience measurement data shuttle includes functionality to add the identifier to the data it receives and/or transmits). The unique identifiers are associated with the individuals that carry the audience measurement data shuttles112 in, for example, a database at the audience measurementdata collection server124. As a result, when received at the audience measurementdata collection server124, the audience measurement company may associate demographic data (e.g., white male, age 43, income $50,000 per annum, etc) with the received audience measurement data. To ensure correct data is stored in each audiencemeasurement data shuttle112, the fixed, in-vehiclemedia monitoring device104 transmits the collected data substantially continuously (e.g., when the vehicle is powered on), at predetermined intervals, or whenever an event associated with a passenger change occurs (e.g., when the car is placed in park, when the tuned channel of the radio or the source of the media is changed, when the car is turned off, when the car is turned on, etc.)

The audience measurement data shuttle(s)112 are likely to enter the wireless transmission range of the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 at a greater frequency than the media monitoring device104 (e.g., once a day, twice a day, etc.) because the audience member(s) will carry their respective audience measurement data shuttles112 with them as they enter buildings (e.g., the panelist's home or other locations) that may be equipped with an audiencemeasurement data aggregator120. Advantageously, little or no out of the ordinary panelist involvement is required to collect and return the audience measurement data to the audience measurementdata collection server124. Audience member compliance is thereby improved, allowing more accurate data to be collected.

To achieve enhanced granularity of demographic data, even when themedia monitoring device104 is within the wireless transmission range of the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120, themedia monitoring device104 may still be configured to transmit audience measurement data only to the audience measurement data shuttle(s)112, rather than directly to the audience measurement data aggregator. In other implementations, themedia monitoring device104 may be configured to transmit data to the audience measurement data shuttle(s)112 when the audience measurement data shuttle(s)112 are present and to transmit data to the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 only when no audience measurement data shuttle112 is present. This latter approach (i.e., always transmitting data via the shuttle(s)) may prevent data loss due to transmission being interrupted when the vehicle is moved out of the wireless transmission range of audiencemeasurement data aggregator120. For example, when the audience measurement data shuttle112 is carried on an audience member's keychain, the audience measurement data shuttle112 will remain in the wireless transmission range of the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 even when the vehicle is driven away from the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 in the panelist's home as long as the panelist with the audience measurement data shuttle112 remains at home.

When an audience measurement data shuttle112 is within the wireless transmission range of the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120, the audience measurement data shuttle112 wirelessly transmits the audience measurement data stored therein to the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 viawireless transmission114. As discussed above, there may be multiple audience measurement data shuttles112 which may communicate with themedia monitoring device104 and the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120. For example, a group of audience members may travel in the same vehicle and each audience member may have their own audiencemeasurement data shuttle112, which collects audience measurement data for media presented near the audience member via themedia monitoring device104. Advantageously, each of the audience measurement data shuttles112 can transmit audience measurement data to thedata collection server124 so that media consumption specific to each audience member can be collected. For example, each audience measurement data shuttle112 may be associated with the demographics of an audience member that is carrying the shuttle and the media content exposure can be credited based on those demographics.

Additionally or alternatively, panelists may travel in different vehicles (e.g., a household with two or more vehicles). In such examples, an in-vehiclemedia monitoring device104 is installed in each vehicle. Preferably, the data collected by each in-vehiclemedia monitoring device104 is stamped or otherwise associated with a unique identifier associated with the in-vehiclemedia monitoring device104 that collected the audience measurement data. In this way (i.e., by addressing a database associating the unique identifier of the in-vehiclemedia monitoring device104 with the vehicle in which it is installed), the audience measurement data can be associated with the vehicle in which the audience measurement data was collected. As a result, the shuttles of panelists can be used to collect data in any vehicle associated with the monitored household as well as in any vehicle associated with another monitored household that carries an in-vehiclemedia monitoring device104.

The audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 of the illustrated example is located in a building such as the panelist's home. The location of the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 may be advantageously selected so as to increase the availability of a wireless transmission area of the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 and to increase the likelihood that the audience measurement data shuttle112 will enter the wireless transmission area. Alternatively, the building may be any type of building. For example, the building may be a public building such as a grocery store, a library, a parking garage, a department store, a convenience store, etc. Alternatively, the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 may not be located inside the building, and may be placed on the exterior of the building or away from the building. For example, the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 may be placed in a parking lot, a park, along a street, along a highway, etc.

Periodically and/or a-periodically (e.g., upon expiration of a timer, when a threshold of collected audience measurement data is reached, etc.) theaggregator120 transmits the audience measurement data to the audience measurementdata collection server124 via thecommunication medium126. Any method of determining when to transmit audience measurement data may be used. For example, the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 may store audience measurement data up to a specified amount (e.g., 1 kB, 64 kB, 1 MB) before transmitting the audience measurement data, the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 may transmit audience measurement data at a fixed interval (e.g., 30 minutes, 3 hours, 1 day, 1 week, etc.), and/or the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 may transmit audience measurement data in response to an external event (e.g., user pushes a synchronize button, audience measurementdata collection server124 requests updated audience measurement data, audience measurement data shuttle112 comes within the wireless transmission range of the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120, etc.). Thetransmission medium126 could be implemented by any transmission medium such as, for example, a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), Satellite, T1, Cellular radio, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or any collection of transmission media.

As described above, theexample system100 facilitates transmission of audience measurement data from the in-vehiclemedia monitoring device104 to the audience measurementdata collection server124 via the audience measurement data shuttle(s)112 and the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120. Thesystem100 may also facilitate bidirectional data transmission from, for example, the audience measurementdata collection server124 to the in-vehiclemedia monitoring device104 via the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 and/or the audience measurement data shuttle(s)112. The data transmitted by the audience measurementdata collection server124 may be software and/or firmware for devices such as, for example, themedia monitoring device104, the audiencemeasurement data shuttle112, or the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120. Additionally or alternatively, the data may be reference signatures, reference watermarks, reference codes, or any other data to facilitate the identification of media and/or, more generally, collection of audience measurement data. Further, themedia monitoring device104 may have the facility to transmit audience measurement data directly to the audience measurementdata collection server124. For example, themedia monitoring device104 may contain a cellular modem which would allow audience measurement data to be transmitted via a cellular network.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the example in-vehiclemedia monitoring device104 ofFIG. 1. The examplemedia monitoring device104 includes anaudio receiver202, an audio presenter203, an audiencemeasurement data collector204, adata store205, an audiencemeasurement data storer206, awireless communicator208, and anantenna210.

In the illustrated example, theaudio receiver202 of the in-vehiclemedia monitoring device104 is a microphone that may be implemented internal or external to themedia monitoring device104. The microphone receives ambient sound including audible media content presented in the vicinity of themedia monitoring device104. Alternatively, theaudio receiver202 may be implemented by a line input connection. The line input connection may allow a media presentation device such as a radio, CD player, MP3 player, DVD player, and/or television (not shown) to be communicatively coupled to themedia monitoring device104. The line input connector of the audio receiver may be implemented by, for example, a connector within themedia monitoring device104, a cable extended from themedia monitoring device104, a cradle associated with themedia monitoring device104, etc. Any other connection to receive information about media content presented within the vehicle may alternatively or additionally be used.

The audio presenter203 of the illustrated example is implemented by a processor executing machine readable instructions, but it could alternatively be implemented by an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP), field programmable gate array (FPGA), and/or other circuitry. In the illustrated example, when audio is received, the audio presenter203 determines the source of the audio and, if applicable, presents the audio to the audio system of the vehicle. The audio presenter203 of the illustrated example presents audio only when audio is received via a line input connector (e.g., from a panelist's MP3 player.) However, other configurations may also be acceptable (e.g., presenting audio only when received via a microphone, presenting audio regardless of the source, presenting audio only when a panelist enables the presentation.) Further, there may exist different presentation settings based on the determined audio source. For example, if audio is received via a Bluetooth connection (e.g., from a panelist's cellular phone, from a panelist's MP3 player, etc.), the audio presenter203 may be configured to always present audio to the audio system of the vehicle.

In the illustrated example, audio is presented to the audio system of the vehicle by means of a radio frequency transmitter transmitting a frequency modulated (FM) signal. In such an implementation, the panelist tunes the audio system of the vehicle to the frequency that the audio presenter203 transmits on. Any alternative method of audio presentation may additionally or alternatively be used such as, for example, an analog line-input, a digital interface, a Bluetooth communicator, etc.

The audiencemeasurement data collector204 of the illustrated example is implemented by a processor executing machine readable instructions, but it could alternatively be implemented by an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP), field programmable gate array (FPGA), and/or other circuitry. In the illustrated example, the audiencemeasurement data collector204 determines content identifiers from audio received via theaudio receiver202. As used herein, a “content identifier” is any type of data and/or information associated with, inherent to, embedded with, inferable from and/or injected into a piece of content, and which may be used to identify that piece of content. Audience measurement codes (e.g., watermarks), public or private identifiers in bit streams (e.g., program identification (PID) headers), closed captioning information, signatures, metadata or any other type(s) of data can serve as content identifiers. A content identifier is generally not noticeable to the audience during playback, but this is not necessarily so. Signatures may be any unique or semi-unique aspect of content (e.g., luminance characteristics, audio spectrum characteristics, etc.) that may be used to identify the content based on comparison to reference signatures. A code may be any type of data that may be inserted in, embedded in, encoded in, or otherwise associated with content that may be extracted or determined from the content for comparison to reference codes. However, any data that may be useful in monitoring, identifying, crediting, or otherwise analyzing media content may be used.

The example audiencemeasurement data storer206 ofFIG. 2 is implemented by a processor executing instructions, but it could alternatively be implemented by an ASIC, DSP, FPGA, or other circuitry. Thedata storer206 receives audience measurement data from the audiencemeasurement data collector204 and stores the received audience measurement data in thedata store205. Thedata store205 may also be capable of storing data which is not audience measurement data. For example, updated software and/or updated firmware may be stored in thedata store205. Further, updated software and/or updated firmware may be applied to themedia monitoring device104 to update the functionality of themedia monitoring device104. Thedata store205 may be any device for storing data such as, for example, flash memory, magnetic media, etc. Furthermore, the data stored in thedata store205, may be in any data format such as, for example, binary data, comma delimited data, tab delimited data, structured query language (SQL) structures, etc.

Theexample wireless communicator208 ofFIG. 2 is implemented according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.15.4 communication protocol. However, any method of wired or wireless communication may alternatively be used (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus, Zigbee, etc.). Thewireless communicator208 may be configured to communicate with an external device via theantenna210. Many different antenna configurations may be used. Example implementations may include theantenna210 being an internal component of themedia monitoring device104, theantenna210 being an external component of themedia monitoring device104, or theantenna210 being integrated into thewireless communicator208.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the example audience measurement data shuttle112 ofFIG. 1. The example audience measurement data shuttle112 includes awireless communicator302, anantenna304, adata store305, and anaudience measurement storer306. Theexample wireless communicator302 is implemented according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.15.4 communication protocol. However, any method of wired or wireless communication may alternatively be used (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus, ZigBee, etc.). Thewireless communicator302 may be configured to communicate with an external device via theantenna304. Many different antenna configurations may be used. Example implementations may include theantenna304 being an internal component of the audiencemeasurement data shuttle112, theantenna304 being an external component of the audiencemeasurement data shuttle112, or theantenna304 being integrated into thewireless communicator302.

The example audiencemeasurement data storer306 ofFIG. 3 is implemented by a processor executing instructions but it could alternatively be implemented by an ASIC, DSP, FPGA, or other circuitry. The audiencemeasurement data storer306 receives audience measurement data from thewireless communicator302 and stores the received-audience measurement data in thedata store305. Thedata store305 may also be capable of storing data which is not audience measurement data. For example, updated software and/or updated firmware may be stored in thedata store305. Further, updated software and/or updated firmware may be applied to the audience measurement data shuttle112 so as to update the functionality of the audiencemeasurement data shuttle112. Thedata store305 may be any device for storing data such as, for example, flash memory, magnetic media, etc. Furthermore, the data stored in thedata store305, may be in any data format such as, for example, binary data, comma delimited data, tab delimited data, structured query language (SQL) structures, etc.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the example audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 ofFIG. 1. The example audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 includes awireless communicator402, anantenna404, adata store405, an audiencemeasurement data storer406, and awired communicator408. Theexample wireless communicator402 is implemented according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.15.4 communication protocol. However, any method of wired or wireless communication may alternatively be used (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus, ZigBee, etc.). Thewireless communicator402 may be configured to communicate with an external device via theantenna404. Many different antenna configurations may be used. Example implementations may include theantenna404 being an internal component of the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120, theantenna404 being an external component of the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120, or theantenna404 being integrated into thewireless communicator402.

The example audiencemeasurement data storer406 ofFIG. 4 is implemented by a processor executing instructions but it could alternatively be implemented by an ASIC, DSP, FPGA, or other circuitry. The audiencemeasurement data storer406 receives audience measurement data from thewireless communicator402 and stores the received audience measurement data in thedata store405. Thedata store405 may also be capable of storing data which is not audience measurement data. For example, updated software and/or updated firmware may be stored in thedata store405. Further, updated software and/or updated firmware may be applied to the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 so as to update the functionality of the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120. Thedata store405 may be any device for storing data such as, for example, flash memory, magnetic media, etc. Furthermore, the data stored in thedata store405, may be in any data format such as, for example, binary data, comma delimited data, tab delimited data, structured query language (SQL) structures, etc.

Thewired communicator408 sends stored audience measurement data to the audience measurementdata collection server124 via thecommunication medium126. The communication medium of the illustrated example is implemented by an Ethernet connection. However, any type of communication medium may be used such as, for example, a cellular module, a satellite module, a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), etc. Advantageously, the communication medium is capable of communicating with the audience measurementdata collection server124 via the internet (e.g., an Internet Protocol connection). However, other communication methods and systems may be used such as, for example, a point to point connection, a private line, etc.

While an example manner of implementing the exampleaudience measurement system100 has been illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 4, one or more of the elements, processes and/or devices illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 4 may be combined, divided, re-arranged, omitted, eliminated and/or implemented in any other way. Further, the examplemedia monitoring device104, theaudio receiver202, the audio presenter203, the audiencemeasurement data collector204, thedata store205, the audiencemeasurement data storer206, thewireless communicator208, the audiencemeasurement data shuttle112, thewireless communicator302, thedata store305, theaudience measurement storer306, the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120, thewireless communicator402, thedata store405, the audiencemeasurement data storer406, thewired communicator408, and/or more generally, the exampleaudience measurement system100 ofFIGS. 1 through 4 may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware and/or any combination of hardware, software and/or firmware. Thus, for example, any of the examplemedia monitoring device104, theaudio receiver202, the audio presenter203, the audiencemeasurement data collector204, thedata store205, the audiencemeasurement data storer206, thewireless communicator208, the audiencemeasurement data shuttle112, thewireless communicator302, thedata store305, theaudience measurement storer306, the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120, thewireless communicator402, thedata store405, the audiencemeasurement data storer406, thewired communicator408, and/or more generally, the exampleaudience measurement system100 could be implemented by one or more circuit(s), programmable processor(s), application specific integrated circuit(s) (ASIC(s)), programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s)) and/or field programmable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)), etc. When any of the appended apparatus claims are read to cover a purely software and/or firmware implementation, at least one of the examplemedia monitoring device104, theaudio receiver202, the audio presenter203, the audiencemeasurement data collector204, thedata store205, the audiencemeasurement data storer206, thewireless communicator208, the audiencemeasurement data shuttle112, thewireless communicator302, thedata store305, theaudience measurement storer306, the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120, thewireless communicator402, thedata store405, the audiencemeasurement data storer406, and/or thewired communicator408 are hereby expressly defined to include a tangible medium such as a memory, DVD, CD, etc. storing the software and/or firmware. Further still, the examplemedia monitoring device104, theaudio receiver202, the audio presenter203, the audiencemeasurement data collector204, thedata store205, the audiencemeasurement data storer206, thewireless communicator208, the audiencemeasurement data shuttle112, thewireless communicator302, thedata store305, theaudience measurement storer306, and/or the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120, thewireless communicator402, thedata store405, the audiencemeasurement data storer406, and/or thewired communicator408 ofFIGS. 1 through 4 may include one or more elements, processes and/or devices in addition to, or instead of, those illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 4, and/or may include more than one of any or all of the illustrated elements, processes and devices.

FIGS. 5 through 11 are flowcharts representative of example machine readable instructions that may be executed to implement thesystem100 and/or components of thesystem100 including themedia monitoring device104 and the audiencemeasurement data shuttle112. In these examples, the machine readable instructions represented by each flowchart may comprise one or more programs for execution by: (a) a processor, such as theprocessor1512 shown in theexample computer1500 discussed below in connection withFIG. 15, (b) a controller, and/or (c) any other suitable device. The one or more programs may be embodied in software stored on a non-transitory tangible medium such as, for example, a flash memory, a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, a hard drive, a DVD, or a memory associated with theprocessor1512, but the entire program or programs and/or portions thereof could alternatively be executed by a device other than theprocessor1512 and/or embodied in firmware or dedicated hardware (e.g., implemented by an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable logic device (FPLD), discreet logic, etc.). For example, any or all of the machine readable instructions represented by the flowcharts ofFIGS. 5 through 11 could be implemented by any combination of software, hardware, and/or firmware. Also, some or all of the machine readable instructions represented by the flowchart ofFIGS. 5 through 11 may be implemented manually. Further, although the example machine readable instructions are described with reference to the flowcharts illustrated inFIGS. 5 through 9, many other techniques for implementing the example methods and apparatus described herein may alternatively be used. For example, with reference to the flowcharts illustrated inFIGS. 5 through 11, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and/or some of the blocks described may be changed, eliminated, combined, and/or subdivided into multiple blocks.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart representative of example machinereadable instructions500 which may be executed by theprocessor1512 to implement the audience measurement data collection process of themedia monitoring device104.

Theexample process500 begins when themedia monitoring device104 is engaged within a power outlet of the vehicle (block502). In the illustrated example, engaging themedia monitoring device104 supplies power to themedia monitoring device104 and causes themedia monitoring device104 to be enabled. Themedia monitoring device104 may have an alternate power supply such as, for example, a battery or a solar panel. Such alternate power supplies may enable themedia monitoring device104 to be active even when power is not supplied by the power outlet of the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, themedia monitoring device104 may include a switch or other control that enables the panelist to selectively enable or disable themedia monitoring device104.

Themedia monitoring device104 detects audio via the audio receiver202 (block504). The audio presenter203 of themedia monitoring device104 then determines the source of the audio (block506). If the audio presenter203 determines that the audio is being received via a line input connector (e.g., the line input receptacle1236), the audio presenter203 presents the audio to the audio system of the vehicle (block508). If the audio presenter203 determines that the audio is being received via a microphone (e.g., the microphone1228), control proceeds to block510.

The audiencemeasurement data collector204 of themedia monitoring device104 processes the received audio to develop audience measurement data (block510). The audience measurement data may be developed in any manner. In the illustrated example, audience measurement data is developed by detecting a code or watermark within the received audio. Alternatively or additionally, audience measurement data development may involve recording segments of the received audio, developing signatures from the audio, etc. The audiencemeasurement data storer208 then stores the audience measurement data in thedata store205 of the media monitoring device104 (block512).

In the illustrated example, additional data is added to thedata store205 by the audiencemeasurement data storer206. This additional data may be derived from any input. In the illustrated example, there exists aselector switch1232 attached to themedia monitoring device104. Theselector switch1232 may be user actionable, allowing an audience member to identify the number of occupants of the vehicle by adjusting the position of the switch. The audiencemeasurement data storer206 of themedia monitoring device104 detects and stores the status of theselector switch1232 in the data store205 (block514).

In addition to storing a setting of the selector switch, the audiencemeasurement data storer206 detects and stores identifiers of local audience measurement data shuttles (block516). The gathered identifiers are stored in thedata store205. In the illustrated example, each member in a family of panelists (e.g., a father, a mother, a son, a daughter) is provided with a audiencemeasurement data shuttle112 and each shuttle has a unique identifier. By collecting the identifiers of local audience measurement data shuttles, media exposure can be more closely tied to individual panelists. For example, a panelist may tune to different media when alone in a vehicle, compared to when there are other panelists or persons present in the vehicle. To facilitate associating tuned audio with the actual panelist(s) located in a vehicle, the shuttle(s)112 may broadcast their identifier(s) and themedia monitoring device104 may wirelessly collect such identifier(s) and store them with timestamps in thedata store205. In addition to storing an identifier of the audience measurement data shuttles, the audiencemeasurement data storer206 may additionally store an identifier associated with themedia monitoring device104. As explained in conjunction withFIGS. 6 and 7, there may be different audience measurement data transmission processes which may alleviate the need forblock516.

Further, in the example ofFIG. 5, the audiencemeasurement data storer206 gathers local computer data from the computer system of the vehicle (blocks518,520, and522). The local computer data may include many different types of data such as, for example, global positioning data, radio tuning data, vehicle data, audio system data, etc.

The audiencemeasurement data storer206 gathers and stores global positioning data (block518). The global positioning data is stored in thedata store205. Global positioning data may be gathered via a Bluetooth connection to a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver mounted within the vehicle. Alternatively, the GPS receiver may be integrated into the vehicle's computer system. In such a case, a communication link may be formed between the audiencemeasurement data storer206 and a computer system of the vehicle. The communication link may be implemented by an On Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) connector. Further, themedia monitoring device104 may also include an integrated GPS receiver. An integrated GPS receiver allows the audiencemeasurement data storer206 to collect global positioning data without being required to interface with an external device.

In addition to gathering global positioning data, the audiencemeasurement data storer206 gathers and stores radio tuning data (block520). The radio tuning data is stored in thedata store205. Radio tuning data, when coupled with global positioning data, provides a method for audience measurement companies to more accurately determine the originator of the media. For instance, a media broadcaster may transmit media on a first frequency at one location, and on a second frequency at another location. A vehicle may move between different geographic regions such that the broadcaster to frequency relationship may be different. The GPS data thereby enables more accurate mapping of radio data to broadcasters. Radio tuning data may be gathered via a communication link between the audiencemeasurement data storer206 and the audio system of the vehicle. In the illustrated example, the communication link is implemented by a Bluetooth connection. However, many alternative types of communication links may alternatively be used such as, for example, and RS-232 connection, an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.15.4 connection, etc. Radio tuning data gathered by the audiencemeasurement data storer206 is stored in thedata store205.

Additionally, the audiencemeasurement data storer206 of themedia monitoring device104 of the example ofFIG. 5 gathers vehicle data from a computer system of the vehicle (block522). The vehicle data may include, for example, vehicle speed, vehicle make/model, door lock status, window status, vehicle temperature, external temperature, audience presence data (e.g., is a specific seat occupied as indicated by, for example, a pressure sensor used to turn an airbag off or on) etc. In the illustrated example, the audiencemeasurement data storer206 is communicatively coupled with the computer system of the vehicle via an OBD-II connector. The audiencemeasurement data storer206 collects the data via the OBD-II connector and then stores the vehicle data in thedata store205. After data has been stored, control returns to block504.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart representative of example machinereadable instructions600 to implement a first example audience measurement data transmission process of themedia monitoring device104. In the illustrated example, the instructions ofprocess600 are implemented in parallel with the instructions ofprocess500.

Theexample process600 begins when themedia monitoring device104 is engaged within a power outlet of the vehicle (block602).Block602 is substantially the same asblock502, as themedia monitoring device104 is enabled by receiving power from the power outlet of the vehicle.

Thewireless communicator208 of themedia monitoring device104 waits for a trigger event (block604). A trigger event may be'any sort of trigger event such as, for example, the expiration of a timer, the detection of an audio signal via theaudio receiver202 of themedia monitoring device104, the detection of stored audience measurement data reaching a threshold, the detection of an external audience measurement data receiving device (e.g. the audiencemeasurement data shuttle112, etc.) Once the trigger event has been detected, thewireless communicator208 queries thedata store205 to determine the availability of audience measurement data for transmission (block606). If audience measurement data is available for transmission, the media monitoring device determines the availability of an external audience measurement data receiving device (e.g., an audiencemeasurement data shuttle112, the audience measurement data aggregator120). Since identifiers of audience measurement data shuttle(s)112 are gathered inblock516, the audience measurement data stored in thedata store205 is already associated with the panelist(s) to which the media was presented. Therefore, the audience measurement data does not need to have audience measurement data shuttle identifiers added at a later point.

Returning toFIG. 6, thewireless communicator208 determines if a communication link is available to the audience measurement data aggregator120 (block608). If a communication link between thewireless communicator208 and the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 is available, the stored audience measurement data is transmitted to the audience measurement data gateway120 (block610). After thewireless communicator208 completes transmission of the stored audience measurement data to the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120, thewireless communicator208 clears the transmitted audience measurement data from the data store205 (block616). Control then returns to block604.

If thewireless communicator208 determines that a communication link is not available to the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120, thewireless communicator208 determines if a communication link is available to an audience measurement data shuttle112 (block612). If a communication link between thewireless communicator208 and one or more audience measurement data shuttle(s)112 is available, stored audience measurement data is transmitted to the audience measurement data shuttle112 (block614). After thewireless communicator208 of themedia monitoring device104 has successfully transmitted the stored audience measurement data to the audiencemeasurement data shuttle112, thewireless communicator208 clears the transmitted audience measurement data from the data store205 (block614). Control then returns to block604. If no communication link between thewireless communicator208 and an audience measurement data shuttle112 is available (block612), control returns to block604.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart representative of example machinereadable instructions700 to implement a second example audience measurement data transmission process of themedia monitoring device104. In the illustrated example, the instructions ofprocess700 are implemented in parallel with the instructions ofprocess500. Additionally, the illustratedprocess700 may be implemented as an alternative to process600.

Theexample process700 begins when themedia monitoring device104 is engaged within a power outlet of the vehicle (block702).Block702 is substantially the same asblocks502 and602, as themedia monitoring device104 is enabled by receiving power from the power outlet of the vehicle.

After themedia monitoring device104 is powered on, thewireless communicator208 of themedia monitoring device104 begins searching for available communication links to audience measurement data shuttle(s)112 (block704). If no communication link is available (block704), thewireless communicator208 continues to search for available communication links (block704). If a communication link is available, thewireless communicator208 transmits stored audience measurement data to the available audience measurement data shuttle(s)112 (block706). In the illustrated example, audience measurement data is transmitted to all local audience measurement data shuttles. Therefore, each audience measurement data shuttle112 receives audience measurement data only when in the presence of themedia monitoring device104. In the illustrated example, block516 may not be implemented (i.e., themedia monitoring device104 may not collect and store shuttle identifiers), therefore an identifier of the audience measurement data shuttle should be added by each of the audience measurement data shuttle(s)112 that receive the data, or by the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 when it receives the data from the audience measurement data shuttles112. After thewireless communicator208 has transmitted the audience measurement data, it clears the transmitted data from the data store205 (block708.) Control then returns to block704.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts representative of example machinereadable instructions800 and900 which may be executed to implement the audiencemeasurement data shuttle112. In the illustrated example, the instructions ofprocess800 are implemented in parallel with the instructions ofprocess900.

Theexample process800 begins when the audience measurement data shuttle112 is enabled (block802). In the illustrated example, the audience measurement data shuttle112 is enabled when it is constructed (e.g., a battery is inserted, thereby powering the shuttle). Many other means of enabling the audience measurement data shuttle112 may be used such as, for example, a solar panel, an inductive power transmission, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the audience measurement data shuttle112 may include a switch or other control that permits the panelist to selectively enable the audiencemeasurement data shuttle112. This method, however, is not preferred, as it requires additional panelist interaction.

After being enabled, thewireless communicator302 of the audience measurement data shuttle112 determines if acommunication link108 is available to a media monitoring device104 (block804). If acommunication link108 is available, control proceeds to block806. If nocommunication link108 is available, control returns to block804 where thewireless communicator302 waits for acommunication link108 to become available. When a communication link is available (block804), thewireless communicator302 receives audience measurement data from the media monitoring device104 (block806). Received audience measurement data is then stored by the audiencemeasurement data storer306 of the audience measurement data shuttle112 (block808). The received audience measurement data is stored in thedata store305 of the audiencemeasurement data shuttle112. After the audience measurement data has been received and stored, the audiencemeasurement data storer306 inserts a unique identifier of the audience measurement data shuttle112 into the data store305 (block810). The unique identifier may be added to unique identifiers already present in the audience measurement data. For example, the audiencemeasurement data storer206 of themedia monitoring device104 may have inserted unique identifiers for local audience measurement data shuttles112 (block516). The audiencemeasurement data storer306 adds the unique identifier to the audience measurement data stored in thedata store305 regardless of whether unique identifiers are present. Additionally or alternatively, the audiencemeasurement data storer306 may determine if unique identifiers are present and add a unique identifier of the audience measurement data shuttle112 if necessary. After data has been stored, control then returns to block804 to await another communication of audience measurement data from themedia monitoring device104.

Theexample process900 ofFIG. 9 begins when the audience measurement data shuttle112 is enabled (block902).Block902 is substantially the same asblock802, as the audience measurement data shuttle112 is enabled in both blocks. After being enabled, thewireless communicator302 of the audience measurement data shuttle112 determines if audience measurement data is present in the data store305 (block903). If audience measurement data is not present, control returns to block903, wherein thewireless communicator302 waits for audience measurement data to be populated in thedata store305. If audience measurement data is present in thedata store305, control proceeds to block904.

Once thewireless communicator302 has determined that audience measurement data is present in thedata store305, thewireless communicator302 proceeds to determine if acommunication link114 is available to an audience measurement data aggregator120 (block904). If acommunication link114 is available, control proceeds to block906. If nocommunication link114 is available, control returns to block904 where thewireless communicator302 waits for thecommunication link114 to become available. Thewireless communicator302 then transmits audience measurement data from thedata store305 to the audience measurement data aggregator (block906). After successfully transmitting audience measurement data via thewireless communicator302, the audiencemeasurement data storer306 clears stored audience measurement data from the data store305 (block908). In the illustrated example, thewireless communicator302 then transmits the unique identifier of the audience measurement data shuttle112 to the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120. This provides an additional means of linking specific panelists to media data. For example, if neither block516 nor block810 were implemented, by implementingblock910 the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 is able to link the panelist to audience measurement data from a specific audiencemeasurement data shuttle112. Ifblock516 and/or block810 is implemented, block910 may be omitted. Control then returns to block903 to await additional audience measurement data.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are flowcharts representative of example machinereadable instructions1000 and1100 which may be executed to implement the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120. In the illustrated example, the instructions ofprocess1000 are implemented in parallel with the instructions ofprocess1100.

Theexample process1000 begins when the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 is enabled (block1002). In the illustrated example, the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 is enabled when it is powered (e.g., plugged into a power outlet). Many other means of enabling the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 may be used. For example, a battery may be used to power the audience measurement data aggregator. Additionally or alternatively, the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 may include a switch or other control that enables the panelist to enable the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120.

After being enabled, the audiencemeasurement data storer406 gathers and stores local audience measurement data (block1003). This local audience measurement data may be from any source other than the audiencemeasurement data shuttle112. In the illustrated example, the audiencemeasurement data storer406 gathers and stores audience measurement from a local meter that collects codes and/or signatures from free field audio to measure media exposure in the household. The audiencemeasurement data storer406 may also collect data from a people meter that identifies members of the audience. The local meter may monitor any sort of information presenting devices such as a set top box, a television set, a personal computer, a radio, etc. The audience measurement data gathered by the audiencemeasurement data storer406 is stored in thedata store405. In the illustrated example, audience measurement data is gathered serially, however other methods of audience measurement data aggregation may be used. For example, audience measurement data aggregation from multiple audience measurement devices may be performed in parallel.

Thewireless communicator402 of the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 determines if acommunication link114 is available to the audience measurement data shuttle112 (block1004). If acommunication link114 is not available, control returns to block1004 where the audiencemeasurement data storer406 gathers and stores local audience measurement data. If acommunication link114 is available, the wireless communicator receives audience measurement data from the audience measurement data shuttle112 (block1006). The audiencemeasurement data storer406 then stores the received audience measurement data in the data store405 (block1008). In the illustrated example, thewireless communicator402 of the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 also receives and stores the unique identifier of the audience measurement data shuttle112 to log the source of the data (block1010). After receiving and storing audience measurement data from the audiencemeasurement data shuttle112, control returns to block1003 where data from a second audience measurement data shuttle112 may be received.

Theexample process1100 begins when the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 is enabled (block1102).Block1102 is substantially the same asblock1002, as the audiencemeasurement data aggregator120 is enabled in both blocks.

After being enabled, thecommunicator408 determines whether audience measurement data should be sent (block1103). In the illustrated example, audience measurement data is sent on a regular interval (e.g., every day, every hour, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, audience measurement data may be sent a-periodically in response to non-time based triggers, such as, for example, a threshold of audience measurement data being reached in thedata store405, a request received from an external source, etc. Irrespective of the triggering mechanism, once thecommunicator408 has determined that audience measurement data should be transmitted, thecommunicator408 determines if acommunication link126 is available to the audience measurementdata collection server124. If acommunication link126 is not available, control returns to block1104 where thecommunicator408 waits for acommunication link126 to become available. If thecommunication link126 is available, control proceeds to block1106. Thecommunicator408 transmits audience measurement data that was stored in thedata store405 to the audience measurementdata collection server124 via the communication link126 (block1106). After the audience measurement data has been successfully transmitted, thewireless communicator408 clears the stored audience measurement data from the data store405 (block1108). Control then returns to block1103.

FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 are views of the example in-vehiclemedia monitoring device104 ofFIGS. 1 and 2. The examplemedia monitoring device104 comprises ahousing1202. Theexample housing1202 is made of plastic. However, any other material may alternatively be used to create thehousing1202. Internal to thehousing1202 is a Printed Circuit Board (PCB)1204, to which additional components are affixed. To support thePCB1204 within thehousing1202, a set ofstandoffs1206,1208,1210, and1212 may be used. Thestandoffs1206,1208,1210, and1212 may be of any form factor and may be made of any material. Additionally or alternatively, the stand-offs1206,1208,1210, and1212 may be integral to the construction of thehousing1202.

Theexample housing1202 is dimensioned to engage within a 12 volt power outlet of the vehicle. In order to draw power from the 12 volt power outlet of the vehicle, apositive power connector1214 connects to a 12 volt connector of the 12 volt power outlet, while aground power connector1220 connects to a ground connector of the 12 volt power outlet. Awire1216 is used to connect thepositive power connector1214 to thePCB1204, via a connection point1218 (seeFIG. 13). Likewise, awire1222 connects theground power connector1220 to thePCB1204, via aconnection point1224. Additionally or alternatively, a fuse may be inserted between thepositive power connector1214 and thepositive connection point1218 of thePCB1204 along thewire1216.

ThePCB1204 supports different components to provide the functionality of the in-vehiclemedia monitoring device104. In the illustrated example, such components include apower indicator1226, amicrophone1228, aprocessor1230, aselector switch1232, awireless communicator1234, and a line-input receptacle1236.

Thepower indicator1226 may be any type of power indication component. In the illustrated example, thepower indicator1226 is a light emitting diode. Alternative forms of display may be used. For example, a display screen may be used to convey additional information about the operation of themedia monitoring device104.

Themicrophone1228 receives audio for use by themedia monitoring device104. Themicrophone1228 may be any type of microphone (e.g., passive, active). Additionally, thehousing1202 may be created with openings near themicrophone1228 to allow sound to enter thehousing1202 and reach themicrophone1228.

Theprocessor1230 may be configured to interface with the other components of themedia monitoring device104. In the illustrated example, theprocessor1230 is a microcontroller. However, any type of processing device may be used (e.g., a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a microcontroller) to implement theprocessor1230. Theprocessor1230 may additionally include a memory for storing audience measurement data.

Theselector switch1232 is used to provide additional input parameters to themedia monitoring device104. The physical selector switch may be implemented by any switch design (e.g., button, knob, slider, touch screen, etc.). In the illustrated example, a rotator is used to allow an audience member to select the number of occupants of the vehicle. Thehousing1202 may be configured to allow exposure of therotator switch1232, so that the audience member can physically adjust the setting. Any physical or virtual switche(s) of any style or type may alternatively or additionally be used to input selections to themedia monitoring device104. For instance, an audio recognition system might be used to allow an audience member to provide an input to themedia monitoring device104 without having to physically manipulate the device.

Thewireless communicator1234 interfaces wirelessly with external audience measurement data receiving devices (e.g., the audiencemeasurement data shuttle112, the audience measurement data aggregator120). In the illustrated example, thewireless communicator1234 is an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.15.4 wireless module. However, any type of wireless communication device may alternatively be used (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.). Furthermore, thewireless antenna210 may be integral to the design of thewireless communicator component1234, thewireless antenna210 may be integral to thePCB1204, thewireless antenna210 may be external to thePCB1204, or thewireless antenna210 may be in some other configuration.

Theline input receptacle1236 may be provided in addition to or as an alternative to themicrophone1228 to input audio to themedia monitoring device104. The line-input receptacle1236 may be of any configuration that would allow an external connector to be affixed. In the illustrated example, a 3.5 mm receptacle is used to allow for an external audio device to be connected to themedia monitoring device104. However, any type or style of receptacle could alternatively be used. For example, a 2.5 mm receptacle could be used to reduce the physical size of the receptacle. Alternatively, the line-input receptacle1236 may be a cable extending from themedia monitoring device104 which would allow for a direct connection to an external audio device. Furthermore, thehousing1202 may include anopening1238 which would allow for external input cables to be affixed to the line-input receptacle1236.

FIG. 13 is a top, cross-sectional view of the example media monitoring device ofFIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a rear, cross-sectional view of the example media monitoring device ofFIGS. 12 and 13.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of anexample processor platform1500 capable of implementing the apparatus and methods disclosed herein. Theprocessor platform1500 can be, for example, a server, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an Internet appliance, a DVD player, a CD player, a digital video recorder, a personal video recorder, a set top box, a dedicated device, or any other type of computing device.

Thesystem1500 of the instant example includes aprocessor1512 such as a general purpose programmable processor. Theprocessor1512 includes alocal memory1514, and executes codedinstructions1516 present in thelocal memory1514 and/or in another memory device. Theprocessor1512 may execute, among other things, the machine readable instructions represented inFIGS. 5-9. Theprocessor1512 may be any type of processing unit, such as one or more microprocessors from the Intel® Centrino® family of microprocessors, the Intel®Pentium family of microprocessors, the Intel® Itanium® family of microprocessors, and/or the Intel XScale® family of processors. Of course, other processors from other families are also appropriate.

Theprocessor1512 is in communication with a main memory including avolatile memory1518 and anon-volatile memory1520 via abus1522. Thevolatile memory1518 may be implemented by Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), RAMBUS Dynamic Random Access Memory (RDRAM) and/or any other type of random access memory device. Thenon-volatile memory1520 may be implemented by flash memory and/or any other desired type of memory device. Access to themain memory1518,1520 is typically controlled by a memory controller (not shown).

Theprocessor platform1500 also includes aninterface circuit1524. Theinterface circuit1524 may be implemented by any type of interface standard, such as an Ethernet interface, a universal serial bus (USB), and/or a third generation input/output (3GIO) interface.

One ormore input devices1526 are connected to theinterface circuit1524. The input device(s)1526 permit a user to enter data and commands into theprocessor1512. The input device(s) can be implemented by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, a track-pad, a trackball, an isopoint and/or a voice recognition system.

One ormore output devices1528 are also connected to theinterface circuit1524. Theoutput devices1528 can be implemented, for example, by display devices (e.g., a liquid crystal display, a cathode ray tube display (CRT)), by a printer and/or by speakers. Theinterface circuit1524, thus, typically includes a graphics driver card.

Theinterface circuit1524 also includes a communication device such as a modem or network interface card to facilitate exchange of data with external computers via a network (e.g., an Ethernet connection, a digital subscriber line (DSL), a telephone line, coaxial cable, a cellular telephone system, etc.).

Theprocessor platform1500 also includes one or moremass storage devices1530 for storing software and data. Examples of suchmass storage devices1530 include floppy disk drives, hard drive disks, compact disk drives and digital versatile disk (DVD) drives. Themass storage device1530 may implement theexample data stores205,305, and405. Alternatively, thevolatile memory1518 may implement theexample data stores205,305, and405.

As an alternative to implementing the methods and/or apparatus described herein in a system such as the device ofFIG. 15, the methods and or apparatus described herein may be embedded in a structure such as a processor and/or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). As discussed above, small form factor processors and devices are preferred for the in-vehiclemedia monitoring device104 and the audiencemeasurement data shuttle112.

Although the above discloses example systems including, among other components, software executed on hardware, it should be noted that such systems are merely illustrative and should not be considered as limiting. For example, it is contemplated that any or all of the disclosed hardware and software components could be embodied exclusively in dedicated hardware, exclusively in software, exclusively in firmware or in some combination of hardware, firmware and/or software.

In addition, although certain methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims (31)

What is claimed is:

1. A method of monitoring media exposure in an automobile, the method comprising:

collecting audience measurement data with a media monitoring device fixed in an automobile, the audience measurement data based on audio received within the automobile by the media monitoring device;

storing the audience measurement data in a memory of the media monitoring device;

detecting the presence of a shuttle located within the automobile, the shuttle being incapable of collecting audience measurement data independent of the media monitoring device;

transmitting the audience measurement data from the media monitoring device to the shuttle;

moving the shuttle from the automobile and into proximity of an audience measurement data aggregator;

transmitting the audience measurement data from the shuttle to the audience measurement data aggregator; and

transmitting the audience measurement data from the audience measurement data aggregator to an audience measurement data collection server.

2. The method as described inclaim 1, wherein the media monitoring device collects audio via at least one of a microphone or a line input connection.

3. The method as described inclaim 2, wherein the media monitoring device provides audio to an audio system of the automobile.

4. The method as described inclaim 1, wherein the media monitoring device is communicatively coupled with a computer system of the automobile.

5. The method as described inclaim 4, wherein the audience measurement data includes local computer data from the computer system of the automobile.

6. The method as described inclaim 1, wherein the shuttle includes a wireless transmitter and a memory.

7. The method as described inclaim 1, further comprising deleting the audience measurement data from the memory of the media monitoring device after the audience measurement data is transmitted to the shuttle.

8. The method as described inclaim 1, further comprising determining if a communication link is available to the shuttle.

9. A system to monitor media exposure in an automobile, the system comprising:

a media monitoring device fixed in an automobile to:

collect audience measurement data based on audio presented within the automobile;

store the audience measurement data in a memory of the media monitoring device;

transmit the audience measurement data;

an audience measurement data shuttle to receive the audience measurement data, the shuttle being incapable of collecting audience measurement data independent of the media monitoring device; and

an audience measurement data aggregator to receive the audience measurement data when transmitted by the shuttle, to store the audience measurement data in a tangible memory, and to transmit the audience measurement data to a media monitoring collection server.

10. The system as described inclaim 9, wherein the media monitoring device is to receive power from a power system of the automobile.

11. The system as described inclaim 9, wherein the media monitoring device is to receive the audio via at least one of a microphone or a line input connector.

12. The system as described inclaim 11, wherein the media monitoring device is to transmit audio to an audio system of the automobile.

13. The system as described inclaim 9, wherein the media monitoring device is to add first data to the audience measurement data, the first data being derived from a computer system of the automobile.

14. The system as described inclaim 9, wherein the shuttle is a key fob.

15. The system as described inclaim 9, wherein the transmission between the media monitor and the shuttle is implemented according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.15.4 standard.

16. The system as described inclaim 9, wherein the transmission between the shuttle and the aggregator is implemented according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.15.4 standard.

17. The system as described inclaim 9, wherein the aggregator is to receive the audience measurement data from multiple shuttles.

18. The system as described inclaim 9, wherein the media monitoring device is communicatively coupled with a computer system of the automobile via an On Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) connector.

19. The system as described inclaim 9, wherein the media monitoring device adds first data to the audience measurement data, the first data being derived from a physical selector switch located on the media monitoring device.

20. An apparatus for monitoring media exposure in a vehicle, the apparatus comprising:

a housing with a male 12 volt power connector at a first end of the housing to engage within a 12 volt power outlet of the vehicle;

at least one of a microphone or a line input within the housing;

a printed circuit (PC) board mounted within the housing;

a processor mounted on the PC board, the processor to collect audience measurement data;

a memory within the housing; and

a wireless communicator within the housing structured to detect the presence of a shuttle located within the automobile, the shuttle being incapable of collecting audience measurement data independent of the media monitoring device;

the wireless communicator structured to, when the shuttle is detected, transmit the audience measurement data from the media monitoring device to the shuttle.

21. The apparatus as described in claim 20, further including a physical selector switch within the housing.

22. The apparatus as described in claim 20, further including a power indicator within the housing.

23. The apparatus as described in claim 20, wherein the wireless communicator is a radio transmitter.

24. The apparatus as described in claim 20, further including a button within the housing.

25. An apparatus for monitoring media exposure in a vehicle, the apparatus comprising:

a housing having a male power connector at a first end of the housing to engage within a power outlet of the vehicle;

at least one of a microphone or a line input within the housing;

a processor within the housing;

a memory within the housing; and

a wireless communicator within the housing structured to detect the presence of a shuttle located within the automobile, the shuttle being incapable of collecting audience measurement data independent of the media monitoring device;

the wireless communicator structured to, when the shuttle is detected, transmit the audience measurement data from the media monitoring device to the shuttle.

26. The apparatus as described in claim 25, wherein the power outlet is for one of the following voltages: 5 volts, 12 volts, 20 volts and 120 volts.

27. The apparatus as described in claim 25, further including a physical selector switch within the housing.

28. The apparatus as described in claim 25, further including a power indicator within the housing.

29. The apparatus as described in claim 25, wherein the wireless communicator is a radio transmitter.

30. The apparatus as described in claim 25, further including a printed circuit board within the housing.

31. The apparatus as described in claim 25, further including a button within the housing.

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