Abstract: Portable multi-purpose audience measurement systems, apparatus and methods are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein comprises collecting demographic data of a user, including a phone number for a mobile device, via a website associated with an information gathering entity, sending a message to the mobile device, the sent message, when responded to, resulting in downloading of a metering software module to the mobile device, receiving, from the mobile device and at a system associated with the information gathering entity, information indicative of events associated with use of the mobile device, and associating the received information with the demographic data.

Abstract: Display device ON/OFF detection methods and apparatus are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein to determine whether a presentation device is ON or OFF comprises determining a plurality of metrics based on monitoring at least one output of the presentation device, wherein each metric in the plurality of metrics comprises a decision indicating an operating state of the presentation device, and combining the plurality of metrics to determine whether the presentation device is one of ON or OFF, wherein combining the plurality of metrics comprises at least one of weighting the plurality of metrics or determining a majority vote of the plurality of metrics.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for embedding and recovering an image for use with video content are disclosed. An example apparatus includes an image processing module to embed a real component of a spectral representation of the image data into a first set of video frames from the plurality of video frames and embed an imaginary component of the spectral representation of the image data into a second set of video frames from the plurality of video frames.

Abstract: Display device ON/OFF detection methods and apparatus are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein to determine whether a presentation device is ON or OFF comprises determining an audio signature based on an audio signal corresponding to an output of the presentation device, comparing the audio signature to a set of reference signatures corresponding to a set of known media content, and determining a result indicating whether the presentation device is ON or OFF based on whether the audio signature matches any of the set of reference signatures.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for embedding and recovering an image for use with video content are disclosed. An example apparatus includes an image processing module to embed a real component of a spectral representation of the image data into a first set of video frames from the plurality of video frames and embed an imaginary component of the spectral representation of the image data into a second set of video frames from the plurality of video frames.

Abstract: A hands free pattern creating apparatus having a hands free securement component which can be utilized to secure a handheld pattern creating device relative a medium upon which the pattern is to be formed. The securement component can include a magnetic component configured to be secured to the hands free securement device such as magnetic tabs, a elongate member or a removable collar having magnetic or metallic components secured thereto. A pattern or design surface or mat having metallic or magnetic properties such that the magnetic component provides a desired amount of magnetic attraction when positioned on media positioned on the pattern mat to minimize movement of components pattern creating device during creation of the pattern on the media, but allowing the user to remove and/or reposition the pattern cutting device relative to the pattern mat once the pattern has been completed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for embedding and recovering an image for use with video content are disclosed. A disclosed system embeds a real component of a spectral representation of an image into a set of video frames and embeds an imaginary component of the spectral representation of the image into a second set of video frames. The two sets of video frames are combined and broadcast. The disclosed system recovers the real component of the spectral representation of an embedded image from a first set of received video frames and the imaginary component of the spectral representation of an embedded image from a second set of the received video frames.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to distinguish a signal originating from a local device from a broadcast signal are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes analyzing a first predetermined characteristic of a video component of the audio-video signal to generate a first indication of the source of the audio-video signal, analyzing a second predetermined characteristic of an audio component of the audio-video signal to generate a second indication of the source of the audio-video signal, and determining if the audio-video signal was generated by a local device based on the first and second indications.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to distinguish a signal originating from a local device from a broadcast signal are disclosed. A disclosed system classifies a video component of an audio-video signal by analyzing a histogram of pixel data, analyzing a quality factor, and/or attempting to detect embedded data in the video component. The disclosed system also classifies an audio component of the audio-video signal by attempting to detect embedded audio data and/or analyzing waveform energy associated with the audio component. A source of the audio-video signal is determined based on the video classification and/or the audio classification.

Abstract: Portable multi-purpose audience measurement systems, apparatus and methods are disclosed. An example method to monitor a media presentation device disclosed herein comprises sensing a media content signal output by the media presentation device using a portable device separate from the media presentation device, the portable device supporting media metering functionality and native functionality, attempting to detect a code encoded in the sensed media content signal using the portable device, and generating a signature from the sensed media content signal using the portable device when the portable device is electrically coupled to an external power supply or the portable device has at least a threshold amount of local battery power, but not generating the signature when the portable device is not electrically coupled to the external power supply and the portable device does not have at least the threshold amount of local battery power.

Abstract: As disclosed herein, media metering functionality may be imparted to a panelists device that was not previously capable of media metering. According to one example, a method of providing a communication device with media metering functionality includes asking a potential panelist to participate in a survey, receiving an affirmative response from the potential panelist, and providing metering functionality to a portable device of the potential panelist.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for collecting media consumption data based on usage information of a media delivery device are disclosed. In an example method, media information is received by a portable metering device associated with a monitored individual such as a portable telephone, a personal digital assistant, and/or a handheld computer. Usage information indicative of a media delivery event associated with a media delivery device such as a television is monitored by the portable metering device. To form the media consumption data, the media information is associated with one of a first channel and a second channel based on the usage information.

Abstract: Extremity control in a video game such as a skateboarding video game is provided through use of a video game controller. In some embodiments multi-axis controls of the video game controller are used to control extremities of a skateboarder character and to move a skateboard used by the skateboarder character responsive to movement of the extremities. For example, the skateboarder character's hands may grab the skateboard to perform a grab trick, or the skateboarder character may shift weight to perform a manual or similar trick.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for collecting media consumption data based on usage information of a media delivery device are disclosed. In an example method, media information is received by a portable metering device associated with a monitored individual such as a portable telephone, a personal digital assistant, and/or a handheld computer. Usage information indicative of a media delivery event associated with a media delivery device such as a television is monitored by the portable metering device. To form the media consumption data, the media information is associated with one of a first channel and a second channel based on the usage information.

Abstract: Display device ON/OFF detection methods and apparatus are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein to determine whether a presentation device is ON or OFF comprises determining a plurality of metrics based on monitoring at least one output of the presentation device, wherein each metric in the plurality of metrics comprises a decision indicating an operating state of the presentation device, and combining the plurality of metrics to determine whether the presentation device is one of ON or OFF, wherein combining the plurality of metrics comprises at least one of weighting the plurality of metrics or determining a majority vote of the plurality of metrics.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to distinguish a signal originating from a local device from a broadcast signal are disclosed. A disclosed system classifies a video component of an audio-video signal by analyzing a histogram of pixel data, analyzing a quality factor, and/or attempting to detect embedded data in the video component. The disclosed system also classifies an audio component of the audio-video signal by attempting to detect embedded audio data and/or analyzing waveform energy associated with the audio component. A source of the audio-video signal is determined based on the video classification and/or the audio classification.

Abstract: As disclosed herein, media metering functionality may be imparted to a panelists device that was not previously capable of media metering. According to one example, a method of providing a communication device with media metering functionality includes asking a potential panelist to participate in a survey, receiving an affirmative response from the potential panelist, and providing metering functionality to a portable device of the potential panelist.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a monitoring system capable of monitoring one or more measurable characteristics associated with the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a transceiver capable of broadcasting information associated with the one or more measurable characteristics for delivery to a controller. The transceiver is also capable of receiving information from at least one of the controller and another vehicle and broadcasting the received information for delivery to a destination other than the vehicle.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a first message at a router in a mesh network and synchronizing the router to a plurality of time slots using the first message. The method also includes repeatedly incrementing a network reference value at each time slot up to a maximum value and then decrementing the network reference value at each time slot down to a minimum value. In addition, the method includes broadcasting a second message at the router when the network reference value has a specific value that is associated with a unique identifier of the router.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a request to identify any communication paths visible to a first router in a mesh network and broadcasting the request. The method also includes identifying one or more second routers that broadcast information received by the first router, where the one or more identified second routers are associated with the communication paths visible to the first router. The method further includes receiving at least one first response from at least one of the second routers, where the at least one first response identifies the communication paths visible to at least one of the second routers. In addition, the method includes broadcasting a second response at the first router, where the second response identifies the communication paths visible to at least one of the second routers and to the first router.