Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for identifying a classification scheme associated with product attributes of a grouping of products of an entity, receiving a record of data relating to an item of a competitor to the entity, the classification of which is uncertain, receiving a dictionary of attributes associated with products, and assigning a product code to the item, based on probabilistic matching among the attributes in the classification scheme, the attributes in the dictionary of attributes and at least one known attribute of the item.

Abstract: A cable television distribution system in which the head end substitutes different channels for a plurality of separated geographic zones. The head end creates a plurality of channel spectrums and transmits the spectrums on distribution trunks such that a different spectrum may be present on each distribution trunk. The spectrums on the distribution trunks are connected to zones of the viewer community which have been selected for market research purposes on the basis of demographics. Product sales collection units are provided at stores throughout the community served by the cable television distribution to collect consumer purchase data for market research purposes.

Abstract: A cable television distribution system in which the head end substitutes different channels for a plurality of separated geographic zones. The head end creates a plurality of channel spectrums and transmits the spectrums on distribution trunks such that a different spectrum may be present on each distribution trunk. The spectrums on the distribution trunks are connected to zones of the viewer community which have been selected for market research purposes on the basis of demographics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tuned channel detector which includes a cable path between a radio frequency source and a receiver such as a TV, wherein the radio frequency source passes first through an attenuator and second through a signal selection module comprising two opposing directional couplers and a single-pole/double-throw switch. The channel to which the TV is tuned is determined by measuring the TV's local oscillator signal from the cable which feeds the radio frequency signal to the TV and, additionally or alternatively, by comparing the signal strength of the input and reflected TV carrier signals at and around the channels under test. Signal detection is further enhanced by modulating the signal mixed with the local oscillator with a tone and/or testing only during certain intervals such as the vertical synchronization interval or the power line cycle. A tone detector having a synchronous rectifier is used to detect low level local oscillator signals.

Abstract: A passive data monitor and collection apparatus, and associated method, for obtaining market research data from an automated checkout system of a retail establishment. The apparatus positively monitors all the communications on a communications network between a plurality of point-of-sale terminals in a store and the store controller controlling the terminals. The store communications are converted from a phase encoded protocol into a standard RS 232 protocol which is then assembled into SDLC frames by a processor. The SDLC frames are separated on the basis of a control field format before being parsed by terminal addresses to form separate transactions on a list. The transaction list is produced by a real time monitor routine which builds the list from the asynchronous frames received from each of the store loops.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tuned channel detector which includes a cable path between a radio frequency source and a receiver such as a TV, wherein the radio frequency source passes first through an attenuator and second through a signal selection module comprising two opposing directional couplers and a single-pole/double-throw switch. The channel to which the TV is tuned is determined by measuring the TV's local oscillator signal from the cable which feeds the radio frequency signal to the TV and, additionally or alternatively, by comparing the signal strength of the input and reflected TV carrier signals at and around the channels under test. Signal detection is further enhanced by modulating the signal mixed with the local oscillator with a tone and/or testing only during certain intervals such as the vertical synchronization interval or the power line cycle. A tone detector having a synchronous rectifier is used to detect low level local oscillator signals.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of households includes a channel substitution unit which receives a normal spectrum of television channel signals and at least one substitute channel signal. The substitution unit of each household, upon command from a control arrangement, replaces a channel of the normal television channel spectrum with the substitute channel and distributes the resulting spectrum, comprising the original normal spectrum of television channel signals with one substituted channel, over a distribution medium such as an in-house distribution cable.

Abstract: A shopping cart display system includes a cart mounted display that is responsive to trigger signals provided by transmitters associated with a particular location. When the display receives a unique trigger signal, it displays advertising media associated with that location. In one embodiment, the display includes a sensor for determining whether the information is displayed in the presence of a consumer, and a memory for storing all trigger signals received during a given shopping trip. The stored data is transmitted to a polling transceiver located at a point of sale register for later analysis.

Abstract: A fast tuning subsystem includes a tuner for selecting a channel, with a voltage controlled oscillator having a control input for determining the channel frequency the tuner selectively receives. A predictor supplies a selected predicted voltage signal from memory to the control input of the oscillator to slew the channel frequency at a rapid slew rate to the frequency corresponding to the selected predicted voltage signal. An error detector generates a tuning error signal indicative of the tuning error of the tuner off the frequency for the selected channel. The tuning error signal is combined with the selected predicted voltage signal to provide a control signal for adjusting the channel frequency to reduce the tuning error. The subsystem also similarly controls the amplitude of the received channel. The tuning subsystem automatically and from time to time changes the signals stored in the memory for respective channels to signals corresponding to the control signals applied after long term feedback.

Abstract: A signal matching signal substitution system includes a tuner for selectively receiving signals in respective television channels with an input gain control for controlling the signal output level of the tuner. The system substitutes television signals in a substitute channel in lieu of normal signals in a normal channel selected by a viewer. The system has a component for determining the input signal level of currently received signals in a currently received channel and generating a current amplitude signal. A set point generator is responsive to the current amplitude signal corresponding to the normal channel most currently received for providing a set point for the output signal level. A gain control signal generator is responsive to the set point and the signal output level for generating a gain control signal maintaining the output level at the set point.

Abstract: A signal substitution system for cable television applies substitute television program signals in at least one substitute channel to the transmission cable along with signal substitution control signals. The signal substitution control signals include a plurality of different terminal command signals and a plurality of different event command signals. Each of the terminal command signals includes a respective panelist address signal for identifying a respective panelist receiving station and a plurality of event identification signals identifying respective events. Each of the event command signals includes a respective event address signal corresponding to a respective event and a normal channel identification signal for identifying a normal channel into which a substitute television program is to be switched. A controller at each panelist receiving station responds to the signal substitution control signals by selectively switching a substitute television program into a normal channel.