Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for gathering data concerning exposure of predetermined survey participants to billboards are provided. A portable transmitter is arranged to transmit a signal containing survey participant data, and a receiver located proximately to the billboard serves to receive the signal transmitted by the transmitter.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for decoding a message symbol in an audio signal. This message symbol is represented by first and second code symbols displaced in time. Values representing the code signals are accumulated and the accumulated values are examined to detect the message symbol.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for encoding and decoding multiple messages in audio data. The messages each comprise a sequence of message symbols each comprising a combination of substantially single-frequency components. At least some of the message symbols in one of the messages coexist with at least some of the symbols of another one of the messages along a time base of the audio data.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for gathering data concerning exposure of predetermined survey participants to billboards are provided. A portable transmitter is arranged to transmit a signal containing survey participant data, and a receiver located proximately to the billboard serves to receive the signal transmitted by the transmitter.

Abstract: An encoding system for encoding a first ancillary code in media data and monitoring for reception of a second ancillary code that has a higher priority than the first ancillary code, such that upon detection of the higher priority ancillary code the encoding system modifies a characteristic and/or characteristics of the first ancillary code.

Abstract: An audience data gathering device includes a microphone, a circuit board and a processor mounted in an enclosure. A compliant body is pressed against the microphone and the circuit board to couple the microphone to the processor through the circuit board. An assembly for making an electrically conductive connection between two components includes a compliant body pressing against the two components and having an electrical conductor extending on a circumferential surface of the complaint body so that the conductor is held against electric terminals on each of the components.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for encoding and decoding multiple messages in audio data. The messages each comprise a sequence of message symbols each comprising a combination of substantially single-frequency components. At least some of the message symbols in one of the messages coexist with at least some of the symbols of another one of the messages along a time base of the audio data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for gathering audience measurement data relating to exposure of an audience member to audio data. Audio data is received in a user system and is then encoded with audience measurement data. The encoded audio data is reproduced by the user system, picked up by a monitor and decoded to recover the audience measurement data.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for gathering data concerning media usage by predetermined audience members. An audience measurement code in acoustic energy produced by a media receiver is detected by a portable media monitor. The monitor also detects a location code produced in a vicinity of the media receiver.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for including a code having at least one code frequency component in an audio signal are provided. The abilities of various frequency components in the audio signal to mask the code frequency component to human hearing are evaluated and based on these evaluations an amplitude is assigned to the code frequency component. Methods and apparatus for detecting a code in an encoded audio signal are also provided. A code frequency component in the encoded audio signal is detected based on an expected code amplitude or on a noise amplitude within a range of audio frequencies including the frequency of the code component.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for including a code having at least one code frequency component in an audio signal are provided. The abilities of various frequency components in the audio signal to mask the code frequency component to human hearing are evaluated and based on these evaluations an amplitude is assigned to the code frequency component. Methods and apparatus for detecting a code in an encoded audio signal are also provided. A code frequency component in the encoded audio signal is detected based on an expected code amplitude or on a noise amplitude within a range of audio frequencies including the frequency of the code component.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for including a code having at least one code frequency component in an audio signal are provided. The abilities of various frequency components in the audio signal to mask the code frequency component to human hearing are evaluated and based on these evaluations an amplitude is assigned to the code frequency component. Methods and apparatus for detecting a code in an encoded audio signal are also provided. A code frequency component in the encoded audio signal is detected based on an expected code amplitude or on a noise amplitude within a range of audio frequencies including the frequency of the code component.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for encoding and decoding information in broadcast or recorded segment signals are described. In certain embodiments, an audience monitoring system encodes identification information in the audio signal portion of a broadcast or recorded segment using spread spectrum encoding. A personal monitoring device receives an acoustically reproduced version of the broadcast or recorded signal via a microphone, decodes the identification information from the audio signal portion despite significant ambient noise, and stores this information, automatically providing a diary for the audience member which is later uploaded to a centralized facility. A separate monitoring device decodes additional information from the broadcast signal, which is matched with the audience diary information at the central facility.

Abstract: In a system for monitoring use of a video monitoring system, RF signals are injected into a cable converter and a VCR in order to detect channels selected by the cable converter and VCR. Installation of probes is not required for channel detection. Channel identification signals are also injected into the VCR and cable converter for recording by the VCR on videotape. Respective channel identification signals are provided to the cable converter and VCR with time multiplexing. The state of the "TV/VCR" switch of the VCR is determined by injecting a code signal into the VCR and determining whether that signal is present in an RF video signal output by the VCR. The system includes a switch for interconnecting the cable converter, VCR and TV and also for coupling injection signals to respective inputs of the cable converter and VCR. The system also includes an injection signal receiver that detects signals injected into and passed through the VCR and cable converter for the purpose of channel detection.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for promoting use by an audience member of a portable broadcast exposure monitoring and/or recording device in accordance with a predetermined usage criterion. A sense signal is provided indicating whether the device is being carried with the person of the audience member, and a time signal corresponding with the sense signal is also provided. An indication to the audience member of whether the audience member's usage of the device has been in accordance with the predetermined usage criterion is provided based on the sense signal and the corresponding time signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for including a code having at least one code frequency component in an audio signal are provided. The abilities of various frequency components in the audio signal to mask the code frequency component to human hearing are evaluated and based on these evaluations an amplitude is assigned to the code frequency component. Methods and apparatus for detecting a code in an encoded audio signal are also provided. A code frequency component in the encoded audio signal is detected based on an expected code amplitude or on a noise amplitude within a range of audio frequencies including the frequency of the code component.