Patents by Inventor William K. Krug

William K. Krug has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230361811
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for gathering research data indicating exposure to media are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first wireless receiver to access a first modulated audio signal via a wireless data connection from a media device using a wireless communication protocol, the first modulated audio signal associated with the media, the first wireless receiver to output a baseband audio signal corresponding to the first modulated audio signal. The example apparatus includes a first wireless transmitter to modulate the baseband audio signal to form a second modulated audio signal, the first wireless transmitter to transmit the second modulated audio signal to wireless headphones using the wireless communication protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: William K. Krug, James Zhang
  • Patent number: 11683070
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for gathering research data indicating exposure to media are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first wireless receiver to receive a first modulated audio signal via a wireless data connection from a media device using a wireless communication protocol, the first modulated audio signal associated with the media, the first wireless receiver to output a baseband audio signal corresponding to the first modulated audio signal. The example apparatus includes a first wireless transmitter to modulate the baseband audio signal to form a second modulated audio signal, the first wireless transmitter to transmit the second modulated audio signal to wireless headphones using the wireless communication protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLC
    Inventors: William K. Krug, James Zhang
  • Publication number: 20220337288
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for gathering research data indicating exposure to media are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first wireless receiver to receive a first modulated audio signal via a wireless data connection from a media device using a wireless communication protocol, the first modulated audio signal associated with the media, the first wireless receiver to output a baseband audio signal corresponding to the first modulated audio signal. The example apparatus includes a first wireless transmitter to modulate the baseband audio signal to form a second modulated audio signal, the first wireless transmitter to transmit the second modulated audio signal to wireless headphones using the wireless communication protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: William K. Krug, James Zhang
  • Patent number: 11418233
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor a media presentation are disclosed. An example system includes a monitoring device to monitor a media presentation and generate research data identifying the media. A bridge device includes a housing dimensioned to receive the monitoring device, a receiver carried by the housing to receive a first audio signal via a wireless data connection from an audio source device using a wireless communication protocol, the first audio signal associated with the media. The bridge device includes an audio emitter to emit the audio signal for receipt by the monitoring device, and a transmitter to transmit the audio signal to an audio receiver device using the wireless communication protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC
    Inventors: William K. Krug, James Zhang
  • Publication number: 20200382164
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor a media presentation are disclosed. An example system includes a monitoring device to monitor a media presentation and generate research data identifying the media. A bridge device includes a housing dimensioned to receive the monitoring device, a receiver carried by the housing to receive a first audio signal via a wireless data connection from an audio source device using a wireless communication protocol, the first audio signal associated with the media. The bridge device includes an audio emitter to emit the audio signal for receipt by the monitoring device, and a transmitter to transmit the audio signal to an audio receiver device using the wireless communication protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: William K. Krug, James Zhang
  • Patent number: 10715214
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor a media presentation are disclosed. An example system includes a monitoring device to monitor a media presentation and generate research data identifying the media. A bridge device includes a housing dimensioned to receive the monitoring device, a receiver carried by the housing to receive a first audio signal via a wireless data connection from an audio source device using a wireless communication protocol, the first audio signal associated with the media. The bridge device includes an audio emitter to emit the audio signal for receipt by the monitoring device, and a transmitter to transmit the audio signal to an audio receiver device using the wireless communication protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLC
    Inventors: William K. Krug, James Zhang
  • Publication number: 20190103896
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor a media presentation are disclosed. An example system includes a monitoring device to monitor a media presentation and generate research data identifying the media. A bridge device includes a housing dimensioned to receive the monitoring device, a receiver carried by the housing to receive a first audio signal via a wireless data connection from an audio source device using a wireless communication protocol, the first audio signal associated with the media. The bridge device includes an audio emitter to emit the audio signal for receipt by the monitoring device, and a transmitter to transmit the audio signal to an audio receiver device using the wireless communication protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventors: William K. Krug, James Zhang
  • Publication number: 20190019521
    Abstract: An audio beacon system, apparatus and method for collecting information on a panelist's exposure to media. An audio beacon is configured as on-device encoding technology that is operative in a processing device (e.g., cell phone, PDA, PC) to enable the device to encode an environmental sound and transmit it for a predetermined period of time. The acoustically transmitted data is received and processed by a portable audience measurement device, such as Arbitron's Personal People Meter™ (“PPM”), or other specially equipped portable device to enable audience measurement systems to achieve higher levels of detail on panel member activity and greater association of measurement devices to their respective users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Wendell Lynch, Michael Tenbrock, Alan Neuhauser, Anand Jain, William K. Krug
  • Patent number: 10148317
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor a media presentation are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a housing defining a sleeve dimensioned to receive a monitoring device, the monitoring device to monitor the media presentation. The example apparatus includes a receiver carried by the housing to receive a first modulated audio signal from a media device via a wireless data connection using a wireless communication protocol, the first modulated audio signal associated with the media presentation, the receiver to output a baseband audio signal corresponding to the first modulated audio signal. The example apparatus includes a speaker carried by the housing to emit the baseband audio signal for receipt by the monitoring device within the sleeve. The example apparatus further includes a monitoring device to be received by the housing to receive the baseband audio signal from the speaker, and to generate research data identifying the media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLC
    Inventors: William K. Krug, James Zhang
  • Patent number: 10008212
    Abstract: An audio beacon system, apparatus and method for collecting information on a panelist's exposure to media. An audio beacon is configured as on-device encoding technology that is operative in a processing device (e.g., cell phone, PDA, PC) to enable the device to encode an environmental sound and transmit it for a predetermined period of time. The acoustically transmitted data is received and processed by a portable audience measurement device, such as Arbitron's Personal People Meter™ (“PPM”), or other specially equipped portable device to enable audience measurement systems to achieve higher levels of detail on panel member activity and greater association of measurement devices to their respective users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLC
    Inventors: Wendell Lynch, Michael Tenbrock, Alan Neuhauser, Anand Jain, William K. Krug
  • Publication number: 20170207822
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor a media presentation are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a housing defining a sleeve dimensioned to receive a monitoring device, the monitoring device to monitor the media presentation. The example apparatus includes a receiver carried by the housing to receive a first modulated audio signal from a media device via a wireless data connection using a wireless communication protocol, the first modulated audio signal associated with the media presentation, the receiver to output a baseband audio signal corresponding to the first modulated audio signal. The example apparatus includes a speaker carried by the housing to emit the baseband audio signal for receipt by the monitoring device within the sleeve. The example apparatus further includes a monitoring device to be received by the housing to receive the baseband audio signal from the speaker, and to generate research data identifying the media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: William K. Krug, James Zhang
  • Patent number: 9614881
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor a media presentation are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a housing defining a sleeve dimensioned to receive a monitoring device, the monitoring device to monitor the media presentation. The example apparatus includes a receiver carried by the housing to receive a first modulated audio signal from a media device via a wireless data connection using a wireless communication protocol, the first modulated audio signal associated with the media presentation, the receiver to output a baseband audio signal corresponding to the first modulated audio signal. The example apparatus includes a speaker carried by the housing to emit the baseband audio signal for receipt by the monitoring device within the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLC
    Inventors: William K. Krug, James Zhang
  • Patent number: 9317865
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for research data gathering with a portable monitor and a stationary device are described. An example method includes gathering, via a stationary monitoring system, first data concerning exposure to media output by a media receiver, wherein gathering the first data comprises collecting a first code encoded in the media, gathering second data concerning exposure to the media output by the media receiver with a portable monitor carried on the person of a user, wherein the second data comprises a second code encoded in the media, gathering, via the portable monitor, location data encoded in the media by the stationary monitoring system, the location data providing information on a physical location of the portable monitor, and producing the audience measurement data concerning exposure to the media output by the receiver from the first data, the second data, and the location data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC
    Inventors: Jack C. Crystal, James M. Jensen, William K. Krug, Wendell D. Lynch, Alan R. Neuhauser, Eugene L. Flanagan, III
  • Patent number: 9020780
    Abstract: In a data acquisition system a sensor module includes a motion sensor and a communication controller. The motion sensor and communication controller are prepared in a form factor adapted to be received within, or otherwise readily used with, the user appliance. A data signal produced by the motion sensor is adaptable for compliance validation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLC
    Inventors: James Zhang, William K. Krug
  • Publication number: 20150112466
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor a media presentation are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a housing defining a sleeve dimensioned to receive a monitoring device, the monitoring device to monitor the media presentation. The example apparatus includes a receiver carried by the housing to receive a first modulated audio signal from a media device via a wireless data connection using a wireless communication protocol, the first modulated audio signal associated with the media presentation, the receiver to output a baseband audio signal corresponding to the first modulated audio signal. The example apparatus includes a speaker carried by the housing to emit the baseband audio signal for receipt by the monitoring device within the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: William K. Krug, James Zhang
  • Patent number: 8930003
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for gathering research data indicating exposure to audio content to a user of an audio source device and an audio receiver device. The audio source device wirelessly transmits an audio signal containing the audio content. The audio receiver device receives an audio signal containing the audio content. The audio receiver device includes a speaker to output the audio content to be heard by the user. The apparatus includes a bridge device for wirelessly bridging the audio signal from the audio source device to the audio receiver device. The bridge device includes a speaker for outputting the audio content from the audio signal. The apparatus also includes a monitoring device acoustically coupled to the bridge device for monitoring the audio content output by the speaker of the bridge device, and generating research data identifying the audio content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLC
    Inventors: William K. Krug, James Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140297219
    Abstract: Motion detector modules are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a motion sensor, carried by an insertable storage card, to capture a motion status signal, the motion status signal to be evaluated to determine if the motion status signal represents a characteristic motion of the motion sensor to thereby determine validity of media measurement data collected by a portable device; and an audio sensor, carried by an extension of the insertable storage card, to capture an audio signal from an environment including the portable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: James Zhang, William K. Krug
  • Patent number: 8826317
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for determining levels of audience engagement relative to encoded audio data, where an encoded audio data is captured in a mobile device. The audio data is captured over one or more predetermined time periods, and processed to determine characteristics of the audio data. The characteristics are determined according to one or more predetermined thresholds, where volume levels, levels of encoding, and or other features are monitored. By determining levels in the audio data that exceed predetermined thresholds, engagement levels and values may be determined relative to the audio data captured over the time period. Data from preceding time periods may be compared to obtain comprehensive engagement data for audience measurement systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: The Nielson Company (US), LLC
    Inventor: William K. Krug
  • Publication number: 20140229232
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for research data gathering with a portable monitor and a stationary device are described. An example method includes gathering, via a stationary monitoring system, first data concerning exposure to media output by a media receiver, wherein gathering the first data comprises collecting a first code encoded in the media, gathering second data concerning exposure to the media output by the media receiver with a portable monitor carried on the person of a user, wherein the second data comprises a second code encoded in the media, gathering, via the portable monitor, location data encoded in the media by the stationary monitoring system, the location data providing information on a physical location of the portable monitor, and producing the audience measurement data concerning exposure to the media output by the receiver from the first data, the second data, and the location data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC
    Inventors: Jack C. Crystal, James M. Jensen, William K. Krug, Wendell D. Lynch, Alan R. Neuhauser, Eugene L. Flanagan, III
  • Patent number: 8738763
    Abstract: Methods of gathering data concerning a location of an audience member proximate to a content presentation are provided. A stationary device is proximate to the content presentation. A portable monitor is carried by or with the person of an audience member. Location data is obtained by communicating data from the portable monitor to the stationary device, or from the stationary device to the portable monitor, or by comparing data gathered by both the stationary device and the portable monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLC
    Inventors: Jack C. Crystal, James M. Jensen, William K. Krug, Wendell D. Lynch, Alan R. Neuhauser, Eugene L. Flanagan, III