Abstract: A device and a method are provided for receiving items of product information over a satellite digital audio radio (SDAR) network and locally storing the information therein. A mobile device is provided that comprises a control section and mobile information storage in electrical communication with the control section. The control section is adapted to communicate the items of product information received over the SDAR network to said mobile information storage.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for promoting offered products and services to a plurality of mobile device users. The method generally comprises the steps of generating at least one general broadcast message directed to commercial offers of at least one provider (i.e., retailer) of the offered products and services. The general broadcast message is preferably broadcast from a central server over a prescribed geographic area. Responses from end users to the broadcast message are monitored at the central server to create profile information of the responding users for use in qualifying business relationships with the providers of said products and services. The responses may be further utilized to construct a market directed to inducing the providers of the offered products and services to purchase broadcast message blocks for future promotions. Establishment of such a market includes the establishment of pricing criteria based on user response rate statistics.

Abstract: A wireless audience response system can have a host unit, presenter device, and a plurality of audience response units with keypads, with the host unit being communicatively coupled to a computer. In some embodiments, the audience response units can be used to execute functions using application programs within the computer remotely. Also, in other embodiments, the audience response units track delay times required for transmitting input data, with the delay times being usable in comparing response times at the host unit.

Abstract: A unique system and method that facilitates group-based mobile communication around external feed content is provided. The system and method involve adding external feed content to content generated within a group. Both types of content can be viewed on the mobile devices of the group. Updates to the feed content can be obtained and communicated to the group. When multiple feeds are subscribed to by a group, one or more group members can display such feed content in a selective manner. For example, splinter groups can be formed off of the original group for members who wish to receive a subset of feeds (feed content) to assist them in focusing on a topic of interest. Group members can also employ display filters to restrict feed content displayed on their mobile devices. Users can also search for available feeds and form new groups around such content or join an existing group.

Abstract: By calculating a channel selection frequency on the basis of a channel selection time list in a memory, a control section automatically judges a zapping operation by a user, and performs display of a program list in which all programs being broadcasted are listed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to presentation of content to mobile users. In the method, data associated with presentation of content is transmitted from a communication system, the data including information regarding an event. The data is received at mobile user equipment and stored in a memory of the mobile user equipment. In response to the event, presentation of the content is triggered. The presentation is based on the data stored in the memory of the mobile user equipment.

Abstract: A system for collecting, evaluating and using usage activity includes one or more media devices and a network with a ratings service. A media device includes a logging service for logging usage activity when media content is accessed and played, shared, deleted and/or stored. When a connection to the network is present, the usage activity is transmitted to the ratings service. The ratings service evaluates the usage activity and prepares a usage report, which can be transmitted to one or more content providers and/or can be used to refine programming content and/or influence advertising decisions. A content provider can collect votes by sending a list of possible song choices to media devices and receiving vote data collected by logging services on the media devices. The vote data is evaluated and a vote report is prepared that can be used to refine programming content and/or to influence advertising decisions.

Abstract: A system for automatically measuring the size of a radio or television audience at any particular time is provided. In the system, a remote computer may identify the broadcast stations to which listening devices, such as radios or televisions, are tuned. To identify the broadcast stations, the remote computer commands the listening device instructing/commanding the listening device to poll its radio receiver tuner to determine the frequency it is tuned to. This information is then transmitted from the listening device to the remote computer where it may be used to determine what broadcast station the listening device is tuned to. This data is then stored and accumulated, so that over time the listening habits of the user may be identified. The collected data may be used by broadcast stations to determine the cost of advertisements. Additionally, the system provides for the monetization of advertising by charging advertisers for downloads.

Abstract: A surveyor carries a terminal device 200 and travels to a survey point preliminarily instructed. The surveyor obtains survey position information by using a GPS unit in the terminal device 200 at the survey point. The surveyor also photographs an object of a survey by using a camera in the terminal device 200 at the survey point. After completion of a series of surveys, the surveyor transmits survey results including the survey position information to an analyzing apparatus 100 by using the terminal device 200. The analyzing apparatus 100 determines reliability by using survey position information included in the survey results and carries out a predetermined analysis by using a survey result of high reliability. Consequently, a survey result of low reliability can be eliminated from objects to be analyzed.

Abstract: User exposure to media items is detected and measured. A mobile client device carried by a user digitally samples the audio environment of the user on a regular basis. These samples are transformed into a stream of data signatures and compared with reference media items to detect user exposure to the reference items. Purchase behavior following exposure to selected media content items can be detected and tracked as well, so as to gauge effectiveness of media items such as advertisements.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program for collecting end-user opinions of applications and data in a wireless communications network. The system identifies the end-user who has downloaded software applications and/or data to a wireless device and collects end-user opinion preferably through the transmission of a targeted questionnaire to the wireless device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for measuring a multicast stream audience, said multicast stream being capable of being replicated by collecting equipment towards user terminals subscribing to said multicast stream. Said method includes a step of transmitting, via at least one collecting equipment to a counting platform, and in accordance with a counting protocol, at least one counting message comprising at least one audience information concerning the replications of the multicast stream by said at least one collecting equipment to at least one user terminal.

Abstract: A dissemination system for satellite broadcasting comprises a satellite receiving antenna for receiving satellite signals, receivers for demodulating the signals received by the antenna, and a line system for relaying the signals to a plurality of subscribers, in which the receivers are assigned to the satellite receiving antenna in close spatial proximity, and only demodulated or decoded signals are relayed to the subscribers by means of the line system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus receive, detect, collect and analyze program-identifying (“PI”) information contained in a plurality of broadcast or recorded electronic audio signals. Each audio signal represents the sounds (audio portion) in a plurality of sequential program segments, such as program material or commercials.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a critical band encoding technology (CBET) system having at least one portable people meter (PPM) and a home base station and/or household hub, the CBET system containing a radio frequency (RF) proximity detection and identification system, comprising at least one RF transmitter for receiving a control signal, modulating an RF signal to a present modulation frequency upon receipt of the control signal, and wireless transmitting the modulated signal; and an RF receiver for receiving the wirelessly transmitted modulated signal, determining the modulation frequency, and transmitting the modulation frequency to a remote location, wherein the transmission power of the RF transmitter is preset to transmit the modulated data within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to extract audio codes are disclosed. An example method includes receiving signals on a plurality of channels and ranking the signals based on at least one characteristic of the signals. A first channel from the plurality of channels is selected based upon the ranking of the signals. The example method further include determining whether a first signal on the first channel includes at least one code and extracting the at least one code from the first signal when the first signal includes the at least one code.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for tracking locally broadcast electronic works are provided. According to one aspect of the invention, a sending player locally broadcasts an electronic work. In particular, the local broadcast may be a wireless broadcast creating an ad-hoc radio system. At least one recipient player receives the localized broadcast of the electronic work and accepts a distribution cookie for tracking distribution of the electronic work. The at least one recipient player updates the distribution cookie with tracking information about the broadcast of the electronic work, including ratings by users at the second player and purchase of the broadcast electronic work. Each of the at least one recipient players may in turn become a sending player that broadcasts the electronic work to other recipient players and requires the other recipient players to accept a copy of the distribution cookie updated by the second player.

Abstract: To mitigate the impact of a mass communication event, such as a mass voting event, on the resources of the mobile wireless communication network, each user's mobile station is adapted to appropriately adjust its timing of the transmission during the mass communication event. In a voting example, the mobile station delays sending the user's vote by a random time interval. When implemented in a substantial number of mobile stations, the mobile stations randomly delay their individual transmissions, effectively spreading the traffic over a larger time window, thereby reducing the instantaneous peak load on the wireless network. However, since the solution is implemented in the mobile stations, there is no added overhead traffic related to the event at or around the time of the event. Consequently, handling of the event requires less network capacity to account for this bursty traffic.

Abstract: An audience response system comprising a base unit and a plurality of remote units communicating using wireless communication operating on a frequency pair. When a response key on a remote unit is activated, the remote unit transmits a voting signal packet to the base unit. The base unit registers the vote and transmits an acknowledgment signal to the remote unit. When the remote unit receives an acknowledgment signal, the remote unit certifies to the operator that the vote was received. If an acknowledgment signal is not received, the remote unit will attempt at least one retransmission after a random delay before alerting the operator that the vote attempt has failed.

Abstract: A business model of satellite digital audio broadcasting, also referred to as multicasting, teaches computer improvements in business operations for the determination of the number of listeners and listeners' preferences of multicast satellite transmissions and more particularly to the detection of signals from a multitude of individual client radios that simultaneously respond to a polling signal with a radio frequency chirp. A response to a polling signal instruction is synchronized utilizing an instruction embedded within a digital audio broadcast. Further embodiments teach a determination of listener count derived from signal strength, single chirp signal strength contribution derived from reception delay, and media prioritization derived from changes in user preferences.

Abstract: Recordings of broadcast audio content often contain errors (e.g., noise, signal loss, interference, talkover). A method and apparatus are provided for improving the quality of such a recording. Multiple recordings of a broadcast audio program are identified, and are aligned according to some time index of the program, such as the beginning, midpoint or end of one of the recordings. Samples of each recording are taken and compared. If a majority (or plurality) of the samples agree (e.g., they match within an allowable threshold of variance), one of them is used to generate or populate a new recording. If there is no majority (or plurality), one of the samples may be chosen at random, on the basis of which recording has most often been in the majority (or plurality), or on some other basis. Or, the method may be repeated or extended to obtain samples of other recordings.

Abstract: A wireless telephony network provides satellite TV derivative program information and content, in addition to conventional wireless telephony services, to eligible mobile stations of the wireless telephony network. The wireless telephony network receives satellite TV programming from a satellite TV service network, establishes one or more bearer channels (e.g., conventional voice channels or higher-bandwidth data links) and sends the programming to the one or more mobile stations via the one or more bearer channels. The wireless telephony network monitors and obtains billing information associated with integrated service delivery and coordinates the billing information with a satellite TV service provider. A controlling provider may be selected to control billing for the integrated services such that the customer receives a single statement.

Abstract: A questionnaire network in which a mobile device is used by user to create questionnaires and send it to other recipients. The questionnaire is created by user of mobile device using audio inputs for a questionnaire preamble and question preambles. A server in the network incorporates other generic portions of the questionnaire. Thus, a user can make adhoc questionnaires, send them to recipients and receive the results.

Abstract: A wireless telephony network provides satellite radio program information and content, in addition to conventional wireless telephony services, to eligible mobile stations of the wireless telephony network. The wireless telephony network receives satellite radio programming from a satellite radio service network, establishes one or more bearer channels (e.g., conventional voice channels or higher-bandwidth data links) and sends the programming to the one or more mobile stations via the one or more bearer channels. The wireless telephony network monitors and obtains billing information associated with integrated service delivery and coordinates the billing information with a satellite radio service provider. A controlling provider may be selected to control billing for the integrated services such that the customer receives a single statement.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for allowing mobile device users to participate in an online survey community by entering opinions and reading opinions of other through their mobile devices. The mobile devices need not support the same protocol as the server that manages and provides the survey information. In particular, a system is provided in which users of WAP-enabled mobile phones can enter opinion information into their WAP phones immediately after an event that is the subject of a survey, even though a Web server that uses a protocol not supported by the phones manages the survey data. Further, a feature is provided to defer the transmission of the opinion data from the phone, thereby allowing the opinion data to be batched, or to be entered even when the phone network is not available.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for performing an inquiry in a telecommunications network, in which the inquiry is carried out in the following steps: —creating a database of persons, —forming and recording the questions, —selecting from the database a set satisfying desired conditions, —sending the inquiry in the form of text messages (SMS, Short Message Service) to the persons included in the set, —receiving text message replies for a predetermined length of time, —storing and interpreting each reply, so that, according to each set criterion, the question arranged to be the next one is sent to the same person, —generating a report.

Abstract: A wireless response system includes a base unit and a plurality of handheld response units communicating with the base unit over a wireless communication link. The base unit sends polling commands to the response units over the wireless communication. The response units send the response data to the base unit over the wireless communication link in response to the polling signals. The response data is entered in the respective response units by a user.

Abstract: A method and system for continuously sampling events with respect to one or more sampling entities, comprising receiving a new event, adding the new event to a current events list, selecting an event to be sampled from the current events list, obtaining feedback data from the selected event, and saving feedback data in a feedback store, wherein said current events list is continuously updated with newly received events, wherein said feedback store is continuously updated with newly received samples feedback, and wherein said continuously updated current events list and feedback store are used by said step of selecting one or more event to be sampled.

Abstract: Methods and architectures for implementing a fault tolerant real time event processing system are provided. The system includes at least one satellite and at least one primary data center. The system remains operational when the primary data center is unavailable to the satellite. The system includes business logic that is divided into logic that can be run effectively at a satellite, and logic that can be run at the main data center to result in effective decisions. When the network connection is impaired or the main data center is unavailable, the satellite can process an incoming event locally. The system includes procedures so that events processed at a satellite during a period of noncommunication with the primary data center will be entered into the primary data center records at a later point.

Abstract: A mobile device that uses events as triggers for reminders in addition to date and time. Such events may be location-based, or based on other events or tasks scheduled by the user and other events or tasks scheduled by another user.

Abstract: Utilizing monitoring devices (200) for determining the effectiveness of various locations, such as media display locations (150) for an intended purpose (media display exposure) is disclosed. The monitoring devices (200) are distributed to a number of study respondents. The monitoring devices (200) track the movements of the respondents. While various technologies may be used to track the movements of the respondents, at least some of the location tracking of the monitoring device (200) utilize a satellite (105) location system such as the global positioning system (“GPS”). These movements of the respondent and monitoring device (200) at some point coincide with exposure to a number of media displays (150). Geo data (movement data) collected by the monitoring devices, is downloaded to a download server (300), for determining which media displays (150) the respondent was exposed to. The exposure determinations are made by a post-processing server (400).

Abstract: A method and apparatus receive, detect, collect and analyze program-identifying (“PI”) information contained in a plurality of broadcast or recorded electronic audio signals. Each audio signal represents the sounds (audio portion) in a plurality of sequential program segments, such as program material or commercials.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to utilizing monitoring devices (200) for determining the effectiveness of various locations, such as media display locations (150) for an intended purpose (media display exposure). The monitoring devices (200) are distributed to a number of study respondents. The monitoring devices (200) track the movements of the respondents. While various technologies may be used to track the movements of the respondents, at least some of the location tracking of the monitoring device (200) utilize a satellite (105) location system such as the global positioning system (“GPS”). These movements of the respondent and monitoring device (200) at some point coincide with exposure to a number of media displays (150). Geo data (movement data) collected by the monitoring devices, is downloaded to a download server (300), for determining which media displays (150) the respondent was exposed to. The exposure determinations are made by a post-processing server (400).

Abstract: An audience surveying technique for identifying individual members of an audience listening to and/or watching a program performed from a programming signal source. A stationary apparatus is operatively arranged at a reception location with a plurality of portable devices designed to be worn by the audience members. The stationary apparatus detects and stores a surveying code transmitted with the program, and it also periodically emits a trigger signal which causes the portable devices to respond by emitting a unique identification signal pre-stored in each one. The stationary apparatus also detects and stores the identification signals. By associating the detected surveying code with the detected identification signals it is possible to quickly, accurately and reliably identify the individual audience members tuned to a particular program.

Abstract: A multi-zone audio system is provided that is portable to a handheld audio device at a plurality of locations. The system includes a multi-zone audio system controller having an audio input/output selection circuit for selectively regulating the source and distribution of audio signals. A plurality of handheld connector docks are distributed about the multi-zone system. Each connector dock is in communication with the audio system controller. The connector docks include a connector port, engagable to the handheld device, for communicating music/data/commands between the handheld device and the system controller. A plurality in-wall audio controllers are also distributed about the multi-zone system. Each in-wall controller is in communication with the audio system controller, and includes an input circuit for selective input of commands to regulate operation of the system controller and/or the handheld device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing statistics on the number, distribution and/or flow of people or devices in a geographic region based on active wireless device counts are described. Wireless devices may be of different types e.g., cell phones, PDAs, etc. Wireless communications centers report the number and type of active devices in the geographic region serviced by the wireless communications center and/or indicate the number of devices entering/leaving the serviced region. The active wireless device information is correlated to one or more targeted geographical areas. Population counts are extrapolated from the device information for the targeted geographic areas. Traffic and/or flow information is generated from changes in the device counts or population estimates over time and/or from information on the number of active devices entering/leaving a region.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a digital mobile terminal system for accessing mobile internet services including a VHF/AM/FM radio receiver and a subsystem that handles interfaces and interactions between the digital mobile terminal and a radio network via a digital (e.g., RDS) data stream, interfaces and interactions between the digital mobile terminal and a mobile internet services platform and interfaces and interactions between the digital mobile terminal and a user seeking to access and interact with mobile internet services. The present invention also comprises a radio broadcasting server platform for transmitting an RDS data stream including a subsystem that handles interfaces and interaction between the radio broadcasting server platform and a radio network via the digital (e.g., RDS) data stream and interfaces and interactions between the radio broadcasting server platform and a mobile internet services platform.

Abstract: An acoustic transmission is retransmitted by telephone to a network operations center over one path. The network operations center receives acoustic transmissions containing inaudible marks from other sources over secondary paths. The retransmitted acoustic transmission and secondary transmissions are processed and compared to determine a best match between the retransmitted acoustic transmission and one of the secondary transmissions. An acoustic mark in the best match secondary transmission is decoded and associated with the retransmitted acoustic transmission. This association in combination with decision rules stored at the operations center may be used to trigger a variety of transactions with the user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to utilizing monitoring devices (200) for determining the effectiveness of various locations, such as media display locations (150) for an intended purpose (media display exposure). The monitoring devices (200) are distributed to a number of study respondents. The monitoring devices (200) track the movements of the respondents. While various technologies may be used to track the movements of the respondents, at least some of the location tracking of the monitoring device (200) utilize a satellite (105) location system such as the global positioning system (“GPS”). These movements of the respondent and monitoring device (200) at some point coincide with exposure to a number of media displays (150). Geo data (movement data) collected by the monitoring devices, is downloaded to a download server (300), for determining which media displays (150) the respondent was exposed to. The exposure determinations are made by a post-processing server (400).

Abstract: Advertising is marked with a code in a way which makes it difficult to fool the system. The advertising is marked with a code at the time the advertising is produced. Then, when the advertising is broadcast, the code on the advertising is analyzed. Different security measures can be used, including producing the code in the closed captioning so that many different people can see the code, or comparing codes in one part of the signal with a code in another part of the signal. Measures are taken to prevent the code from being used to detect commercials. According to another part of this system, a paradigm for a clearinghouse is disclosed in which the user signs up with the clearinghouse, obtains a line of credit, and the advertiser, the agency, and the ad producer also subscribe to the service. When the ad is actually aired, the payment can be automatically transferred.

Abstract: A bias compensating remote audience survey system (34) is configured to identify radio stations (162) to which tuners (24) are tuned. The tuners (24) have predetermined signals (26) emitted therefrom. The survey system (34) employs a method (152) of compensating for a station bias, or preference, toward or against one or more of radio stations (162). The method (152) includes measuring durations (62) over which the predetermined signals (26) are received by the survey system (34). The durations (62) are then combined by averaging to form a station average detection length (ADL) value (74) specific to one of the radio stations (162). The station ADL value (74) is compared to a multi-station ADL parameter (86). A sensitivity level (146) for the one radio stations (162) is adjusted in response to the comparison to compensate for station bias.

Abstract: A system and method for gathering data from wireless communication networks, the wireless communication network including a plurality of cell sites, mobile subscriber units, and a mobile telephone switching office. The data gathering system comprises a plurality of data gathering nodes and a control center. Each data gathering node comprises multiple receivers, with each receiver gathering data from a different wireless communication network. Stored data at the control center is processed to generate marketing information on each wireless communication network.

Abstract: Calls made from mobile or cellular telephones may contain audio signals from broadcasts audible to the caller. Thus, a call made into a call center, perhaps to gain valuable information, such as traffic conditions, may be analyzed at the center to determine the source of the broadcast. This invention takes advantage of the existing communications infrastructure and provides for rapid and statistically improved estimation of listenership.

Abstract: A method is provided of establishing network communication later in time between a first endpoint entity accessing an information resource over a network and a second endpoint entity, such as a customer service representative system, associated with that resource. The method uses a service system that can set up a communication session and join endpoint systems to the session to enable them to communicate with each other the network. According to the method, upon the first endpoint entity indicating that it wishes to communicate with a second endpoint entity in the future, the service system generates and stores a session identifier for a communication session to be used in the future and passes a copy of the identifier over the network to the first endpoint entity.

Abstract: A method and system for providing easier listener access to information about musical works and other audio programming broadcast by a digital radio station includes broadcasting contextual information about the audio programming along with the audio programming. A receiver separates the audio and data signals giving the listener access to the broadcast content and the associated information about that content. The system may also store the contextual information about the programming for later reference, for example ordering a recording of the programming.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to utilizing monitoring devices (200) for determining the effectiveness of various locations, such as media display locations (150) for an intended purpose (media display exposure). The monitoring devices (200) are distributed to a number of study respondents. The monitoring devices (200) track the movements of the respondents. While various technologies may be used to track the movements of the respondents, at least some of the location tracking of the monitoring device (200) utilize a satellite (105) location system such as the global positioning system (“GPS”). These movements of the respondent and monitoring device (200) at some point coincide with exposure to a number of media displays (150). Geo data (movement data) collected by the monitoring devices, is downloaded to a download server (300), for determining which media displays (150) the respondent was exposed to. The exposure determinations are made by a post-processing server (400).

Abstract: The vertical blanking interval (“VBI”) of a video signal is used in broadband communications including digital data transmission on the VBI or a dual VBI/PCS system capable of enhancing rapid deployment of wireless VBI communications or PCS services to a remote transceiver where no or marginally profitable infrastructure exists. A wireless digital communication system has a broadcast interface for encoding message information on the VBI of a video signal. The message information is encoded to a VBI format to form a pre-formatted signal. A broadcast device transmits an out-going signal having the pre-formatted signal modulated or otherwise embedded in the VBI. The pre-formatted signal is received from the broadcast interface and is transmitted on a carrier of the out-going signal. At least one transceiver receives the out-going signal and transmits a return signal on the carrier of the out-going signal.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling automatic or semi-automatic interactive responses to electronic queries using audio-band coded data as the query medium and wireless data communications as the response medium. Typical applications include interactive broadcast advertising in which a coded data query is embedded in a broadcast audio channel and reproduced as an acoustic audio signal in a broadcast receiver. This acoustic signal is then detected by the microphone of a wireless telephone and decoded and processed by the electronic circuitry of said wireless telephone. Upon a pre-determined further action by the user, the decoded and processed query data causes the wireless telephone to transmit a pre-determined message. The pre-determined message includes information which instructs the serving wireless network to properly route the message so that it effectively provides a response to the original query.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, method and computer program product to obtain comprehensive vehicle radio listener statistics based on parameters such as radio status (e.g., on/off status and CD/Tape/AM/FM setting), radio volume, station preset information, current frequency setting (i.e., station identification), and Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system coordinates is disclosed. A vehicle-mounted field unit for collecting and transmitting such parameters to a base station is also disclosed. The system monitors and stores all events related to the occupants' interaction with the vehicle's radio, including automatic detection of the selected radio station through a speaker port. The stored data is then transmitted to a base station's central collection computer for immediate compilation and analysis.

Abstract: In a communication system which can privately inform each applicant of an outcome of a game or an examination, a cell phone with a cell phone number is used to transmit, to a center or a promoter, personal identification information including the cell phone number and a total personal password. The total personal password is obtained by producing the personal identification information, by producing the result of the game or examination as a parameter, and by encrypting both the personal identification information and the result. The center extracts the personal identification information from the total personal password decrypted and collates the extracted personal identification information with the received information so as to judge whether or not a person is authentic. When confirmation is made about the fact that the person is authentic, the parameter is extracted from the total personal password to be judged. An outcome of judgement is transmitted to each person by the use of the cell phone number.