Abstract: The invention relates to making a questionnaire-based survey in a cellular radio system including a central device and a number of independent terminal devices, where between the terminal devices and the central device, data transmission connections can be made. In the method, the central device receives an inquiry message and/or an inquiry table from the terminal device of the researcher, said message defining the survey group that the inquiry message relates to. The central device investigates which predetermined terminal device group and/or inquiry table stored in the central device the received inquiry message relates to, and transmits a notice of the received inquiry message, or at least part of the received inquiry message, and/or a questionnaire to those terminal devices that belong in the terminal device group that the received inquiry message relates to.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for transferring data which achieves balancing in profit and loss between a proprietor of copyright and a user includes an instruction section for providing an instruction of a transfer rate, a transfer control section for variably using one of various transfer control methods for data in response to the transfer rate of the instruction provided by the instruction section, and a billing control section for changing the transfer control method by the transfer control section in response to billing processing performed by a user of the transfer apparatus.

Abstract: A system (10) is provided herein for monitoring the harmonic content of the RF signal delivered to an RF powered device (13). The system comprises (a) a voltage transducer (16) adapted to sample the voltage of the RF signal and to output a first signal representative thereof, (b) a current transducer (17) adapted to sample the current of the RF signal and to output a second signal representative thereof, and (c) a memory device (67) in communication with at least one, and preferably both, of the aforementioned transducers 16 and 17 and which contains calibration information specific to the transducers.

Abstract: An interference attenuating remote audience survey system (42) is configured to identify radio stations (84) to which tuners (26) are tuned, the tuners (26) having local oscillator (LO) signals (30) emitted therefrom. The system (42) includes a first antenna (34) for sensing a first signal (52) at a selected LO frequency (88), the first signal (52) including one of the LO signals (30) and an interference signal (96). A second antenna (44) receives a second signal (54) at the selected LO frequency (88), the second signal (54) including an interference signal (100). A shield element (48) shields the second antenna (44) from receiving the one of the LO signals (30). The first and second signals (52, 54) are subtractively combined to produce a third signal (77), the interference signal (96) being attenuated from the third signal (77).

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: A method and system for the creation of interactive radio programming. A moderator of an interactive radio program uses a moderator client to digitize and transmit a radio program with enhanced content to a moderator server through a wide area network. The moderator server uses the digitized radio program and the enhanced content to generate an interactive radio program for transmission to participants in the interactive radio program. The complete interactive radio program is transmitted to participant clients over the wide area network. An audio portion of the interactive radio program may be transmitted over a conventional radio network as well.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling telephone voting in a digital mobile communication network that includes a plurality of mobile subscriber communication stations provides for automated, statistically-appropriate control of telephonic voting via such mobile stations. Using a polling server, a predetermined initial proportion of the mobile stations is authorized to concurrently transmit a vote by transmitting a voting authorization to the authorized mobile stations over a control channel from the polling server. A voting application stored in or associated with each mobile station monitors the control channel and enables transmission of a vote from a mobile station only after the authorization has been received by that mobile station. The invention thereby accommodates and assures the staggered transmission of votes in a telephonic poll so as to avoid overloading of the network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating surveys over a network system causes an interface to be displayed to a particular client of the network system. This interface can be used by the particular client to define a survey. In response to the client interacting with the interface, a sequence of steps is automatically performed. The sequence of steps includes generating a survey based on information received over the network system from the particular client interacting with the interface; fielding the survey to a group of target users on the network system; gathering results of from network users participating in the survey; and providing the particular client, over said network system, with data that reflects the results of the survey.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating media consumption activity information are disclosed. Various aspects of the present invention may support the reporting of user media requests to a server that may record information about the user and the requested media. Parameters may be established that are matched against characteristics of media selected for consumption by a user. If it is determined that a match exists, a notification of the media request may be sent. The notification may identify the user requesting the media, and characteristics of the requested media. Server software may store and share information about user media consumption with a third party.

Abstract: A stored program pay-per-play system includes a high-capacity storage medium facilitating compilation of video, audio or other programs at a subscriber's site. While the recording of such programs may take place at any time preceding playback, billing occurs only when, and if, the subscriber chooses to select a program for replay or actually enjoys the program substantially in its entirety. The program provider may automatically download programs, either based upon actual or surmised viewer preferences, or at the provider's discretion, for example, using newly-available selections. Display generation circuitry is preferably implemented, enabling the viewer to review selections to be downloaded, those selections available for immediate replay, remaining account balance, and other features, including “parental lockout” and so forth.

Abstract: A survey system (52, 154) is configured to identify radio stations (92) to which tuners (26) are tuned. The tuners (26) have predetermined signals (30) emitted therefrom. In one embodiment, the survey system (52) employs a method (86) which includes selecting one of the predetermined signals (30), receiving at a receiver (54) a second signal (116), and determining that one of the tuners (26) is tuned to one of the radio stations (92) when a harmonic (44, 46) of the fundamental frequency (42) of the predetermined signal (30) is detected within the second signal (116). In an alternative embodiment, the survey system (154) employs a method (182) that includes generating and broadcasting a survey signal (162) that is a one of the predetermined signals (30) modified to incorporate a signal identifier (212, 216).

Abstract: A method and system for identifying data locations or uniform resource locators associated with physical observations in the real world. The method and system includes selecting certain physical parameters based upon an observation of real world objects and events and associating such physical parameters with data locations on the Internet or other computer network. When the real world object is observed or a real world event occurs, physical parameters relating to the object or event are sensed and recorded. These stored physical parameters are then communicated to a database, which returns a data location corresponding to the observed physical parameters. Thus, the present invention allows a user to “click” on objects or events in the real world in order to find data locations related to the objects or events in the on-line world.

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: An active broadcast survey system (32) is configured to identify radio stations (216) to which tuners (26) are tuned. The tuners (26) have local oscillator signals (30) emitted therefrom. The survey system (32) employs a method (210) that includes generating and broadcasting a survey signal (42) that is a one of the local oscillator signals (30) modified to incorporate a signal identifier (236, 240). The method (182) further includes detecting a harmonic (54, 56) of the fundamental frequency (52) of the local oscillator signal (30) within a received broadcast signal (44) and determining that one of the tuners (26) is tuned to one of the radio stations (216) when the detected harmonic (54, 56) includes the signal identifier (236, 240). The survey system (32) also employs a method (166) for active tuning of the system (32), and another method (282) for providing short range communication with a remote transceiver (280) to facilitate uploading and downloading of system settings and data.

Abstract: An automatic order processing system automatically places an order for a commodity introduced in a broadcast program so as to prevent the commodity from becoming out of stock in a store. The system has a database for registering both a broadcast program data before broadcast and an audience rating data, and a data processor for retrieving the database to extract the commodity introduced in a broadcast program having high audience rating so as to place an order for the commodity automatically. Because the commodity introduced in the broadcast program is extracted by analyzing the program data to perform order processing prior to the program broadcast, the commodity can be provided sufficiently in the store even after the program broadcast.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for giving feedback in an educational environment using networked devices. Initially, an image stimulus is displayed to a plurality of individual group members regarding material being presented by a group leader utilizing a plurality of networked devices operated by the group members. Thereafter, feedback is received from the individual group members in response to the image stimulus utilizing the networked devices. The feedback is then aggregated after which the aggregated feedback is transmitted to the networked device operated by the group leader. Such aggregated feedback reflects the feedback received from each of the individual group members for allowing the group leader to view the aggregated feedback.

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 system for controlling the viewing of programs at a user location having one or more viewing devices. The system comprises a viewing control system, which is adapted to count a number of viewings of a program during a time period, determine whether the number of viewings exceeds a viewing limit for the time period, and prevent further viewings of the program if the number of viewings exceeds the viewing limit for the time period.

Abstract: A system for listener event data logging and reporting includes recording at least information describing a station being listened to and providing the information to a data collection center. Additional listener event information may include volume setting, time, and location. Collected information would be used with listener demographic information to provide reports for assisting in the management of radio programming and the effective use of commercial time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring usage of media data at user locations in which the presence or absence of media data in monitored data is determined. Where media data is present, it is separated from the monitored data and used to produce data representing usage of media data.

Abstract: A non-invasive or minimally invasive intermediate frequency (I.F.) probe is disclosed for use as part of a broadcast audience measurement system. The probe can be used both to acquire a representation of a tuned signal and to inject a recognition signal into a tuned signal. The probe is configurable for use with both analog (e.g., NTSC, PAL or SECAM) and digital (e.g., ATSC) television broadcasts. Optionally, when in the injection mode, the I.F. probe can be used with another sensor;to determine which of several inputs to a monitored receiver is providing the audio and/or video output(s) selected by an audience member.

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: On the application page for participating in participation application server PS, as a user applies for participating in a program by using mobile unit MS, participation application server PS determines whether to give the user of the mobile unit MS the right to participate in the program. Then, the “win application” is transmitted to mobile unit MS of users who are allowed to participate, and the “defeat application” is transmitted to the mobile unit MS of users who are not allowed to participate. As a result, an event occurs in mobile unit MS, whereby the program participation page is transmitted to mobile unit MS to which the “win application” was transmitted after the transmission of the “win” application. Finally, the program to be broadcast is changed in accordance with the information inputted by users of mobile unit MS on the program participation page.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing client feedback to a broadcast source to provide content on demand in broadcast systems. Client systems may tune-in to a stream of content descriptors that describe content in consideration for future broadcasting, and provide feedback in the form of ranking feedback or rating feedback to the broadcast source such that a list of desired content may be constructed in order to send content to the client systems on an as-needed basis or in batches.

Abstract: A portable recorder which is carried by a sample subject for a radio listener rating survey has a display unit and an input unit mounted on the front of a case and a processor built in the case. The processor comprises a data memory, data entry support means, data recording means, and a data readout means. The data entry support means displays the current date and time, a tuned station candidate and a place-of-listening candidate on the display unit, thereby supporting a user in his entering the listening start date and time, the name of the tuned station, the place of listening and the listening stop date and time via the input unit when he listened to a radio program at home or outdoors. The data recording means electronically records the radio listening status data containing values of respective items entered under the support of the data entry support means and finally determined by the user.

Abstract: An audience measurement system for a receiver comprises monitoring equipment, such as a decoder, ON/OFF detector and transmitter, coupled to the receiver. The decoder reads program codes embedded in a program received by the receiver. The system also comprises a base unit and a mobile unit, such as a telephone handset. The handset receives the program codes transmitted from the decoder and prompts (via a visual display or audio tone) an audience member to enter personal data (i.e. who the audience member is) via a keypad or voice input. The program data (from the decoder) and personal data (input by the audience member) is provided to the base unit, where it is time stamped and stored. The base unit includes telephone circuitry to transmit the stored data to a data collection central facility via a public switched telephone network.

Abstract: A system for and method of implementing mobile commerce in a satellite radio broadcasting system. A unique program identifier is associated with each program segment of a broadcast. When a listener hears a program segment of interest, the listener causes the associated program identifier to be captured and thereafter to be transferred to a central location or hub. The transferring operation can be accomplished manually, via a media link or via a wireless network. Upon receipt of the program identifier at the central hub, the program identifier is used to determine information about the listener, obtain additional information regarding the program segment associated with the program identifier for the listener and/or initiate an e-commerce transaction involving the listener and/or other parties including merchandisers and advertisers.

Abstract: A communications system (34) that monitors a state of a plurality of radios (10). In one embodiment, the communications system (34) automatically and continuously monitors the number of radios (10) tuned to each of a plurality of available radio stations. Each radio (10) generates a coded signal depending on which radio station the radio (10) is currently tuned to. The coded signal is applied to a frequency generator (32) that generates a unique frequency signal for each code that is then transmitted by the radio (10). Each radio (10) tuned to the same station would transmit the same unique frequency signal at substantially the same power level. The frequency signals transmitted by all of the radios (10) are received by a receiver (34), such as a satellite-based receiver (34), that separates the signals by frequency. The power received for each different frequency signal is then measured to give a total power output for that frequency.

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 Universal Interactive Service system which allows sponsors of electronic media advertising (such as radio, television advertising) to interact with its audience in real time that are exposed to their advertising and to facilitate the purchasing and selection of electronic media advertising by advertising buyers, such as advertisers and ad agencies. This is accomplished through a number of methods and devices, which include a Universal Interactive Service (UIS) that is used with the Internet and a wireless service provider. An improved method of multiphase prioritized user registration technique (M-PURT) for easier user registration and meaningful sentence query logic (MSQL) for a buyer to search for advertising defined by a specific search criteria are also included as part of these systems and methods.

Abstract: A program-related-information transmission control method adopted on a data distributing side for transmitting program related information for programs to be broadcasted to a data receiving side by way of a data-transmission means, includes the steps of: gathering information on television-watching records obtained in accordance with relevant television-watching operations from said data receiving side; and controlling conditions for transmitting said program related information of said programs on the basis of said information on television-watching records.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an electronic information distributing terminal equipment for storing and distributing the electronic information containing a text information and a corresponding motion image information in a memory card equipped with an electrically reloadable nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, which equipment comprises a card stock having a plurality of memory cards stored in advance with the information which has been transmitted through a communication interface for transmitting the electronic information to be distributed, wherein the electronic information is distributed by discharging the memory card even in response to a demand for distributing only the electronic information, and wherein the memory card inserted with the demand is utilized again as a new card stock.

Abstract: A broadcast verification system is provided which enables broadcast verification to be performed by a third party being independent of a broadcasting station, without being assisted by another, at low costs and to be reported to a client.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method of analyzing the market for broadband wireless services (BWS). Existing data is used to identify a high bandwidth customer profile and surveys are used to validate or improve the profile. Next, market information is physically organized. Buildings are located by address from real estate databases and cross-referenced with orthophotographs. Line of sight between buildings and hubs is determined with canopy DEM data. Potential hubs of all wireless providers are located using FCC filings. Overlays are created to identify actual and/or available broadband service. Competing services are also analyzed within the given market. All available service is mapped according to physical location of the customers and analyzed to identify gaps and saturation points for BWS. Optimal hub placement to fill gaps is calculated. Predicted customers are counted and feed into a business model to calculate an average price for service.

Abstract: An audience participation system is disclosed, in which the users are invited to initiate a voting process by dialling a predetermined number using one of the conventional short code memory keys on a DECT cordless telephone 1, or specialized equipment incorporating DECT technology, are connected to a Computer/Telephony Interface (CTI) unit 4 via a wireless Private Branch Exchange (WPBX) 2. The Computer/Telephony Interface Unit can use calling line identity to identify any attempted callers who are not eligible to vote, e.g. calling from remote lines. Some remote lines may be authorised to allow votes to be contributed from authorized parties elsewhere than in the local auditorium. To vote, the users transmit DTMF tones using the keys of their telephone handsets, or speak into their handsets if voice prompts are to be used. A separate channel is provided between the Computer/Telephony Interface unit 4 and each cordless telephone or remote user.

Abstract: A system for conducting surveys to voters in multiple different languages and registering voters is provided over a network, such as the Internet. The system includes a programmed computer system representing at least one network server which provides an addressable voting site and registration site on the network, and a database storing voting information for building surveys in multiple languages and recording the results of the surveys, and registration information for building registration questionnaires and recording the results of the questionnaires. The network server accesses and updates the records of multiple tables of the database through a transaction server connected to the database. In response to a computer of a voter connecting to the network server over the network, the network server determines the language and country of the voter, and then dynamically constructs a survey in the voter's language in accordance with the voting information stored in the database.

Abstract: The most preferred embodiment of the present invention is a computer-based decision support system that includes three main components: a database mining engine (DME); an advertising optimization mechanism; and a customized user interface that provides access to the various features of the invention. The user interface, in conjunction with the DME, provides a unique and innovative way to store, retrieve and manipulate data from existing databases containing media-related audience access data, which describe the access habits and preferences of the media audience. By using a database with a simplified storage and retrieval protocol, the data contained therein can be effectively manipulated in real time. This means that previously complex and lengthy information retrieval and analysis activities can be accomplished in very short periods of time (typically seconds instead of minutes or even hours).

Abstract: A system and method for controlling telephone voting in a digital mobile communication network that includes a plurality of mobile subscriber communication stations provides for automated, statistically-appropriate control of telephonic voting via such mobile stations. Using a polling server, a predetermined initial proportion of the mobile stations is authorized to concurrently transmit a vote by transmitting a voting authorization to the authorized mobile stations over a control channel from the polling server. A voting application stored in or associated with each mobile station monitors the control channel and enables transmission of a vote from a mobile station only after the authorization has been received by that mobile station. The invention thereby accommodates and assures the staggered transmission of votes in a telephonic poll so as to avoid overloading of the network.

Abstract: A communications system (34) that monitors a state of a plurality of radios (10). In one embodiment, the communications system (34) automatically and continuously monitors the number of radios (10) tuned to each of a plurality of available radio stations. Each radio (10) generates a coded signal depending on which radio station the radio (10) is currently tuned to. The coded signal is applied to a frequency generator (32) that generates a unique frequency signal for each code that is then transmitted by the radio (10). Each radio (10) tuned to the same station would transmit the same unique frequency signal at substantially the same power level. The frequency signals transmitted by all of the radios (10) are received by a receiver (34), such as a satellite-based receiver (34), that separates the signals by frequency. The power received for each different frequency signal is then measured to give a total power output for that frequency.