Monitoring device for capturing audience research data

摘要

A monitoring device (1) comprising a basic set of audience research data retrieval units (7, 9) which are compatible with a broad range of AV appliances reproducing AV contents like TV sets (3). The data retrieval units are a audio watermark retrieval unit (9) and an audio signal sampling unit (7). For easy adaptation to particular AV installation, the monitoring device (1) is provided with internal and external connectors so that specialized modules can be integrated.

主权项

1. A monitoring device for capturing audience research data arranged for watching the activity of a household AV installation, wherein the monitoring device comprises:
an audio sampler configured to take samples of an audio signal output by an AV appliance and to store them; a code extractor configured to extract a code in the audio signal and to store the code or data derived from the code; a connector configured to allow the monitoring device to retrieve additional data of or from the AV appliance; a data management portion operably connected to the aforementioned components configured to receive data therefrom and to store the data, and extension elements connected to the monitoring device via the connector, the extension elements including:
a signal inserter configured for locally inserting a marker signal in an AV signal input to the AV appliance, so that detection of the marker in a signal retrieved from the AV appliance is indicative of the reproduction of the AV signal;an image analyzer comprising a portion for receiving a video signal, and a portion for analyzing at least one selected area of the video image constituted by the video signal for predefined patterns, and furnishing data indicative of the presence of the pattern or data represented by the pattern;a TV tuner so that the tuner of a TV appliance connected to the monitoring device can be substituted, the TV tuner furnishing data indicative of its status; anda fingerprint inserter configured to insert a fingerprint in an AV signal so that the AV signal can be recognized when played back later on by an AV recording appliance; the data furnished by the extension elements being transmitted to the data management unit through the connector.