Media exposure data collection and security

A computer-implemented method for securely communicating research data relating to media data exposure in a portable computing device utilizing Bluetooth communication, comprising the steps of:

• performing an identification procedure to identify a collector;
• receiving and verifying a collector authentication file (CIA) when a collector has been identified;
• transmitting a portable computing device authentication file (MIA) to the collector when the CIA file is verified, wherein the MIA contains identification information relating to the portable computing device;
• receiving and verifying a key in the portable computing device from the collector after the MIA file is transmitted;
• receiving a session authentication file (CSA) from the collector, wherein the validation of the CSA signifies the start of a research data transfer session;
• and
• transmitting research data stored on the portable computing device to the collector.

A collector for receiving research data, comprising:

• a processor;
• a memory, operatively coupled to the processor;
• and
• a communications interface, operatively coupled to the processor, wherein the communications interface is configured to communicate via a Bluetooth connection,
• wherein the collector receives a first authentication file and a second authentication file via the communications interface, wherein the second authentication file is in a different format from the first authentication file and wherein the second authentication file contains identification information relating to a portable computing device,
• wherein the processor verifies the second authentication file is valid using the first authentication file;
• and wherein the communications interface transmits a session authentication file if the verification is valid, wherein the session authentication file defines a research data transfer session that is valid over a predetermined period of time,
• and wherein the processor receives research data relating to media data exposure via the communications interface during the period of the data transfer session.