Methods and apparatus for identifying the source of a user selected signal via an intermediate frequency probe
AssigneeNielsen Media Research, Inc.
InventorCheuk Wan Chan
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims24
A method for determining whether a signal of a program tuned by a tuner of a receiver is being output by an output device of the receiver, the method comprising the steps of:
- radiating an intermediate frequency recognition signal from an intermediate frequency probe disposed adjacent the tuner of the receiver;
- developing a representation of a signal output by the output device of the receiver with an output probe;
- and
- examining the representation of the signal output by the output device of the receiver to determine if the recognition signal is present in the signal.
An apparatus for determining if a signal output by a receiver having a plurality of local inputs was tuned by a tuner of the receiver, the apparatus comprising:
- an intermediate frequency probe disposed in proximity to the tuner of the receiver to receive an intermediate frequency signal radiated by the tuner;
- a demodulator in communication with the intermediate frequency probe to demodulate the intermediate frequency signal received from the intermediate frequency probe to develop a first test signal;
- an output probe located to develop a second test signal representative of the signal output by the receiver;
- and
- a comparison circuit for comparing the first and second test signals to determine if the signal output by the receiver was tuned by the tuner.
In combination,
- a broadcast audience measurement circuit for monitoring programs output by a receiver;
- and
- an intermediate frequency probe for acquiring a replica of a signal tuned by a tuner of the monitored receiver, the intermediate frequency probe comprising:
- a wire loop;
- a capacitor attached across the wire-loop so as to. form a circuit element tuned to the intermediate frequency of a monitored receiver;
- a shielded coaxial cable having a first end coupled to the wire loop and a second end which is adapted to connect to an intermediate frequency signal processing circuit;
- and
- means for attaching the probe to an external surface of the monitored receiver in proximity to the tuner.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.