US 7,013,242 B1Granted

Process and device for representative sampling

AssigneeHandrake Development LLC

InventorsStephen P. Gilmartin, Marco Fedeli

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Abstract

A method of conducting representative sampling is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes scheduling a plurality of observation prompts at bias-controlled times, in which the user is presented a series of items, called a tick list, for selection by the user; executing the scheduled observation prompts; accepting the user's selection(s) of items upon the observation prompts; counting the number of occasions on which each item is selected; and using the tick counts for representative sampling purposes. Additional features can render the method even more powerful and adaptable to diverse fields, and the method can be advantageously embodied in a computer based means. A user can thereby easily and inexpensively conduct representative sampling of nearly anything for which the user can develop a meaningful tick list.

Claims10

Dependent claims

A method of conducting representative sampling, the method comprising:

scheduling a plurality of human observation prompts at bias-controlled times;
executing the scheduled observation prompts;
accepting a selection of at least one input item, from a human user, based upon the observation prompts;
maintaining tick counts for the selected items;
using the tick counts for representative sampling purposes;
and
further including at least one additional step selected from the group consisting of:
a. allowing users to control the items presented for selection at the observation prompts,
b. attracting attention for the observation prompts with an attention-getting device,
c. determining the bias-controlled times according to least one observation parameter such that the observation prompts will only be scheduled at the bias-controlled times that meet at least one of the observation parameters,
d. counting the number of observation prompts upon which none of the items is selected,
e. contemporaneously executing the observation prompts for more than one batch of items,
f. storing circumstantial data regarding at least some of the observation prompts,
g. presenting analysis of the counts after a plurality of observation prompts has been executed, and
h. combinations thereof.

12 more elements

A machine for conducting representative sampling and having computer-read able code arranged therein, the machine comprising:

a central processor associated with the machine and adapted to schedule observation prompts and to cumulate a plurality of counts;
a memory device associated with the central processor adapted to store batches of items and the counts;
the memory also being adapted to store the times of the scheduled observation prompts at least until the times arrive;
an output device associated with the machine and adapted to present the batches of items to a user at the scheduled times;
and
an input device associated with the machine and adapted to receive selections of the items;
whereby the machine executes the scheduled observation prompts and users can select items thereupon,
whereby the central processor cumulates counts associated with the items for representative sampling purposes;
and
further including at least one additional feature selected from the group consisting of:
a. an adaptation of the computer-readable code such that the items to be presented in the observation prompts are subject to control by at least one user;
b. an attention-getting device for attracting attention for observation prompts,
c. an adaptation of the computer-readable code such that the central processor only schedules observation prompts at times that meet at least one of a plurality of parameters,
d. a distinct counter cumulated by the central processor in the event none of the items is selected upon an observation prompt,
e. an arrangement of the items in batches, such that observation prompts for different batches can be executed separately,
f. at least one additional device associated with the machine for obtaining circumstantial data regarding observation prompts,
g. an adaptation of the computer-readable code to analyze the counts and present the results after a plurality of observation prompts have been executed, and
h. combinations thereof.

15 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.