Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100268540 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UTILIZING AUDIO BEACONING IN AUDIENCE MEASUREMENT - An audio beacon system, apparatus and method for collecting information on a panelist's exposure to media. An audio beacon is configured as on-device encoding technology that is operative in a panelist's processing device (e.g., cell phone, PDA, PC) to enable the device to encode and/or process media data and acoustically transmit it for a predetermined period of time. The acoustically transmitted data is received and processed by a portable audience measurement device, such as Arbitron's Personal People Meter™ (“PPM”), or other specially equipped portable device to enable audience measurement systems to achieve higher levels of detail on panel member activity and greater association of measurement devices to their respective panelists. | 10-21-2010 |
20100268573 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UTILIZING SUPPLEMENTAL AUDIO BEACONING IN AUDIENCE MEASUREMENT - An audio beacon system, apparatus and method for collecting information on a panelist's exposure to media. An audio beacon is configured as on-device encoding technology that is operative in a panelist's processing device (e.g., cell phone, PDA, PC) to enable the device to encode an acoustic tone and transmit it for a predetermined period of time. The acoustically transmitted data is received and processed by a portable audience measurement device, such as Arbitron's Personal People Meter™ (“PPM”), or other specially equipped portable device to enable audience measurement systems to achieve higher levels of detail on panel member activity and greater association of measurement devices to their respective panelists. | 10-21-2010 |
20110106587 | DISTRIBUTED AUDIENCE MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods are disclosed for customizing, distributing and processing audio fingerprint data. One or more items of audio content are processed to generate pre-recorded audio fingerprints After identifying one or more specific devices in accordance to panelist and/or household data from a central site, an activation message is communicated to the identified devices, together with the pre-recorded audio fingerprint in accordance with a predetermined schedule. After receiving the activation message, the portable device records the audio content, forms an audio fingerprint, and performs local matching to determine if a match exists. The matching result is then communicated back to the central site for further processing and analysis. | 05-05-2011 |
20120239407 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UTILIZING AUDIO ENCODING FOR MEASURING MEDIA EXPOSURE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL MASKING - An audio beacon system, apparatus and method for collecting information on a panelist's exposure to media. An audio beacon is configured as on-device encoding technology that is operative in a processing device (e.g., cell phone, PDA, PC) to enable the device to encode an environmental sound and transmit it for a predetermined period of time. The acoustically transmitted data is received and processed by a portable audience measurement device, such as Arbitron's Personal People Meter™ (“PPM”), or other specially equipped portable device to enable audience measurement systems to achieve higher levels of detail on panel member activity and greater association of measurement devices to their respective users. | 09-20-2012 |
20120245978 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINIMG CONTEXTUAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MEDIA EXPOSURE DATA - Systems and methods are disclosed for providing contextual information to research data relating to media exposure. Ambient fingerprints are formed on a device, where the fingerprints are used to establish a logical location where media exposure took place. The ambient signatures are alternately combined with monitored data to provide more robust data sets for contextual processing. | 09-27-2012 |
20130135218 | TACTILE AND GESTATIONAL IDENTIFICATION AND LINKING TO MEDIA CONSUMPTION - Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying users of touch screens according to a touch/gesture profile. The profile includes stored electrical characteristics of contact with the touch screen. The profile is correlated with applications opened and/or accessed, along with any associated metadata, as well as media exposure data derived from audio received at the device. The correlated information may be used to confirm identification of one or more individuals using a device for audience measurement purposes. | 05-30-2013 |
20130138386 | MOVEMENT/POSITION MONITORING AND LINKING TO MEDIA CONSUMPTION - Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying users of portable user devices according to one or more accelerometer profiles created for a respective user. During a media session, the portable computing device collects media exposure data, while at the same time, collects data from the accelerometer and compares it to the user profile. The comparison authenticates the user and determines the physical activity the user is engaged in. Additional data may be collected from the portable computing device to determine one or more operational conditions of the device itself. Accelerometer data may also be used to determine probabilities that one or more users were actually exposed to a media event. | 05-30-2013 |
20130138388 | MULTIPLE METER DETECTION AND PROCESSING USING MOTION DATA - Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying users of portable user devices according to one or more accelerometer profiles created for a respective user. During a media session, the portable computing device collects media exposure data, while at the same time, collects data from the accelerometer and compares it to the user profile. The comparison authenticates the user and determines the physical activity the user is engaged in. Additional data may be collected from the portable computing device to determine one or more operational conditions of the device itself, including the detection of multiple devices being physically carried by one user. Gross motion strings may also be generated by devices and compared to see if strings match, thus suggesting multiple devices are being carried by one user. | 05-30-2013 |
20130157563 | MEDIA EXPOSURE AND VERIFICATION UTILIZING INDUCTIVE COUPLING - A computer-implemented system and method for establishing media data exposure, where a media device, such as a computer, radio, television and the like, receive media data and produces research data from it. The research data may be based on computer-based or computer network-based characteristics, ancillary codes or audio signatures. As the research data is being produced, an inductive coupling is sought for nearby portable computer devices. Once a portable computing device inductively couples to the media device, information is transferred, allowing a system to determine and/or verify that specific users were exposed to particular media data. | 06-20-2013 |
20130157568 | MEDIA EXPOSURE LINKING UTILIZING BLUETOOTH SIGNAL CHARACTERISTICS - A computer-implemented method for establishing media data exposure for a computer processing device, where media data received in the computer processing device. The computer processing device pairs itself with a plurality of portable computing devices using a Bluetooth connection when media data is received. A signal strength characteristic of the Bluetooth connection is established in the computer processing device for each of the paired plurality of portable computing devices. Each signal strength characteristic with the received media data is then established to determine which signal strength characteristic is the strongest when the media data was received in the computer processing device. | 06-20-2013 |
20130174231 | MEDIA EXPOSURE DATA COLLECTION AND SECURITY - Systems and methods are disclosed for securely transferring research data relating to media exposure data, such as radio, television, streaming media and the Internet. A plurality of portable computing devices seek and bond to a collector via Bluetooth in a specific area, such as a household. The collector authenticates itself with each of the portable computing devices and vice versa where the collector arranges a secure research data transfer session with each respective device using exchanged authentication files. As each secure session is made, each portable computing device transmits stored research data during the session. | 07-04-2013 |
20130202128 | System and Method for Determining Meter Presence Utilizing Ambient Fingerprints - Systems and methods are disclosed for providing portable device presence utilizing environmental ambient audio fingerprints. Portable devices provide media exposure data and environmental ambient fingerprints to a processing device, where the environmental ambient signatures provide at least one characteristic of the ambient audio surrounding each portable device. The environmental ambient signatures are then processed to determine if they match. Portable devices associated with matching signatures are identified. Ambient fingerprints may also be used to establish a logical location where media exposure took place. The ambient signatures are alternately combined with monitored data to provide more robust data sets for contextual processing. | 08-08-2013 |
20130262184 | Systems and Methods for Presence Detection and Linking to Media Exposure Data - A computer-implemented system, apparatus and method for monitoring media exposure data and correlating media exposure data to locations. Location data may be generated utilizing measurements of radio waves from WiFi and/or Bluetooth. Identification may also be transmitted when WiFi and/or Bluetooth transmission are received. As media is reproduced or received on/near a portable device, media exposure data is generated. Subsequent location data is monitored and processed to determine specific locations that may include commercial establishments. The locations are then correlated to the media exposure data to determine user actions related to media exposure. | 10-03-2013 |
20140111698 | Systems and Methods for Configuring Media Devices Utilizing Audio Codes or Signatures - A computer-implemented method for modifying operation of a media terminal device using characteristics of audio, wherein the characteristics may include ancillary code embedded in audio and/or audio signatures. When audio codes are read and/or signatures are extracted, they are processed to determine if they correspond to a predetermined characteristic that has a linked command. If correspondence is found, the command is executed to affect one or more operational layers of the media terminal device to modify at least one operational parameter. | 04-24-2014 |
20140113557 | Systems and Methods for Wirelessly Modifying Detection Characteristics of Portable Devices - A computer-implemented method for modifying operation of a portable processing device configured to scan for wireless signals under a first scan rate. As wireless signals are received in the portable processing device, characteristics of the wireless signals are analyzed, and if the characteristics match one or more characteristics, the operation of the portable processing device is modified. Under one exemplary embodiment, the first scan rate is modified to a second scan rate, where the second scan rate being different from the first. Under another exemplary embodiment, monitoring capabilities in the portable processing device are activated or modified to collect research data on media data. The characteristics may include identification information or messages/commands that are transmitted wirelessly. | 04-24-2014 |
20140114456 | Methods and Systems for Clock Correction and/or Synchronization for Audio Media Measurement Systems - Systems and methods are disclosed for synchronizing devices that produce identifiable characteristics from audio media. A device receives audio and produces initial time data. Subsequent time data is received at a coupling interface from a portable device that has access to accurate time sources. The subsequent time data is processed to determine if it is more accurate than the initial time data. If so, the clock of the device is updated to reflect the second time data. The device then processes the audio media to generate at least one identifiable characteristic relating to the audio, which may include ancillary codes and/or audio signatures. The identifiable characteristics are then transmitted together with the subsequent time data for detection. | 04-24-2014 |
20140187268 | Apparatus, System and Method for Location Detection and User Identification for Media Exposure Data - A computer-implemented system, apparatus and method for monitoring media exposure data and correlating media exposure data to locations. Location data may be generated utilizing measurements of radio waves from WiFi and/or Bluetooth. Identification may also be transmitted when WiFi and/or Bluetooth transmission are received. As media is reproduced or received on/near a portable device, media exposure data is generated. Subsequent location data is monitored and processed to determine specific locations that may include commercial establishments. The locations are then correlated to the media exposure data to determine user actions related to media exposure. | 07-03-2014 |
20140295764 | MEDIA EXPOSURE LINKING UTILIZING BLUETOOTH SIGNAL CHARACTERISTICS - A computer-implemented method for establishing media data exposure for a computer processing device, where media data received in the computer processing device. The computer processing device pairs itself with a plurality of portable computing devices using a Bluetooth connection when media data is received. A signal strength characteristic of the Bluetooth connection is established in the computer processing device for each of the paired plurality of portable computing devices. Each signal strength characteristic with the received media data is then established to determine which signal strength characteristic is the strongest when the media data was received in the computer processing device. | 10-02-2014 |
20140365689 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONFIGURING MEDIA DEVICES UTILIZING AUDIO CODES OR SIGNATURES - Example systems and methods for configuring media devices utilizing audio codes and/or signatures are disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein include, responsive to determining that an audio code is not present in audio data received by a device, generating a signature from the audio data. Such example methods also include determining whether the signature is associated with a first command to be executed by the device to modify operation of the device. Such example methods further include, when the signature is determined to be associated with the first command, executing the first command to modify the operation of the device. | 12-11-2014 |
20150100692 | MONITORING MEDIA EXPOSURE USING WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS - Disclosed examples involve collecting a cookie at a client device based on media accessed via a web page at the client device, and selecting a portable device identifier at the client device. The portable device identifier corresponds to a closest one of a plurality of portable devices in wireless communication with the client device. The portable device identifier is associated with a particular person. In response to instructions embedded in the media, a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) request is sent to a server. The HTTP request includes the cookie, the portable device identifier, and information identifying exposure to the media. | 04-09-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090204838 | BACKUP POWER SYSTEM AND METHOD - Various embodiments of a backup power system and method may include a transfer switch, connections to primary and secondary power sources, a stored energy component, and an interconnected controller with a processor and memory. The transfer switch may provide power to an external load from a selected one of the primary power source, the secondary power source, or the stored energy component. The controller may compare energy stored within the stored energy component against a first threshold relating to a maximum time necessary for the secondary power source to at least reach a predetermined minimum output level, and also to compare the stored energy level to a second threshold greater than the first threshold. The second threshold may be selected to reduce a number of on/off cycles of the secondary power source during periods of intermittent primary power fluctuation that are less severe than a prolonged loss of power. | 08-13-2009 |
20100235671 | BACKUP POWER SYSTEM AND METHOD - Various embodiments of a backup power system and method may include a transfer switch, connections to primary and secondary power sources, a stored energy component, and an interconnected controller with a processor and memory. The transfer switch may provide power to an external load from a selected one of the primary power source, the secondary power source, or the stored energy component. The controller may compare energy stored within the stored energy component against a first threshold relating to a maximum time necessary for the secondary power source to at least reach a predetermined minimum output level, and also to compare the stored energy level to a second threshold greater than the first threshold. The second threshold may be selected to reduce a number of on/off cycles of the secondary power source during periods of intermittent primary power fluctuation that are less severe than a prolonged loss of power. | 09-16-2010 |
20140054965 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EFFICIENT POWER DISTRIBUTION AND BACKUP - A system and method of power distribution and backup is provided. The power backup system includes a first uninterruptible power supply and a second uninterruptible power supply configured to drive a load in parallel. The first uninterruptible power supply and the second uninterruptible power supply are both connected through a direct connection to at least two power sources. | 02-27-2014 |
20140054966 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EFFICIENT POWER DISTRIBUTION AND BACKUP - A system and method of power distribution and backup is provided. The power backup system includes a first uninterruptible power supply and a second uninterruptible power supply configured to drive a load in parallel. The first uninterruptible power supply and the second uninterruptible power supply are both connected through a direct connection or through at least two switches to at least two power sources. | 02-27-2014 |
20140071613 | GEOTHERMAL COOLING FOR MODULAR DATA CENTERS - A cooling system for cooling a heat producing module includes a heat dissipation system and at least one cooling loop. The heat dissipation system is in thermal communication with the heat producing module and contains coolant flowing therethrough. The at least one cooling loop is disposed beneath the surface of the Earth and directly underneath a footprint of the heat producing module. The at least one cooling loop is coupled to the heat dissipation system to receive the coolant from the heat dissipation system and to dissipate the heat from the coolant to the Earth. The at least one cooling loop is completely contained within the footprint of the heat producing module in order to minimize the ecological impact. | 03-13-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100142888 | COMPACT FIBER DISTRIBUTION HUB - A device may provide a first opening via which a feeder optical fiber cable that carries an input signal enters the device. In addition, the device may include a slot configured to retain a splitter module. The splitter module may include a single-fiber input cable that receives and carries the input signal from the feeder optical fiber cable, an optical splitter that receives the input signal from the single-fiber input cable, splits the input signal into a plurality of output signals, and transmits each of the plurality of output signals, and a multi-fiber output cable that receives the plurality of output signals from the optical splitter and carries the plurality of output signals. The device may also provide a second opening via which a multi-fiber distribution cable that receives the plurality of output signals from the multi-fiber output cable exits the device. The multi-fiber distribution cable may carry the plurality of output signals. | 06-10-2010 |
20100142907 | COMPACT OPTICAL SPLITTER MODULE - A device may include an input cable for receiving optical signals from a feeder cable, output cables for transmitting optical signals to a distribution cable, and a housing. The housing may include an optical splitter for splitting an input beam into a plurality of output beams, an input fiber segment for conveying the input beam from the input cable to the optical splitter, the input fiber segment excluding fiber loop slack, and output fiber segments for conveying the output beams from the optical splitter to the output cables using MT-APC connectors. | 06-10-2010 |
20110158583 | OPTICAL SPLITTER ASSEMBLY - Optical splitter assemblies are provided. An assembly may include a housing, one or more fanout elements, an optical splitter element, an input fiber and a plurality of output fibers. The input fiber extends from an input opening of the housing to the optical splitter element. The input fiber carries an input signal to the optical splitter element and the optical splitter element splits the input signal into a plurality of output signals to be carried by the plurality of output fibers. Each of the output fibers extends from the optical splitter element to beyond a plurality of output openings of the housing. Each of the fanout elements defines one or more channels for supporting the input or output fibers. The assembly may further include tubular members for further support to the fibers. The fibers extend from the openings of the housing to the optical splitter element free of any loops. | 06-30-2011 |
20110235023 | RETURN LOSS MEASUREMENT SYSTEM - A method may include injecting a test signal having a first optical launch power into a device under test via an optical splitter. The optical splitter includes at least two upstream ports and a downstream port and the test signal is injected in a first upstream port of the optical splitter. The device under test is coupled to the downstream port. Return loss associated with the device under test is measured at a second upstream input of the optical splitter. The RL measurement in stored a database. The injecting, measuring, and storing are repeated for a number of different optical launch powers. | 09-29-2011 |
20110243513 | COMMUNICATION MEDIA CONNECTOR - A communication media having a first media portion defining a first end, a second media portion having first and second ends, the first end of the second communication media fused to the first end of the first media portion at a media joint, the second media portion configured to transmit data received from the first media portion; and a support sleeve disposed about the media joint. The support sleeve defines an end face, the second end of the second communication media terminating at an end surface parallel with the end face, the end face configured to be selectively connected to a media component. | 10-06-2011 |