Universal broadcast code and multi-level encoded signal monitoring system

• US 5,526,427 A
• Filed: 12/08/1994
• Issued: 06/11/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 07/22/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Nielsen Company (US), LLC
• Original Assignee: ACNielsen Corporation (MOOD Media Corporation)
• Inventors: Kempter, Paul C., Thomas, William L., Harkness, David H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Barron, Jr., Gilberto
• Application Number:
  US08/351,760
• Time in Patent Office: 551 Days
• Field of Search: 348/1, 348/461, 348/467, 455/2, 380/20
• US Class Current: 725/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/14 for monitoring programmes
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/31 using in-band signals, e.g. subsonic or cue signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/372 Programme
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/375 Commercial
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/40 for identifying broadcast time
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/43 for identifying broadcast channels
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/44 for identifying broadcast stations
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/45 for identifying users
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/50 of broadcast or relay stations
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/54 where broadcast information is generated
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/08 Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band , e.g. by time division H04N7/007 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/10 Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable H04N7/12 takes precedence

Abstract

A multi-level encoded signal monitoring system and a universal broadcast code are provided. A plurality of encoders are provided for encoding a predetermined program source signal. The program source signal has a plurality of sequential segments. Each encoder is arranged for selectively encoding information on uniquely specified segments. A plurality of unique source information message data are selectively encoded on the uniquely specified segments to define the universal broadcast code with each unique encoded source information message data being representative of a level of distribution of the program signal. The predetermined program source signal is received and the encoded information on selected specified segments is decoded.

Claims

1. Apparatus for monitoring an universal broadcast code (UBC) which has been encoded on a program signal comprising:

means for receiving said universal broadcast code; and

,

decoding means responsive to said receiving means for decoding at least first and second distribution level identification data, wherein the first distribution level identification data is selectively encoded on a first segment of said universal broadcast code, wherein the second distribution level identification data is selectively encoded on a second segment of said universal broadcast code, wherein said first segment extends over at least a first frame of a broadcast signal, wherein the second segment extends over a second frame of the broadcast signal, wherein the first and second frames are different frames, wherein said first and second distribution level identification data uniquely identify corresponding levels of distribution of said program signal, and wherein at least two of said levels of distribution are located remotely from one another.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means coupled to said decoding means for storing decoded distribution level identification data.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising means for storing a current time reference with said decoded distribution level identification data.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising means coupled to said decoding means for communicating with a central computer to transfer said stored distribution level identification data to said central computer.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said program signal is a television program signal, wherein said receiving means comprises synchronizing means for synchronizing to said television program signal, and wherein said synchronizing means is coupled to a television receiver.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising means coupled to said decoding means for storing decoded distribution level identification data and means coupled to said storing means for communicating with a central computer to transfer said stored distribution level identification data to said central computer.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said program signal is a television program signal, wherein said receiving means comprises synchronizing means for synchronizing to said television program signal, and wherein said synchronizing means is coupled to a television network distribution point of a television network.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said program signal is a television program signal, wherein said receiving means comprises synchronizing means for synchronizing to said television program signal, and wherein said synchronizing means is coupled to an output of a local television station.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said program signal is a television program signal, wherein said receiving means comprises synchronizing means for synchronizing to said television program signal, and wherein said synchronizing means is coupled to an output of a cable system.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said program signal is a television program signal, wherein said receiving means comprises synchronizing means for synchronizing to said television program signal, and wherein said synchronizing means is coupled to an output of a satellite system.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said program signal is a television program signal, and wherein said receiving means comprises coupling means for coupling said decoding means to said television program signal.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said coupling means comprises a photo sensor.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said coupling means comprises a microphone.

14. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said coupling means comprises an intermediate frequency probe.

15. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said coupling means comprises a direct connection.

16. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said receiving means comprises synchronizing means for synchronizing to said program signal.

17. An apparatus for monitoring an universal broadcast code which is encoded on a television and/or radio signal comprising:

means for receiving said universal broadcast code; and

,

decoding means responsive to said receiving means for decoding at least first and second distributor identifiers, wherein the first distributor identifier is selectively encoded within a first segment of said universal broadcast code which is encoded on said television and/or radio signal, wherein the second distributor identifier is selectively encoded within a second segment of said universal broadcast code which is encoded on said television and/or radio signal, wherein said first and second segments are separated in time so that the first and second distributor identifiers do not reside in a common frame of a television portion of said television and/or radio signal, and wherein said first and second distributor identifiers uniquely identify corresponding distributors of said television and/or radio signal.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising means coupled to said decoding means for storing decoded distributor identifiers.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising means coupled to said decoding means for communicating with a central computer to transfer said stored distributor identifiers to said central computer.

20. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising means for storing a current time reference with said decoded distributor identifiers.

21. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said universal broadcast code which is encoded on said television and/or radio program signal is an universal broadcast code which is encoded on a television signal, wherein said receiving means comprises synchronizing means for synchronizing to said encoded television signal, and wherein said synchronizing means is coupled to a television receiver in order to synchronize to said encoded television signal.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 further comprising means coupled to said decoding means for storing decoded distributor identifiers and means coupled to said storing means for communicating with a central computer to transfer said stored distributor identifiers to said central computer.

23. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said universal broadcast code which is encoded on said television and/or radio signal is an universal broadcast code which is encoded on a television signal, wherein said receiving means comprises synchronizing means for synchronizing to said encoded television signal, and wherein said synchronizing means is coupled to a television network distribution point of a network distributor.

24. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said universal broadcast code which is encoded on said television and/or radio signal is an universal broadcast code which is encoded on a television signal, wherein said receiving means comprises synchronizing means for synchronizing to said encoded television signal, and wherein said synchronizing means is coupled to an output means of a local television station.

25. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said universal broadcast code which is encoded on said television and/or radio signal is an universal broadcast code which is encoded on a television signal, wherein said receiving means comprises synchronizing means for synchronizing to said encoded television signal, and wherein said synchronizing means is coupled to an output of a cable system.

26. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said universal broadcast code which is encoded on said television and/or radio signal is an universal broadcast code which is encoded on a television signal, wherein said receiving means comprises synchronizing means for synchronizing to said encoded television signal, and wherein said synchronizing means is coupled to an output of a satellite system.

27. A universal broadcast code (UBC) encoded program signal comprising:

at least first and second segments of said program signal, wherein said first segment occurs within at least a first time period of the program signal, wherein the second segment occurs within at least a second time period of the program signal, wherein the first and second time periods are equivalent in time to a frame of a video signal, and wherein the first and second time periods are different time periods; and

,

at least first and second distribution level identification data, wherein the first distribution level identification data is encoded within the first segment of said program signal, wherein the second distribution level identification data is encoded within the second segment of said program signal, wherein said first and second distribution level identification data uniquely identify corresponding first and second levels of distribution of said program signal, and wherein said first and second levels of distribution are located remotely from one another.

28. The universal broadcast code encoded program signal of claim 27 wherein one of said levels of distribution of said program signal includes a program originator, and wherein a corresponding distribution level identification data includes the identity of said program originator.

29. The universal broadcast code encoded program signal of claim 27 further comprising at least three segments of said program signal and at least three distribution level identification data encoded within said at least three segments of said program signal, wherein one of said distribution level identification data includes the identity of a network, wherein another of said distribution level identification data includes the identity of a local television or radio station, and wherein still another of said distribution level identification data includes the identity of a television or radio cable system.

30. The universal broadcast code encoded program signal of claim 27 further comprising at least three segments of said program signal and at least three distribution level identification data encoded within said at least three segments of said program signal, wherein one of said distribution level identification data includes the identity of a network, wherein another of said distribution level identification data includes the identity of a local television or radio station, and wherein still another of said distribution level identification data includes the identity of a television or radio satellite system.

31. The universal broadcast code encoded program signal of claim 27 wherein one of said levels of distribution includes a programming source for commercials, promotions, public service announcements, or other media event.

32. The universal broadcast code encoded program signal of claim 27 wherein said distribution level identification data include date and time data.

33. The universal broadcast code encoded program signal of claim 27 wherein said distribution level identification data identifies one of multiple network sources, one of multiple local TV stations, and a satellite or cable system.

34. The universal broadcast code encoded program signal of claim 27 wherein one of said levels of distribution of said program signal includes a television or radio network, and wherein a corresponding one of said distribution level identification data uniquely identifies said television or radio network.

35. The universal broadcast code encoded program signal of claim 27 wherein one of said levels of distribution of said program signal includes a program originator, wherein another of said levels of distribution of said program signal includes a television or radio network, wherein one of said distribution level identification data uniquely identifies said program originator, and wherein another of said distribution level identification data uniquely identifies said television or radio network.

36. The universal broadcast code encoded program signal of claim 27 wherein one of said levels of distribution of said program signal includes a television or radio network, wherein another of said levels of distribution of said program signal includes a local television or radio station, wherein one of said distribution level identification data uniquely identifies said television or radio network, and wherein another of said distribution level identification data uniquely identifies said local television or radio station.

37. The universal broadcast code encoded program signal of claim 27 wherein one of said levels of distribution of said program signal includes a television or radio network or a cable network, wherein another of said levels of distribution of said program signal includes a local television or radio station or a cable system, wherein one of said distribution level identification data uniquely identifies said television or radio network or said cable network, and wherein another of said distribution level identification data uniquely identifies said local television or radio station or said cable system.

38. An universal broadcast code (UBC) encoded television program signal comprising:

at least first and second frames of said television program signal, wherein said first and second frames are different frames of said television program signal; and

,

at least first and second distributor identification codes, wherein said first distributor identification code is encoded within the first frame of said television program signal exclusive of the second distributor identification code, wherein said second distributor identification code is encoded within the second frame of said television program signal exclusive of the first distributor identification code, and wherein said first and second distributor identification codes uniquely identify corresponding distributors of said television program signal.

39. The universal broadcast code encoded television program signal of claim 38 wherein one of said distributors of said television program signal includes a television program originator, and wherein a corresponding one of said distributor identification codes includes the identity of said television program originator.

40. The universal broadcast code encoded television program signal of claim 38 further comprising at least three frames of said television program signal and at least three distributor identification codes encoded within said at least three frames of said television program signal, wherein one of said distributor identification codes includes the identity of a television network, wherein another of said distributor identification codes includes the identity of a local television station, and wherein still another of said distributor identification codes includes the identity of a television cable system.

41. The universal broadcast code encoded television program signal of claim 38 further comprising at least three frames of said television program signal and at least three distributor identification codes encoded within said at least three frames of said television program signal, wherein one of said distributor identification codes includes the identity of a television network, wherein another of said distributor identification codes includes the identity of a local television station, and wherein still another of said distributor identification codes includes the identity of a television satellite system.

42. The universal broadcast code encoded television program signal of claim 38 wherein one of said distributors includes a programming source for commercials, promotions, public service announcements, or other media event.

43. The universal broadcast code encoded television program signal of claim 38 wherein said distributor identification codes include date and time data.

44. The universal broadcast code encoded television program signal of claim 38 further comprising at least three frames of said television program signal and at least three distributor identification codes encoded within said at least three frames of said television program signal, wherein one of said distributor identification codes includes the identity of one of multiple television networks, wherein another of said distributor identification codes includes the identity of one of multiple local television stations, and wherein still another of said distributor identification codes includes the identity of a television satellite system.

45. The universal broadcast code encoded television program signal of claim 38 wherein one of said distributors of said television program signal includes a television network, and wherein one of said distributor identification codes uniquely identifies said television network.

46. The universal broadcast code encoded television program signal of claim 38 wherein one of said distributors of said television program signal includes a program originator, wherein another of said distributors of said television program signal includes a television network, wherein one of said distributor identification codes uniquely identifies said program originator, and wherein another of said distributor identification codes uniquely identifies said television network.

47. The universal broadcast code encoded television program signal of claim 38 wherein one of said distributors of said television program signal includes a television network, wherein another of said distributors of said television program signal includes a local television station, wherein one of said distributor identification codes uniquely identifies said television network, and wherein another of said distributor identification codes uniquely identifies said local television station.

48. The universal broadcast code encoded television program signal of claim 38 wherein one of said distributors of said television program signal includes a television network or a cable network, wherein another of said distributors of said television program signal includes a local television station or a cable system, wherein one of said distributor identification codes uniquely identifies said television network or said cable network, and wherein another of said distributor identification codes uniquely identifies said local television station or said cable system.

49. The universal broadcast code encoded television program signal of claim 38 wherein one of said distributor identification codes includes the identity of one of multiple television networks, and wherein another of said distributor identification codes includes the identity of one of multiple local television stations.

50. The universal broadcast code encoded television program signal of claim 38 wherein one of said distributor identification codes includes the identity of one of multiple local television stations, and wherein another of said distributor identification codes includes the identity of a satellite or cable system.

51. The universal broadcast code encoded television program signal of claim 38 wherein one of said distributor identification codes includes the identity of one of multiple television networks, and wherein another of said distributor identification codes includes the identity of a satellite or cable system.

52. A distributor identification code for use in a multi-segment television or radio signal comprising:

first distributor identification data, wherein said first distributor identification data is encoded within a first segment of said multi-segment television or radio signal, wherein said first segment covers a first time period which is equivalent to at least a frame of a television signal, and wherein said first distributor identification data uniquely identifies a corresponding first distributor of said multi-segment television or radio signal; and

,

second distributor identification data, wherein said second distributor identification data is encoded within a second segment of said multi-segment television or radio signal, wherein said second segment covers a second time period which is equivalent to at least a frame of a television signal, wherein said first and second time periods are different time periods of said multi-segment television or radio signal, and wherein said second distributor identification data uniquely identifies a corresponding second distributor of said multi-segment television or radio signal.

53. The distributor identification code of claim 52 wherein one of said first and second distributors of said multi-segment television or radio signal is a program originator, and wherein a corresponding one of said first and second distributor identification data includes the identity of said program originator.

54. The distributor identification code of claim 52 further comprising third distributor identification data, wherein said third distributor identification data is encoded within a corresponding third segment of said multi-segment television or radio signal, wherein said third distributor identification data uniquely identifies a corresponding third distributor of said multi-segment television or radio signal, wherein one of said first, second, and third distributor identification data includes the identity of a network, wherein another of said first, second, and third distributor identification data includes the identity of a local television or radio station, and wherein still another of said first, second, and third distributor identification data includes the identity of a television or radio cable system.

55. The distributor identification code of claim 52 further comprising third distributor identification data, wherein said third distributor identification data is encoded within a corresponding third segment of said multi-segment television or radio signal, wherein said third distributor identification data uniquely identifies a corresponding third level of distribution of said multi-segment television or radio signal, wherein one of said first, second, and third distributor identification data includes the identity of a network, wherein another of said first, second, and third distributor identification data includes the identity of a local television or radio station, and wherein still another of said first, second, and third distributor identification data includes the identity of a television or radio satellite system.

56. The distributor identification code of claim 52 wherein one of said distributors includes a programming source for commercials, promotions, public service announcements, or other media event.

57. The distributor identification code of claim 52 wherein said distributor identification data include date and time data.

58. The distributor identification code of claim 52 further comprising third distributor identification data, wherein said third distributor identification data is encoded within a corresponding third segment of said multi-segment television or radio signal, wherein said third distributor identification data uniquely identifies a corresponding third level of distribution of said multi-segment television or radio signal, wherein one of said first, second, and third distributor identification data includes the identity of one of multiple network sources, wherein another of said first, second, and third distributor identification data includes the identity of one of multiple local television stations, and wherein still another of said first, second, and third distributor identification data includes the identity of a satellite or cable system.

59. The distributor identification code of claim 52 wherein one of said distributors of said multi-segment television or radio signal includes a television or radio network, and wherein a corresponding one of said first and second distributor identification data uniquely identifies said television or radio network.

60. The distributor identification code of claim 52 wherein one of said distributors of said multi-segment television or radio signal includes a program originator, wherein another of said distributors of said multi-segment television or radio signal includes a television or radio network, wherein one of said first and second distributor identification data uniquely identifies said program originator, and wherein another of said first and second distributor identification data uniquely identifies said television or radio network.

61. The distributor identification code of claim 52 wherein one of said distributors of said multi-segment television or radio signal includes a television or radio network, wherein another of said distributors of said multi-segment television or radio signal includes a local television or radio station, wherein one of said first and second distributor identification data uniquely identifies said television or radio network, and wherein another of said first and second distributor identification data uniquely identifies said local television or radio station.

62. The distributor identification code of claim 52 wherein one of said distributors of said multi-segment television or radio signal includes a television or radio network or a cable network, wherein another of said distributors of said multi-segment television or radio signal includes a local television or radio station or a cable system, wherein one of said first and second distributor identification data uniquely identifies said television or radio network or said cable network, and wherein another of said first and second distributor identification data uniquely identifies said local television or radio station or said cable system.

63. A method of determining distributors of a multi-segment video or audio signal comprising the steps of:

detecting first distributor identification data encoded in a first segment of said multi-segment video or audio signal so as to uniquely identify a corresponding first distributor of said multi-segment video or audio signal, wherein said first segment is at least 1/30^th second in length; and

,

detecting second distributor identification data encoded in a second segment of said multi-segment video or audio signal to uniquely identify a corresponding second distributor of said multi-segment video or audio signal;

wherein said second segment is at least 1/30^th second in length, and wherein the first and second segments are different segments.

64. The method of claim 63 wherein said step of detecting first distributor identification data includes the step of detecting date and time data encoded in said first segment of said multi-segment video or audio signal.

65. The method of claim 63 wherein said step of detecting second distributor identification data includes the step of detecting date and time data encoded in said second segment of said multi-segment video or audio signal.

66. A distributor identification code for use in a broadcast media signal comprising:

first distributor identification data, said first distributor identification data being encoded in said broadcast media signal and uniquely identifying a corresponding first distributor of said broadcast media signal; and

,

second distributor identification data, said second distributor identification data being encoded in said broadcast media signal and uniquely identifying a corresponding second distributor of said broadcast media signal, said first and second identification data being serially encoded in said broadcast media signal.

67. The distributor identification code of claim 66 wherein one of said first and second distributors of said broadcast media signal is a program originator, and wherein a corresponding one of said first and second distributor identification data includes the identity of said program originator.

68. The distributor identification code of claim 66 further comprising third distributor identification data, wherein said third distributor identification data is encoded in said broadcast media signal and uniquely identifies a corresponding third distributor of said broadcast media signal, wherein one of said first, second and third distributor identification data includes the identity of a network, wherein another of said first, second and third distributor identification data includes the identity of a local television or radio station, and wherein another of said first, second and third distributor identification data includes the identity of a cable system.

69. The distributor identification code of claim 66 further comprising third distributor identification data, wherein said third distributor identification data is encoded in said broadcast media signal and uniquely identifies a corresponding third distributor of said broadcast media signal, wherein one of said first, second and third distributor identification data includes the identity of a network, wherein another of said first, second and third distributor identification data includes the identity of a local television or radio station, and wherein another of said first, second and third distributor identification data includes the identity of a satellite system.

70. The distributor identification code of claim 66 wherein one of said distributors is a programming source for commercials, promotions, public service announcements, or other media event.

71. The distributor identification code of claim 66 wherein said distributor identification data include date and time data.

72. The distributor identification code of claim 66 further comprising third distributor identification data, wherein said third distributor identification data is encoded in said broadcast media signal and uniquely identifies a corresponding third distributor of said broadcast media signal, wherein one of said first, second and third distributor identification data includes the identity of one of multiple network sources, wherein another of said first, second and third distributor identification data includes the identity of one of multiple local television stations, and wherein another of said first, second and third distributor identification data includes the identity of a satellite or cable system.

73. The distributor identification code of claim 66 wherein one of said distributors of said broadcast media signal is a television or radio network and wherein a corresponding one of said first and second distributor identification data uniquely identifies said television or radio network.

74. The distributor identification code of claim 66 wherein one of said distributors of said broadcast media signal is a program originator and another of said distributors of said broadcast media signal is a television or radio network, wherein one of said first and second distributor identification data uniquely identifies said program originator and another of said first and second distributor level identification data uniquely identifies said television or radio network.

75. The distributor identification code of claim 66 wherein one of said distributors of said broadcast media signal is a television or radio network and another of said distributors of said broadcast media signal is a local television or radio station, wherein one of said first and second distributor identification data uniquely identifies said television or radio network and another of said first and second distributor identification data uniquely identifies said television or radio station.

76. The distributor identification code of claim 66 wherein one of said distributors of said broadcast media signal is a television or radio network or a cable network and another of said distributors of said broadcast media signal is a local television or radio station or a cable system, wherein one of said first and second distributor identification data uniquely identifies said television or radio network or said cable network and another of said first and second distributor identification data uniquely identifies said television or radio station or said cable system.

77. A method of determining distributors of a broadcast media signal comprising the steps of:

detecting first distributor identification data encoded in said broadcast media signal to uniquely identify a corresponding first distributor of said broadcast media signal; and

,

detecting second distributor identification data encoded in said broadcast media signal to uniquely identify a corresponding second distributor of said broadcast media data, wherein said first and second distributor identification data are serially encoded in said broadcast media signal.

78. The method of claim 77 wherein said step of detecting first distributor identification data includes the step of detecting date and time data encoded in said broadcast media signal.

79. The method of claim 77 wherein said step of detecting second distributor identification data includes the step of detecting date and time data encoded in said broadcast media signal.