Methods and apparatus to export tuning data collected in a receiving device
View Patent ↗Methods and apparatus to export tuning data collected in a receiving device are disclosed. An example method of collecting audience measurement data comprises collecting tuning data within a receiving device, and modulating an LED associated with the receiving device to export the collected tuning data from the receiving device.
1. An audience measurement system comprising:
a receiving device having a visible indicator, the receiving device to collect tuning data and to modulate the visible indicator between an on-state and an off-state at a rate above the sensitivity of the human eye to export the collected tuning data; and
a sensor to receive the tuning data exported from the receiving device;
wherein the sensor includes:
a photosensor to monitor the visible indicator; and
a second visible indicator to display at least a low frequency component of a signal output by the visible indicator.
2. The audience measurement system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the tuning data further includes at least one of a channel identifier, status data associated with the receiving device, a local source identifier, a menu indicator, a program guide indicator, a power status, an input signal condition indicator, a program identification code, a station identification code, a watermark, a program signature, video-on-demand information, a DVR state identifier, a playback time, a broadcast time, a playback mode, a source channel identifier, and a program name.
3. The audience measurement system as defined in claim 1 , further including a software meter.
4. The audience measurement system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the visible indicator is provided in the receiving device for a purpose other than data transmission.
5. The audience measurement system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the visible indicator is a power indicator.
6. The audience measurement system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the visible indicator is a light emitting diode.
7. For use with a receiving device having a visible indicator, an apparatus comprising:
a data collector to collect tuning data representing tuning to first and second channels; and
a visible indicator modulator to modulate the visible indicator of the receiving device between an on-state and an off-state at a rate above the sensitivity of the human eye to export the tuning data, the tuning data being exported while the receiving device is tuned to a third channel and while a channel number of the third channel is displayed by the visible indicator.
8. The apparatus as defined in claim 7 , further including a software meter.
9. The apparatus as defined in claim 7 , wherein the visible indicator is provided in the receiving device for a purpose other than data transmission.
10. The apparatus as defined in claim 7 , wherein the visible indicator is a power indicator.
11. The apparatus as defined in claim 7 , wherein the tuning data further includes at least one of a channel identifier, status data associated with the receiving device, a local source identifier, a menu indicator, a program guide indicator, a power status, an input signal condition indicator, a program identification code, a station identification code, a watermark, a program signature, video-on-demand information, a DVR state identifier, a playback time, a broadcast time, a playback mode, a source channel identifier, and a program name.
12. The audience measurement system as defined in claim 7 , wherein the visible indicator is a light emitting diode.
13. A method of retrofitting a receiving device to collect and export tuning data, comprising:
loading a software meter into the receiving device; and
executing the software meter within the receiving device to collect tuning data representing tuning to at least two different channels or at least two different local sources, and to modulate a light emitting diode (LED) associated with the receiving device between an on-state and an off-state at a rate above the sensitivity of the human eye to export the collected tuning data, wherein the at least two different channels include first and second channels and wherein the tuning data is to be stored for a time period and exported while the receiving device is tuned to a third channel and while the channel number of the third channel is displayed by the visible indicator.
14. The method as defined in claim 13 , wherein the LED is provided for a purpose other than data transmission.
15. The method as defined in claim 13 , wherein the LED is a power indicator.
16. The method as defined in claim 13 , wherein the tuning data further includes at least one of a channel identifier, status data associated with the receiving device, a local source identifier, a menu indicator, a program guide indicator, a power status, an input signal condition indicator, a program identification code, a station identification code, a watermark, a program signature, video-on-demand information, a DVR state identifier, a playback time, a broadcast time, a playback mode, a source channel identifier, and a program name.