Patent ID: 7486925
Filing Date: 2009-02-03
Classification: H04H

Abstract:
1. A method for receiving, detecting, collecting and analyzing program material-identifying (“PMI”) information contained in a plurality of broadcast or recorded electronic audio signals, each audio signal representing sounds in a plurality of sequential program segments, each item of PMI information corresponding to a particular program segment, said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving a selected one of said audio signals at each of a plurality of remote locations; (b) reproducing the sounds represented by said selected audio signal at each remote location; (c) converting the sounds into a second electronic signal at each remote location; (d) detecting the PMI information from the second signal at each remote location; (e) storing the detected PMI information at each remote location; (f) storing the date and time of receipt of said selected audio signal in association with said PMI information; (g) establishing a wireless communication link between each remote location and a central computer at another location and transmitting the PMI information and its associated date and time to said central computer; (h) storing the PMI information and its associated date and time received from said plurality of remote locations at said central computer; and (i) analyzing the stored PMI information and its associated date and time; wherein said PMI information comprises inaudible information embedded in said audio signals.