Methods and apparatus to identify user presence to a meter

Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to identify user presence to a meter. An example apparatus includes a user input receiver to obtain presence information from a panelist via a prompt displayed by a user interface of the apparatus, the presence information indicating that the panelist is present at the meter separate from the apparatus, a configuration controller to package the presence information and insert an indication in the packaged presence information, the indication indicating the packaged information is to be sent to the meter via a remote server, and a wireless transceiver to transmit the packaged presence information to the remote server.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to audience measurement, and, more particularly, to methods and apparatus to identify a user presence to a meter.

BACKGROUND

Audience measurement entities desire knowledge on how users interact with media devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart televisions, etc. To facilitate such monitoring, audience measurement entities enlist panelists and install meter at a media presentation location of each of the panelists. The meter monitors media presentations and transmits media monitoring information to a central facility of the audience measurement entity. Such media monitoring information enables the audience measurement entity to, among other things, monitor exposure to advertisements, determine advertisement effectiveness, determine user behavior, identify purchasing behavior associated with various demographics, etc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In certain media monitoring applications, a remote control device is utilized to identify presence of a panelist (e.g., a household member) to an audience measurement meter whenever the panelist is an audience member associated with a particular monitored media device (e.g., a monitored television set at a household site). For example, panelists are instructed to press a button (e.g., a button assigned to that particular panelist) when they are in a viewing audience of a monitored media presentation. In such applications, the panelist may be unable to log their corresponding audience member status with the audience measurement meter (e.g., communicate login information to the meter that the panelist is present) in the event that the remote control device becomes broken, lost, and/or otherwise decommissioned for use. For example, the power supply (e.g., batteries) of the remote control device may become unavailable. Additionally or alternatively, the remote control device may become lost and/or otherwise unavailable for use. Moreover, while panelists are instructed to press the assigned button, some panelists might not comply with such instruction if, for example, the remote control device is not within immediate reach. Such non-compliance results in inaccurate media monitoring data.

Examples disclosed herein provide methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to enable a panelist (e.g., a household member, an audience member) to log their corresponding audience member status with the audience measurement meter (e.g., communicate login information to the audience measurement meter that the panelist is present) utilizing an application on a corresponding configuration device. In examples disclosed herein, the application is a downloadable application on a user device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, etc.) capable of communicating with a back-office server (e.g., of the audience measurement entity). In examples disclosed herein, a panelist communicates login information via the application to the back-office server. In such examples disclosed herein, the back-office server communicates such corresponding login information to the audience measurement meter.

In some examples disclosed herein, the audience measurement meter may communicate a time-out indication to the user device, via the back-office server, illustrating that the user (e.g., the audience member) is to relog into the audience measurement meter. In some examples disclosed herein, such a time-out indication may be referred to as a re-login prompt and/or a re-login indication. For example, an audience measurement meter may indicate after a threshold amount of time (e.g., forty-two minutes, sixty minutes, etc.) that a time-out has occurred and, as such, transmit a re-login prompt and/or a re-login indication to the user. In such examples disclosed herein, the audience membership meter may communicate to the user device, via the back-office server, an indication and/or prompt to re-login.

FIG. 1is block diagram of an example system100constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure for identifying user presence to a meter. In the illustrated example ofFIG. 1, an example media presentation environment102includes example panelists104,106, an example media presentation device110that receives media from an example media source112, an example meter114, and an example configuration device117. The meter114identifies the media presented by the media presentation device110and reports media monitoring information to an example central facility190of an example audience measurement entity via an example gateway140and an example network180. The configuration device117provides panelist information (e.g., identification information of the panelist observing the media presentation device110) for logging into the meter114to the central facility190.

In the illustrated example ofFIG. 1, the example media presentation environment102is a room of a household (e.g., a room in a home of a panelist, such as the home of a “Nielsen family”). In the illustrated example ofFIG. 1, the example panelists104,106of the household have been statistically selected to develop media ratings data (e.g., television ratings data) for a population/demographic of interest. People become panelists via, for example, a user interface presented on a media device (e.g., via the media presentation device110, via a website, etc.). People become panelists in additional or alternative manners such as, for example, via a telephone interview, by completing an online survey, etc. Additionally or alternatively, people may be contacted and/or enlisted using any desired methodology (e.g., random selection, statistical selection, phone solicitations, Internet advertisements, surveys, advertisements in shopping malls, product packaging, etc.). In some examples, an entire family may be enrolled as a household of panelists. That is, while a mother, a father, a son, and a daughter may each be identified as individual panelists, their viewing activities typically occur within the family's household.

In the illustrated example ofFIG. 1, one or more panelists104,106of the household have registered with an audience measurement entity (e.g., by agreeing to be a panelist) and have provided their demographic information to the audience measurement entity as part of a registration process to enable associating demographics with media exposure activities (e.g., television exposure, radio exposure, Internet exposure, etc.). The demographic data includes, for example, age, gender, income level, educational level, marital status, geographic location, race, etc., of a panelist. While the example media presentation environment102is a household in the illustrated example ofFIG. 1, the example media presentation environment102can additionally or alternatively be any other type(s) of environments such as, for example, a theater, a restaurant, a tavern, a retail location, an arena, etc.

In the illustrated example ofFIG. 1, the example media presentation device110is a television. However, the example media presentation device110can correspond to any type of audio, video and/or multimedia presentation device capable of presenting media audibly and/or visually. In some examples, the media presentation device110(e.g., a television) may communicate audio to another media presentation device (e.g., an audio/video receiver) for output by one or more speakers (e.g., surround sound speakers, a sound bar, etc.). As another example, the media presentation device110can correspond to a multimedia computer system, a personal digital assistant, a cellular/mobile smartphone, a radio, a home theater system, stored audio and/or video played back from a memory, such as a digital video recorder or a digital versatile disc, a webpage, and/or any other communication device capable of presenting media to an audience (e.g., the panelists104,106).

The media presentation device110receives media from the media source112. The media source112may be any type of media provider(s), such as, but not limited to, a cable media service provider, a radio frequency (RF) media provider, an Internet based provider (e.g., IPTV), a satellite media service provider, etc., and/or any combination thereof. The media may be radio media, television media, pay per view media, movies, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), satellite television (TV), Internet radio, satellite radio, digital television, digital radio, stored media (e.g., a compact disk (CD), a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), a Blu-ray disk, etc.), any other type(s) of broadcast, multicast and/or unicast medium, audio and/or video media presented (e.g., streamed) via the Internet, a video game, targeted broadcast, satellite broadcast, video on demand, etc. For example, the media presentation device110can correspond to a television and/or display device that supports the National Television Standards Committee (NTSC) standard, the Phase Alternating Line (PAL) standard, the Système Électronique pour Couleur avec Mémoire (SECAM) standard, a standard developed by the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC), such as high definition television (HDTV), a standard developed by the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) Project, etc.

In examples disclosed herein, an audience measurement entity provides the meter114to the panelist104,106(or household of panelists) such that the meter114may be installed in the media presentation environment102. In some examples, the meter114is installed by the panelist104,106by simply powering the meter114and placing the meter114in the media presentation environment102and/or near the media presentation device110(e.g., near a television set). In some examples, more complex installation activities may be performed such as, for example, affixing the meter114to the media presentation device110, electronically connecting the meter114to the media presentation device110, configuring the meter114to transmit media monitoring information to the central facility190, etc. In examples disclosed herein, configuration of the meter114is performed by an installer (e.g., personnel from the audience measurement entity) who installs the meter114in the media presentation environment102and configures the meter114.

The example meter114detects a media presentation and electronically stores monitoring information (e.g., a code detected with the presented media, a signature of the presented media, an identifier of a panelist present at the time of the presentation, a timestamp of the time of the presentation) of the presented media. The stored monitoring information is then transmitted back to the central facility190via the gateway140and the network180. While the media monitoring information is transmitted by electronic transmission in the illustrated example ofFIG. 1, the media monitoring information may additionally or alternatively be transferred in any other manner such as, for example, by physically mailing the meter114, by physically mailing a memory of the meter114, etc.

The meter114of the illustrated example combines audience measurement data and people metering data. For example, audience measurement data is determined by monitoring media output by the media presentation device110and/or other media presentation device(s), and audience identification data (also referred to as demographic data, people monitoring data, etc.) is determined from people monitoring data provided to the meter114. Thus, the example meter114provides dual functionality of an audience measurement meter that is to collect audience measurement data, and a people meter that is to collect and/or associate demographic information corresponding to the collected audience measurement data.

For example, the meter114of the illustrated example collects media identifying information and/or data (e.g., signature(s), fingerprint(s), code(s), tuned channel identification information, time of exposure information, etc.), and people data (e.g., user identifiers, demographic data associated with audience members, etc.). The media identifying information and the people data can be combined to generate, for example, media exposure data (e.g., ratings data) indicative of amount(s) and/or type(s) of people that were exposed to specific piece(s) of media distributed via the media presentation device110. To extract media identification data, the meter114of the illustrated example ofFIG. 1monitors for watermarks (sometimes referred to as codes) included in the presented media. In some examples, the meter114generates signatures (sometimes referred to as fingerprints) to identify the presented media.

In examples disclosed herein, to monitor media presented by the media presentation device110, the meter114of the illustrated example senses audio (e.g., acoustic signals or ambient audio) output (e.g., emitted) by the media presentation device110and/or some other audio presenting system (e.g., an audio/video receiver). For example, the meter114processes the signals obtained from the media presentation device110to detect media and/or source identifying signals (e.g., audio watermarks) embedded in portion(s) (e.g., audio portions) of the media presented by the media presentation device110. To, for example, sense ambient audio output by the media presentation device110, the meter114of the illustrated example includes an example audio sensor (e.g., a microphone). In some examples, the meter114may process audio signals obtained from the media presentation device110via a direct cable connection to detect media and/or source identifying audio watermarks embedded in such audio signals.

To generate exposure data for the media, identification(s) of media to which the audience is exposed are correlated with people data (e.g., presence information) collected by the meter114. The meter114of the illustrated example collects inputs (e.g., audience identification data) representative of the identities of the audience member(s) (e.g., the panelists104,106). In some examples, the meter114collects audience identification data by periodically or a-periodically prompting audience members in the media presentation environment102to identify themselves as present in the audience. In some examples, the meter114responds to predetermined events (e.g., when the media presenting device110is turned on, a channel is changed, an infrared control signal is detected, etc.) by prompting the audience member(s) to self-identify. Additionally or alternatively, the meter114may prompt the audience member(s) to reverify their login information after a period of time (e.g., transmit a re-login prompt). The audience identification data and the exposure data can then be compiled with the demographic data collected from audience members such as, for example, the panelists104,106during registration to develop metrics reflecting, for example, the demographic composition of the audience. The demographic data includes, for example, age, gender, income level, educational level, marital status, geographic location, race, etc., of the panelist.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 1, the meter114is configured to receive panelist presence information via communication with the central facility190. In such examples, the configuration device117initiates communication with the central facility190in response to one or more of the panelists104,106entering information (e.g., login information) into the configuration device117which identifies the particular panelist104,106watching the media presentation device110. Furthermore, the central facility190processes the communication from the configuration device117and transmits such communication to the meter114via the gateway140. In examples disclosed herein, the one or more panelists104,106can log into the meter114(e.g., communicate to the meter114identifying information indicating the one or more panelists104,106watching the media presentation device110) by indicating their presence to one or more configuration device(s)117. In examples disclosed herein, the one or more panelists104,106can log into the meter114via communication with an intermediate device (e.g., the gateway140).

In other examples disclosed herein, the meter114of the illustrated example may also determine times at which to prompt the audience members to enter information to the meter114. In such examples disclosed herein, the meter114communicates such an indication to the central facility190via the gateway140and, in response, the central facility190communicates with the configuration device117via the gateway140. In other examples, the meter114ofFIG. 1supports audio watermarking for people monitoring, which enables the meter114to detect the presence of a panelist-identifying metering device in the vicinity (e.g., in the media presentation environment102) of the media presentation device110. For example, the acoustic sensor of the meter114is able to sense example audio output by (e.g., emitted by) an example panelist-identifying metering device, such as, for example, a wristband, a cell phone, etc., that is uniquely associated with a particular panelist. The audio output by the example panelist-identifying metering device may include, for example, one or more audio watermarks to facilitate identification of the panelist-identifying metering device and/or the panelist104associated with the panelist-identifying metering device.

In examples disclosed herein, the configuration device117of the illustrated example ofFIG. 1is implemented by a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone, an Apple iPad®, etc.). However, any other type of device may additionally or alternatively be used. In examples disclosed herein, the configuration device117is provided by the audience measurement entity to an installer (e.g., a person affiliated with the audience measurement entity and tasked with installing and/or configuring the meter114, one of the panelists104,106, etc.). However, in some examples, the example configuration device117may be implemented using an application installed on a device (e.g., an application, which is sometimes referred to as an “app”, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, in some examples disclosed herein, the configuration device117may be a cellular-enabled device. In examples disclosed herein in which the configuration device117is a cellular-enabled device, the configuration device117communicates directly with the central facility190via a suitable communication path such as, for example, a cellular network (e.g., a 3G network, a 4G network, a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) advanced network, a 5G network, etc.).

The example gateway140of the illustrated example ofFIG. 1is a router that enables the meter114, the configuration device117, and/or other devices in the media presentation environment (e.g., the media presentation device110) to communicate with the network180(e.g., the Internet.)

In some examples, the example gateway140facilitates delivery of media from the media source(s)112to the media presentation device110via the Internet. In some examples, the example gateway140includes gateway functionality such as modem capabilities. In some other examples, the example gateway140is implemented in two or more devices (e.g., a router, a modem, a switch, a firewall, etc.). The gateway140of the illustrated example may communicate with the network180via Ethernet, a digital subscriber line (DSL), a telephone line, a coaxial cable, a USB connection, a Bluetooth connection, any wireless connection, etc.

In some examples, the example gateway140hosts a Local Area Network (LAN) for the media presentation environment102. In the illustrated example, the LAN is a wireless local area network (WLAN), and allows the meter114, the configuration device117, the media presentation device110, etc., to transmit and/or receive data via the Internet. Alternatively, the gateway140may be coupled to such a LAN. In examples disclosed herein, the example gateway140and/or connectivity to the Internet via the gateway140is provided by the panelists104,106. That is, the example gateway140is a device that is owned and/or operated by the panelists104,106, and is not provided by the audience measurement entity. In some examples, the example gateway140may be provided by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to facilitate communication between the LAN provided by the gateway140and the network180(e.g., the Internet). In examples disclosed herein, the configuration device117utilizes the LAN hosted by the gateway140to transmit and/or receive instruction to the central facility indicating identifying information of one or more of the panelists104,106watching the media presentation device110. Additionally, in examples disclosed herein, the meter114utilizes the LAN hosted by the example gateway140to transmit and/or receive information to and/or from the central facility190. Transmitting information using a LAN provided by the example gateway140ensures that information is reliably transmitted to the central facility190. Advantageously, other costlier approaches to transmitting information to the central facility190such as, for example, inclusion of a cellular transceiver in the meter114and/or configuration device117need not be utilized.

The network180of the illustrated example is a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet. However, in some examples, local networks may additionally or alternatively be used. Moreover, the example network180may be implemented using any type of public or private network such as, but not limited to, the Internet, a telephone network, a local area network (LAN), a cable network, and/or a wireless network, or any combination thereof.

The central facility190of the illustrated example is implemented by one or more servers. The central facility190processes and stores data received from the meter(s)114and the configuration device117. For example, the central facility190receives a first communication from the configuration device117indicating the one or more panelists104,106watching the media presentation device110. In addition to such an example, the central facility190transmits a second communication to the meter114of such panelists identifying information. As such, the one or more panelists104,106may log into the meter114via the LAN hosted by the gateway140communicating with the central facility190. In some examples disclosed herein, the example central facility190ofFIG. 1combines audience identification data and program identification data from multiple households to generate aggregated media monitoring information. In some examples disclosed herein, the central facility190may generates reports for advertisers, program producers and/or other interested parties based on the compiled statistical data. Such reports include extrapolations about the size and demographic composition of audiences of content, channels and/or advertisements based on the demographics and behavior of the monitored panelists. In examples disclosed herein, the central facility190may be a remote server.

As noted above, the meter114of the illustrated example provides a combination of media metering and people metering. The meter114ofFIG. 1includes its own housing, processor, memory and/or software to perform the desired media monitoring and/or people monitoring functions. The example meter114ofFIG. 1is a stationary device disposed on or near the media presentation device110. To identify and/or confirm the presence of a panelist present in the media presentation environment102, the example meter114of the illustrated example includes a display. For example, the display provides identification of the panelists104,106present in the media presentation environment102. For example, in the illustrated example, the meter114displays indicia (e.g., illuminated numerical numerals 1, 2, 3, etc.) identifying and/or confirming the presence of the first panelist104, the second panelist106, etc. In such examples, such an indicia (e.g., illuminated numerical numerals 1, 2, 3, etc.), may be illuminated in response to a communication received from the central facility190. In the illustrated example, the meter114is affixed to a top of the media presentation device110. However, the meter114may be affixed to the media presentation device in any other orientation such as, for example, on a side of the media presentation device110, on the bottom of the media presentation device110, and/or may not be affixed to the media presentation device110. For example, the meter114may be placed in a location near the media presentation device110.

FIG. 2is a block diagram illustrating an example implementation of the example meter114ofFIG. 1. The example meter114ofFIG. 2includes an example audio sensor202, an example media identifier204, an example network communicator206, an example communication processor208, an example people identifier210, an example audience measurement data controller212, and an example data store214.

The example audio sensor202of the illustrated example ofFIG. 2is a microphone. The example audio sensor202receives ambient sound (e.g., free field audio) including audible media presented in the vicinity of the meter114. Additionally or alternatively, the example audio sensor202may be implemented by a line input connection. The line input connection may allow the audio sensor202to be directly connected to an output of a media presentation device (e.g., an auxiliary output of a television, an auxiliary output of an audio/video receiver of a home entertainment system, etc.) to electronically detect identifying information and/or data (e.g., signature(s), fingerprint(s), code(s), etc.). Advantageously, the meter114is positioned in a location such that the audio sensor202receives ambient audio produced by the television and/or other devices of the home entertainment system with sufficient quality to identify media presented by the media presentation device110and/or other devices of the media presentation environment102(e.g., a surround sound speaker system). For example, in examples disclosed herein, the meter114may be placed on top of the television, secured to the bottom of the television, etc.

In the illustrated example ofFIG. 2, one audio sensor202is shown. However, any other number of audio sensor(s) may additionally or alternatively be used. For example, two audio sensors may be used, four audio sensors may be used, etc. Audio received by the example audio sensor202is passed to the media identifier204for identification.

The example media identifier204of the illustrated example ofFIG. 2is implemented by a logic circuit such as, for example, a hardware processor. However, any other type of circuitry may additionally or alternatively be used such as, for example, one or more analog or digital circuit(s), logic circuits, programmable processor(s), application specific integrated circuit(s) (ASIC(s)), programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s)), field programmable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)), digital signal processor(s) (DSP(s)), etc. The example media identifier204of the illustrated example ofFIG. 2analyzes audio received via the audio sensor202and identifies the media being presented. The example media identifier204of the illustrated example outputs an identifier of the media (e.g., media-identifying information) to the audience measurement data controller212.

In examples disclosed herein, the media identifier204utilizes audio watermarking techniques to identify the media. Audio watermarking is a technique used to identify media such as television broadcasts, radio broadcasts, advertisements (television and/or radio), downloaded media, streaming media, prepackaged media, etc. Existing audio watermarking techniques identify media by embedding one or more audio codes (e.g., one or more watermarks), such as media identifying information and/or one or more identifier(s) that may be mapped to media identifying information, into an audio and/or video component of the media. In some examples, the audio and/or video component of the media is selected to have a signal characteristic sufficient to hide the watermark. As used herein, the terms “code” and/or “watermark” are used interchangeably and are defined to mean any identification information (e.g., an identifier) that may be inserted or embedded in the audio or video of media (e.g., a program or advertisement) for the purpose of identifying the media or for another purpose such as tuning (e.g., a packet identifying header). As used herein “media” refers to audio and/or visual (e.g., still or moving) content and/or advertisements. In some examples, to identify watermarked media, the watermark(s) are extracted and used to access a table of reference watermarks that are mapped to media identifying information.

In some examples, the media identifier204may utilize signature-based media identification techniques. Unlike media monitoring techniques based on codes and/or watermarks included with and/or embedded in the monitored media, fingerprint or signature-based media monitoring techniques generally use one or more inherent characteristics of the monitored media during a monitoring time interval to generate a substantially unique proxy for the media. Such a proxy is referred to as a signature or fingerprint, and can take any form (e.g., a series of digital values, a waveform, etc.) representative of any aspect(s) of the media signal(s) (e.g., the audio and/or video signals forming the media presentation being monitored). A signature may be a series of signatures collected in series over a time interval. A good signature is repeatable when processing the same media presentation, but is unique relative to other (e.g., different) presentations of other (e.g., different) media. Accordingly, the term “fingerprint” and “signature” are used interchangeably herein and are defined herein to mean a proxy for identifying media that is generated from one or more inherent characteristics of the media.

Signature-based media monitoring generally involves determining (e.g., generating and/or collecting) signature(s) representative of a media signal (e.g., an audio signal and/or a video signal) output by a monitored media device and comparing the monitored signature(s) to one or more reference signatures corresponding to known (e.g., reference) media sources. Various comparison criteria, such as a cross-correlation value, a Hamming distance, etc., can be evaluated to determine whether a monitored signature matches a particular reference signature. When a match between the monitored signature and one of the reference signatures is found, the monitored media can be identified as corresponding to the particular reference media represented by the reference signature that with matched the monitored signature. Because attributes, such as an identifier of the media, a presentation time, a broadcast channel, etc., are collected for the reference signature, these attributes may then be associated with the monitored media whose monitored signature matched the reference signature. Example systems for identifying media based on codes and/or signatures are long known and were first disclosed in Thomas, U.S. Pat. No. 5,481,294, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The example network communicator206of the illustrated example ofFIG. 2is implemented by a logic circuit such as, for example, a hardware processor. However, any other type of circuitry may additionally or alternatively be used such as, for example, one or more analog or digital circuit(s), logic circuits, programmable processor(s), application specific integrated circuit(s) (ASIC(s)), programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s)), field programmable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)), digital signal processor(s) (DSP(s)), etc. The example network communicator206of the illustrated example ofFIG. 2is a communication interface that receives and/or transmits corresponding communications to and/or from the central facility190. In the illustrated example, the network communicator206is implemented by a WiFi radio that communicates via the LAN hosted by the example gateway140. In some examples, the network communicator206facilitates wired communication via an Ethernet network hosted by the example gateway140ofFIG. 1. In other examples disclosed herein, any other type of wireless transceiver may additionally or alternatively be used to implement the network communicator206. In examples disclosed herein, the example network communicator206communicates information to the communication processor208which performs actions based on the received information. In other examples disclosed herein, the network communicator206may transmit audience measurement information provided by the audience measurement data controller212(e.g., data stored in the data store214) to the central facility190of the audience measurement entity.

The example communication processor208of the illustrated example ofFIG. 2is implemented by a logic circuit such as, for example, a hardware processor. However, any other type of circuitry may additionally or alternatively be used such as, for example, one or more analog or digital circuit(s), logic circuits, programmable processor(s), application specific integrated circuit(s) (ASIC(s)), programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s)), field programmable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)), digital signal processor(s) (DSP(s)), etc. The example communication processor208of the illustrated example ofFIG. 2receives information from the network communicator206and performs actions based on that received information. In examples disclosed herein, the communication processor208communicates with the people identifier210and/or an audience measurement data controller212information from the network communicator206that may indicate a user (e.g., one of the panelists104,106) is registering login information. In other examples disclosed herein, the communication processor208may process and/or otherwise package information from the network communicator206for use by the people identifier210and/or the audience measurement data controller212. In addition, the communication processor208may communicate with the people identifier210to determine whether a login request originating from the configuration device117, transmitted via the central facility190, is successful. In such examples, a confirmation prompt and/or message is sent to the configuration device117via the central facility190.

In the example ofFIG. 2, the communication processor208may initiate a timer in response to obtaining user input information from the central facility190(e.g., login information originating from the configuration device117). In such an example, when the timer exceeds a threshold limit (e.g., the timer expires), the communication processor208generates a re-login prompt for the configuration device117. Such a re-login prompt indicates to the user to provide login information again.

In examples disclosed herein, the re-login prompt is transmitted to the configuration device117via the central facility190. In examples disclosed herein, the re-login prompt may be indicated to the user of the configuration device117via a visual indicator displayed by the meter114(e.g., a red light).

The example people identifier210of the illustrated example ofFIG. 2is implemented by a logic circuit such as, for example, a hardware processor. However, any other type of circuitry may additionally or alternatively be used such as, for example, one or more analog or digital circuit(s), logic circuits, programmable processor(s), application specific integrated circuit(s) (ASIC(s)), programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s)), field programmable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)), digital signal processor(s) (DSP(s)), etc. The example people identifier210of the illustrated example ofFIG. 2determines audience identification data representative of the identities of the audience member(s) (e.g., panelists) present in the media presentation environment102. In some examples, the people identifier210collects audience identification data by periodically or a-periodically prompting audience members in the media presentation environment102to identify themselves as present in the audience. Panelists may identify themselves by, for example, pressing a button on a remote, speaking their name, etc. In some examples, the people identifier210prompts the audience member(s) to self-identify in response to one or more predetermined events (e.g., when the media presentation device110is turned on, a channel is changed, an infrared control signal is detected, etc.). The people identifier210provides the audience identification data to the audience measurement data controller such that the audience measurement data can be correlated with the media identification data to facilitate an identification of which media was presented to which audience member.

The example audience measurement data controller212of the illustrated example ofFIG. 2is implemented by a logic circuit such as, for example, a hardware processor. However, any other type of circuitry may additionally or alternatively be used such as, for example, one or more analog or digital circuit(s), logic circuits, programmable processor(s), application specific integrated circuit(s) (ASIC(s)), programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s)), field programmable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)), digital signal processor(s) (DSP(s)), etc. The example audience measurement data controller212of the illustrated example ofFIG. 2receives media identifying information (e.g., a code, a signature, etc.) from the media identifier204and audience identification data from the people identifier210, and stores the received information in the data store214. In some examples, upon identification of media, in response to execution of a command, and/or other events within the audience measurement data controller212, the audience measurement data controller may provide a message to the communication processor208indicating to prompt re-verify of audience member login information. Such a message may be sent to the configuration device117via the central facility190. The example audience measurement data controller212periodically and/or a-periodically transmits, via the network communicator206, the audience measurement information stored in the data store214to the central facility190for aggregation and/or preparation of media monitoring reports.

The example data store214of the illustrated example ofFIG. 2may be implemented by any device for storing data such as, for example, flash memory, magnetic media, optical media, etc. Furthermore, the data stored in the example data store214may be in any data format such as, for example, binary data, comma delimited data, tab delimited data, structured query language (SQL) structures, etc. In the illustrated example, the example data store214stores media identifying information collected by the media identifier204and audience identification data collected by the people identifier210. In some examples, the example data store214additionally stores panelist demographic information such that received user identifiers of the audience measurement data can be translated into demographic information prior to transmission to the central facility190.

FIG. 3is a block diagram of the example configuration device117ofFIG. 1. In the illustrated example ofFIG. 3, the example configuration device117includes an example wireless transceiver302, an example configuration controller304, an example display306, and an example user input receiver308.

The example wireless transceiver302of the illustrated example ofFIG. 3is implemented by a WiFi radio that communicates via the LAN hosted by the example gateway140. In some examples, the wireless transceiver302facilitates wired communication via an Ethernet network hosted by the example gateway140ofFIG. 1. In other examples disclosed herein, any other type of wireless transceiver may additionally or alternatively be used to implement the wireless transceiver302. In examples disclosed herein, the example wireless transceiver302enables communication to and/or from the central facility190. Communications from the central facility190are passed to the configuration controller304, which can then perform operations based on the received information.

The example configuration controller304of the illustrated example ofFIG. 3is implemented by a logic circuit such as, for example, a hardware processor. However, any other type of circuitry may additionally or alternatively be used such as, for example, one or more analog or digital circuit(s), logic circuits, programmable processor(s), application specific integrated circuit(s) (ASIC(s)), programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s)), field programmable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)), digital signal processor(s) (DSP(s)), etc. The example configuration controller304of the illustrated example ofFIG. 3controls transmission of commands to the central facility190via the wireless transceiver302based on input received from the user input receiver308and/or the wireless transceiver302. In examples disclosed herein, the configuration controller304transmits information received from the wireless transceiver302to the display306. The configuration controller304may be configured to insert an indication obtained information in which the indication indicates the information is to be sent to the meter114via the central facility190. For example, if the wireless transceiver302obtains information sent from the central facility190indicating a re-login prompt originating from the meter114, then the configuration controller304generates a re-login prompt to be shown on the display306. In other examples disclosed herein, the configuration controller304may generate a verification prompt (e.g., a re-login prompt) to be shown on the display306in response to an indication sent from the central facility190, originating from the meter114. Additionally, the configuration controller304may the package the login information obtained from the user and insert an indication in the packaged information, the indication indicating the packaged information is to be sent to the meter114via the central facility190.

The example display306of the illustrated example ofFIG. 3is implemented by a logic circuit such as, for example, a hardware processor. However, any other type of circuitry may additionally or alternatively be used such as, for example, one or more analog or digital circuit(s), logic circuits, programmable processor(s), application specific integrated circuit(s) (ASIC(s)), programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s)), field programmable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)), digital signal processor(s) (DSP(s)), etc. The example display306of the illustrated example ofFIG. 3displays information provided to and/or from the central facility190to a user of the configuration device117. The example user input receiver308of the illustrated example ofFIG. 3receives input from the user such as, for example, a login request for the meter114. In such an example, the user of the configuration device117provides login information on the display306to be transmitted to the meter114via the central facility190. In examples disclosed herein, the example display306and the example user input receiver308may be implemented by a single touchscreen or individual respective touch screens. However, any other sort of user interface device(s) may additionally or alternatively be used. For example, the example display306may be implemented by speakers, light emitting diodes, etc. In some examples, the example user input receiver308may be implemented by a keyboard, a button, etc.

FIG. 4is a block diagram of the example central facility190ofFIG. 1. In the illustrated example ofFIG. 4, the central facility190includes an example configuration device transceiver402, an example meter transceiver404, an example request processor406, an example response processor408, and an example communication log410.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 4, the configuration device transceiver402is implemented by a WiFi radio that communicates via the LAN hosted by the example gateway140via the network180ofFIG. 1. In some examples, the configuration device transceiver402facilitates wired communication via an Ethernet network hosted by the example gateway140ofFIG. 1. In other examples disclosed herein, any other type of wireless transceiver may additionally or alternatively be used to implement the configuration device transceiver402. In examples disclosed herein, the configuration device transceiver402is configured to obtain and/or otherwise transmit information to and/or from the configuration device117ofFIG. 1. In such example, the configuration device transceiver402relays such information for further processing in the request processor406. In examples disclosed herein, the configuration device transceiver402is configured to either obtain and/or otherwise receive information from the configuration device117(e.g., login information). In such examples, the configuration device transceiver402relays such obtained and/or otherwise received information to the request processor406. Alternatively, the configuration device transceiver402is configured to transmit information to the configuration device117(e.g., re-login information, etc.). In such examples, the configuration device transceiver402obtains such information for transmission from the response processor408.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 4, the meter transceiver404is implemented by a WiFi radio that communicates via the LAN hosted by the example gateway140via the network180ofFIG. 1. In some examples, the meter transceiver404facilitates wired communication via an Ethernet network hosted by the example gateway140ofFIG. 1. In other examples disclosed herein, any other type of wireless transceiver may additionally or alternatively be used to implement the meter transceiver404. In examples disclosed herein, the meter transceiver404is configured to obtain and/or otherwise transmit information to and/or from the meter114ofFIG. 1. In such example, the meter transceiver404relays such information for further processing in the request processor406. In examples disclosed herein, the meter transceiver404is configured to either obtain and/or otherwise receive information from the meter114(e.g., a re-login request, etc.). In such examples, the meter transceiver404relays such obtained and/or otherwise received information to the request processor406. Alternatively, the meter transceiver404is configured to transmit information to the meter114(e.g., login information). In such examples, the meter transceiver404obtains such information for transmission from the response processor408.

The example request processor406of the illustrated example ofFIG. 4is implemented by a logic circuit such as, for example, a hardware processor. However, any other type of circuitry may additionally or alternatively be used such as, for example, one or more analog or digital circuit(s), logic circuits, programmable processor(s), application specific integrated circuit(s) (ASIC(s)), programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s)), field programmable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)), digital signal processor(s) (DSP(s)), etc. In the example illustrated inFIG. 4, the request processor406handles incoming request and/or information from either the configuration device transceiver402and/or the meter transceiver404. In some examples disclosed herein, the request processor406obtains information from the configuration device transceiver402including login information. In such examples, the request processor406may store such information in the communication log410and/or otherwise process the login information for use by the response processor408. Alternatively, the request processor406may obtain information from the meter transceiver404(e.g., information including a re-login request). In such examples, the request processor406may store such information in the communication log410and/or otherwise process the obtained information form the meter transceiver404for use by the response processor408.

The example response processor408of the illustrated example ofFIG. 4is implemented by a logic circuit such as, for example, a hardware processor. However, any other type of circuitry may additionally or alternatively be used such as, for example, one or more analog or digital circuit(s), logic circuits, programmable processor(s), application specific integrated circuit(s) (ASIC(s)), programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s)), field programmable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)), digital signal processor(s) (DSP(s)), etc. In the example illustrated inFIG. 4, the response processor408handles outgoing request and/or information for either the configuration device transceiver402and/or the meter transceiver404. In some examples disclosed herein, the response processor408obtains information from the request processor406. In such examples, the request processor408packages such information and determines whether such information is to be transmitted by the configuration device transceiver402or the meter transceiver404. In some examples disclosed herein, the information at the request processor408may include login information and, as such, the request processor408may determine to package and transmit such information to the meter transceiver404. In other examples disclosed herein, the information at the request processor408may include a re-login prompt request and, as such, the request processor408may determine to package and transmit such information to the configuration device transceiver402. In examples disclosed herein, the response processor408may package and/or forward information from the request processor406to any of the configuration device transceiver402and/or the meter transceiver404.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 4, the communication log410of the illustrated example ofFIG. 4may be implemented by any device for storing data such as, for example, flash memory, magnetic media, optical media, etc. Furthermore, the data stored in the example communication log410may be in any data format such as, for example, binary data, comma delimited data, tab delimited data, structured query language (SQL) structures, etc. In the illustrated example, the example communication log410stores information collected by the request processor406.

FIG. 5is an example user interface502to be presented by the configuration device117ofFIG. 1and/orFIG. 3. In the example illustrated inFIG. 5, the user interface502may represent the example display306and/or the user input receiver308ofFIG. 3. In the illustrated example ofFIG. 5, the user interface502includes an example indication display504, example user toggle buttons506,508,510,512, and an example keyboard514.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 5, the indication display504displays a graphical interface including a prompt for the user (e.g., a re-login prompt, etc.). As such, in examples disclosed herein, the indication display504may highlight and/or otherwise obviate an indication originating from the meter114(e.g., a re-login prompt, etc.). In some examples disclosed herein, the indication display504may present information concerning login attempts, re-login prompts, etc.

The user interface502provides user toggle buttons506,508,510,512to enable a user to log into the meter114and/or otherwise respond to prompts on the indication display504. In the example illustrated inFIG. 5, the user toggle buttons506,508,510,512illustrate user 1 is currently present, user 2 is currently absent, user 3 is currently absent, and user 4 is currently present. In examples disclosed herein, the user toggle buttons506,508,510,512are configured to allow a user (e.g., user 1, user 2, user 3, and/or user 4) to log into the meter114via selecting the corresponding toggle button506,508,510,512. In some such examples, the toggle button506,508,510,512will graphically change (e.g., the text will change from “currently absent” to “currently present”, the color of the button changes from red to green, etc.) indicating whether the login attempt with the meter114was successful.

In other examples disclosed herein, any number of user toggle buttons506,508,510,512may be displayed in the user interface502. For example, if there are five members in a household, the user interface502may be configured to display five user toggle buttons.

In the illustrated example ofFIG. 5, the user interface502provides the user with a keyboard input514to cause the configuration device117to display a keyboard (e.g., a soft keyboard) to the user to facilitate login information for a new user. For example, if a new user enters the household, such new user can enter their corresponding login information via the keyboard input514to log into the meter114. However, user input may be received in any other fashion such as, for example, a physical keyboard, voice recognition, etc. While a user is to enter text representing login information to be executed in the illustrated example ofFIG. 5, in some examples, a user interface to allow the user to select a command (e.g., from a list of commands) and to enter parameters for the command may be provided. In some examples, the keyboard input514may be omitted.

While an example manner of implementing the meter114, configuration device117, and/or the central facility190ofFIGS. 1, 2, 3, and/or4is illustrated inFIGS. 6 and/or 7, one or more of the elements, processes and/or devices illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2, 3, and/or4may be combined, divided, re-arranged, omitted, eliminated and/or implemented in any other way. Further, the example audio sensor202, the example media identifier204, the example network communicator206, the example communication processor208, the example people identifier210, the example audience measurement data controller212, the example data store214and/or, more generally, the example meter114ofFIGS. 1 and/or 2, the example wireless transceiver302, the example configuration controller304, the example display306, the example user input receiver308, and/or, more generally, the example configuration device117ofFIGS. 1 and/or 3, the example configuration device transceiver402, the example meter transceiver404, the example request processor406, the example response processor408, the example configuration log410, and/or, more generally, the example central facility190ofFIGS. 1 and/or 4may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware and/or any combination of hardware, software and/or firmware. Thus, for example, any of the example audio sensor202, the example media identifier204, the example network communicator206, the example communication processor208, the example people identifier210, the example audience measurement data controller212, the example data store214and/or, more generally, the example meter114ofFIGS. 1 and/or 2, the example wireless transceiver302, the example configuration controller304, the example display306, the example user input receiver308, and/or, more generally, the example configuration device117ofFIGS. 1 and/or 3, the example configuration device transceiver402, the example meter transceiver404, the example request processor406, the example response processor408, the example configuration log410, and/or, more generally, the example central facility190ofFIGS. 1 and/or 4could be implemented by one or more analog or digital circuit(s), logic circuits, programmable processor(s), programmable controller(s), graphics processing unit(s) (GPU(s)), digital signal processor(s) (DSP(s)), application specific integrated circuit(s) (ASIC(s)), programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s)) and/or field programmable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)). When reading any of the apparatus or system claims of this patent to cover a purely software and/or firmware implementation, at least one of the example audio sensor202, the example media identifier204, the example network communicator206, the example communication processor208, the example people identifier210, the example audience measurement data controller212, the example data store214and/or, more generally, the example meter114ofFIGS. 1 and/or 2, the example wireless transceiver302, the example configuration controller304, the example display306, the example user input receiver308, and/or, more generally, the example configuration device117ofFIGS. 1 and/or 3, the example configuration device transceiver402, the example meter transceiver404, the example request processor406, the example response processor408, the example configuration log410, and/or, more generally, the example central facility190ofFIGS. 1 and/or 4is/are hereby expressly defined to include a non-transitory computer readable storage device or storage disk such as a memory, a digital versatile disk (DVD), a compact disk (CD), a Blu-ray disk, etc. including the software and/or firmware. Further still, the example meter114, configuration device117, and/or the central facility190ofFIGS. 1, 2, 3, and/or4may include one or more elements, processes and/or devices in addition to, or instead of, those illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2, 3, and/or4, and/or may include more than one of any or all of the illustrated elements, processes and devices. As used herein, the phrase “in communication,” including variations thereof, encompasses direct communication and/or indirect communication through one or more intermediary components, and does not require direct physical (e.g., wired) communication and/or constant communication, but rather additionally includes selective communication at periodic intervals, scheduled intervals, aperiodic intervals, and/or one-time events.

Flowcharts representative of example hardware logic, machine readable instructions, hardware implemented state machines, and/or any combination thereof for implementing the meter114, configuration device117, and/or the central facility190ofFIGS. 1, 2, 3, and/or4are shown inFIGS. 6 and/or 7. The machine readable instructions may be one or more executable programs or portion(s) of an executable program for execution by a computer processor such as the processor812,912,1012shown in the example processor platform800,900,1000discussed below in connection withFIGS. 8, 9, and 10. The program may be embodied in software stored on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, a hard drive, a DVD, a Blu-ray disk, or a memory associated with the processor812,912,1012, but the entire program and/or parts thereof could alternatively be executed by a device other than the processor812,912,1012and/or embodied in firmware or dedicated hardware. Further, although the example program is described with reference to the flowchart illustrated inFIGS. 6 and/or 7, many other methods of implementing the example meter114, configuration device117, and/or the central facility190ofFIGS. 1, 2, 3, and/or4may alternatively be used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and/or some of the blocks described may be changed, eliminated, or combined. Additionally or alternatively, any or all of the blocks may be implemented by one or more hardware circuits (e.g., discrete and/or integrated analog and/or digital circuitry, an FPGA, an ASIC, a comparator, an operational-amplifier (op-amp), a logic circuit, etc.) structured to perform the corresponding operation without executing software or firmware.

The machine readable instructions described herein may be stored in one or more of a compressed format, an encrypted format, a fragmented format, a packaged format, etc. Machine readable instructions as described herein may be stored as data (e.g., portions of instructions, code, representations of code, etc.) that may be utilized to create, manufacture, and/or produce machine executable instructions. For example, the machine readable instructions may be fragmented and stored on one or more storage devices and/or computing devices (e.g., servers). The machine readable instructions may require one or more of installation, modification, adaptation, updating, combining, supplementing, configuring, decryption, decompression, unpacking, distribution, reassignment, etc. in order to make them directly readable and/or executable by a computing device and/or other machine. For example, the machine readable instructions may be stored in multiple parts, which are individually compressed, encrypted, and stored on separate computing devices, wherein the parts when decrypted, decompressed, and combined form a set of executable instructions that implement a program such as that described herein. In another example, the machine readable instructions may be stored in a state in which they may be read by a computer, but require addition of a library (e.g., a dynamic link library (DLL)), a software development kit (SDK), an application programming interface (API), etc. in order to execute the instructions on a particular computing device or other device. In another example, the machine readable instructions may need to be configured (e.g., settings stored, data input, network addresses recorded, etc.) before the machine readable instructions and/or the corresponding program(s) can be executed in whole or in part. Thus, the disclosed machine readable instructions and/or corresponding program(s) are intended to encompass such machine readable instructions and/or program(s) regardless of the particular format or state of the machine readable instructions and/or program(s) when stored or otherwise at rest or in transit.

FIG. 6is a flowchart representative of example machine readable instructions600which may be executed to implement the meter114, the configuration device117, and/or the central facility190ofFIGS. 1, 2, 3, and/or4. In the example illustrated inFIG. 6, the configuration controller304of the configuration device117determines whether user input is received. (Block605). For example, the configuration controller304may communicate with the user input receiver308to obtain and/or otherwise receive information including user login information. In the example illustrated inFIG. 6, if the configuration controller304determines user input is not received (e.g., block605returns a result of NO), control returns to block605. Alternatively, if the configuration controller304determines user input is received (e.g., block605returns a result of YES), the configuration controller304packages the user input information. (Block610). In examples disclosed herein, the user input information may be any information and/or data including user login information, user demographics, total user count, etc. In response, the wireless transceiver302of the configuration device117transmits the user input information to the central facility190. (Block615).

In response, the request processor406of the central facility190processes the user input information. (Block620). In some examples disclosed herein, the request processor406may process user input information from the configuration device transceiver402(e.g., login information). Alternatively, the request processor406may process user input information from the meter transceiver404(e.g., a re-login prompt, etc.). In the example illustrated inFIG. 6, the user information is login information from the configuration device117and thus, the response processor408transmits such user information to the meter114. (Block625). In other examples disclosed herein, the user information may be information originating from the meter114and thus, is intended for the configuration device117.

The communication processor208, via the network communicator206, determines whether user input was received. (Block630). In the example illustrated inFIG. 6, if the communication processor208determines user input is not received (e.g., block630returns a result of NO), control returns to block630. Alternatively, if the communication processor208determines user input is received (e.g., block630returns a result of YES), then control proceeds to block635.

In some examples disclosed herein, the communication processor208confirms whether the user input information is received and applied successfully. (Block635). For example, if the user input information includes login information, then the communication processor208communicates with the people identifier210to confirm whether the user input information is successfully verified (e.g., a user is match with the user input information). In such an example, the confirmation is sent to the central facility190in which the response processor408forwards such confirmation to the configuration device117. (Block640). The configuration controller304communicates to the display306to display the confirmation. (Block645).

In addition, the audience measurement data controller212communicates with the media identifier204to log user data. (Block650). The communication processor208communicates with the audience measurement data controller212to perform monitoring operations. (Block655). Example monitoring operations and/or instructions structured to execute the control of block655is explained in further detail below in connection withFIG. 7.

As a result of performing monitoring operations, the network communicator206transmits a prompt intended for the configuration device117to the central facility190. (Block660). In such an example, the response processor408forwards such prompt to the configuration device117. (Block665). The configuration controller304communicates to the display306to cause display of the prompt. (Block670). Control then returns to block605, where the configuration controller304of the configuration device117determines whether user input is received. The example instructions600ofFIG. 6may then be repeated in the event a re-login prompt is sent to the configuration device117, a new audience member (e.g., one of the panelists104,106ofFIG. 1) begins viewing media on the media presentation device110, etc.

FIG. 7is a flowchart representative of example machine readable instructions which may be executed to implement the example meter114ofFIGS. 1 and/or 2. In the example ofFIG. 7, control is initiated by the media identifier204in which the media identifier monitors incoming media (e.g., media obtained through the audio sensor202). (Block705). In addition, the communication processor208initiates a timer including a threshold limit. (Block710). In response, the communication processor208communicates with the audience measurement data controller212to determine whether the presented media has changed. (Block715). In such examples, if the presented media has changed (e.g., block715returns a result of YES), the communication processor208determines whether the presented media change was foreseeable. (Block720). In some examples, and if the presented media change was not foreseeable, (e.g., block720returns a result of NO), then control return to block660ofFIG. 6. For example, the communication processor208may determine the presented media change was not foreseeable if there is a change from monitoring a young children's cartoon to monitoring a home improvement show. Alternatively, if the communication processor208determines that the presented media has not changed (e.g., block715returns a result of NO), or if the communication processor208determines the presented media change was foreseeable (e.g., block720returns a result of YES), then control returns to block705.

In a parallel operation, the communication processor208determines whether the timer satisfies the threshold limit. (Block725). In examples disclose herein, if the communication processor208determines the timer satisfies the threshold limit (e.g., block725returns a result of YES), then control returns to block660ofFIG. 6. Alternatively, if the communication processor208determines the timer does not satisfy the threshold limit (e.g., block725returns a result of NO), then control returns to block705. While in the illustrated example ofFIG. 7, block725is illustrated as being executed in parallel with blocks715and720, in some example, blocks715,720, and725may be executed in a serial fashion. The example instructions700ofFIG. 7may then be repeated in the event new user data is logged by the audience measurement data controller214ofFIG. 2, a re-login prompt is sent to the configuration device117, a new audience member (e.g., one of the panelists104,106ofFIG. 1) begins viewing media on the media presentation device110, etc.

FIG. 8is a block diagram of an example processor platform800structured to execute the instructions ofFIGS. 6 and/or 7to implement the example meter114ofFIGS. 1 and/or 2. The processor platform800can be, for example, a server, a personal computer, a workstation, a self-learning machine (e.g., a neural network), a mobile device (e.g., a cell phone, a smart phone, a tablet such as an iPad™), a personal digital assistant (PDA), an Internet appliance, a digital video recorder, a Blu-ray player, a gaming console, a personal video recorder, a set top box, a headset or other wearable device, or any other type of computing device.

The processor platform800of the illustrated example includes a processor812. The processor812of the illustrated example is hardware. For example, the processor812can be implemented by one or more integrated circuits, logic circuits, microprocessors, GPUs, DSPs, or controllers from any desired family or manufacturer. The hardware processor may be a semiconductor based (e.g., silicon based) device. In this example, the processor implements the example audio sensor202, the example media identifier204, the example network communicator206, the example communication processor208, the example people identifier210, the example audience measurement data controller212, and/or the example data store214.

The processor platform800of the illustrated example also includes an interface circuit820. The interface circuit820may be implemented by any type of interface standard, such as an Ethernet interface, a universal serial bus (USB), a Bluetooth® interface, a near field communication (NFC) interface, and/or a PCI express interface.

In the illustrated example, one or more input devices822are connected to the interface circuit820. The input device(s)822permit(s) a user to enter data and/or commands into the processor812. The input device(s) can be implemented by, for example, an audio sensor, a microphone, a camera (still or video), a keyboard, a button, a mouse, a touchscreen, a track-pad, a trackball, isopoint and/or a voice recognition system.

The processor platform800of the illustrated example also includes one or more mass storage devices828for storing software and/or data. Examples of such mass storage devices828include floppy disk drives, hard drive disks, compact disk drives, Blu-ray disk drives, redundant array of independent disks (RAID) systems, and digital versatile disk (DVD) drives.

The machine executable instructions832ofFIGS. 6 and/or 7may be stored in the mass storage device828, in the volatile memory814, in the non-volatile memory816, and/or on a removable non-transitory computer readable storage medium such as a CD or DVD.

FIG. 9is a block diagram of an example processor platform900structured to execute the instructions ofFIG. 6to implement the example configuration device117ofFIGS. 1 and/or 3. The processor platform900can be, for example, a server, a personal computer, a workstation, a self-learning machine (e.g., a neural network), a mobile device (e.g., a cell phone, a smart phone, a tablet such as an iPad™), a personal digital assistant (PDA), an Internet appliance, a DVD player, a CD player, a digital video recorder, a Blu-ray player, a gaming console, a personal video recorder, a set top box, a headset or other wearable device, or any other type of computing device.

The processor platform900of the illustrated example includes a processor912. The processor912of the illustrated example is hardware. For example, the processor912can be implemented by one or more integrated circuits, logic circuits, microprocessors, GPUs, DSPs, or controllers from any desired family or manufacturer. The hardware processor may be a semiconductor based (e.g., silicon based) device. In this example, the processor implements the example wireless transceiver302, the example configuration controller304, the example display306, and/or the example user input receiver308.

The processor platform900of the illustrated example also includes an interface circuit920. The interface circuit920may be implemented by any type of interface standard, such as an Ethernet interface, a universal serial bus (USB), a Bluetooth® interface, a near field communication (NFC) interface, and/or a PCI express interface.

In the illustrated example, one or more input devices922are connected to the interface circuit920. The input device(s)922permit(s) a user to enter data and/or commands into the processor912. The input device(s) can be implemented by, for example, an audio sensor, a microphone, a camera (still or video), a keyboard, a button, a mouse, a touchscreen, a track-pad, a trackball, isopoint and/or a voice recognition system.

The processor platform900of the illustrated example also includes one or more mass storage devices928for storing software and/or data. Examples of such mass storage devices928include floppy disk drives, hard drive disks, compact disk drives, Blu-ray disk drives, redundant array of independent disks (RAID) systems, and digital versatile disk (DVD) drives.

The machine executable instructions932ofFIG. 6may be stored in the mass storage device928, in the volatile memory914, in the non-volatile memory916, and/or on a removable non-transitory computer readable storage medium such as a CD or DVD.

FIG. 10is a block diagram of an example processor platform1000structured to execute the instructions ofFIG. 6to implement the central facility190ofFIGS. 1 and/or 4. The processor platform1000can be, for example, a server, a personal computer, a workstation, a self-learning machine (e.g., a neural network), a mobile device (e.g., a cell phone, a smart phone, a tablet such as an iPad™), a personal digital assistant (PDA), an Internet appliance, a DVD player, a CD player, a digital video recorder, a Blu-ray player, a gaming console, a personal video recorder, a set top box, a headset or other wearable device, or any other type of computing device.

The processor platform1000of the illustrated example includes a processor1012. The processor1012of the illustrated example is hardware. For example, the processor1012can be implemented by one or more integrated circuits, logic circuits, microprocessors, GPUs, DSPs, or controllers from any desired family or manufacturer. The hardware processor may be a semiconductor based (e.g., silicon based) device. In this example, the processor implements the example configuration device transceiver402, the example meter transceiver404, the example request processor406, the example response processor408, and the example communication log410.

The processor1012of the illustrated example includes a local memory1013(e.g., a cache). The processor1012of the illustrated example is in communication with a main memory including a volatile memory1014and a non-volatile memory1016via a bus1018. The volatile memory1014may be implemented by Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), RAMBUS® Dynamic Random Access Memory (RDRAM®) and/or any other type of random access memory device. The non-volatile memory1016may be implemented by flash memory and/or any other desired type of memory device. Access to the main memory1014,1016is controlled by a memory controller.

The processor platform1000of the illustrated example also includes an interface circuit1020. The interface circuit1020may be implemented by any type of interface standard, such as an Ethernet interface, a universal serial bus (USB), a Bluetooth® interface, a near field communication (NFC) interface, and/or a PCI express interface.

In the illustrated example, one or more input devices1022are connected to the interface circuit1020. The input device(s)1022permit(s) a user to enter data and/or commands into the processor1012. The input device(s) can be implemented by, for example, an audio sensor, a microphone, a camera (still or video), a keyboard, a button, a mouse, a touchscreen, a track-pad, a trackball, isopoint and/or a voice recognition system.

The processor platform1000of the illustrated example also includes one or more mass storage devices1028for storing software and/or data. Examples of such mass storage devices1028include floppy disk drives, hard drive disks, compact disk drives, Blu-ray disk drives, redundant array of independent disks (RAID) systems, and digital versatile disk (DVD) drives.

The machine executable instructions1032ofFIG. 6may be stored in the mass storage device1028, in the volatile memory1014, in the non-volatile memory1016, and/or on a removable non-transitory computer readable storage medium such as a CD or DVD.

Example methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture to identify user presence to a meter are disclosed herein. Further examples and combinations thereof include the following:

Example 1 includes an apparatus to identify user presence to a meter, the apparatus comprising a user input receiver to obtain presence information from a panelist via a prompt displayed by a user interface of the apparatus, the presence information indicating that the panelist is present at the meter separate from the apparatus, a configuration controller to package the presence information, and insert an indication in the packaged presence information, the indication indicating the packaged presence information is to be sent to the meter via a remote server, and a wireless transceiver to transmit the packaged presence information to the remote server.

Example 2 includes the apparatus of example 1, wherein the prompt is obtained in response to a communication from the meter via the remote server.

Example 3 includes the apparatus of example 1, wherein prompt is a re-login prompt obtained in response to a communication from the meter via the remote server.

Example 4 includes the apparatus of example 1, wherein the user input receiver is implemented by a touchscreen.

Example 5 includes the apparatus of example 1, wherein the wireless transceiver is implemented by a WiFi radio that enables communication with the remote server.

Example 6 includes the apparatus of example 1, wherein the user interface is further to display a confirmation in response to the wireless transceiver obtaining a confirmation from the remote server.

Example 7 includes the apparatus of example 1, wherein the configuration controller is implemented as a downloadable application in the apparatus.

Example 8 includes a non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed, cause at least one processor to at least obtain presence information from a panelist via a prompt displayed by a user interface, the presence information indicating that the panelist is present at a meter separate from the non-transitory computer readable storage medium, package the presence information, insert an indication in the packaged presence information, the indication indicating the packaged presence information is to be sent to the meter via a remote server, and transmit the packaged presence information to the remote server.

Example 9 includes the non-transitory computer readable storage medium of example 8, wherein the prompt is obtained in response to a communication from the meter via the remote server.

Example 10 includes the non-transitory computer readable storage medium of example 8, wherein prompt is a re-login prompt obtained in response to a communication from the meter via the remote server.

Example 11 includes the non-transitory computer readable storage medium of example 8, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the at least one processor to obtain the presence information via a touchscreen.

Example 12 includes the non-transitory computer readable storage medium of example 8, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the at least one processor to enable communication with the remote server via a WiFi radio.

Example 13 includes the non-transitory computer readable storage medium of example 8, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the at least one processor to present a confirmation in response to obtaining a confirmation from the remote server.

Example 14 includes the non-transitory computer readable storage medium of example 8, wherein the at least one processor is implemented as a downloadable application.

Example 15 includes a method to identify user presence to a meter, the method comprising obtaining presence information from a panelist via a prompt displayed by a user interface, the presence information obtained at a location separate from the meter and indicating that the panelist is present at the meter, packaging the presence information, inserting an indication in the packaged presence information, the indication indicating the packaged presence information is to be sent to the meter via a remote server, and transmitting the packaged presence information to the remote server.

Example 16 includes the method of example 15, wherein the prompt is obtained in response to a communication from the meter via the remote server.

Example 17 includes the method of example 15, wherein prompt is a re-login prompt obtained in response to a communication from the meter via the remote server.

Example 18 includes the method of example 15, further including obtaining the presence information via a touchscreen.

Example 19 includes the method of example 15, further including enabling communication with the remote server.

Example 20 includes the method of example 15, further including presenting a confirmation in response to obtaining a confirmation from the remote server.

Example 21 includes the method of example 15, wherein the packaging and inserting is performed in a downloadable application.

Example 22 includes an apparatus to identify user presence to a meter, the apparatus comprising means for obtaining presence information from a panelist via a prompt displayed by a user interface, the presence information indicating that the panelist is present at the meter separate from the apparatus, means for packaging the presence information, the means for packaging to insert an indication in the packaged presence information, the indication indicating the packaged presence information is to be sent to the meter via a remote server, and means for transmitting the packaged presence information to the remote server. The example means for obtaining is implemented by the user input receiver308ofFIG. 3. The example means for packaging is implemented by the configuration controller304ofFIG. 3. The example means for transmitting is implemented by the wireless transceiver302ofFIG. 3.

Example 23 includes the apparatus of example 22, wherein the prompt is obtained in response to a communication from the meter via the remote server.

Example 24 includes the apparatus of example 22, wherein prompt is a re-login prompt obtained in response to a communication from the meter via the remote server.

Example 25 includes the apparatus of example 22, wherein the means for obtaining is implemented by a user input receiver.

Example 26 includes the apparatus of example 22, wherein the means for transmitting is implemented by a WiFi radio that enables communication with the remote server.

Example 27 includes the apparatus of example 22, further including a means for displaying to present a confirmation in response to the means for transmitting obtaining a confirmation from the remote server. The example means for displaying is implemented by the display306ofFIG. 3.

Example 28 includes the apparatus of example 22, wherein the means for packaging is implemented as a downloadable application in the apparatus. From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture have been disclosed that identify user presence to a meter. The disclosed methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture improve the efficiency of using a computing device by enabling communication between a configuration device and a meter through a central facility. In examples disclosed herein, communication to a meter by a user of the configuration device can be accomplished if the user is not in the same room as the meter. In examples disclosed herein, the meter may communicate to the configuration device, via the central facility, a prompt instructing the user to re-login to the meter. Examples disclosed herein overcome the problem occurring when a user is unable to directly log in to the meter. The disclosed methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture are accordingly directed to one or more improvement(s) in the functioning of a computer.