Method and system for determining audience members by using Bluetooth

The present invention relates to the telecommunication field applied to the high-precision information acquisition. The invention relates more particularly to a method of data acquisition by a receiver using Bluetooth technology type and a manager of information equipment to implement this process.

It is known in the prior art, to detect and identify products consumers, for example television, the use of push buttons on a device, each button being dedicated exclusively to a consumer. When such a button is pressed, it is considered that the consumer associated with this button "uses" the product, namely a television program. A disadvantage of this method is that it does not verify the actual presence of the consumer. Moreover, for a group of consumers, manipulating the push button device requires a plurality of displacement. detection information and consumer identification may be wrong. The declarative method used to detect individuals is very inaccurate, so no access to the product or the identification of the individual who accessed the product are truly reliably controlled.

The document <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="EP1133090A2"><text>EP 1133090 A2</text></patcit>Published on 12.09.2001 discloses a method for identifying an audience around a TV. Users wear a wireless device that is detectable around the TV. At regular intervals, a signal is sent to these devices without son to identify. The identity of the users present around the television is determined and stored with the program watched by users. The program is determined by determining a code transmitted with the program. Registration of courses taken is independent of user actions, the type of use changes triggered by the user does not necessarily trigger the recording of a type of use.

There is therefore a need to make it more representative of the reality information detection / identification.

The present invention thus aims to remove one or more drawbacks of the prior art by defining a method for identifying both individuals and an activity carried out by these individuals reliably by a Bluetooth technology type.

The present invention also aims to allow the collection of data in which time information and time are associated with the presence information of an individual.

To this end, the invention concerns a method for data acquisition by a radio receiver using Bluetooth technology, implemented by an information manager equipment comprising first means of data acquisition with a Bluetooth radio module including said receiver for receiving data from at least one terminal Bluetooth wireless in a specific area called the receiving cell, said method comprising a step prior statement said terminal in Bluetooth radio and iNCLUDING FEATURES SUCH AS DESCRIBED iN tHE CLAIM.

The invention thus provides a highly accurate "measure" since it allows passively identify one or more users carrying a Bluetooth terminal accessing a standalone product as well as how this is used.

In another feature of the invention, the scope of the specific area is about 10 meters, the Bluetooth radio is fixed and Class 3 with a transmitter power of about 0 dB.

In another feature, the reporting step comprises entering an identification code of the device using a graphical interface and navigation means connected to the information manager equipment, stage detection / attachment being viewable by the terminal detection indicator means.

In another feature, an update step is performed when changing the type of use of the product, through a tracking module second acquisition means, to update sequences attachment / detachment underway.

In another feature, each terminal is intended for a single user with entering a personal identification code during the reporting step, data associated with the terminal to represent information characterizing this unique user being stored in a second database the host.

In another feature, the data to be transmitted to the first database are compressed and encoded data processing means coupled to the sending module to be sent by the sending module to the first database via a public communication network.

The acquisition of data resulting in the transmission of said data over a public network, this can be managed so prédéclarée and autonomous by the sending module, for example sending every night at 00:01 if there are data .

In another feature, the memory of the first means of data acquisition, if approved by the first success of the host database, is discharged by means of erasing data sending module, the latter repeating the step of transmitting in the opposite case.

It is worth noting here that the solicitation can be external: call to the module with "AT" commands, that is to say commands starting with the "Warning" signal, triggering the memory dump. The connection is then done by the server and not on the initiative of the module including the erasing means.

In another feature, the memory of the second means of data acquisition is also discharged by said erasing means data upon receipt of success by the first database server center.

In another feature, the public communication network through which the compressed coded data is transmitted is the Internet or a GSM network.

In another feature, the product is television, the type of use being representative of a program that product.

The invention also relates to propose an equipment manager information using a Bluetooth-type technology to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art.

To this end, the invention relates to an information using a Bluetooth-type technology manager equipment for carrying out the method according to the invention, comprising first data acquisition means equipped with a Bluetooth radio module including said receiver for receiving data from at least one terminal Bluetooth wireless in a specific cell of said receiving area, and a user interface to declare the said terminal to the Bluetooth radio module with at least a terminal identification characteristic, the EQUIPMENT WITH FEATURES SUCH AS DESCRIBED IN THE CLAIMS 11.

In another feature, the Bluetooth radio is Class 3 and includes a directive antenna gain with a transmitter power of about 0 dB.

In another feature of the invention, the user interface includes a graphical interface and navigation means to allow the entry of a terminal identification code.

In another feature, the information interface is connected to a monitoring module of the second acquisition means adapted to perform the update sequences for attachment / detachment being based on the type of use of the product.

According to another feature, the data-sending module is coupled to data processing means for compressing and encoding the data to be transmitted, said sending module comprising a communication interface to a public communication network.

In another feature, the sending module comprises means for erasing data to unload the memory of the first and / or second data acquisition means and receiving means to check the receipt of data by the base remote data.

In another feature, the communication interface of the module is sending an Internet terminal or GSM.

The invention, with its features and advantages, will become clearer after reading the description with reference to the accompanying drawings given as non-limiting examples in which:<ul><li>the <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> shows schematically an embodiment of an information manager equipment according to the invention in association with a GSM network,</li><li>the <figref idrefs="f0001">2</figref> represents a receiving cell in which Bluetooth mobile terminals can communicate with a fixed Bluetooth radio module</li><li>the <figref idrefs="f0002">3</figref> schematically shows an example of process according to the invention.</li></ul>

The invention will now be described with reference to <figref idrefs="f0001">Figures 1 and 2</figref>.

As shown in <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref>The invention proposes to identify individuals through terminals (21, 22) previously declared autonomous Bluetooth to a Bluetooth radio module (3) communicating with the terminals (21, 22), for example through the Bluetooth class 3 corresponding to the issue of 1mW. Not limited to, the antenna (30) of the radio module (3) is a directive gain antenna generating -6 to 0 dB, so that the terminals must be very close to the radio module to communicate, for example 10 meters at most. According to the specification V1.1 Bluetooth standard, the receiving cell (C) corresponding to the Bluetooth radio module (3) allows you to communicate maximum 7 wireless terminals (21, 22) "slaves" simultaneously with the radio module ( 3) "master", as shown in<figref idrefs="f0001">2</figref>. Bluetooth devices (21, 22) may be in the form of bracelet or any other form convenient to wear.

Equipment (1) information manager using Bluetooth technology according to the invention has the specificity to be placed in direct proximity of a product (P), for example a receiver of broadcast programs such as a TV, and using Bluetooth technology to store information attachment / detachment module (3) "master" for people equipped with a terminal, so as to link this information to the associated programs watched and / or listened to in the case of this particular example. The product (P) is arranged in the cell (C) and is for example accessible to users located in the cell (C).

Data acquisition is therefore effected eg intertrip radio receiver Bluetooth radio module, initiated by simple detection / attachment of a Bluetooth terminal said entering a specific area corresponding to the receiving cell (C), whose extent is of the order of 10 meters. A user interface is provided to declare a terminal (21, 22) Bluetooth radio module (3) with at least one terminal identification characteristic (21, 22). Equipment (1) includes, for example, a user interface (not shown) consists of a GUI and navigation means to allow the entry of a terminal identification code (21, 22). In one embodiment of the invention, the user can declare its terminal in Bluetooth radio module (3) by using for example the display of a TV or other display coupled to the device (1). The requested information will be PIN 4-digit terminal (21, 22) and a validation of the listening device, which has for example a diode relaying visually by a long blink detection information "field" of radio receiver. It is thus possible to display a good reception. A report by rapid flashing can allow to indicate the need to change batteries or batteries. The detection step / attachment is displayable by such terminal detection indication means (21, 22).

As shown in <figref idrefs="f0001">2</figref>A terminal (22) located outside of the cell (C), even if it has been said, is not detected and therefore is not taken into account by the equipment (1). Bluetooth communication is understood here referred here has absolutely no need of increased radiation capacity since only the terminal (21) very close to the radio module (3) to be detected. A power class 1, generally up to 100 meters from a movable base, thus not advantageous according to the principle of the invention.

Equipment (1) of the invention comprises first means of acquisition (11) of data including Bluetooth radio module (3) and a memory (101) for storing data representative of sequences for attachment / detachment terminals (21, 22) reported. Equipment (1) also includes second acquisition means (12) provided with a data interface (I) intelligence and memory (102) for storing time-stamped data representative of a type of use the product (P). clock means (not shown) may be provided to enable time-stamping data. In the case of a television product, the type of use is representative of a product of television programming. The invention then several advantages: it allows particularly secure and passive identification of a family circle facing a receiver programs. The non declarative mode of this identification, combined with automatic detection of the presence of spectators and correlating this information with the given program is an element capable of providing greater accuracy in médiamétriques measures. Other access control applications or Automation involving the recognition of a terminal holder individual (21, 22) for attachment of the profile detected are possible: vocalization of received messages, viewing a TV program or listening to a favorite radio station, opening shutters, etc.

As shown in <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref>, The first acquisition means (11) of data comprises a module (110) for collecting and classifying connected to the Bluetooth radio module (3). This collection module and ranking is able firstly to identify a terminal (21) said newly detected by the Bluetooth radio module (3) to automatically create a sequence of attachment / detachment associated with the identification feature the terminal (21), and secondly to identify the end of the detecting terminal (21) for storing said sequence in the memory (101) the first acquisition means (11) of data. This memory (101) may be of RAM (Random Access Memory), Flash or equivalent. Common storage means may group this memory (101) and memory (102) second acquisition means (12) of data in an alternative embodiment.

The equipment information manager (1) comprises a sending module (10) of data to collect the data obtained by the first and second acquisition means (11, 12) and transmit data to a database ( 51) remote data representative of a historical listing for each terminal (21, 22) said time-stamped sequences of attachment / detachment completed with the type of use of the corresponding product (P) available in the cell (C). As shown in<figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref>The sending module (10) includes a communication interface to a public communications network, for example an Internet terminal, GSM data or GSM SMS (Short Message Service). The radio subsystem (BSS) or PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) used to route data to the database (51). An antenna (31) type of GSM sending module (10) provides, in the example of the<figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref>To transmit data to the base station receivers (BTS), base station controller BSC (4) controlling the transfer of such data. In one embodiment of the invention, the sending module (10) is coupled to data processing means for compressing and encoding the data to be transmitted. The transmission can be done in "night way" using a secure protocol to a central server (5) authenticates the integrity of delivered messages, which are stored encrypted in the database (51) for statistical purposes, for example. Sending data being carried on a public network, this can be managed so prédéclarée and autonomous by the sending module (10), for example sending every night after midnight if there actually has data to pass. Alternatively, decoding and decompression of the transmitted data can be performed by the server center (5).

In one embodiment of the invention, the sending module (10) is in charge of management of the erasure of the memory (101) the first acquisition means (11) data, if successful receiving by the database (51) of the server center (5). This memory (101) is discharged by means of deleting data (not shown) of the transmission module (10) which can be ordered on the initiative of the host (5). AT commands for modem may be used in the case of such an external stimulus with call to the sending module (10). The data transmitting step is repeated by the sending module (10) in the case where reception failed. The database (51) remote delivers such a code interpreted by means of receipt of the send module (10) to check the receipt of data from the database (51) remote, the code issued allowing to indicate the success or failure of the reception. The sending module (10) controls the send retry schemes if necessary and the transmission of error messages lifts or violations maintenance periods issued by a local application equipment (1).

The sending module (10) may also unload the memory analogously (102) of the second acquisition means (12) of data, via the means for erasing data. The unloading of memories (101, 102) can advantageously and without limitation be achieved when the registration data can not be due to free memory failure, a safety margin for the memory to be reached.

In one embodiment of the invention, each Bluetooth terminal (21, 22) is for a single user having entered a personal identification code in the declaration of this terminal (21, 22). Data associated with the terminal (21, 22) for representing information characterizes this single user are stored in a database (52) further from the server center (5). The operator of the network routing data to the first database (51) said indeed beforehand, for each terminal (21, 22), the personal information about the user, such as age, sex, the name, surname, professional category, etc. This personal information is stored on a database (52) separate from the database (51) containing the information of attachment / detachment to meet the requirements of people on protecting their privacy.

An update step can be performed during a change of product use type (P), through a monitoring module (120) second acquisition means (12) of data, to update the sequences for attachment / detachment on current terminals (21) in the cell (C) reception. The interface (1) Intelligence is connected to the monitoring module for reporting product use changes (P) so that the monitoring module performs an update taking into account the new type of product use (P).

The invention will now be described in connection with the <figref idrefs="f0001">figures 1</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0002">3</figref>.

The data acquisition method comprises, as shown in <figref idrefs="f0002">3</figref>, A prior step of declaration, by a user, a terminal (21, 22) to the Bluetooth radio module (3). The user makes such a request (61) statement using the user interface. A phase of identification (62) is carried by at least entering a PIN or equivalent identification feature. The statement can be naturally produced by the same person to declare a plurality of terminals (21, 22) Bluetooth.

At a variable point in the process when a user comes with his terminal (21) in said cell (C) for receiving, a step (63) of detection / attachment of the terminal (21) is carried out by the Bluetooth radio module (3). A subsequent step of creating a sequence of attachment / detachment associated with the identification feature of the terminal (21) is performed by the module (110) for collecting and ranking. Similarly, at a variable point in the process, a step (64) end detection / detachment of a terminal (22) said having left the cell (C) reception is performed by the Bluetooth radio module (3) . A subsequent step (65) for storing the sequence of attachment / detachment associated with the identification characteristic of the terminal (22) is performed by the module (110) for collecting and classification in the memory (101) first means acquiring (11) data.

As shown in <figref idrefs="f0002">3</figref>The process according to the invention also involves a step (60) for storing in the memory (102) second acquisition means (12), stamped data representative of the type of product use (P) arranged in the cell (C). In one embodiment of the invention, a step (66) of association of sequences for attachment / detachment with the type of product use is performed by the sending module. The latter being collected and the association of the sequences for attachment / detachment of the numbers / codes of terminals (21, 22) reported with information representative of use of the product at a specific time. A step (68) of transmission to the database (51) of the server center (5) is then performed by the send module (10) after a step (67) through compression and coding of data to be transmitted.

In the particular case of a television product with the type of use depends on the choice of a broadcast channel, each broadcast channel change causes an update of the attachment of the terminals (21, 22), by via a logic function HOLD type used for example to each viewer. HOLD This type of logic includes such a hold of a program modification. The attachment can be characterized by a NEW type of information that includes the type of program selected, the detachment QUIT type information. It is possible to qualify the update, the addition or removal of a terminal (21, 22) by a SET function.

In one embodiment of the invention, the databases (51, 52) separate from the host (5) can form with a third database (53) Datamart kind for supporting aid applications the making and customer relationship management, a whole meets the requirements of confidentiality and protection of privacy.

One advantage of the invention is to provide a "logging" attachments / detachments of terminal holders, whose registered personal information is stored in a separate database based on information collected, while Bluetooth technology is primarily a transport element of the voice between a master and one or more slaves, authentication and attachment is only a step to achieve this goal.

Another advantage of the invention lies in the detection in real time of arrival or departure of one or more users. Compared with IrDA type of technology (Infrared Device Association), WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Home RF (Radio Frequency) can be used to enable detection, Bluetooth technology is particularly cheaper and above all more secure for sensitive applications.

The invention makes it especially secure and passive identification of a family circle facing a receiver program in one of the embodiments. The non declarative mode associated with the automatic detection of the presence of spectators and correlating this information with the given program is an element capable of providing greater accuracy in médiamétriques measures.

It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention allows embodiments in many other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. Therefore, the present embodiments must be considered illustrative, but can be modified within the field defined by the scope of the appended claims and the invention should not be limited to the details given above.