METHODS AND APPARATUS TO DETECT COMMERCIAL ADVERTISEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH MEDIA PRESENTATIONS

Methods and apparatus to detect commercial advertisements associated with media presentations are disclosed. An example method includes comparing an amount of audio randomness in an inter-segment audio frame to a random level threshold, the amount of audio randomness being based on a random-factor ratio; and in response to the amount of randomness satisfying the random level threshold, indicating the inter-segment audio frame is associated with the commercial transition. 1. A method to detect a commercial transition associated with a media presentation , the method comprising:comparing, by executing an instruction with a processor, an amount of audio randomness in an inter-segment audio frame to a random level threshold, the amount of audio randomness being based on a random-factor ratio; andin response to the amount of randomness satisfying the random level threshold, indicating, by executing an instruction with the processor, the inter-segment audio frame is associated with the commercial transition.2. The method as defined in claim 1 , further including determining the random-factor ratio by:determining a quantity of unique time-based distances between at least one of a plurality of amplitude peaks or a plurality of amplitude troughs in the inter-segment audio frame; anddetermining the random-factor ratio by dividing the quantity of unique time-based distances by the quantity of total time-based distances between the at least one of the amplitude peaks or the amplitude troughs.3. The method as defined in claim 1 , wherein the commercial transition includes at least one of a transition between two commercial advertisements or a transition between a commercial advertisement and a media program.4. The method as defined in claim 1 , wherein the inter-segment audio frame is reconstructed from at least one of a television transmission claim 1 , an internet-streamed video claim 1 , or a video on demand video.5. The method as defined in claim 1 , wherein the amount of ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS TO METER MEDIA CONTENT PRESENTED ON A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE

An example apparatus to generate media monitoring information includes a processor to collect a first data record corresponding to a first media presentation session, and collect a second data record corresponding to a second media presentation. The example apparatus also includes a memory in circuit with the processor, the memory to: store a first end timestamp in the first data record indicative of a first time at which the first media presentation session ended; store a second end timestamp in the second data record indicative of a second time at which the second media presentation session ended; and store the first end timestamp in the second data record. 1. An apparatus to generate media monitoring information , comprising:a processor to collect a first data record corresponding to a first media presentation session, and collect a second data record corresponding to a second media presentation session; anda memory in circuit with the processor, the memory to:store a first end timestamp in the first data record indicative of a first time at which the first media presentation session ended;store a second end timestamp in the second data record indicative of a second time at which the second media presentation session ended; andstore the first end timestamp in the second data record.2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 , further including a validator to:access the first end timestamp from the second data record;access the first end timestamp from the first data record; andcompare the first end timestamp from the second data record with the first end timestamp from the first data record to determine whether another data record is missing between the first and second data records.3. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 , wherein the validator is further to generate information indicative of a missing data record when the first end timestamp from the second data record does not match the first end timestamp from the first data record.4. The apparatus as defined in ...

Methods and systems to meter media content presented on a wireless communication device

An example apparatus includes a meter to generate first information indicative of a media presentation mode of a media presentation application executed by a wireless communication device during a presentation of the media content received and presented via the wireless communication device, the media content comprising scheduled programming that is broadcasted or multicasted simultaneously to a plurality of other wireless communication devices during a pre-scheduled time; and generate second information indicative of the media content presented via the wireless communication device. A memory is to store the first information in association with the second information in the wireless communication device; and store third information in association with the first and second information. The third information is indicative of at least one of a location of a cell tower used to transmit the media content, an identifier of the cell tower, or an identifier of a wireless network access point.

Methods and systems to meter media content presented on a wireless communication device

An example apparatus to generate media monitoring information includes a processor to collect a first data record corresponding to a first media presentation session, and collect a second data record corresponding to a second media presentation. The example apparatus also includes a memory in circuit with the processor, the memory to: store a first end timestamp in the first data record indicative of a first time at which the first media presentation session ended; store a second end timestamp in the second data record indicative of a second time at which the second media presentation session ended; and store the first end timestamp in the second data record.

METHODS AND APPARATUS TO IDENTIFY AND CREDIT MEDIA USING RATIOS OF MEDIA CHARACTERISTICS

Methods and apparatus to identify and credit media using ratios of media characteristics are disclosed herein. Example methods and apparatus determine a first ratio based on a first combination of time intervals of a monitored media signature, the monitored media signature including a plurality of time intervals, respective ones of the time intervals being between respective adjacent characteristics identified in the media, determine a second ratio based on a second combination of time intervals of the monitored media signature, generate a monitored media ratio signature based on the first and second ratios, and compare the monitored media ratio signature with a reference ratio signature to identify the media. 1. An apparatus to identify media , comprising: determine a first ratio based on a first combination of time intervals of a monitored media signature, the monitored media signature including a plurality of time intervals, respective ones of the time intervals being between respective adjacent characteristics identified in the media;', 'determine a second ratio based on a second combination of time intervals of the monitored media signature; and', 'generate a monitored media ratio signature based on the first and second ratios; and, 'a delta extractor toa signature comparator to compare the monitored media ratio signature with a reference ratio signature to identify the media.2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein the first combination of time intervals includes a first time interval and a second time interval claim 1 , and the second combination of time intervals includes a third time interval and a fourth time interval.3. (canceled)4. (canceled)5. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 , wherein the signature comparator is to identify claim 2 , in a reference database claim 2 , a reference ratio signature including a third ratio and a fourth ratio claim 2 , the third ratio of the reference ratio signature matching the first ratio of the monitored media ...

Methods and apparatus to detect commercial advertisements associated with media presentations

Methods and apparatus to detect commercial advertisements associated with media presentations are disclosed. An example method includes determining an amount of audio randomness an inter-segment audio frame. The example method also includes indicating the inter-segment audio frame as occurring at a commercial transition based on the amount of audio randomness of the at least one inter-segment audio frame.

SIGNATURE-BASED PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR USE WITH DIGITAL BROADCAST SYSTEMS

Signature-based program identification apparatus and methods for use with digital audio and/or video systems are disclosed. The disclosed systems and methods develop signatures of digital audio and/or video content from a digital data stream at two or more sites and compare the signatures to one another to identify the content. 1. A method comprising:receiving a digital data stream at a consumer site;storing the digital data stream until playback;generating a digital signature from the digital data stream during playback of the digital data stream at the consumer site;comparing the digital signature to one or more reference signatures in a reference signature database; andidentifying the digital data stream based on the comparison.2. A method as described in claim 1 , wherein generating the digital signature further comprises:extracting a plurality of data packets from the digital data stream; andconcatenating portions of the data packets to form the digital signature.3. A method as described in claim 1 , further comprising:associating a first time value with the digital data stream indicating when the digital data stream was received at the consumer site; andassociating the first time value with the digital signature when the digital signature is generated during playback.4. A method as described in claim 3 , further comprising:associating a second time value with each reference signature in the reference signature database;calculating a delay window for the second time value associated with each reference signature; andcomparing the digital signature to one or more of the reference signatures when the first time value associated with the digital signature falls within the delay window of the second time value of one or more of the reference signatures.5. A method as described in claim 1 , further comprising developing the reference signature database based on one or more digital data streams received at a reference site claim 1 , the reference signature database ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS TO METER MEDIA CONTENT PRESENTED ON A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE

An example apparatus includes a meter to generate first information indicative of a media presentation mode of a media presentation application executed by a wireless communication device during a presentation of the media content received and presented via the wireless communication device, the media content comprising scheduled programming that is broadcasted or multicasted simultaneously to a plurality of other wireless communication devices during a pre-scheduled time; and generate second information indicative of the media content presented via the wireless communication device. A memory is to store the first information in association with the second information in the wireless communication device; and store third information in association with the first and second information. The third information is indicative of at least one of a location of a cell tower used to transmit the media content, an identifier of the cell tower, or an identifier of a wireless network access point. 1. An apparatus to generate media metering information associated with a wireless communication device , the apparatus comprising: generate first information indicative of a media presentation mode of a media presentation application executed by the wireless communication device during a presentation of the media content received and presented via the wireless communication device, the media content comprising scheduled programming that is broadcasted or multicasted simultaneously to a plurality of other wireless communication devices during a pre-scheduled time; and', 'generate second information indicative of the media content presented via the wireless communication device; and, 'a meter to store the first information in association with the second information in the wireless communication device; and', 'store third information in association with the first and second information, wherein the third information is indicative of at least one of a location of a cell tower used to ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS TO IDENTIFY AND CREDIT MEDIA USING RATIOS OF MEDIA CHARACTERISTICS

Apparatus, systems, articles of manufacture, and methods to identify and credit media using ratios of media characteristics are disclosed herein. Example methods disclosed herein include determining a first ratio based on a first time interval and a second time interval of a plurality of time intervals of a reference media signature, the reference media signature based on a media signal associated with reference media, respective ones of the plurality of time intervals corresponding to respective adjacent characteristics identified in the media signal. Disclosed example methods also include determining a second ratio based on a third time interval and a fourth time interval of the plurality of time intervals of the reference media signature. Disclosed example methods further include generating a reference ratio signature based on the first and second ratios, the reference ratio signature used to identify the reference media. 1. An apparatus comprising:memory; and determine a first ratio based on a first time interval and a second time interval of a plurality of time intervals of a reference media signature, the reference media signature based on a media signal associated with reference media, respective ones of the plurality of time intervals corresponding to respective adjacent characteristics identified in the media signal;', 'determine a second ratio based on a third time interval and a fourth time interval of the plurality of time intervals of the reference media signature; and', 'generate a reference ratio signature based on the first and second ratios, the reference ratio signature to identify the reference media., 'a processor to execute computer readable instructions to at least2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first time interval and the second time interval are adjacent claim 1 , and the third time interval and the fourth time interval are adjacent.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , further including storing the reference ratio signature claim 1 , the ...

Methods and apparatus to monitor consumer behavior associated with location-based web services

Example methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture to monitor consumer behavior associated with location-based web services are disclosed. Example disclosed apparatus include a receiver to receive a query from a mobile device including a query criterion and a first location identifier. Disclosed example apparatus further include a database to associate a second location identifier with an advertisement identifier indicative of an advertisement at a fixed location. Disclosed example apparatus also include an analyzer to credit the advertisement indicated by the advertisement identifier as having been exposed to a user of the mobile device in response to the first location identifier matching the second location identifier or the first location identifier being indicative of a first location within a distance of a second location indicated by the second location identifier.

METHODS AND APPARATUS TO IDENTIFY AND CREDIT MEDIA USING RATIOS OF MEDIA CHARACTERISTICS

Apparatus, systems, articles of manufacture, and methods to identify and credit media using ratios of media characteristics are disclosed herein. An example apparatus to identify media includes a delta calculator to determine a first ratio based on a first time interval and a second time interval of a monitored media signal, and determine a second ratio based on the second time interval and a third time interval of the monitored media signal. The example apparatus also includes a signature generator to generate a monitored media ratio signature based on the first and second ratios. The example signature generator also is to initiate transmission of the monitored media ratio signature to a recipient that is to compare the monitored media ratio signature with a reference ratio signature to identify the media. 1. An apparatus to identify media , comprising: determine a first ratio based on a first time interval and a second time interval of a monitored media signal; and', 'determine a second ratio based on the second time interval and a third time interval of the monitored media signal; and, 'a delta calculator to generate a monitored media ratio signature based on the first and second ratios; and', 'initiate transmission of the monitored media ratio signature to a recipient that is to compare the monitored media ratio signature with a reference ratio signature to identify the media;, 'a signature generator toat least one of the delta calculator or the signal generator implemented by at least one of a processor or hardware.2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein the second time interval is subsequent to the first time interval.3. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein the delta calculator is to divide the first time interval by the second time interval to determine the first ratio.4. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein the delta calculator is to divide the first time interval by a sum of the first time interval and the second time interval to ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS TO DETECT COMMERCIAL ADVERTISEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH MEDIA PRESENTATIONS

Methods and apparatus to detect commercial advertisements associated with media presentations are disclosed. An example method involves receiving a video frame and detecting a change in box-formatting between the video frame and a subsequent video frame. A transition between the video frame and the subsequent video frame is indicated as a commercial advertisement transition based on the detected change in box-formatting. 1. (canceled)2. An apparatus comprising:at least one memory;instructions in the apparatus; and generate a first hint value based on a first characteristic associated with a media presentation, the first characteristic indicative of a commercial transition;', 'generate a second hint value based on a second characteristic associated with the media presentation, the second characteristic indicative of the commercial transition;', 'determine an aggregated weighted hint value based on the first hint value and the second hint value; and', 'indicate a presence of the commercial transition associated with the media presentation based on a determination that the aggregated weighted hint value satisfies a threshold., 'processor circuitry to execute the instructions to3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the threshold is a first threshold claim 2 , the first characteristic is an amount of audio randomness in an inter-segment audio frame of the media presentation claim 2 , and the processor circuitry is to:determine the amount of audio randomness being based on a random-factor ratio; andgenerate the first hint value based on a comparison of the amount of audio randomness to a second threshold.4. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the second characteristic is a presence of at least one of a change in box-formatting between consecutive video frames claim 2 , an audio format change claim 2 , an aspect ratio change claim 2 , a timestamp discontinuity claim 2 , a closed-captioning text discontinuity claim 2 , or a commercial insertion opportunity code.5. The ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS TO REDUCE FALSE POSITIVE SIGNATURE MATCHES DUE TO SIMILAR MEDIA SEGMENTS IN DIFFERENT REFERENCE MEDIA ASSETS

Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture to reduce false positive signature matches due to similar media segments in different reference media assets are disclosed. Example apparatus disclosed herein include a signature matcher to compare monitored media signatures with a library of reference media signatures, the monitored media signatures associated with monitored media, the library of reference media signatures including sequences of reference signatures associated with respective reference media assets. Disclosed example apparatus also include a match information identifier to identify a number of different matched reference media assets associated with ones of the sequences of reference media signatures that match a sequence of matched monitored media signatures. Disclosed example apparatus further include a false positive identifier to, in response to the number of different matched reference media assets satisfying a threshold number, eliminate one or more of the matched reference media assets from being credited to the monitored media. 1. (canceled)2. An apparatus comprising:at least one memory;instructions in the apparatus; and identify matched reference media assets associated with matches between a sequence of monitored media signature and ones of a plurality of sequences of reference media signatures, the sequence of monitored media signatures associated with monitored media, the ones of the sequences of reference media signatures associated with respective reference media assets; and', 'classify one or more of the matched reference media assets as false positive matches based at least in part on a count of different ones of the reference media assets., 'processor circuitry to execute the instructions to at least3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the sequence of monitored media signatures is obtained from a media meter that is to monitor media presented by a media device.4. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the processor circuitry is ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS TO DETECT COMMERCIAL ADVERTISEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH MEDIA PRESENTATIONS

Methods and apparatus to detect commercial advertisements associated with media presentations are disclosed. An example method includes determining an amount of audio randomness an inter-segment audio frame. The example method also includes indicating the inter-segment audio frame as occurring at a commercial transition based on the amount of audio randomness of the at least one inter-segment audio frame. 1. A method to detect a commercial transition associated with a media presentation , the method comprising:determining an amount of audio randomness an inter-segment audio frame; andindicating the inter-segment audio frame as occurring at a commercial transition based on the amount of audio randomness of the at least one inter-segment audio frame.2. A method as defined in claim 1 , wherein determining the amount of audio randomness comprises:determining a quantity of unique time-based distances between at least one of a plurality of amplitude peaks or a plurality of amplitude troughs in inter-segment audio frame; anddetermining a random-factor ratio by dividing the quantity of unique time-based distances by a quantity of total time-based distances between the at least one of the amplitude peaks or the amplitude troughs.3. A method as defined in claim 1 , wherein indicating the inter-segment audio frame as occurring at the commercial transition based on the amount of audio randomness of the inter-segment audio frame comprises indicating the inter-segment audio frame as occurring at the commercial transition when the amount of audio randomness exceeds a threshold.4. A method as defined in claim 1 , wherein the commercial transition comprises at least one of a transition between two commercial advertisements or a transition between a commercial advertisement and a media program.5. A method as defined in claim 1 , wherein the inter-segment audio frame is reconstructed from at least one of a television transmission claim 1 , an internet-streamed video claim 1 , or a ...

Methods and apparatus for affiliate interrupt detection

Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for affiliate interrupt detection. An example method disclosed herein includes determining whether a first time period of a first audio signal corresponds to a first affiliate interrupt period based on whether (1) a first type of watermark is detected in the first time period of the first audio signal, and (2) a second type of watermark is detected in the first audio signal outside the first time period but not in the first time period of the first audio signal, and determining whether the first time period of the first audio signal corresponds to the first affiliate interrupt period when watermarks are not detected in the first time period of the first audio signal based on comparison of first signatures with second signatures representing a corresponding first time period of a reference audio signal.

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR AFFILIATE INTERRUPT DETECTION

Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for affiliate interrupt detection. An example method disclosed herein includes determining whether a first time period of a first audio signal corresponds to a first affiliate interrupt period based on whether (1) a first type of watermark is detected in the first time period of the first audio signal, and (2) a second type of watermark is detected in the first audio signal outside the first time period but not in the first time period of the first audio signal, and determining whether the first time period of the first audio signal corresponds to the first affiliate interrupt period when watermarks are not detected in the first time period of the first audio signal based on comparison of first signatures with second signatures representing a corresponding first time period of a reference audio signal. 1. An apparatus comprising:a watermark analyzer to determine whether a first time period of a first audio signal corresponds to a first affiliate interrupt period when watermarks are detected in the first time period of the first audio signal, the watermark analyzer to determine the first time period corresponds to the first affiliate interrupt period based on whether (1) a first type of watermark is detected in the first time period of the first audio signal, and (2) a second type of watermark is detected in the first audio signal outside the first time period but not in the first time period of the first audio signal; andan audio signature analyzer to determine whether the first time period of the first audio signal corresponds to the first affiliate interrupt period when watermarks are not detected in the first time period of the first audio signal, the audio signature analyzer to determine the first time period corresponds to the first affiliate interrupt period based on comparison of first signatures representing the first time period of the first audio signal with second signatures ...

Methods and systems to meter media content presented on a wireless communication device

An example apparatus to generate media metering information includes a display to present selectable options for a user to select one of a plurality of levels of anonymity to be used in association with generating the media metering information indicative of media content presentations; a processor to access an anonymity selection of one of the levels of anonymity, the levels of anonymity including no anonymity, partial anonymity, and total anonymity; and a metering information generator to generate the media metering information in association with the anonymity selection.

METHODS AND SYSTEMS TO METER MEDIA CONTENT PRESENTED ON A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE

An example apparatus to monitor media that is presented via a mobile device includes: an application monitor to determine when media presentation software is being executed by the mobile device; and a metering information collector to collect at least one of a signature or a code of the media presented by the media presentation software based on the media presentation software being executed by the mobile device. 1. An apparatus to monitor media that is presented via a mobile device , comprising:an application monitor to determine when media presentation software is being executed by the mobile device; anda metering information collector to collect at least one of a signature or a code of the media presented by the media presentation software based on the media presentation software being executed by the mobile device.2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 , further including a microphone of the mobile device claim 1 , the metering information collector to collect the signature or the code based on audio signals detected using the microphone of the mobile device.3. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein the metering information collector is further to determine whether to collect the at least one of the signature or the code based on audio being detected via a microphone of the mobile device or to collect the at least one of the signature or the code based on when the media presentation software is being executed claim 1 , and the metering information collector to collect the at least one of the signature or the code of the media presented by the media presentation software based on determining to collect the at least one of the signature or the code based on when the media presentation software is being executed.4. The apparatus as defined in claim 3 , wherein the metering information collector is to collect the at least one of the signature or the code based on the audio being detected via the microphone of the mobile device when the metering information ...

Methods and apparatus to detect commercial advertisements associated with media presentations

Methods and apparatus to detect commercial advertisements associated with media presentations are disclosed. An example method involves receiving a video frame and detecting a change in box-formatting between the video frame and a subsequent video frame. A transition between the video frame and the subsequent video frame is indicated as a commercial advertisement transition based on the detected change in box-formatting.

METHODS AND SYSTEMS TO METER MEDIA CONTENT PRESENTED ON A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE

An example apparatus includes a meter to generate first information indicative of a media presentation mode of a media presentation application executed by a wireless communication device during a presentation of the media content received and presented via the wireless communication device, the media content comprising scheduled programming that is broadcasted or multicasted simultaneously to a plurality of other wireless communication devices during a pre-scheduled time; and generate second information indicative of the media content presented via the wireless communication device. A memory is to store the first information in association with the second information in the wireless communication device; and store third information in association with the first and second information. The third information is indicative of at least one of a location of a cell tower used to transmit the media content, an identifier of the cell tower, or an identifier of a wireless network access point. 1. An apparatus to control media content presented on a media presentation device , the apparatus comprising:a metering information collector to obtain information associated with a user of the media presentation device; and receive first media content from a media content provider;', 'establish a communication link via a network to the media content provider, the communication link to facilitate sending the information to the media content provider; and', 'cause the media presentation device to, in response to receiving a control command from the media content provider via a return path on the communication link of the network, present second media content corresponding to the information, the return path to facilitate control of the media presentation device by the media content provider., 'a communication interface to2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein the obtained information includes demographic information corresponding to the user.3. The apparatus as defined in ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS TO DETECT COMMERCIAL ADVERTISEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH MEDIA PRESENTATIONS

Methods and apparatus to detect commercial advertisements associated with media presentations are disclosed. An example apparatus to detect a commercial transition associated with a media presentation include means for comparing an amount of audio randomness in an inter-segment audio frame to a random level threshold, where the amount of audio randomness is based on a random-factor ratio. The example apparatus further includes means for indicating, in response to the amount of audio randomness satisfying the random level threshold, the inter-segment audio frame as occurring at the commercial transition. 1. An apparatus to detect a commercial transition associated with a media presentation , the apparatus comprising:means for comparing an amount of audio randomness in an inter-segment audio frame to a random level threshold, the amount of audio randomness being based on a random-factor ratio; andmeans for indicating, in response to the amount of audio randomness satisfying the random level threshold, the inter-segment audio frame as occurring at the commercial transition.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further including means for determining the random-factor ratio by:determining a quantity of unique time-based distances between at least one of a plurality of amplitude peaks or a plurality of amplitude troughs in the inter-segment audio frame; anddetermining the random-factor ratio by dividing the quantity of unique time-based distances by a quantity of total time-based distances between the at least one of the amplitude peaks or the amplitude troughs.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the commercial transition includes at least one of a transition between two commercial advertisements or a transition between a commercial advertisement and a media program.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the audio frame is reconstructed from at least one of a television transmission claim 1 , an internet-streamed video claim 1 , or a video on demand.5. The apparatus of claim 1 ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS TO IDENTIFY AND CREDIT MEDIA USING RATIOS OF MEDIA CHARACTERISTICS

Apparatus, systems, articles of manufacture, and methods to identify and credit media using ratios of media characteristics are disclosed herein. An example apparatus to identify media includes a memory including computer readable instructions and a processor to execute the instructions to at least determine a first ratio based on a first time interval and a second time interval of a plurality of time intervals of a monitored media signature, determine a second ratio based on a third time interval and a fourth time interval of the plurality of time intervals of the monitored media signature, generate a monitored media ratio signature based on the first and second ratios, and compare the monitored media ratio signature with a reference ratio signature to identify the media. 1. An apparatus to identify media , the apparatus comprising:memory including computer readable instructions; and determine a first ratio based on a first time interval and a second time interval of a plurality of time intervals of a monitored media signature, the monitored media signature based on a monitored media signal, respective ones of the plurality of time intervals corresponding to respective adjacent characteristics in the media;', 'determine a second ratio based on a third time interval and a fourth time interval of the plurality of time intervals of the monitored media signature;', 'generate a monitored media ratio signature based on the first and second ratios; and', 'compare the monitored media ratio signature with a reference ratio signature to identify the media., 'a processor to execute the instructions to at least2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein the first time interval and the second time interval are adjacent claim 1 , and the third time interval and the fourth time interval are adjacent.3. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 , wherein the processor is to identify claim 2 , in a reference ratio signature database claim 2 , a reference ratio signature including a ...

Signature-based program identification apparatus and methods for use with digital broadcast systems

Signature-based program identification apparatus and methods for use with digital audio and/or video systems are disclosed. The disclosed systems and methods develop signatures of digital audio and/or video content from a digital data stream at two or more sites and compare the signatures to one another to identify the content.

Methods and apparatus to detect commercial advertisements associated with media presentations

Methods and apparatus to detect commercial advertisements associated with media presentations are disclosed. An example method involves receiving a video frame and detecting a change in box-formatting between the video frame and a subsequent video frame. A transition between the video frame and the subsequent video frame is indicated as a commercial advertisement transition based on the detected change in box-formatting.

Visual setting photo typesetter with movable character font

ABSTRACT An apparatus for visually setting type in which a carriage has at least two parallel track means arranged thereon, a displaceable font carriage adapted to co-operate with one of the tracks, carries a master font on which are printed a series of negative characters and an identically arranged parallel series of positive characters. One of the track means is adapted to receive a movable character bearing font adapted to be displaced relative to the carriage and to the master font. An exposure unit is arranged above the carriage to photograph a selected character from the negative font onto a film strip arranged therebelow, after the like positive character is appropriately visually aligned with a character on the movable character bearing font.

Methods and apparatus to detect commercial advertisements associated with media presentations

Methods and apparatus to detect commercial advertisements associated with media presentations are disclosed. An example apparatus to detect a commercial transition associated with a media presentation include means for comparing an amount of audio randomness in an inter-segment audio frame to a random level threshold, where the amount of audio randomness is based on a random-factor ratio. The example apparatus further includes means for indicating, in response to the amount of audio randomness satisfying the random level threshold, the inter-segment audio frame as occurring at the commercial transition.

Methods and systems to meter media content presented on a wireless communication device

Example methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture meter media content presented on a wireless communication device are disclosed. A disclosed example method receives media content via a wireless communication device. The media content is to be presented via the wireless communication device. First information is generated indicative of a media presentation mode of a media presentation application executed by the wireless communication device to present the media content. Second information is generated indicative of the media content presented via the wireless communication device. The first information is stored in association with the second information in the wireless communication device.

Methods and systems to meter media content presented on a wireless communication device

Example methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture meter media content presented on a wireless communication device are disclosed. A disclosed example method receives media content via a wireless communication device. The media content is to be presented via the wireless communication device. First information is generated indicative of a media presentation mode of a media presentation application executed by the wireless communication device to present the media content. Second information is generated indicative of the media content presented via the wireless communication device. The first information is stored in association with the second information in the wireless communication device.

Methods and systems to meter media content presented on a wireless communication device

Example methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture meter media content presented on a wireless communication device are disclosed. A disclosed example method receives media content via a wireless communication device. The media content is to be presented via the wireless communication device. First information is generated indicative of a media presentation mode of a media presentation application executed by the wireless communication device to present the media content. Second information is generated indicative of the media content presented via the wireless communication device. The first information is stored in association with the second information in the wireless communication device.

Methods and apparatus to detect commercial advertisements associated with media presentations

Methods and apparatus to detect commercial advertisements associated with media presentations are disclosed. An example method involves receiving a video frame and detecting a change in box-formatting between the video frame and a subsequent video frame. A transition between the video frame and the subsequent video frame is indicated as a commercial advertisement transition based on the detected change in box-formatting.

Methods and systems to meter media content presented on a wireless communication device

An example apparatus includes a meter to generate first information indicative of a media presentation mode of a media presentation application executed by a wireless communication device during a presentation of the media content received and presented via the wireless communication device, the media content comprising scheduled programming that is broadcasted or multicasted simultaneously to a plurality of other wireless communication devices during a pre-scheduled time; and generate second information indicative of the media content presented via the wireless communication device. A memory is to store the first information in association with the second information in the wireless communication device; and store third information in association with the first and second information. The third information is indicative of at least one of a location of a cell tower used to transmit the media content, an identifier of the cell tower, or an identifier of a wireless network access point.

Methods and apparatus to identify and credit media using ratios of media characteristics

Apparatus, systems, articles of manufacture, and methods to identify and credit media using ratios of media characteristics are disclosed herein. Example methods disclosed herein include determining a first ratio based on a first time interval and a second time interval of a plurality of time intervals of a reference media signature, the reference media signature based on a media signal associated with reference media, respective ones of the plurality of time intervals corresponding to respective adjacent characteristics identified in the media signal. Disclosed example methods also include determining a second ratio based on a third time interval and a fourth time interval of the plurality of time intervals of the reference media signature. Disclosed example methods further include generating a reference ratio signature based on the first and second ratios, the reference ratio signature used to identify the reference media.

Methods and apparatus to detect commercial advertisements associated with media presentations

Methods and apparatus to detect commercial advertisements associated with media presentations are disclosed. An example method involves receiving a video frame and detecting a change in box-formatting between the video frame and a subsequent video frame. A transition between the video frame and the subsequent video frame is indicated as a commercial advertisement transition based on the detected change in box-formatting.

Methods and apparatus to extract codes from a plurality of channels

Methods and systems to meter media content presented on a wireless communication device

Example methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture meter media content presented on a wireless communication device are disclosed. A disclosed example method receives media content via a wireless communication device. The media content is to be presented via the wireless communication device. First information is generated indicative of a media presentation mode of a media presentation application executed by the wireless communication device to present the media content. Second information is generated indicative of the media content presented via the wireless communication device. The first information is stored in association with the second information in the wireless communication device.

Methods and systems to meter media content presented on a wireless communication device

Example methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture meter media content presented on a wireless communication device are disclosed. A disclosed example method receives media content via a wireless communication device. The media content is to be presented via the wireless communication device. First information is generated indicative of a media presentation mode of a media presentation application executed by the wireless communication device to present the media content. Second information is generated indicative of the media content presented via the wireless communication device. The first information is stored in association with the second information in the wireless communication device.

Signature-based program identification apparatus and methods for use with digital broadcast systems

Methods and apparatus to generate a signature based on signature candidates

Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to generate a signature based on signature candidates. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes first means for determining an alignment point of a first candidate signature segment and a second candidate signature segment, the first candidate signature segment and the second candidate signature segment include time data and signature data, the alignment point based on the time data of the first candidate signature segment and the time data of the second candidate signature segment, means for comparing a first signature to a second signature at the alignment point, the first signature representative of media included in the first candidate signature segment, the second signature included in the second candidate signature segment, and means for stitching the second signature to the first signature based on the comparison to generate a stitched signature, the stitched signature to be used for media crediting.

Methods and apparatus to determine audience viewing of recorded programs

Methods and apparatus to identify and credit media using ratios of media characteristics

Apparatus, systems, articles of manufacture, and methods to identify and credit media using ratios of media characteristics are disclosed herein. Example apparatus to identify media include at least one memory, instructions, and at least one processor to execute the instructions to: determine a first ratio based on a first time interval and a second time interval of a monitored media signal; determine a second ratio based on the second time interval and a third time interval of the monitored media signal; generate a first ratio signature based on the first and second ratios; and initiate transmission of the first ratio signature to a recipient that is to compare the first signature with a second ratio signature to identify the media.

Methods and apparatus to generate a signature based on signature candidates

Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to generate a signature based on signature candidates. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes first means for determining an alignment point of a first candidate signature segment and a second candidate signature segment, the first candidate signature segment and the second candidate signature segment include time data and signature data, the alignment point based on the time data of the first candidate signature segment and the time data of the second candidate signature segment, means for comparing a first signature to a second signature at the alignment point, the first signature representative of media included in the first candidate signature segment, the second signature included in the second candidate signature segment, and means for stitching the second signature to the first signature based on the comparison to generate a stitched signature, the stitched signature to be used for media crediting.

Methods and apparatus to credit media segments shared among multiple media assets

Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture to credit media segments shared among multiple media assets are disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein include comparing a sequence of monitored media signatures with a library of reference signatures to determine a signature match, the monitored media signatures representative of a monitored media presentation. Disclosed example methods also include determining duration and offset of the signature match, the offset to represent a position of the signature match relative to a start of a reference media asset associated with the signature match. Disclosed example methods further include crediting a segment of the monitored media presentation represented by the signature match to an identifier of a class of media assets including the reference media asset in response to a determination that (i) the duration of the signature match does not exceed a first threshold and (ii) the offset does not exceed a second threshold.

Methods and systems to meter media content presented on a wireless communication device

An example apparatus to monitor media that is presented via a mobile device includes: an application monitor to determine when media presentation software is being executed by the mobile device; and a metering information collector to collect at least one of a signature or a code of the media presented by the media presentation software based on the media presentation software being executed by the mobile device.

Methods and apparatus to reduce false positive signature matches due to similar media segments in different reference media assets

Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture to reduce false positive signature matches due to similar media segments in different reference media assets are disclosed. Example apparatus disclosed herein include a signature matcher to compare monitored media signatures with a library of reference media signatures, the monitored media signatures associated with monitored media, the library of reference media signatures including sequences of reference signatures associated with respective reference media assets. Disclosed example apparatus also include a match information identifier to identify a number of different matched reference media assets associated with ones of the sequences of reference media signatures that match a sequence of matched monitored media signatures. Disclosed example apparatus further include a false positive identifier to, in response to the number of different matched reference media assets satisfying a threshold number, eliminate one or more of the matched reference media assets from being credited to the monitored media.

Methods and apparatus for affiliate interrupt detection

Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for affiliate interrupt detection. An example method disclosed herein includes determining whether a first time period of a first audio signal corresponds to a first affiliate interrupt period based on whether (1) a first type of watermark is detected in the first time period of the first audio signal, and (2) a second type of watermark is detected in the first audio signal outside the first time period but not in the first time period of the first audio signal, and determining whether the first time period of the first audio signal corresponds to the first affiliate interrupt period when watermarks are not detected in the first time period of the first audio signal based on comparison of first signatures with second signatures representing a corresponding first time period of a reference audio signal.

Methods and apparatus to monitor consumer behavior associated with location-based web services

Example methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture to monitor consumer behavior associated with location-based web services are disclosed. A disclosed example method involves receiving a query from a mobile device including a query criterion and a first location identifier. A second location identifier is retrieved from a database that associates the second location identifier with an advertisement identifier indicative of an advertisement at a fixed location. The advertisement indicated by the advertisement identifier is credited as having been exposed to a user of the mobile device in response to the first location identifier matching the second location identifier or the first location identifier indicating a first location within a distance of a second location indicated by the second location identifier.

Methods and apparatus to extract codes from a plurality of channels

Methods and apparatus to extract codes from a plurality of channels

Methods and apparatus to extract audio codes are disclosed. An example method includes receiving signals on a plurality of channels (101-104) and ranking the signals based on at least one characteristic of the signals via a signal ranker (108). A first channel from the plurality of channels is selected based upon the ranking of the signals via a channel selector (110). The example method further include determining whether a first signal on the first channel includes at least one code and extracting the at least one code from the first signal when the first signal includes the at least one code.

Methods and apparatus to extract codes from a plurality of channels

Methods and apparatus to extract audio codes are disclosed. An example method includes receiving signals on a plurality of channels (101-104) and ranking the signals based on at least one characteristic of the signals via a signal ranker (108). A first channel from the plurality of channels is selected based upon the ranking of the signals via a channel selector (110). The example method further include determining whether a first signal on the first channel includes at least one code and extracting the at least one code from the first signal when the first signal includes the at least one code.

Methods and apparatus to extract codes from a plurality of channels

Métodos y aparato para extraer códigos de una pluralidad de canales

Método para extraer códigos de audio que comprende recibir (302) señales de frecuencia de audio en unapluralidad de canales de audio (101-104) y caracterizado por: demultiplexar la pluralidad de canales de audio (101-104) a partir de la misma componente de audio de unflujo de bits de televisión digital correspondiente a un mismo programa; clasificar (304) las señales de frecuencia de audio basándose en al menos una propiedad de las señales defrecuencia de audio; seleccionar (306) un primer canal de audio (101-104) de la pluralidad de canales de audio (101-104)basándose en la clasificación de las señales de frecuencia de audio; determinar (308) si una primera señal de frecuencia de audio en el primer canal de audio (101-104) incluyeal menos un código de audio; y extraer (314) el al menos un código de audio de la primera señal de frecuencia de audio cuando la primeraseñal de frecuencia de audio incluye el al menos un código de audio.

Methods and apparatus to extract codes from a plurality of channels

Methods and apparatus to extract codes from a plurality of channels

Methods and apparatus to credit media segments shared among multiple media assets

Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture to credit media segments shared among multiple media assets are disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein include comparing a sequence of monitored media signatures with a library of reference signatures to determine a signature match, the monitored media signatures representative of a monitored media presentation. Disclosed example methods also include determining duration and offset of the signature match, the offset to represent a position of the signature match relative to a start of a reference media asset associated with the signature match. Disclosed example methods further include crediting a segment of the monitored media presentation represented by the signature match to an identifier of a class of media assets including the reference media asset in response to a determination that (i) the duration of the signature match does not exceed a first threshold and (ii) the offset does not exceed a second threshold.

Methods and apparatus to detect commercial advertisements associated with media presentations

Methods and apparatus to detect commercial advertisements associated with media presentations are disclosed. An example method involves receiving a video frame and detecting a change in box-formatting between the video frame and a subsequent video frame. A transition between the video frame and the subsequent video frame is indicated as a commercial advertisement transition based on the detected change in box-formatting.

Methods and apparatus to reduce false crediting of exposure to video-on-demand media assets

Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to reduce false crediting of exposure to video-on-demand media assets. Example apparatus disclosed herein include a signature matcher to compare a sequence of monitored media signatures to sequences of reference signatures representative of corresponding reference media assets, the sequence of monitored media signatures included in monitoring data reported by a media device meter, the sequences of reference signature stored in a library of reference signatures. Disclosed example apparatus also include a matched assets counter to determine a count of ones of the reference media assets represented by corresponding ones of the sequences of reference signatures determined to match the sequence of monitored media signatures. Disclosed examples further include a credit determiner to determine whether to credit media exposure to a first one of the reference media assets based on the count.

Methods and apparatus for affiliate interrupt detection

Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for affiliate interrupt detection. An example method disclosed herein includes determining whether a first time period of a first audio signal corresponds to a first affiliate interrupt period based on whether (1) a first type of watermark is detected in the first time period of the first audio signal, and (2) a second type of watermark is detected in the first audio signal outside the first time period but not in the first time period of the first audio signal, and determining whether the first time period of the first audio signal corresponds to the first affiliate interrupt period when watermarks are not detected in the first time period of the first audio signal based on comparison of first signatures with second signatures representing a corresponding first time period of a reference audio signal.