Device and method for automatically obtaining information relating to the audiences of programs transmitted by a communication network

Abstract

A device is dedicated to analyzing data relating to access to programs (or contents) that are transmitted by communication networks to communication terminals that are attached to them. The device comprises a memory and processor means adapted i) on receiving a first message transmitted by a terminal that has just accessed a program including at least first data representative of that program, to store the first data in the memory in corresponding relationship to second data representative of the time access to the program began and third data representative of the terminal that accessed said program, ii) on receiving a second message transmitted by a terminal that has just ceased to access a program including at least the first data representative of that program, to store the first data in the memory in corresponding relationship to fourth data representative of the time at which access to said program ceased and third data representative of the terminal that has ceased to access said program, and iii) to access at least some of the data stored in the memoryto determine at least information representative of the audiences of at least some of the programs.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to mobile or fixed communication networks in which programs (or content) such as television, music, radio, multimedia or video programs are transmitted to communication terminals, and more particularly to obtaining and accessing through said terminals Information about these programs (or content). Background technique [0002] Due to the intense competition among program (or content) broadcasters, it is particularly important for them to have as much information as possible about the audience their various programs (or content) acquire. [0003] There are currently two main methods for estimating program (or content) audiences. [0004] The first method is purely verbal: interviewing a sample population on the street or by telephone. It is not feasible for this method to be used in real time. Also, the method is expensive as it requires staff to conduct interviews and prepare reports. In addition, the number of people ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Moreover, it requires the device to be permanently connected to the program receiver and is therefore not at all suitable for mobile communication terminals such as mobile (or cellular) phones, laptop computers and personal digital assistants (PDAs)

Also expensive as it requires connecting the unit to every TV covered by the analysis

Furthermore, given the limited number of people covered by the analysis, the error rate on audience results remains high and can be even higher if more analysis units fail

[0007] A completely satisfactory solution is not provided in said technology and it is therefore the object of the present invention to improve the situation

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