U.S. patent application number 11/777030 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-08 for monitoring usage of a portable user appliance.
Invention is credited to Jack C. Crystal, Roberta M. McConochie, Alan R. Neuhauser.
Application Number | 20080109295 11/777030 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38924192 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080109295 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McConochie; Roberta M. ; et
al. |
May 8, 2008 |
MONITORING USAGE OF A PORTABLE USER APPLIANCE
Abstract
Methods and systems for gathering data concerning usage of a
portable user appliance are disclosed. Content created in the use
of the portable user appliance is monitored to produce content
related data. The content related data is communicated to a usage
data processing facility for producing reports of interest to
advertisers, media organizations, marketers and the like.
Inventors: |
McConochie; Roberta M.;
(Annapolis, MD) ; Neuhauser; Alan R.; (Silver
Spring, MD) ; Crystal; Jack C.; (Owings Mill,
MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATENT DOCKET CLERK;COWAN, LIEBOWITZ & LATMAN, P.C.
1133 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
10036
US
|
Family ID: |
38924192 |
Appl. No.: |
11/777030 |
Filed: |
July 12, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60831744 |
Jul 12, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/7.29 ;
707/999.104; 707/999.107; 707/E17.009; 709/224 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 3/14 20130101; A61B
5/4833 20130101; A61B 5/02438 20130101; A61B 5/0205 20130101; A61B
5/6898 20130101; A61B 5/489 20130101; G06Q 10/00 20130101; A61B
7/008 20130101; G16H 40/20 20180101; G16H 30/20 20180101; G16H
40/63 20180101; A61B 5/0077 20130101; A61B 7/003 20130101; A61B
5/1176 20130101; G06Q 30/0201 20130101; A61B 5/0816 20130101; A61B
3/1216 20130101; G06Q 30/0203 20130101; G16H 10/60 20180101; G16H
40/67 20180101; A61B 7/02 20130101; G06Q 10/101 20130101; A61B
5/1172 20130101; A61B 2503/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/10 ;
707/104.1; 709/224; 707/E17.009 |
International
Class: |
G06F 17/00 20060101
G06F017/00; G06F 15/173 20060101 G06F015/173; G06Q 99/00 20060101
G06Q099/00 |
Claims
1. A method of gathering data concerning usage of a PUA,
comprising: monitoring content created in the use of the PUA to
produce content related data; and communicating the content related
data to a usage data processing facility.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the PUA comprises communications
operative to provide device-to-device communicating ability and/or
wireless networking ability.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the PUA comprises one of a
cellular telephone, a PDA, a notebook computer, a laptop computer,
a PCS device, and a two-way radio.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein a processor of the PUA monitors
content created in the use of the PUA and carries out additional
operations.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the content related data
comprises data indicating the type of PUA function used, data
indicating the time of use of the PUA function, data indicating the
length of time of the use of the PUA function, data relating to the
use of communications to send or receive messages with the use of
the PUA and data relating to content generated by the use of the
PUA function.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the data relating to the use of
communications by the PUA comprises data relating to the time a
message is communicated, the size of the message and the
destination of the message.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the data relating to the content
generated by the use of the PUA comprises at least one of data
relating to the subject of the generated content and data relating
to words, phrases, names or concepts included in the content.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the usage data processing
facility comprises a processor.
9. The method of claim 1, comprising gathering data with the use of
the PUA from which an identification of a user thereof may be
assessed.
10. A system for gathering data concerning usage of a PUA comprises
a monitor in or on the PUA and operative to monitor content created
in the use of the PUA to produce content related data; and
communications coupled with the monitor to receive the content
related data and operative to communicate the content related data
from the PUA to a usage data processing facility.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the PUA comprises
communications operative to provide device-to-device communicating
ability and/or wireless networking ability.
12. The system of claim 10, the PUA comprises one of a cellular
telephone, a PDA, a notebook computer, a laptop computer, a PCS
device, and a two-way radio.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein operations of the
sensor/detector are implemented by a processor of the PUA that is
operative to carry out additional operations beyond those of the
sensor/detector.
14. The system of claim 10, wherein the usage data comprises data
indicating a type of PUA function used, data indicating a time of
use of the PUA function, data indicating a length of time of the
use of the PUA function, data relating to a use of communications
to send or receive messages with the use of the PUA and data
relating to content generated by the use of the PUA function.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the data relating to the use of
communications by the PUA comprises data relating to the time a
message is communicated, the size of the message and the
destination of the message.
16. The system of claim 10, wherein the data relating to the
content generated by the use of the PUA comprises data relating to
the subject of the generated content and data relating to words,
phrases, names or concepts included in the content.
17. The system of claim 10, wherein the monitor is operative to
gather data from which an identification of a user of the PUA can
be assessed.
18. A method of monitoring use of a PUA by a user, the PUA
including a communication interface for communicating with at least
another PUA comprises detecting communication by the communication
interface of the PUA; providing communication content data relating
to content of the communication of the PUA; and providing trend
data representing at least one trend of usage of the PUA by the
user based on the communication data.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the communication content data
comprises at least one of data relating to the subject of the
generated content and data relating to words, phrases, names or
concepts included in the content.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the trend data is stored in one
of the PUA or an external storage.
21. The method of claim 18, comprising processing the trend data to
produce market research data reflecting user preferences.
22. A system for monitoring use of a PUA by a user, the PUA
including a communication interface for communicating with at least
another PUA comprises a monitor operative to detect data
communicated by the communication interface of the PUA and to
produce communication content data relating to content of the
communicated data; and a processor coupled with the monitor to
receive the communication content data and operative to provide
trend data representing at least one trend of usage of the PUA by
the user based on the communication content data.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the communication content data
comprises at least one of data relating to the subject of the
generated content and data relating to words, phrases, names or
concepts included in the content.
24. The system of claim 22, wherein the trend data is stored in one
of the PUA or an external storage.
25. The system of claim 22, wherein the trend data is processed to
produce market research data reflecting user preferences.
Description
[0001] Methods and systems for monitoring use of a portable user
appliance (PUA) are disclosed.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Media organizations, marketers, advertisers, and others are
interested in learning consumers' opinions, preferences, beliefs
and feelings about media, advertisements and products. Various ways
of soliciting consumers' views on these matters have been employed,
but they are relatively expensive to carry out and it is
questionable whether the views so obtained are biased since many
consumers can be reluctant to express their real views when they
respond to an explicit request for them. Accordingly, a relatively
inexpensive way of obtaining consumers' views on such matters which
also tends to provide such views candidly in an unbiased manner,
would be advantageous.
DISCLOSURE
[0003] For this application, the following terms and definitions
shall apply:
[0004] The term "data" as used herein means any indicia, signals,
marks, symbols, domains, symbol sets, representations, and any
other physical form or forms representing information, whether
permanent or temporary, whether visible, audible, acoustic,
electric, magnetic, electromagnetic or otherwise manifested. The
term "data" as used to represent predetermined information in one
physical form shall be deemed to encompass any and all
representations of corresponding information in a different
physical form or forms.
[0005] The terms "media data" and "media" as used herein mean data
which is widely accessible, whether over-the-air, or via cable,
satellite, network, internetwork (including the Internet), print,
displayed, distributed on storage media, or by any other means or
technique that is humanly perceptible, without regard to the form
or content of such data, and including but not limited to audio,
video, audio/video, text, images, animations, databases,
broadcasts, displays (including but not limited to video displays,
posters and billboards), signs, signals, web pages, print media and
streaming media data.
[0006] The term "research data" as used herein means data
comprising (1) data concerning usage of media, (2) data concerning
exposure to media, and/or (3) market research data.
[0007] The term "presentation data" as used herein shall mean media
data, content other than media data or a message to be presented to
a user.
[0008] The term "database" as used herein means an organized body
of related data, regardless of the manner in which the data or the
organized body thereof is represented. For example, the organized
body of related data may be in the form of a table, a map, a grid,
a packet, a datagram, a frame, a file, an e-mail, a message, a
document, a list or in any other form.
[0009] The term "correlate" as used herein means a process of
ascertaining a relationship between or among data, including but
not limited to an identity relationship, a correspondence or other
relationship of such data to further data, inclusion in a dataset,
exclusion from a dataset, a predefined mathematical relationship
between or among the data and/or to further data, and the existence
of a common aspect between or among the data.
[0010] The terms "purchase" and "purchasing" as used herein mean a
process of obtaining title, a license, possession or other right in
or to goods or services in exchange for consideration, whether
payment of money, barter or other legally sufficient consideration,
or as promotional samples. As used herein, the term "goods" and
"services" include, but are not limited to, data and rights in or
to data.
[0011] The term "network" as used herein includes both networks and
internetworks of all kinds, including the Internet, and is not
limited to any particular network or inter-network.
[0012] The terms "first," "second," "primary," and "secondary" are
used herein to distinguish one element, set, data, object, step,
process, function, activity or thing from another, and are not used
to designate relative position, arrangement in time or relative
importance, unless otherwise stated explicitly.
[0013] The terms "coupled", "coupled to", and "coupled with" as
used herein each mean a relationship between or among two or more
devices, apparatus, files, circuits, elements, functions,
operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks,
systems, subsystems, and/or means, constituting any one or more of
(a) a connection, whether direct or through one or more other
devices, apparatus, files, circuits, elements, functions,
operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks,
systems, subsystems, or means, (b) a communications relationship,
whether direct or through one or more other devices, apparatus,
files, circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes,
programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or
means, and/or (c) a functional relationship in which the operation
of any one or more devices, apparatus, files, circuits, elements,
functions, operations, processes, programs, media, components,
networks, systems, subsystems, or means depends, in whole or in
part, on the operation of any one or more others thereof.
[0014] The terms "communicate" and "communicating" as used herein
include both conveying data from a source to a destination, and
delivering data to a communications medium, system, channel,
network, device, wire, cable, fiber, circuit, and/or link to be
conveyed to a destination. The term "communications" as used herein
includes one or more of a communications medium, system, channel,
network, device, wire, cable, fiber, circuit and link.
[0015] The term "message" as used herein includes data to be
communicated, in communication or which has been communicated.
[0016] The term "processor" as used herein means processing
devices, apparatus, programs, circuits, components, systems and
subsystems, whether implemented in hardware, software or both, and
whether or not programmable. The term "processor" as used herein
includes, but is not limited to one or more computers, hardwired
circuits, signal modifying devices and systems, devices and
machines for controlling systems, central processing units,
programmable devices and systems, field programmable gate arrays,
application specific integrated circuits, systems on a chip,
systems comprised of discrete elements and/or circuits, state
machines, virtual machines, data processors, processing facilities
and combinations of any of the foregoing.
[0017] The terms "storage" and "data storage" as used herein mean
data storage devices, apparatus, programs, circuits, components,
systems, subsystems and storage media serving to retain data,
whether on a temporary or permanent basis, and to provide such
retained data.
[0018] The terms "panelist," "panel member" and "participant" are
interchangeably used herein to refer to a person who is, knowingly
or unknowingly, participating in a study to gather information,
whether by electronic, survey or other means, about that person's
activity.
[0019] The term "household" as used herein is to be broadly
construed to include family members, a family living at the same
residence, a group of persons related or unrelated to one another
living at the same residence, and a group of persons (of which the
total number of unrelated persons does not exceed a predetermined
number) living within a common facility, such as a fraternity
house, an apartment or other similar structure or arrangement.
[0020] The term "activity" as used herein includes, but is not
limited to, purchasing conduct, shopping habits, viewing habits,
computer, Internet usage, exposure to media, personal attitudes,
awareness, opinions and beliefs, as well as other forms of activity
discussed herein.
[0021] The term "portable user appliance" (also referred to herein,
for convenience, by the abbreviation "PUA") as used herein means an
electrical or non-electrical device capable of being carried by or
on the person of a user or capable of being disposed on or in, or
held by, a physical object (e.g., attache, purse) capable of being
carried by or on the user, and having at least one function of
primary benefit to such user, including without limitation, a
cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant ("PDA"), a
Blackberry.RTM. a device, a radio, a television, a game system
(e.g., a Gameboy.RTM. device), a notebook computer, a laptop
computer, a GPS device, a personal audio device (e.g., an MP3
player), a DVD player, a two-way radio, a personal communications
device, a telematics device, a remote control device, a wireless
headset, a wristwatch, a portable data storage device (e.g.,
Thumb.TM. drive), a camera, a recorder, a keyless entry device, a
ring, a comb, a pen, a pencil, a notebook, a wallet, a tool, a
flashlight, an implement, a pair of glasses, an article of
clothing, a belt, a belt buckle, a fob, an article of jewelry, an
ornamental article, a pair of shoes or other foot garment (e.g.,
sandals), a jacket, and a hat, as well as any devices combining any
of the foregoing or their functions.
[0022] The term "research device" as used herein shall mean (1) a
portable user appliance configured or otherwise enabled to gather,
store and/or communicate research data, or to cooperate with other
devices to gather, store and/or communicate research data, and/or
(2) a research data gathering, storing and/or communicating
device.
[0023] The term "user-beneficial function" as used herein shall
mean a function initiated or carried out by a person with the use
of a PUA, which function is of primary benefit to that person.
[0024] A method of gathering data concerning usage of a PUA,
comprises: monitoring content created in the use of the PUA to
produce content related data; and communicating the content related
data to a usage data processing facility.
[0025] A system for gathering data concerning usage of a PUA
comprises a monitor in or on the PUA and operative to monitor
content created in the use of the PUA to produce content related
data; and communications coupled with the monitor to receive the
content related data and operative to communicate the content
related data from the PUA to a usage data processing facility.
[0026] A method of monitoring use of a PUA by a user, the PUA
including a communication interface for communicating with at least
another PUA comprises detecting communication by the communication
interface of the PUA; providing communication content data relating
to content of the communication of the PUA; and providing trend
data representing at least one trend of usage of the PUA by the
user based on the communication data.
[0027] A system for monitoring use of a PUA by a user, the PUA
including a communication interface for communicating with at least
another PUA comprises a monitor operative to detect data
communicated by the communication interface of the PUA and to
produce communication content data relating to content of the
communicated data; and a processor coupled with the monitor to
receive the communication content data and operative to provide
trend data representing at least one trend of usage of the PUA by
the user based on the communication content data.
[0028] Certain embodiments of the methods and systems are presented
in the following disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0029] FIG. 1A illustrates various monitoring systems that include
a portable user appliance ("PUA") used by a user and configured to
operate as a research device;
[0030] FIG. 1B is a block diagram showing certain details of the
monitoring systems of FIG. 1A;
[0031] FIG. 1C is a block diagram showing the monitoring systems of
FIG. 1A including a PUA coupled with a docking station;
[0032] FIGS. 2A and 2B are flow diagrams illustrating actions by
the monitoring systems of FIGS. 1A-1C which actively monitor use of
the PUA;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating actions by the
monitoring systems of FIGS. 1A-1C which monitor usage of the PUA;
and
[0034] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating actions by the
monitoring systems of FIGS. 1A-1C which provide trend data
representing one or more PUA usage trends.
[0035] Various embodiments of methods and systems for monitoring
use of a PUA by one or more users are described herein below.
Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic
illustrations of a monitoring system 1 that includes a PUA 2, which
is used by a user 3, and a processor 5. In certain embodiments
otherwise corresponding to the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the
PUA 2 is replaced by a research device that does not comprise a
PUA. The processor 5 may include one or a plurality of processors
which are located together or separate from one another disposed
within or controlled by one or more organizations. As shown, the
PUA 2 may be coupled to the processor 5 via communications 7 which
allows data to be exchanged between the PUA 2 and the processor 5.
In certain embodiments, the PUA 2 is wirelessly coupled via
communications 7 to the processor 5.
[0036] In some embodiments, the monitoring system 1 also includes
storage 6 for storing data including, but not limited to, data
received and/or processed by the central processor 5. In certain
embodiments storage 6 includes one or more storage units located
together or separate from one another at the same or different
locations. In certain embodiments storage 6 is included with
processor 5.
[0037] FIG. 1B is a more detailed illustration of an embodiment of
the monitoring system 1 in which the PUA 2 is adapted to
communicate wirelessly with the processor 5 using wireless
communications 8. The PUA 2 includes a communication interface 9
for communicating and receiving data through communications 8. As
shown, the PUA 2 also includes a message input 11 to allow the user
of the PUA 2 to input a message into the PUA 2. The message input
11 is coupled with the communication interface 9 of the PUA 2, so
that a message inputted using the message input 11 can be
communicated from the PUA 2 via communications 8. It is understood
that messages inputted using the message input 11 may be
communicated to the processor 5, or to another PUA 2, or to another
location or device coupled with communications 8. In the
illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the message input 11
comprises a plurality of keys 11 a in the form of a keypad.
However, the configuration of the message input 11 may vary, such
that, for example, the message input 11 may comprise one or more of
a key, a button, a switch, a keyboard, a microphone, a video
camera, a touch pad, an accelerometer, a motion detector, a touch
screen, a tablet, a scroll-and-click wheel or the like.
[0038] In the illustrative configuration shown in FIG. 1B, the PUA
2 also comprises a sensor or a detector 13 for detecting one or
more parameters. The parameter or parameters detected by the
sensor/detector 13 include, but are not limited to, the remaining
power capacity of the PUA 2, one or more of a user's biometric
functions or parameters, a location of the PUA 2, a change in
location of the PUA 2, data input to the PUA by the user, sounds
external to the PUA 2, motion of the PUA 2, pressure being applied
to the PUA 2, or an impact of the PUA 2 with another object. In
certain embodiments, sensor/detector 13 detects a presence
indication signal or a personal identification signal emitted by a
signal emitter 14 carried in or on the person of the user. In
certain ones of these embodiments, the signal emitter 14 comprises
a device worn or carried by the user, such as a ring, a necklace,
or other article of jewelry, a wristwatch, a key fob, or article of
clothing that emits a predetermined signal indicating a user's
presence or the identity of the user wearing or carrying the
device. The signal may be emitted as an acoustic signal, an RF or
other electromagnetic signal, or a chemical signal that
sensor/detector 13 is operative to receive, or an electrical
signal. In certain embodiments, the signal emitter 14 comprises a
device implanted in the user, such as under the user's skin. In
certain embodiments, the sensor/detector 13 includes a plurality of
sensors or detectors each for detecting one or more of a plurality
of parameters.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 1B, the sensor/detector 13 is coupled with
the communications interface 9 of the PUA 2 so that data produced
as a result of the sensing or detecting performed by the
sensor/detector 13 can be communicated from the PUA 2 to the
processor 5. Although the PUA 2 shown in FIG. 1B includes both the
message input 11 and the sensor/detector 13, it is understood that
in other embodiments, one of these elements may be omitted
depending on the design of the PUA 2 and the requirements of the
monitoring system 1.
[0040] As in FIG. 1A, the illustrative configuration of the
monitoring system 1 shown in FIG. 1B includes storage 6 coupled or
included with the processor 5 to store data, including data
received and/or processed by the processor 5. Data stored in
storage 6 can also be retrieved by the processor 5 when needed.
[0041] The PUA 2 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B may be supplied with
power from an A/C power source or other power supply, or using one
or more batteries or other on-board power source (not shown for
purposes of simplicity and clarity). It is understood that
batteries used to supply power to the PUA 2 may include any type of
batteries, whether rechargeable or not, that are suitable for use
with the particular PUA 2. In certain embodiments, the PUA 2
receives power from rechargeable batteries or another kind of
rechargeable power supply, such as a capacitor, and/or from a
radiant energy converter, such as a photoelectric power converter,
or a mechanical energy converter, such as a microelectric
generator. In certain embodiments, the PUA 2 is connected with a
docking station from time to time, which is used for charging the
PUA 2 and/or transmitting data stored in the PUA 2 to the processor
5. FIG. 1C shows an embodiment of the PUA 2 used with the docking
station 15. The docking station 15, which is typically not carried
by the user and not coupled with the PUA 2 while the PUA is being
carried by the user, is adapted to couple with the PUA 2 via a
coupling 16. The coupling 16 can be a direct connection between the
PUA 2 and the docking station 15 to allow recharging of the PUA 2
and/or communication of data between the PUA 2 and the docking
station 15. In certain embodiments, data is communicated from the
PUA to the docking station by a wireless infra-red, RF, capacitive
or inductive link. In certain embodiments, data is communicated
from the PUA 2 to the processor 5 by cellular telephone link or
other wired or wireless network or device coupling.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 1C, in certain embodiments the docking
station is connected to a power supply 17 to provide power for
charging the PUA 2 when the PUA 2 is coupled with the docking
station 15. In addition, in certain embodiments the docking station
15 includes a communication interface 19 adapted to communicate
with the processor 5 through communications 7. When the PUA 2 is
coupled with the docking station 15 via the coupling 16, data
stored in the PUA 2, such as data collected by the PUA 2 when it
was carried by the user, is transferred to the docking station 15
using the coupling 16 and thereafter communicated using the
communication interface 19 to the processor 5 through
communications 7. In these embodiments, the use of the docking
station 15, rather than the PUA 2, to communicate to the processor
5 data collected by the PUA 2 enables conservation of power by the
PUA 2 or the use of an internal power supply having a relatively
low power capacity. In certain embodiments, the docking station 15
is also used to receive data from the processor 5 via
communications 7, and to transfer the received data from the
docking station 15 to the PUA 2 via the coupling 16 when the PUA 2
is coupled with the docking station 15.
[0043] As can be appreciated, the configuration of the docking
station 15 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1C and
may vary from one embodiment to another. For example, in certain
embodiments, the docking station is used only for charging the PUA
2 and does not include a communication interface 19. In such
embodiments, the docking station 15 is implemented variously as a
cradle receiving the PUA 2 or as a standard AC-to DC converter,
like a cellular telephone charger. In other embodiments, the
docking station 15 is used only for communication of data between
the PUA 2 and the processor 5 and does not charge the PUA 2. In
such embodiments, the PUA 2 may be connected to a power supply,
separate from the docking station 15, for charging, or charged
using an internal power converter, or by replacing one or more
batteries.
[0044] In certain embodiments, the PUA 2 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C
optionally includes an output (not shown for purposes of simplicity
and clarity) for outputting a message to the user. The output can
be in the form of a display for displaying text, or one or more
symbols and/or images, a speaker or earphone for outputting a
voicemail or a voice message, or one or more LED's or lamps for
indicating a message to the user. It is understood that the output
or outputs are not limited to the examples provided herein and can
comprise any suitable output or outputs adapted to provide a
message to the user.
[0045] The monitoring system 1 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is used in
certain embodiments for monitoring use by a user of the PUA 2 in
accordance with at least one predetermined use criterion. The at
least one predetermined use criterion comprises one or more of the
following criteria: that the PUA 2 is being carried and/or used,
that the PUA 2 is being carried and/or used by a specific user,
that the PUA 2 is turned "on," that the PUA 2 is charged, that the
PUA 2 maintains a minimum power capacity, that the PUA 2 is, or has
been, docked at, or connected with, the docking station 15 for a
predetermined length of time, at certain times or during a
predetermined time period, that the PUA is functioning properly to
provide a benefit to the user, and that the PUA 2 is capable of
collecting, storing and/or communicating research data, or of
cooperating with one or more other devices to do so. Other
predetermined use criteria not mentioned above may also be employed
in monitoring the PUA's use.
[0046] In certain embodiments, the method of monitoring use by a
user of a research device such as PUA 2 in accordance with at least
one predetermined use criterion comprises communicating a request
message to the research device, requesting a response from the user
of the PUA, receiving a response message communicated from the
research device in response to the request message, and storing
data indicating whether the use is in compliance with the at least
one predetermined use criterion and/or a level of the user's
compliance therewith. This monitoring method is illustrated in more
detail in FIG. 2A, which shows a block diagram of the actions
performed by the monitoring systems shown in FIGS. 1A-1C.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 2A, a request message is first communicated
100 to a PUA having a two-way communication capability with a
remotely-located processor, such as processor 5 of FIGS. 1A-1C,
requesting a response from a user of the PUA. In certain
embodiments, the request message comprises a text message, a
telephone call, a voice mail, an e-mail, a voice message, a sound,
a plurality of sounds, a web page, an image, a light alert, or a
combination thereof, or any other data presented to the user via
the PUA which indicates to the user that a response is being
requested. The request message is presented to the user using an
appropriate output (for example, a sound reproducing device, such
as a speaker or earphone) if the message is a telephone call, a
voice mail, a voice message, a sound or a plurality of sounds; a
visual display, if the message is a text message, an e-mail, a web
page or another image; and/or one or more light emitting devices
(for example, LED's or lamps) if the message is a light alert. In
certain embodiments, the request message requests a pre-determined
response from the PUA user, or a more general response such as a
response that acknowledges receipt of the request message. In
certain embodiments, the request is accompanied by data of interest
to the user, such as access to certain web sites or content, such
as music, video, news, or electronic coupons. In certain ones of
such embodiments, access to such data is conditioned on providing
the requested response according to parameters expressed in the
request message or otherwise predetermined. In certain embodiments,
the processor is implemented as one or more programmable processors
running a communications management program module serving to
control communications with the PUA and/or its user, along with
other PUA's, to request a response including data from which
compliance can be assessed. In certain ones of such embodiments,
such communications are scheduled in advance by the programming
module with or without reference to a database storing schedule
data representing a schedule of such communications, and carried
out thereby automatically by means of communications 7. In certain
ones of such embodiments, such communications are scheduled in
advance and notified to human operators who initiate calls to the
PUA's and/or the PUA's users according to the schedule, to solicit
data from which compliance can be assessed. In certain ones of such
embodiments, both automatic communications and human-initiated
communications as described above are carried out.
[0048] In response to the request message, a response message is
generated 102 in the PUA. In certain embodiments, the response
message is generated by inputting the response message by an action
of the user using the message input of the PUA. In particular, in
certain embodiments in which the response message comprises a code,
including letter characters, number characters or symbols, or a
combination thereof, the response message is generated using the
message input of the PUA. Alternatively, the response message
comprises data stored in the PUA, in which case, the response
message is generated by selecting the stored data using the message
input. In other embodiments, the response message is a response
signal generated by activating the message input, such as, for
example, by switching one or more switches or by pressing one or
more buttons of the message input. Where the response message
comprises one or more audible sounds, the response message is
generated by inputting the sounds using the message input. In such
embodiments, the message input comprises an audio input device,
such as an acoustic transducer. As mentioned above, the response
message can be generated in response to a request for a
pre-determined response, or in response to a request for a more
general response.
[0049] After the response message is generated in the PUA, the
response message is communicated from the PUA through
communications thereof and is received 104 in the remotely-located
processor, such as processor 5. In certain embodiments, such
communications comprises cellular telephone communications, PCS
communications, wireless networking communications, satellite
communications, or a Bluetooth, ZigBee, electro-optical or other
wireless link. In certain embodiments, such communications
comprises as Ethernet interface, a telephone modem, a USB port, a
Firewire connection, a cable modem, an audio or video connection,
or other network or device interface. When the response message
from the PUA is received, or a predetermined time period passes
without receiving the response message, the processor provides data
indicating whether the use of the PUA is in compliance with at
least one predetermined criterion and/or the level of the user's
compliance. The data provided by the processor is then stored 106
by the processor. In certain embodiments, the processor provides
data indicating a user's compliance and/or the level of a user's
compliance based on whether or not the response message from the
PUA was received. In other embodiments, the processor provides
compliance and/or level of compliance data based on the content of
the response message, and/or the length of time passed before the
response message from the PUA is received, and/or other factors
discussed in more detail herein below. In certain embodiments the
processor is implemented as one or more programmable processors
running a compliance analysis program module which receives the
data returned by the PUA and/or the user of the PUA to the
communications management program module and serves to analyze the
compliance of the user based on such data and in accordance with
compliance rules stored in a storage, such as storage 6 of FIGS.
1A-1C. Based on such analysis, the compliance analysis program
module produces compliance data indicating whether the user
complied with the predetermined use criteria and/or a level of such
compliance.
[0050] In certain embodiments, a reward may be provided to a user
when the user's use of the PUA is in compliance with the
predetermined use criteria or when the user's level of compliance
is above a pre-selected compliance level. The reward may be in the
form of cash, credit, a prize or a benefit, such as a free service
or points usable to make purchases or receive prizes, either by
means of the PUA or through a different means or service. In
certain ones of such embodiments, the reward comprises data of
interest to the user, such as access to certain web sites or
content, such as music, video, news, or electronic coupons. As
shown in FIG. 2A, when data indicating compliance or a level of
compliance above a pre-selected compliance level is produced and/or
stored, a reward to the user is determined 108. The reward to the
user, including the type of the reward and/or an amount or quality
of the reward, is determined by the processor of the monitoring
system based on the stored data indicating user's compliance or the
level of user's compliance. Where the reward is determined based on
the level of the user's compliance, in certain embodiments the
reward is provided to the user if the user's level of compliance is
higher than a predetermined level and/or the type and/or the amount
of the reward determined in 108 is varied as the level of the
user's compliance increases or decreases. For instance, in certain
embodiments a number of points awarded to the user that may be used
to purchase goods or services, is greater where the user responds
to a larger percentage of request messages, or is increased as the
number of request messages that the user responds to increases.
[0051] Providing rewards to PUA users for use of the PUA in
compliance with the predetermined use criteria provides an
incentive for the users to comply with the use requirements so as
to earn a reward or to earn a higher reward. Therefore, providing a
reward to the PUA user for the correct use of the PUA also promotes
correct use of the PUA in the future in accordance with the
predetermined usage criterion or criteria.
[0052] In certain embodiments, the monitoring system also
communicates a message to the PUA user indicating compliance and/or
the level of compliance with the predetermined use criteria for the
PUA and/or the reward earned by the user 110. The message
communicated to the user can be in the form of a text message, a
telephone call, a voice mail, a voice message, an e-mail, an image
or a combination thereof communicated via the PUA or otherwise. In
some embodiments, the message can be in form of a light indication,
such as by lighting up an LED or lamp to indicate whether the use
of the PUA is in compliance or whether a reward has been earned by
the user. As shown in FIG. 2A, the determination of the reward to
the user 108 and the communication of the message to the user 110
are optional actions by the monitoring system in monitoring the
user's use of the PUA. In some configurations, for example, the
determination of the reward is omitted and the monitoring system
proceeds to communicating the message to the user indicating the
user's compliance and/or level of compliance. In other
configurations, however, the monitoring system determines the
reward to the user and automatically provides the reward to the
user, such as by sending the reward directly to the user or
applying the reward to the user's account, without communicating
any messages to the user indicating the user's compliance, level of
compliance or reward earned. In certain embodiments, where the
monitoring system has determined that a user has failed to comply,
it sends one or more messages to the user and/or to the user's PUA
noting such failure, with or without further message content
encouraging compliance in the future. In certain ones of such
embodiments, the message noting failure to comply is sent in a
plurality of different forms, such as both a text message and a
voice call, which can be generated either automatically or by human
intervention. In certain embodiments, the determination of a reward
is made by one or more programmable processors running a reward
determination program module that receives the compliance data
produced by the compliance analysis program module and serve to
produce reward data based on stored rules, such as rules stored in
storage 6, specifying what rewards (including kind and amount), if
any, to accord to the user for whom the compliance data was
produced. Based on the reward data, the communications management
program module communicates a reward notification to the PUA and/or
its user, and/or communicates an order to a service (such as a
supplier of goods or services, which can include content and other
data) to provide the determined rewards to the user or credit an
account of the user with such rewards.
[0053] In certain embodiments, the use of a research device is
monitored by communicating a request message to the research
device, the request message requesting a response from the user of
the research device, receiving a response message communicated from
the research device in response to the request message, and
determining whether the use of the research device by the user is
in compliance with the at least one predetermined use criterion.
FIG. 2B illustrates this embodiment of monitoring use of a research
device, namely, a user's PUA, by the monitoring system. In certain
other embodiments otherwise corresponding to the embodiment of FIG.
2B, the user's PUA is replaced by a research device that does not
comprise a PUA.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 2B at 200, a request message is sent to a
PUA from a monitoring system, a response message is generated 202
in the PUA and communicated thereby to the monitoring system, in
response to the request message and the response message is
received 204 by the monitoring system from the PUA (or its
non-receipt is recorded). These actions performed by the monitoring
system are similar to those, i.e. 100, 102 and 104, described above
with respect to FIG. 2A, and therefore a detailed description
thereof is omitted for purposes of clarity and simplicity. As
further shown in FIG. 2B, when the response message is received
from the PUA, the monitoring system determines 205 whether the
user's use of the PUA complies with at least one predetermined use
criterion. This determination 205 is performed by a processor of
the monitoring system. As mentioned herein above, the predetermined
criteria includes, but is not limited to, the PUA being carried,
the PUA being carried by a specific user, the PUA being turned
"on," the PUA being charged, the PUA maintaining a minimum charge
or power capacity, the PUA being docked at, or connected with, the
docking station for a predetermined length and/or period of time,
or at certain times, the PUA functioning properly and the PUA being
capable of collecting, storing and/or communicating research data,
or of cooperating with one or more other devices to do so.
[0055] In certain embodiments, the determination 205 whether the
use of the PUA is in compliance with the predetermined criteria is
based on at least one of the receipt or non-receipt 204 of the
response message from the PUA, the time of receipt of the response
message and the content of the response message. For example, when
the determination 205 is based on the receipt or non-receipt of the
response message from the PUA, the processor determines that the
use of the PUA is not in compliance with the predetermined criteria
if the receipt message is not received within a predetermined
period of time from the sending of the request message to the PUA
in 200. In certain ones of such embodiments, a request message
requesting a response from the user (such as a text message or
voice prompt) is sent to the PUA at regular intervals during the
day, at intervals determined according to dayparts or according to
a pseudorandom schedule, and the promptness of the user's response,
if any, is used to determine an amount or quality of a reward to
the user.
[0056] When the determination of compliance with predetermined use
criteria is based on the time of receipt of the response message,
the processor determines how much time had elapsed between the time
of sending of the request message to the PUA and the time of
receipt of the response message from the PUA and compares it to a
selected compliant response time. The compliant response time in
certain embodiments is a constant duration for all users, all
PUA's, all types of request messages, all places and all times. In
certain other embodiments, the compliant response time is selected
based on user demographics or an individual profile. In certain
embodiments, the compliant response time is based on the type of
request message and/or its contents. In certain ones of such
embodiments, the compliant response time is specified in the
message, for example, "Please respond within ten minutes." In
certain embodiments the compliant response time is selected based
on the type of PUA that receives it, for example, a cellular
telephone or Blackberry device for which a relatively short
response time can be expected, as compared to a personal audio or
DVD player, for which a longer response time may be appropriate. In
certain embodiments, the compliant response time is selected
depending on the manner in which the request message is to be
presented to the user. For example, if receipt of the message is
indicated to the user by an audible alert or device vibration, a
shorter response time can be expected than in the case of a message
presented only visually. In certain embodiments, the compliant
response time is selected based on the time of day. For example,
during morning or afternoon drive time, the response time may be
lengthened since the user may not be able to respond as quickly as
during the evening when the user is at home. In certain
embodiments, the compliant response time is selected based on the
user's location. For example, in certain places it may be customary
to respond to messages more quickly than in others. In certain
embodiments, the compliant response time is selected based on a
combination of two or more of the foregoing factors.
[0057] If the time elapsed between the sending of the request
message and the receipt of the response is less than the selected
response time, it is determined that the user's use of the PUA is
in compliance with the pre-determined criteria. However, if the
elapsed time is greater than the selected response time, it is
determined that the use of the PUA is not in compliance with the
predetermined criteria. In certain embodiments, the amount of time
elapsed between the sending 200 of the request message and the
receiving 204 of the response message is used to determine a level
of the user's compliance with the predetermined use criteria. In
particular, the level of compliance determined by the processor
will depend on how quickly the response message is received by the
processor, such that the level of compliance is greater as the
amount of time elapsed between the sending 200 of the request
message and the receipt 204 of the response message is less.
[0058] When the determination whether the user's PUA use is in
compliance with one or more predetermined criteria is based on the
content of the response message, the processor determines whether
the content of the response message complies with predetermined
parameters. In such embodiments, a selected response message,
complying with predetermined parameters, is requested 200 by the
request message communicated to the PUA, and in determining
compliance and/or the level of compliance, the processor compares
the response message received 204 from the PUA with the requested
response. In one illustrative embodiment, the request message
communicated 200 to the PUA comprises a request for the user's
password or for a particular code, such as a user' screen name or
real name, and the response message received 204 in response to the
request message is compared by the processor to pre-stored data,
such as a password, code, screen name or real name stored in a
database, to determine 205 whether the use of the PUA is in
compliance with the predetermined criteria. If the received
response message matches the stored message, i.e. password, a name
(such as a screen name selected by the user or the user's real
name) or a code, stored in the database, then the processor
determines that the user is in compliance with the predetermined
criteria. By requesting a selected response message, such as a
password, name or code, the monitoring system is capable not only
of confirming that the PUA is being carried and/or used, but also
of confirming that the PUA is being carried and/or used by a
specific user.
[0059] In certain embodiments, in addition to or instead of other
requested information, the requested response comprises information
from the user, such as what the user is doing when the message is
received or at other times, the user's location or locations at
various times, media or products to which the user has been
exposed, has purchased or used, or plans to purchase or use, the
user's beliefs and/or the user's opinions. In certain embodiments,
in addition to or instead of other requested information, the
requested response comprises information concerning an operational
state of the PUA (for example, as indicated thereby or as
determined by the user), whether and/or when the user performed
some action (such as docking or recharging the PUA), and/or whether
and/or how the user is carrying the PUA.
[0060] In certain embodiments, the processor determines 205 the
level of the PUA user's compliance based on the content of the
message. In this illustrative embodiment, the response message
received 204 is compared with stored data, such as a password, name
or code stored in the database, and determines the level of
compliance based on how closely the response message matches with
the stored data. In certain ones of such embodiments, a first, or
highest, level of compliance is determined if the response message
matches the stored message, a second level of compliance, which is
lower than the first level, is determined if the response message
does not match the stored message, and a third, or lowest, level of
compliance is determined if no response message is received 204
from the PUA. In some embodiments, a plurality of different
intermediate levels of compliance may be determined instead of the
second level of compliance, if a response message is received but
does not match the stored message. In such embodiments, the level
determined is based on the extent of similarity between the
response message and the pre-stored data. Thus, for example, the
intermediate level of compliance will be higher in a case where the
response message received 204 from the PUA differs from the stored
message by only one character than in a case where the response
message received from the PUA is completely different from the
stored message.
[0061] In certain embodiments, the user's compliance and/or level
of compliance is determined not only based on the content of the
response message but also on the time of receipt of the response
message. In certain ones of such embodiments, the user's compliance
will depend on whether the response message matches with the stored
data, as well as on how quickly the response message is received
from the PUA. In certain ones of such embodiments, the highest
level of compliance is determined if the response message received
from the PUA matches the stored data, and if the time elapsed
between the sending of the request message to the PUA and the
receipt of the response message is less than a selected time. If
the response message does not match the stored data and/or the time
elapsed between the sending of the request message and the receipt
of the response message is greater than the selected time, then the
level of compliance determined 205 is selected at a level
intermediate a highest level of compliance and a lowest level. If
no response message is received from the PUA, then the lowest level
of compliance, or non-compliance is determined by the monitoring
system.
[0062] In some embodiments, the monitoring system also determines
and/or provides 206 a reward to the user for complying with
predetermined criteria 206 and/or sends a message to the user
indicating at least one of the user's compliance, the level of
compliance and the reward to the user 208. In particular, after the
monitoring system determines whether the PUA use complies with the
predetermined use criteria and/or the level of the user's
compliance, the monitoring system proceeds to determine and/or
provide 206 a reward to the user of the PUA. The system then
communicates 208 a message to the user indicating the user's
compliance, level of compliance and/or the reward earned by the
user. These actions performed by the monitoring system are similar
to those (106 and 108) described above with respect to FIG. 2A, and
thus a detailed description thereof is omitted. As in the
embodiments described with respect to FIG. 2A, the determination
and/or provision 206 of the reward and the communication 208 of the
message indicating compliance, level of compliance and/or the
reward are optional. Moreover, as in the embodiments described with
respect to FIG. 2A, in certain embodiments, the determination
and/or provision of the reward is performed without communicating
the message to the user, while in other embodiments, the
communication 208 of the message is performed without determining
and/or providing 206 the reward.
[0063] In certain embodiments of monitoring methods and systems,
the monitoring system monitors one or more parameters, such as
biometric parameters, sounds external to a research device, an
impact of the research device with another object, motion of the
research device, proximity of the research device to the person of
a user, proximity of the research device to a presence indicator or
personal identification device in or on the person of a user,
pressure applied to the research device, recharging of the research
device, its power capacity, docking of the research device, data
input (e.g., messages) to the research device, location of the
research device and/or changes in the research device's location,
to determine whether the use of the research device is in
compliance with at least one predetermined criterion. In one
illustrative embodiment, the monitoring system produces monitored
data by monitoring at least one of a user's heart activity, a
user's brain activity, a user's breathing activity, a user's pulse,
a user's blood oxygenation, a user's borborygmus (gastrointestinal
noise), a user's gait, a user's voice, a user's key, keypad or
keyboard usage characteristics (e.g., keystroke recognition), a
user's vascular pattern, a user's facial or ear patterns, a user's
signature, a user's fingerprint, a user's handprint or hand
geometry, a user's retinal or iris patterns, a user's airborne
biochemical indicators (sometimes referred to as a user's
"smellprint"), a user's muscular activity, a user's body
temperature, sounds external to the research device, motion of the
research device, pressure applied to the research device,
recharging of the research device, docking of the research device,
its power capacity, an impact of the research device with another
object, data input to the research device by a user, location of
the research device and a change in a location of the research
device, and determines whether use of the research device by the
user is in accordance with at least one predetermined criterion
based on the monitored data.
[0064] Referring again to FIG. 1B, the monitoring of the biometric
parameters 222, external sounds, presence indication signal,
personal identification signal 224, PUA location, PUA location
changes 226, data input 228 and/or impact of the PUA with another
object, pressure applied to the PUA, motion of the PUA, recharging,
power capacity, docking 230 is performed in the PUA 2 by the
sensor/detector 13 in cooperation with a processor of the PUA (not
shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity). As mentioned above,
the sensor/detector 13 in certain embodiments includes a plurality
of sensors and/or detectors which monitor a plurality of
parameters. In the embodiments in which the sensor/detector 13
monitors one or more biometric parameters of the PUA user 222, the
sensor/detector 13 comprises one or more of a heart monitor for
monitoring heart activity of the user, an EEG monitor for
monitoring the user's brain activity, a breathing monitor for
monitoring the user's breathing activity including, but not limited
to, the user's breathing rate, a pulse rate monitor, a pulse
oximeter, a sound detector for monitoring the user's borborygmus
and/or the user's voice, a gait sensor and/or a gait analyzer for
detecting data representing the user's gait, such as a motion
sensor or accelerometer (which may also be used to monitor muscle
activity), a video camera for use in detecting motion based on
changes to its output image signal over time, a temperature sensor
for monitoring the user's temperature, an electrode or electrodes
for picking up EKG and/or EEG signals, and a fingerprint or
handprint scanner for detecting the user's fingerprint or
handprint. Where the user's retinal or iris patterns are monitored,
sensor/detector 13 comprises a low-intensity light source, for
scanning, detecting or otherwise sensing the retinal or iris
patterns of the user. Where the user's hand geometry is detected,
sensor/detector 13 comprises a device configured with an optical
sensor or other imaging device to capture predetermined parameters
of the user's hand, such as hand shape, finger length, finger
thickness, finger curvature and/or any portion thereof. Where the
user's smellprint is detected, sensor/detector 13 comprises an
electronic sensor, a chemical sensor, and/or an electronic or
chemical sensor configured as an array of chemical sensors, wherein
each chemical sensor may detect a specific odorant or other
biochemical indicator. Where a vascular pattern of the user is
detected, sensor/detector 13 comprises an optical or other radiant
energy scanning or imaging device for detecting a vascular pattern
or other tissue structure, or blood flow or pressure characteristic
of the user's hand or other body part. Where the user's facial or
ear patterns are detected, the sensor/detector 13 comprises a video
camera, optical scanner or other device sufficient to recognize one
or more facial features or one or more features of the user's ear
or other body part. In certain ones of these embodiments, the
sensor/detector 13 is mounted in or on the PUA 2, while in others
the sensor/detector 13 is arranged separately from the PUA 2 and
communicates therewith via a cable or via an RF, inductive,
acoustic, infrared or other wireless link.
[0065] In the embodiments in which the sensor/detector 13 of the
PUA 2 monitors sounds external to the PUA 224, the sensor/detector
13 comprises an acoustic sensor such as a microphone or any other
suitable sound detector for detecting external sounds. In certain
embodiments, the sensor/detector 13, which monitors external
sounds, cooperates with the processor for analyzing the detected
external sounds. The external sounds detected by the
sensor/detector 13 include, but are not limited to, environmental
noise, rubbing of the PUA 2 against the user's clothing or other
external objects, vehicle sounds (such as engine noise and sounds
characteristic of opening and closing car doors), the user's voice
print, dropping of the PUA, average ambient noise level, and the
like. In the embodiments in which sensor/detector 13 receives a
presence indication signal or personal identification signal from
signal emitter 14, sensor/detector 13 comprises a device operative
to receive the signal, such as an RF receiver, a microphone, an
optical sensor, an inductive pickup, a capacitive pickup, a
chemical sensor or a conductive connection.
[0066] In certain ones of the embodiments in which the
sensor/detector 13 monitors the user's data input 228 (e.g.,
messages or inputs to control a diverse operation of the PUA, such
as to make use of an application running thereon, like a game), the
sensor/detector 13 comprises a pressure sensor for sensing pressure
applied to the message input by the user. Alternatively or in
addition, the sensor/detector 13 comprises a utility, such as a key
logger, running on the processor of the PUA to determine and record
its usage.
[0067] In the embodiments in which location change is being
monitored 226, the sensor/detector 13 directly or indirectly
detects the change in the PUA's location. Direct detection of the
PUA's location is accomplished by detecting the location of the PUA
and the change in PUA's location over time. In this case, the
sensor/detector 13 comprises a satellite location system, such as a
GPS receiver, an ultra wideband location detector, a cellular
telephone location detector, an angle of arrival location detector,
a time difference of arrival location detector, an enhanced signal
strength location detector, a location fingerprinting location
detector, an inertial location monitor, a short range location
signal receiver or any other suitable location detector. The same
means can also be employed to determine the PUA's location.
Indirect detection of the PUA's location change is accomplished by
detecting a predetermined parameter which is directly or indirectly
related to the location of the PUA and determining from variations
in the predetermined parameter whether a change in the location of
the PUA has occurred. One of such predetermined parameters detected
by the sensor/detector 13 can be variations in the strength of a RF
signal received by the PUA, and in such case, the sensor/detector
13 comprises a RF signal receiver. Where location change data is
available such data is used in certain embodiments to determine
whether and when the PUA was or is being carried.
[0068] In embodiments in which the sensor/detector 13 monitors the
impact of the PUA 2 with another object 230, the sensor/detector 13
comprises an impact detector for measuring pre-determined levels of
impact of the PUA 2 with other objects. In certain embodiments, the
sensor/detector 13 comprises an accelerometer for detecting a
relatively large acceleration upon impact of the PUA 2 with another
object.
[0069] In embodiments where pressure applied to the PUA is
monitored, a pressure sensor is placed on an enclosure of the PUA
or mechanically coupled therewith to receive force applied to such
enclosure. In certain ones of such embodiments, the magnitude of
the pressure as it varies over time and/or with location on the
enclosure are analyzed to determine if the PUA is being or was
carried and/or the manner in which it was used and/or the event of
non-use.
[0070] In certain embodiments where motion of the PUA is monitored,
a video camera of the PUA is used as a motion sensor. In certain
ones of such embodiments, changes in the image data provided at the
output of the video camera (either the entire image or one or more
portions thereof) are processed to determine movement or an extent
of movement of the image over time to detect that the PUA is being
moved about, either by translational or rotation. Techniques for
producing motion vectors indicating motion of an image or an extent
of such motion are well known in the art, and are used in certain
embodiments herein to evaluate whether the PUA is moving and/or the
extent of such movement. In certain ones of such embodiments,
changes in the light intensity or color composition of the image
data output by the video camera (either the entire image or one or
more portions thereof) over time are used to detect motion of the
PUA. In certain embodiments where motion of the PUA is monitored, a
light sensitive device, such as a light sensitive diode of the PUA,
is used as a motion sensor. Changes in the output of the light
sensitive device over time that characterize movement serve to
indicate that the PUA is being carried.
[0071] In certain embodiments, the one or more parameters also
include power remaining in the PUA, recharging of the PUA and/or
the event of docking of the PUA by coupling the PUA with the
docking station, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 1C. In such
embodiments, the monitoring system produces monitored data by
monitoring the power remaining in the PUA and/or by monitoring the
docking of the PUA at the docking station. In the embodiments in
which the docking of the PUA is monitored, the monitoring system
monitors the length of time the PUA was coupled with the docking
station, the time period during which the PUA was coupled with the
docking station, a time at which the PUA is docked, a time at which
the PUA was undocked, whether or not the PUA is coupled with the
docking station and/or the length of time passed since the PUA was
last docked at the docking station.
[0072] The monitoring of one or more parameters 222-230 by the
monitoring system, as described above, produces monitored data
which indicates at least whether or not the PUA was being carried
and/or used in one or more of various ways. For example, if
monitoring includes monitoring one or more biometric parameters of
the user, then the monitored data indicates at least whether or not
the biometric parameters being monitored have been detected.
Similarly, in the case of monitoring PUA location changes, external
sounds, data input, pressure, motion, light changes and/or impact
of the PUA with other objects, the monitored data includes data
indicating at least whether or not any of these parameters have
been detected. Monitored data that indicates that one or more of
these parameters have been detected in the PUA, in turn, indicates
that the PUA was being carried and/or used, while monitored data
indicating a lack of any detection of one or more of the monitored
parameters indicates that the PUA was not being carried or
used.
[0073] In certain embodiments, the monitored data produced
indicates at least whether or not the PUA was charged and/or
whether or not the PUA was docked at the docking station according
to a predetermined time parameter. In the case of monitoring the
power charge in the PUA, the monitored data includes data
indicating at least whether or not the PUA was charged, and in
certain embodiments, the monitored data indicates whether the power
capacity remaining in the PUA was greater than a predetermined
minimum. Where monitoring includes monitoring of the docking of the
PUA at the docking station, the monitored data indicates at least
whether or not the PUA was docked at the docking station at any
time, and in some embodiments, the monitoring data indicates one or
more of whether or not the PUA was docked at the docking station
for a predetermined length of time, how frequently the PUA was
docked, when the PUA was docked, when the PUA was undocked and/or
the time periods during which the PUA was docked. The monitored
data produced in these embodiments can be used to determine whether
the use of the PUA was in compliance with the criteria for
recharging of the PUA and/or docking of the PUA.
[0074] In certain embodiments, monitored data comprises data which
can be used to confirm the identity of the PUA user. For example,
if one or more biometric parameters of the user are monitored by
the sensor/detector, the monitored data includes data indicating or
relating to one or more of the user's heart rate or other heart
activity or parameter, EEG, blood oxygenation, breathing rate or
other breathing activity or parameter, borborygmus, gait, voice,
voice analysis, key, keypad or keyboard usage characteristics,
fingerprints, handprints, hand geometry, pulse, retinal or iris
patterns, olfactory characteristics or other biochemical
indicators, patterns of muscular activity, vascular patterns,
facial or ear patterns, signature, and/or body temperature detected
once or a plurality of times over a predetermined period of time.
In another example, if the PUA location change is being monitored,
then monitored data can include data relating to the specific
locations or changes in location of the PUA and/or relating to the
specific RF signal strengths of the PUA detected one or a plurality
of times over a predetermined period of time.
[0075] In certain embodiments the sensor/detector 13 of the PUA 2
comprises a digital writing tablet that is used to input a digital
handwritten signature from the user to assess who is using the PUA.
In accordance with known handwriting identification techniques, a
storage of the PUA stores signature recognition software to control
a processor of the PUA to compare the current user's signature
input by means of the digital writing tablet against stored
templates of one or more users' handwritten signatures to determine
if there is a match. (The storage and the processor are not shown
for purposes of simplicity and clarity.) Based on the results of
the matching process, data is produced indicating whether the
current user's signature matches any of the stored templates to
assess the identity of the current user of the PUA. The templates
of the users' signatures are produced in a training mode of the
signature recognition software, in which each potential user inputs
one or more signatures using the digital writing tablet from which
a corresponding template is produced by the PUA's processor and
then stored in its storage. In certain ones of such embodiments,
the PUA includes a digital writing tablet to enable a
user-beneficial function, such as note taking and it is then
unnecessary to provide a dedicated digital writing tablet.
[0076] In certain embodiments, the sensor/detector 13 comprises a
microphone and a voiceprint recognition technique is used to assess
the identity of the user of the PUA 2. In accordance with known
voiceprint recognition techniques, the PUA's storage stores voice
recognition software to control its processor to compare the
current user's voice input by means of the microphone against
stored voiceprints of one or more possible users to determine if
there is a match. Based on the results of the matching process,
data is produced indicating whether the current user's voice
matches the voice represented by any of the stored voiceprints to
assess the identity of the current user of the PUA. The voiceprints
of one or more potential users are produced in a training mode of
the voice recognition software, in which each potential user speaks
into the microphone of the PUA to produce data from which the
voiceprint is produced by its processor and then stored in its
storage. Various ones of such embodiments extract the user's
voiceprint under different conditions. In one such embodiment, the
user's voiceprint is extracted when the user places a voice call
using the PUA as a cellular telephone in response to a request
message from a monitoring system. In other such embodiments, the
PUA's processor extracts voiceprints continuously from the output
of its microphone, or at predetermined times or intervals, or when
a telephone call is made using the PUA as a cellular telephone or
when the output from the PUA's microphone indicates that someone
may be speaking into it (indicated, for example by the magnitude of
the output, and/or its time and/or frequency characteristics). The
extracted voiceprints are compared to the stored voiceprint to
assess the identity of the person using the PUA.
[0077] In certain embodiments, the sensor/detector 13 comprises an
imagining device, such as a video camera, or other radiant energy
detector, such as a line scanner implemented by means of a CCD or
an array of photodiodes, that is used to input data representing an
image or line scan of a physical feature of the user, such as an
iris, a retina, an image of all or portion of the user's face,
finger, palm, hand or ear to assess the identity of the user of the
PUA 2. In the case of an iris or retinal image, the input data is
processed to extract an iris or retinal pattern code. A facial
image is processed to extract data unique to the user such as a
signature or feature set representing facial bone structure. An
image of a finger, palm or hand is processed to extract a
fingerprint or palm print, or other characteristic data such as
hand geometry or tissue vascular structure. In accordance with
known pattern recognition techniques, the PUA's storage stores
pattern recognition software to control its processor to compare
the current user's iris or retinal pattern code, facial signature
or feature set or other characteristic data input by means of the
imaging device against one or more stored pattern codes,
signatures, feature sets or other characteristic data of one or
more potential users, as the case may be, to determine if there is
a match. Such characteristic data may be stored in storage 50 or in
a storage of a separate device, system or processing facility.
Based on the results of the matching process, data is produced by
the PUA's processor operating under control of the pattern
recognition software to assess the identity of the current user of
the PUA. The pattern code, signature, feature set or other
characteristic data of each potential user is produced in a
training mode of the pattern recognition software, in which the
appropriate physical feature of the potential user is imaged or
scanned one or more times using the imaging device from which the
desired data is produced by the PUA's processor and then stored in
its storage. In certain embodiments the physical feature concerned
is scanned or imaged at a plurality of different orientations to
produce the desired data. In certain ones of the foregoing
embodiments, the PUA (such as a cellular telephone) includes a
digital camera to enable a user-beneficial function, such as
digital photography or video imaging and it is then unnecessary to
provide a dedicated imaging device or scanner.
[0078] In certain embodiments, a keyboard dynamics technique is
used to assess the identity of the user. In accordance with known
keyboard dynamics techniques, the PUA's storage stores keystroke
monitoring software to control its processor to collect
characteristic keystroke parameters, such as data indicating how
long the user holds down the keys 11a of PUA 2, the delay between
one keystroke and the next (known as "latency"), and frequency of
using of special keys, such as a delete key. Still other
parameters, such as typing speed and the manner in which the user
employs key combinations (such as keyboard shortcuts), may be
monitored by the processor. These parameters are processed in a
known manner to produce a feature set characterizing the user's key
usage style which is then compared against a stored feature sets
representing the styles of one or more potential users. Based on
the results of this comparison, data is produced indicating whether
the current user's key usage style matches that of one of the
potential users as represented by a matching stored feature set to
assess the identity of the current user of the PUA. The feature
sets representing the usage styles of the potential users are
produced in a training mode of the software, in which each
potential user makes use of the key or keys of the PUA to produce
data from which the feature set is produced by the PUA's processor
and then stored in its storage.
[0079] In certain embodiments, the sensor/detector 13 comprises a
motion sensitive device, such as an accelerometer, that produces
data related to motion of the PUA 2. This data is used to produce a
feature set characterizing motion of the PUA, and thus the gait of
a person carrying it. In accordance with known gait identification
techniques, the PUA's storage stores pattern recognition software
to control its processor to compare the current user's gait feature
set against one or more stored reference feature sets representing
the individual gaits of potential users to determine if there is a
match. Based on the results of the matching process, data is
produced indicating whether the current user's gait matches that
represented by a stored feature set to assess the identity the
current user of the PUA. The various feature sets each representing
the gait of a potential user are produced in a training mode of the
pattern recognition software, in which each potential user walks
about carrying the PUA while the motion sensitive device thereof
produces data from which its processor produces a respective
reference feature set which it stores in the PUA's storage. In
certain ones of such embodiments, the PUA includes an accelerometer
as an input device to enable a user-beneficial function, such as a
gaming input or scrolling command input, and it is then unnecessary
to provide a dedicated accelerometer as the motion sensitive
device.
[0080] In certain ones of such embodiments, multiple devices and
pattern recognition techniques are employed to produce a more
accurate and reliable identification of the user than is possible
using only one such pattern recognition technique. In certain
embodiments, one or more of such pattern recognition techniques or
other passive data gathering technique is employed to assess the
user's identity. Such detection may be based on an amount by which
a monitored feature set differs from a stored feature set
representing a characteristic of each potential user as determined
by the PUA's processor. When the processor produces data indicating
an identification of the user, in certain embodiments either the
processor controls a speaker, earphone or visual display of the PUA
to present a message to the user requesting a response from which
the user's identity may be positively determined, or the processor
sends a message to a monitoring system (not shown for purposes of
simplicity and clarity) indicating that such a message should be
presented to the user. In the latter case, the monitoring system
responds to such message from the processor to send a message to
the PUA for presentation to the user to request an appropriate
response from the user from which the user's identity may be
determined, either by the processor or by the monitoring system.
The user's response to such message is used to determine the user's
identity.
[0081] In certain embodiments, data concerning usage of a PUA to
perform a user-beneficial function is gathered by the monitoring
system. In particular, the gathering of data concerning such usage
of the PUA comprises monitoring usage of the PUA to produce usage
data within the PUA, and communicating the usage data from the PUA
to a usage data processing facility. This embodiment is
illustratively shown in FIG. 3. This is especially useful for
gathering marketing data concerning how users employ PUA's with an
ability to communicate, such as cellular telephones, PDA's,
notebook and laptop computers, Blackberry devices, PCS devices,
two-way radios, as well as other kinds of PUA's having
device-to-device communicating ability or wireless networking
ability.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 3, the monitoring system monitors the
user's use of the PUA 280 and produces usage data within the PUA
282 based on such monitoring. If the monitoring system shown in
FIG. 1B is employed, certain monitoring of PUA usage is performed
by the sensor/detector 13, which detects the use of one or more
functions performed by the PUA. For example, if the PUA includes a
function of generating and communicating a text message to another
PUA, the sensor/detector 13 in the PUA 2 detects when the user
generates and/or communicates a text message, and usage data
relating to the generation and communication of the text message is
produced in the PUA 2. In certain ones of these embodiments, the
operations of sensor/detector 13 are implemented by a processor of
the PUA that may carry out additional operations beyond those of
sensor/detector 13.
[0083] The usage data produced in the PUA 2 includes at least data
relating to content generated by the performance of the PUA
function. In certain embodiments, the usage data also comprises one
or more of data indicating the type of PUA function used, data
indicating the time of use of the PUA function, data indicating the
length of time of the use of the PUA function, and data relating to
the use of communications, if any, to send or receive messages with
the use of the PUA. Data relating to the use of communications by
the PUA includes data relating to the time a message is
communicated, the size of the message and/or the destination of the
message, such as the recipient's telephone number, email address
and/or IP address. Data relating to the content generated by the
use of the PUA function includes data relating to the subject of
the generated content and/or data relating to words, phrases, names
or concepts included in the content, such as "buzz words". Buzz
words comprise words, terms or phrases that advertisers and other
businesses would find of value as descriptive of consumers'
experiences and reactions to media and advertising content. Some
examples include word pair choices such as "boring" vs. "exciting";
"essential" vs. "un-necessary." Further examples include words and
phrases that convey a rank-order (ordinal) scale such as "superior
quality" vs. "good quality" vs. "acceptable" vs. "poor quality" vs.
"unacceptable," "not interested at all" vs. "slightly interested"
vs. "might consider purchasing" vs. "interested in purchasing" vs.
"plan to purchase" vs. "will definitely purchase."
[0084] The usage data produced in the PUA is thereafter
communicated 284 to a usage data processing facility. The usage
data processing facility includes a processor, such as the
processor 5 shown in FIG. 1B. The processing facility is adapted to
receive and process usage data to generate trend data relating to a
variety of trends. The trend data generated by the processing
facility includes, but is not limited to, data relating to the
time, frequency and/or manner of usage of the PUA function, the
preference of one PUA function over others, the use of a particular
"buzz word," name, brand and/or concept by users, the
communications to a particular area code, IP address and/or email
service, and other trends relating to the usage of the PUA.
[0085] In certain embodiments, the PUA includes communications for
communicating with at least another PUA, and the methods and
systems for monitoring use of a PUA comprise detecting
communicating a message by the communications of the PUA, providing
monitored data relating to content of the message, and providing
trend data representing at least one trend of usage of the PUA by
the user based on the monitored data. These embodiments are
illustrated in FIG. 4 which shows a flow diagram of actions
performed by the monitoring system.
[0086] In this embodiment, the PUA is adapted to communicate with
other PUA's using a communication interface. As shown in FIG. 1B,
the PUA 2 includes communications in the form of an interface 9
which can communicate using the communications 7. In this case,
each of the other PUA's also includes a corresponding interface
which is coupled with the communications 7, such that each such PUA
can communicate with other PUA's via the communications 7.
[0087] Referring now to FIG. 4, when the interface of the PUA
communicates a message with another PUA or with any other device,
the communicating of the message is detected 290 in the PUA. If the
PUA 2 shown in FIG. 1B is employed, the sensor/detector 13 is used
to detect the communicating of the message by the PUA 2. In certain
ones of such embodiments, the operation of sensor/detector 13 is
provided by a processor that may carry out operations in addition
to those of sensor/detector 13. In certain embodiments, the
communicating by the PUA is detected by detecting a connection
between the interface of the PUA with another PUA or device. In
other embodiments, the communicating by the PUA is detected by
detecting data sent from or received by the interface.
[0088] When communicating of the message by the PUA is detected,
monitored data relating thereto is gathered 292 comprising at least
data representing content of the message, such as the subject of
the communication and/or the use of pre-selected words, names,
concepts or images in the communication. In certain embodiments,
the monitored data includes data related to one or more of the time
of communicating, the duration of communicating, the length or size
of the message, the type of message (e.g., e-mail, voice, text
message, etc.), and the source and/or the recipient of the message.
The monitored data is then processed 294 to determine at least one
trend of usage of the PUA by the user and to provide trend data
relating to at least one trend of usage. If the monitoring system 1
of FIG. 1B is used, the monitored data is processed either in the
PUA 2, or is first communicated to the processor 5 via the
communications 5 and thereafter processed by the processor 5 to
provide trend data. Trend data provided based on the monitored data
comprises data relating to at least one of the PUA functions used
by the user, the type of messages sent or received by the user, the
frequency of messages sent or received by the user, the time of
communicating the messages, the duration of the communicating, the
source and recipient of the messages and the content of the
messages.
[0089] The trend data provided by the monitoring system is then
stored 296 either in the PUA or in an external storage. In the
monitoring system 1 of FIG. 1B, the trend data is stored in at
least one of the PUA 2 or in the storage 6. If the trend data is
stored in the PUA 2, this data can thereafter be communicated to an
external storage device such as the storage 6 of the monitoring
system 1.
[0090] Trend data provided in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 and
7, and described above, can be used as market research data to
determine user preferences, including the user's preferences
relating to the PUA functions. Thus, for example, trend data can be
used to determine which functions of the PUA are most frequently
used by which users, which functions could be removed or added in
future versions of the PUA products. In the embodiments in which
trend data includes data related to the content of PUA users'
communications, trend data can be used to determine the popularity
or success of a particular product, brand, person or concept and to
ascertain how well a particular product, service or brand may do in
the market.
[0091] Although various embodiments of the present invention have
been described with reference to a particular arrangement of parts,
features and the like, these are not intended to exhaust all
possible arrangements or features, and indeed many other
embodiments, modifications and variations will be ascertainable to
those of skill in the art.
* * * * *