Importance

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Abstract

An audience measurement system plays and records television program material on a client system's persistent storage device. Program guide objects are stored on the client system and indicate when television programs are broadcast. A client system stores a viewer's television viewing habits and behavior. Information such as what television programs a viewer watches and/or prefers, and when a viewer uses trickplay functions while watching a television program (such as: variable rate fast forward and rewind, frame step, index, pause, variable rate reverse play, variable rate play, and play) are stored on the client system which the client sends to a central server. The central server stores viewer information from all client systems such that the information obtained is anonymous. The aggregated information is used by the central server to compile statistical reports and make predictions. Data are analyzed to create reports covering information that includes, but is not limited to: aggregate viewer behavior in relation to a specific television program; aggregate viewer response to specific commercial pods; and aggregate viewer behavior in relation to tuning out of a specific television program and viewer tune-in destinations. The central server also analyzes aggregate information to predict viewing activity and program ratings.

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First Claim