U.S. Patent No. 8,430,752: Methods and apparatus to meter video game play
Issued Apr. 30, 2013, to The Nielsen Company (US), LLC
Summary:
The ‘752 patent describes a device which can be attached to a controller to track data about controller use, primarily controller movement. Movement data can include direction as well as magnitude. In addition to the tracking device, the patent describes a metering or recording device that maintains a record of the controller data. In addition to movement, the device might also track whether the device is on, whether the battery needs to be replaced, and the use of a transmitter.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus to meter video game play are described. An example apparatus to meter video game play includes a tag to be attached to a video game controller, the tag having a sensor to detect a user interaction with the video game controller. The apparatus also includes a meter to receive information reflecting the user interaction.
Illustrative Claim:
1. An apparatus to meter video game play, comprising:
a tag adapted to be attached to a video game controller, the video game controller adapted to interact with a video game system capable of executing a plurality of video games, the tag having a sensor adapted to detect motion data related to movement of the video game controller; and
a meter adapted to receive the motion data from the sensor without affecting operation of the video game system, the meter adapted to attribute the motion data to a user interaction with the video game controller, the meter adapted to detect media identifying information presented in an environment including the video game controller to identify which of the plurality of videogames is being played via the video game controller, and adapted to combine the media identifying information with the motion data received from the sensor.
