HK1121835B - Methods and apparatus for metering printed media - Google Patents

Description

Method and apparatus for metering print media

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to print media and more particularly to a method and apparatus for metering (meter) print media.

Background

In general, advertisers and/or publishers are interested in measuring and/or statistically analyzing the viewing and/or exposure of portions of print media to various demographic groups (demographic groups). For example, advertisers are interested in verifying the overall effectiveness, targeting, and/or audience demographics of a particular advertisement. Similarly, publishers are interested in being able to demonstrate the effectiveness, reach, and/or audience demographics of advertisements viewed through distribution, so that, for example, an appropriate rate of advertisement distribution can be tailored. However, if subscription and/or purchase information is relied upon entirely, consumption information, and/or statistical information for specific and/or individual advertisements, may not be provided.

Drawings

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams of an exemplary system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention for metering printed media;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an example manner of implementing the example monitoring apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5A is an illustration of an example log of proximity RFID tags recorded by the example monitoring device of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5B is an illustration of an example log of page numbers (numbers) recorded by the example optical monitoring device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram representing example machine readable instructions that may be executed to implement the example monitoring apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an example manner of implementing the example light-sensitive RFID tag of FIG. 1;

8A-8C are illustrations of example arrangements of RFID tags and RFID absorbers in printed media;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an exemplary placement area for RFID tags and RFID absorbers in a printed medium;

10A and 10B are illustrations of example arrangements of RFID tags and RFID absorbers in a printed medium;

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of an example manner of implementing the example optical monitoring apparatus of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams of example operations of the example optical monitoring device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart representing an exemplary manner of using the optical example monitoring device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart representative of example machine readable instructions that may be executed to implement the example optical monitoring apparatus of FIG. 3; while

Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram of an example processor platform that may execute the example machine readable instructions represented by fig. 6 and/or 15 to implement the example monitoring apparatus of fig. 1 and 2 and/or the example optical monitoring apparatus of fig. 3.

Detailed Description

Methods and apparatus for metering print media are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes: a first Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag for attachment to a first leaflet (leaf) of a printed media in a first position; a second RFID tag for attaching to a second leaflet of the printed media in a second position, the first position and the second position being substantially the same position; and a first RFID absorber for attaching to a third leaflet of the printed media in a manner such that the second RFID tag is disabled (inactive) when the printed media is positioned to expose the first and third leaflets, and the first RFID tag is disabled when the printed media is positioned to expose the second and third leaflets.

Another disclosed example apparatus includes: a label for affixing to a first leaflet of a printed media; and a monitoring device for placement within the print media, the media device communicatively coupled to the tag.

Another disclosed example apparatus for use with printed media includes: an optical sensor for recording a page view of the print medium; and a mechanical stiffener for removably securing the optical sensor to the print medium.

One disclosed example method includes the steps of: positioning a first Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag on a first leaflet of a printed media, the first RFID tag being positioned at a first location on the first leaflet; positioning a second RFID tag on a second leaflet of the printed media, the second RFID tag being positioned at a second location on the second leaflet, the first location and the second location being substantially the same location; and positioning a first RFID absorber on a third leaflet of the printed media, the first RFID absorber positioned at a third location on the third leaflet in a manner such that a second RFID tag is disabled when the printed media is opened to expose the first and third leaflets, and such that a first RFID tag is disabled when the printed media is opened to expose the second and third leaflets.

Another disclosed example method includes the steps of: affixing a label to a first leaflet of a printed media; and disposing a removable monitoring device within the printed media to communicate with the tag.

Another disclosed example method includes the steps of: acquiring an image of an edge of a print medium; and identifying the browsed page based on the image.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention for metering printed media (e.g., magazines, books, periodicals, newspapers, newsletters, brochures, flyers, etc.). In the example system of fig. 1, a person 105 (e.g., a responder, a puzzle, a participant, etc.) carries (or wears) a small battery-powered monitoring device 115. The monitoring device 115 periodically or aperiodically attempts to communicate with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag 120 affixed, or embedded in, for example, a page 125 of the monitored media (e.g., newspaper 130). In the illustrated example, the RFID tag 120 is only able to operate and communicate with the monitoring device 115 when the RFID tag 120 is exposed to light. Therefore, the monitoring device 115 can communicate with the RFID tag 120 only when the page 125 of the print medium 130 to which the RFID tag 120 is fixed is opened to browse so that the RFID tag 120 is exposed and thus can operate.

The example light-sensitive RFID tag 120 may be implemented by a thin flat package having a printable top surface, an adhesive bottom surface, and including any of a variety of RFID microchips having a memory and an antenna coil, and any of a variety of light-sensitive circuits or devices. Alternatively, the light sensitive RFID tag 120 may be implemented by disposing any of a variety of RFID microchips and any of a variety of light sensitive circuits or devices on or adhering them to a leaflet and covering them with a paper label. The RFID microchip listens for Radio Frequency (RF) signals transmitted by the monitoring device 115. When the RFID microchip receives the query, it responds by sending at least a unique Identification (ID) code back to the monitoring device 115. The example light-sensitive RFID tag 120 is passive and does not require a battery because it is powered by the RF signal sent by the monitoring device 115 to interrogate the tag 120. Using any of a variety of techniques, the light-sensitive circuit or device disables the operation of the RFID microchip when the light-sensitive RFID tag 120 is not exposed to light. Due to the thinness and printability of the exemplary light-sensitive RFID tag 120, when affixed to a page of print media, the tag 120 blends (blends in) with the page of print media to which it is affixed such that the responder 105 is substantially imperceptible. Alternatively, the example RFID tag 120 may be active (i.e., it contains a power source (e.g., a battery) and thus can communicate over long distances).

When the monitoring device 115 is able to communicate with the RFID tag 120, the monitoring device 115 records the time, date, and unique ID code of the RFID tag 120. If multiple light-sensitive RFID tags (each having a unique ID code) are affixed, or embedded on each of the pages of newspaper 130, it is achieved that monitoring device 115 is capable of detecting and recording when communicating with any of the multiple light-sensitive RFID tags. Thus, the monitoring device 115 is able to record when each RFID tag page of the newspaper 130 is opened for viewing by the responder 105. For example, if some or all of the pages of newspaper 130 containing advertisements are tagged with one of a plurality of light-sensitive RFID tags, monitoring device 105 can record data representing the exposure of respondents 105 to advertisements metered thereby by recording the RFID tags of the pages as they are viewed and later associating each of the recorded ID codes with its corresponding advertisement using a database of known ID codes associated with known advertisements.

FIG. 2 illustrates another example system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention for metering printed media (e.g., magazines, books, periodicals, newspapers, newsletters, brochures, flyers, etc.). In the example system of fig. 2, the monitoring device 115 periodically or aperiodically attempts to communicate with an RFID tag 205 affixed, or embedded in, for example, a leaflet 210 (i.e., one of a plurality of separate sheets of paper that may be double-sided printed and combined together to form a printed media) of a magazine 230. In the illustrated example, the RFID tag 205 is only able to communicate with the monitoring device 115 when the RFID tag 205 is not proximate to the RFID absorber 215 that is affixed, or embedded in an adjacent leaflet of the leaflet 210. An example RFID absorber 215 includes a paper label with a bottom surface printed with conductive ink or laminated with a metal foil and affixed to the leaflet with the bottom surface facing the leaflet. Alternatively, the RFID tag 215 may be implemented as a paper tag covered with conductive ink printed onto the leaflet and/or a metal foil adhered to the leaflet. When the absorber 215 is in close proximity to the RFID tag, it inhibits the RFID tag from communicating with the monitoring device 115 by interfering, distorting, etc. the RF signal transmission. Because of the thinness of the example RFID absorber 215 and the printability of the top surface of the example RFID absorber 215, when it is applied to a page of print media, the absorber 215 blends with the print media to which it is applied, and thus the responder 105 is substantially imperceptible. The conductive ink or foil inhibits the ability to communicate with the monitoring device 115 in proximity to the RFID tag. Thus, the monitoring device 115 can communicate with the RFID tag 205 only when the magazine 230 is opened for viewing so that the RFID tag 205 and the RFID absorber 215 are on the open page shown in fig. 2 (i.e., both on the page currently open for viewing).

In some examples, the RFID tag may be positioned relative to RFID tag 205 such that the RFID tag operates as RFID absorber 215 and inhibits operation of RFID tag 205, and vice versa. For example, RFID tags may be affixed to the leaflets so that when the printed media is in at least one position (i.e., opened to view two halves), their antennas are positioned to cause mutual signal interference (e.g., antenna alignment, rotation, and/or offset). Additionally or alternatively, the RFID tag 205 may include conductive ink and/or metal foil so that it can inhibit operation proximate to the RFID tag. In this example, the RFID tag may operate as both an RFID tag and an RFID absorber.

The example RFID tag 205 may be implemented similarly to the RFID tag 120. Thus, the RFID tag 205 may be implemented by a thin flat package having a printable top surface, an adhesive bottom surface, and including any of a variety of RFID microchips. Alternatively, the RFID tag 205 may be implemented by arranging any of a variety of RFID microchips on the leaflet or pasting them on the leaflet and covering them with a paper label. The exemplary RFID tag 205 is passive and does not require a battery because it is powered by the RF signal sent by the monitoring device 115 to interrogate the tag 205. Due to the thinness and printability of the exemplary RFID tag 205, when affixed to a page of printed media, the tag 205 substantially blends with the page of printed media to which it is affixed, and thus is substantially imperceptible to the responder 105. Alternatively, the example RFID tag 205 may be active (i.e., it contains a power source (e.g., a battery)), thereby enabling communication over long distances.

When the monitoring device 115 is able to communicate with the RFID tag 205, the illustrated monitoring device 115 records the time, date, and unique ID code of the RFID tag 205. If a plurality of RFID tags, each having a unique ID code, and a plurality of RFID absorbers are affixed, or embedded in respective ones of a plurality of leaves of the magazine 230 in accordance with a scheme (pattern) such as that described in conjunction with fig. 8A through 8C, fig. 9, and fig. 10A through 10B, it is achieved that the monitoring device 115 is capable of detecting and recording when communicating with any of the plurality of RFID tags. Thus, the monitoring device 115 is able to record when the opposite page of the recording magazine 230 is likely to be viewed by the responder 105. For example, if some or all of the pages of the magazine 230 containing advertisements are tagged with one of a plurality of RFID tags or RFID absorbers, the monitoring device 105 can record data representing the exposure of the respondent 105 to the advertisements metered thereby by recording the RFID tags of the pages as they are browsed and later associating each of the recorded ID codes with its corresponding advertisement using a database of known ID codes associated with known advertisements.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 2, the example monitoring device 115 is a portable device carried or worn by the responder 105. It is readily contemplated that the monitoring device 115 may also be stationary, for example, resting on a desktop, a bedside table, a desk, etc., hanging on a vertical surface, etc. Additionally, although the example monitoring device 115 of fig. 1 and 2 is associated with a responder 105 (i.e., the browsing of printed media is matched to the responder 105 designated to carry the example monitoring device 115), it is contemplated that the example monitoring device 115 may also be shared by multiple responders. For example, the monitoring device 115 may be located in a public space and/or in a state that simultaneously monitors the viewing of one or more printed media by one or more respondents. In these examples, although the monitoring device 115 records the browsing of the metered portion of one or more printed media, no association is made as a result of the browsing being made by a particular responder.

In some examples, the monitoring device 115 is affixed, or embedded within a card inserted in the printed media (e.g., a card that is pre-printed with a mailing address, includes pre-paid postage, and is defined by perforations such that the card can be torn or removed from the printed media and mailed). In these examples, the responder 105 reads the printed media, and upon completion, removes and mails back to the post a franking insert (insert). When the insert is received at a processing station (not shown), it may be communicatively connected to a computing device for downloading and processing the data recorded by the insert. As described above, the example insert interacts with and records communications with an RFID tag (e.g., light-sensitive RFID tag 120 or RFID tag 205).

One of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that monitoring device 115 and tags 120 and/or 205 may communicate using other techniques. For example, the monitoring insert 115 may be affixed, or embedded within a card that is inserted into the printed media and connected to a tag affixed, or embedded in the page of the printed media via wires and/or signal traces printed directly on the page with conductive ink. With conductive signal paths, the example monitoring insert 115 is able to monitor when each tag is exposed to view by any responder. Using an implementation similar to that described above, an exemplary tag may be light-sensitive such that when the light-sensitive tag is exposed, it communicates with the monitoring insert 115. Additionally or alternatively, the example tag may be disabled by a proximity disable tag that interrupts communication between the monitoring insert 115 and the example tag. As the print media is viewed, the monitoring insert 115 records the unique ID code of each associated tab as each tab is able to communicate with the monitoring insert 115. Upon completion of viewing the printed media, the monitoring insert 115 can, for example, be removed from the printed media and/or communicatively connected to a computing device to download the log recorded by the monitoring insert 115.

FIG. 3 illustrates another example system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention for metering printed media (e.g., magazines, books, periodicals, newspapers, newsletters, brochures, flyers, etc.). In the example system of fig. 3, the responder 105 removably affixes and/or secures the optical monitoring device 305, for example, on top of the spine (i.e., the binding) of the printed media 310 (e.g., the journal 310) to be monitored, using, for example, mechanical stiffeners such as, for example, forks and/or clips 315 located on both sides of the optical monitoring device 305. The distance between the two prongs and/or the clip 315 is adjustable to accommodate a wide range of print media thicknesses. In the example shown in fig. 3, the print media to be metered may be printed/published without modification, with enhancements by standard printing/publishing processes currently in use, or may be envisioned for future use to manufacture and distribute the print media. Although the example optical monitoring device 305 of FIG. 3 is affixed and/or secured to the top of the print media 310, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the optical monitoring device 305 may be affixed and/or secured in other locations, such as at the bottom, corners, and/or sides of the print media 310.

In the example shown in fig. 3, the optical monitoring device 305 is battery powered and uses a light collection lens 320 and an optical sensor (not shown) to collect ambient light reflected from the top of the journal 310. The optical monitoring device 305 uses the output of the optical sensor to determine which pair of open pages of the journal 310 is opened by the responder 105 for viewing by first identifying the maximum gap between two of the loose pages and then counting the number of loose pages located on at least one side of the gap. In the illustrated example, the responder 105 preferably initially positions the optical monitoring device 305 such that it can read and record a Universal Product Code (UPC) located on the outer cover of the journal 310, and then positions the optical monitoring device such that it is affixed to the top of the spine of the journal so that the device can determine page views. However, additionally or alternatively, positioning the example optical monitoring device 305 to read and/or record a UPC may occur after page browsing has been determined using the optical monitoring device 305. By recording the folios viewed by the respondents 105 and associating them with the recorded UPCs, the example system of fig. 3 can determine the exposure of the respondents 105 to a particular folio of the journal 310 (e.g., the folios containing the advertisements) by, for example, matching (i.e., associating) the recorded information about the database reflecting the titles of the printed media with pages containing advertisements within each title (e.g., the folios 32 and 33 of the 2005 7 th journal of Sports, can be associated with the advertisements of Nike in the database).

The recorded communication log between the example monitoring device 115 and the RFID tag in fig. 1 and 2 and/or the page identified and recorded by the example optical monitoring device 305 of fig. 3 is transmitted from the monitoring device 115 or the optical monitoring device 305 to a local server (not shown) on a periodic, aperiodic, or real-time basis. The local server may be, for example, a Personal Computer (PC) of the responder and/or an extensible markup language (XML) data collection server as described in PCT patent application serial No. PCT/US2004/000818, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The local server then provides the transferred log data (e.g., a communication log or log identifying the page) to a processing server (not shown). Any of a variety of techniques for transferring data from the monitoring device 115 and/or the optical monitoring device 305 to a local server and transferring the data from the local server to a processor server may be used. For example, the monitoring device 115 and/or the optical monitoring device 305 may be attached to the local server using a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection, a serial cable, a docking station or cradle (cradle), or the like. The local server may, for example, transmit the recorded data to the processing server (e.g., via an internet connection, a private network, or a public switched network that has access to the local server and the processing server). Alternatively, the local server may store the recorded data on a non-volatile storage medium (e.g., a recordable compact disc (CD-R)) periodically or aperiodically, which CD-R may be shipped (e.g., carried, mailed, etc.) to the processing service and then loaded onto the processing server.

The processing server combines the log data received from some or all of the monitoring devices associated with some or all of the respondents (e.g., a log of communications with RFID tags, or a log of pages identified by the example optical monitoring device 305) to investigate meaningful print media exposure statistics. For example, the processing server of the illustrated example uses the combined recorded data to determine the overall effectiveness, targeting and/or audience demographics of viewed advertisements in printed media by processing the collected data using statistical methods.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an example manner of implementing the example monitoring device 115 of FIGS. 1 and 2. To communicate with an RFID tag (e.g., the example RFID tag 205 or the example light-sensitive RFID tag 120), the example monitoring device 115 of fig. 4 includes any of a variety of RFID transceivers 405 and antennas 410. The RFID transceiver 405 and antenna 410 transmit RF signals to interrogate any nearby RFID tags and receive one or more RF signals (e.g., unique ID codes) transmitted by any nearby RFID tags.

To initiate an RFID interrogation and process the results thereof, the example monitoring device 115 of FIG. 4 includes a low power processor 415. Processor 415 can be any of a variety of general purpose and/or special purpose computing devices (e.g., processor 1610 of fig. 16). To access time of day and date information, the example monitoring device 115 of FIG. 4 includes a real-time clock device 420. In the illustrated example, when the processor 415 receives a unique ID code from a nearby RFID tag (e.g., the example RFID tag 205 or the example light-sensitive RFID tag 120) via the RFID transceiver 405, the processor 415 retrieves the current time and date from the clock 20 and creates a new log entry in the memory 425. The example log illustrated in fig. 5A is a simple running list of log entries, where each log entry includes, among other information, a unique ID code 505, a time of day 510, and a date 515. Other information that may be contained in the journal includes, for example, UPC, class code (magazine, newspaper, book, journal, brochure, leaflet, etc.), title (time, person, week, etc.), volume number, date of publication, etc.

Returning to fig. 4, the illustrated example memory 425 is implemented using a combination of volatile memory (e.g., Random Access Memory (RAM)) and non-volatile memory (e.g., Read Only Memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.). In the example of FIG. 4, the log is recorded in non-volatile memory so that it can be saved even if the monitoring device 115 is powered down, turned off, or otherwise disabled. To allow the responder 105 to control the monitoring device 115 and/or to allow the monitoring device 115 to communicate with the download server, the example monitoring device 115 of fig. 4 includes one or more input and/or output devices 430 (e.g., an on/off switch, a USB communication device and USB cable connector, a light emitting diode, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), etc.).

To provide power, the example monitoring device 115 of fig. 4 includes a battery 435. In the illustrated example, the battery 435 preferably provides sufficient power to operate the monitoring device 115 for multiple days. In the example of fig. 4, the battery 435 is a rechargeable battery so that the monitoring device 115 may be connected to a power adapter (not shown) to charge/recharge the battery 435. The monitoring device 105 may operate when connected to a power adapter. Alternatively, the battery 435 may be a non-rechargeable type. In such an environment, it is preferable that the battery 435 be replaceable by the responder 105.

Fig. 6 is a flow diagram representing example machine readable instructions that may be executed by a processor (e.g., processor 415 of fig. 4, processor 1610 of fig. 16, etc.) to implement the example monitoring device 115 of fig. 1 and 2. The machine-readable instructions of fig. 6 may be executed by a processor, a controller, and/or any other suitable processing device. For example, the machine-readable instructions of fig. 6 may be implemented as coded instructions stored on a tangible medium, such as flash memory, ROM, and/or RAM associated with processor 1610 shown in example processor platform 1600 and discussed subsequently in connection with fig. 16. Alternatively, some or all of the example machine readable instructions of FIG. 6 and/or the example monitoring device 115 of FIGS. 1 and 2 may be implemented using any of a variety of Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Field Programmable Logic Devices (FPLDs), discrete logic, hardware, or the like. Additionally, some or all of the machine readable instructions of fig. 6 and/or the example monitoring device 115 of fig. 1 and 2 may be implemented manually or as any combination of any of the above techniques. Additionally, although the example machine readable instructions of FIG. 6 are described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6, persons of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that many other methods of implementing the example monitoring device 115 of FIGS. 1 and 2 may also be employed. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and/or changes, omissions, subdivisions, or combinations of the blocks described may be made.

The example machine readable instructions of fig. 6 begin when the monitoring device 115 completes initialization, power-on functions, and/or is enabled by the responder 105. The monitoring device 115 waits a predetermined period of time (block 605). Waiting (block 605) temporarily separates interrogations for nearby RFID tags (e.g., the example light-sensitive RFID tag 120 or the example RFID tag 205) by the predetermined time period. This temporary separation serves to reduce power consumption of the monitoring device 115 and/or eliminate redundant (i.e., multiple) responses from nearby RFID tags. The length of the predetermined period of time may be determined by experiment. For example, if the separation period is long and the responder 105 is quickly flipping pages of the metered print media, the monitoring device 115 may also not be able to accurately record each exposure of the responder 105 to metered spread pages of the print media. However, querying too frequently may shorten the battery life of the monitoring device 115.

After waiting a predetermined period of time (block 605), the example monitoring device 115 transmits an interrogation (block 610) and determines whether a nearby RFID tag responds (i.e., transmits a unique ID code in response to the interrogation) (block 615). In the example of FIG. 6, the monitoring device 115 monitors for a response from a nearby RFID tag for a predetermined period of time. For example, the monitoring device 115 allows nearby RFID tags sufficient time to receive and respond to an interrogation. Depending on the exact details of the RFID tag used to meter the printed media, the response time of the type of RFID tag used may vary. For example, the monitoring device 115 may use a predetermined time period to accommodate RFID tags from multiple vendors, or learn and accommodate an appropriate time period based on responses from nearby RFID tags over time.

If a response is received from a nearby RFID tag (block 615), the example monitoring device 115 determines the unique ID code of the RFID tag from the received response (block 620) and determines the current time of day and date (block 625). Since the responder 105 may browse the folios for a period of time longer than the predetermined period of time used in block 605, the monitoring device 115 determines from the last received unique ID code whether the received unique ID code (block 620) has changed (block 630). If the received unique ID code has changed (block 630), the monitoring device 115 creates and stores a new log entry containing the unique ID code, the time of day, and the date (block 635). Control then returns to block 605 to wait a predetermined period of time and then again interrogate nearby RFID tags.

If the received unique ID code has not changed (block 630), the example monitoring device 115 determines if an acceptable period of time has elapsed since the previous recording of the unique ID code (block 640). If an acceptable time period has elapsed (block 640), the monitoring device 115 creates and stores a log entry containing the unique ID code, the time of day, and the date (block 635). Control then returns to block 605 to wait the predetermined period of time and then again interrogate nearby RFID tags. If an acceptable time period has not elapsed (block 640), the monitoring device 115 returns to block 605 to wait for the predetermined time period and then again interrogate nearby RFID tags. The example acceptable time period is greater than some minimum value and less than some maximum value. The minimum value represents a time period during which it is considered that, for example, the responder 105 spends an extended time browsing the current pair of pages and therefore should give a longer exposure time to the pair of pages. The maximum value represents a time period during which it is considered that, for example, the responder 105 may have completely stopped viewing the printed media and have the printed media remain open. If the maximum elapsed time has occurred, the monitoring device 115 may remove the previous log entry or mark the log appropriately to indicate that the responder 105 may have stopped viewing the printed media.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an example manner of implementing the example light-sensitive RFID tag 120 of FIG. 1. As described above, the example light-sensitive RFID tag 120 includes any of a variety of RFID microchips 705 and any of a variety of light-sensitive circuits or devices 725. As also described above, the RFID microchip 705 includes any of a variety of RFID circuits 710, a memory 715, and an antenna 720. In the example of fig. 7, the light-sensitive device 725 disables the RFID microchip 705 when the example light-sensitive device 725 (i.e., the example light-sensitive RFID tag 120) is not exposed to light. To this end, the example RFID microchip 705 of fig. 7 includes an enable/disable input such that the photosensitive device 725 can enable or disable the RFID microchip 705.

Fig. 8A illustrates an example arrangement of an RFID tag 815 and an RFID absorber 820 in an example printed media. Specifically, in the printed media, the RFID label 815 is affixed to the front or back of the leaflet 805 and the RFID absorber 820 is affixed to the front or back of the adjacent leaflet 806. The RFID tag 815 and the RFID absorber 820 are affixed to approximately the same location on the leaflet 805 and 806, respectively. In the example illustrated in fig. 8A, since the RFID tag 815 and the RFID absorber 820 are located on separate pages that are separated from each other (i.e., the tag 815 and the absorber 820 are separated by a distance), the RFID absorber 820 does not inhibit the operation of the RFID tag 815 and therefore the RFID tag 815 can respond to an interrogation from the monitoring device 115.

Fig. 8B illustrates the positions of the RFID tag 815 and the RFID absorber 820 after the responder 105 has flipped to the next pair of folios in the printed media. As shown in fig. 8B, the RFID tag 815 and the RFID absorber 820 are now close to each other so that the RFID absorber 820 inhibits the operation of the RFID tag 815 and, therefore, the RFID tag 815 cannot respond to an interrogation from the monitoring device 115. Thus, it is not believed that the new folio is exposed to the responder 105. One of ordinary skill in the art can readily appreciate that when the responder 105 browses a pair of folios preceding the folios of fig. 8A, the RFID tag 815 and the RFID absorber 820 are also in proximity and, therefore, communication between the RFID tag 815 and the monitoring device 115 is inhibited in the example of fig. 8B.

Fig. 8C illustrates the location of the RFID tag 815, the RFID absorber 820, and the second RFID tag 825 after the responder 105 has flipped to the next folio (the same page as fig. 8B) in the printed media. A second RFID label 825 is affixed to the leaflet 807 at approximately the same location as the location at which the RFID absorber 820 is affixed to the leaflet 806. As shown in fig. 8B, the RFID tag 815 and the RFID absorber 820 are close to each other so that the RFID absorber 820 suppresses the operation of the RFID tag 815, and therefore, the RFID tag 815 can no longer respond to an interrogation from the monitoring device 115. However, the RFID tag 825 is not proximate to the RFID absorber 820 and is therefore able to respond to an interrogation from the monitoring device 115, believing exposure to a new pair of open-page responders 105. With proper placement, a single RFID absorber can be utilized to inhibit operation of both RFID tags 815 and 825, as shown in fig. 8C.

The RFID absorber may inhibit operation of the RFID tag even if several leaflets are separated. Thus, to allow metering of adjacent pages in the print media, the RFID tag and RFID absorber can also be separated by placing them at different locations on the pages of the print media. FIG. 9 illustrates an example placement area for an RFID tag and an RFID absorber. The example of FIG. 9 shows a plurality of zones 910A, 910B, and 910C, each zone associated with each leaflet 920 of the printed media. As described in connection with fig. 10A and 10B, in an example embodiment, the plurality of zones 910A through 910C of fig. 9 may be utilized to dispose an RFID tag and an RFID absorber in a print medium.

Fig. 10A is a table containing tag and absorber locations for illustrating an example placement scheme based on the example placement area of fig. 9. In the example illustrated in fig. 10A, a first RFID tag is affixed to the front or back of the leaflet 40 in the area 910A, an RFID absorber is affixed to the front or back of the leaflet 41 in the area 910A, a second RFID tag is affixed to the front or back of the leaflet 42 in the area 910A and a third RFID tag is affixed to the front or back of the leaflet 910B, and so on. Since the third RFID tag on the leaflet 42 is located within the area 910B, the RFID absorber located within the area 910A on the leaflet 41 does not inhibit operation of the third RFID tag on the leaflet 42. The exposure of each or every pair of facing pages of the print media to the responder 105 can then be properly metered in accordance with the same or similar scheme.

FIG. 10B is a table containing a list of tag and absorber locations illustrating another example placement scheme based on the example placement area of FIG. 9. In the example illustrated in fig. 10B, a first RFID tag is affixed within the area 910C on the front or back of the leaflet 31, an RFID absorber is affixed within the area 910C on the front or back of the leaflet 32, and then a second RFID tag is affixed within the area 910A on the front or back of the leaflet 53. As with 10A, the RFID absorbers located in the region 910C on the leaflet 32 do not inhibit the second RFID tags located in the region 910A on the leaflet 53 and therefore do not interfere with or inhibit the detection of the respondent 105 viewing the folios associated with the leaflet 53. The exposure of other specific pairs of cut pages of the print media to the responder 105 can then be accurately metered in accordance with the same or similar scheme.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an example manner of implementing the example optical monitoring device 305 of FIG. 3. To collect the ambient light reflected by the top of the print media, the example optical monitoring device 305 of FIG. 11 includes any of a variety of optical lenses 1105 and any of a variety of optical sensors 1110. As shown in fig. 12, the lens 1105 focuses reflected ambient light 1210 onto the optical sensor 1110 so that the digital output of the optical sensor 1110 represents an image of the print medium near the top of the ridge (e.g., the magazine 1205 with the ridge 1207).

To process the digital output of the optical sensor 1110 (i.e., the image of the top of the print media), the example optical monitoring device 305 of FIG. 11 includes a processor 1115. Processor 1115 may be any of a variety of general-purpose processors (e.g., processor 1610 of fig. 16) or a special purpose and/or customized computing device (e.g., a Digital Signal Processor (DSP)). To access time of day and date information, the example optical monitoring device 305 of FIG. 11 includes a real-time clock device 1120. In the illustrated example, when the processor 1115 receives a top image of a new print media and determines that the responder 105 is browsing a new folio page, the processor 1115 obtains the current time and date from the clock 1120 and creates a new log entry in the memory 1125. The example log illustrated in FIG. 5B is a simple running list of a plurality of log entries, where each log entry contains, for example, a page number 520, a time of day 525, and a date 530. Other information that may be included in the log includes, for example, UPC, class code (magazine, newspaper, book, journal, brochure, flyer, etc.), title (time, person, week, etc.), volume number, date of publication, etc.

Referring to fig. 11, the illustrated example memory 1125 is implemented using volatile memory (e.g., RAM) or non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, flash memory, etc.). In the example of FIG. 11, the log is recorded in non-volatile memory so that the log can be retained even if the optical monitoring device 305 is powered off, turned off, or otherwise disabled. To allow the responder 105 to control the optical monitoring device 305 and/or to allow the optical monitoring device 305 to communicate with a download server, the example optical monitoring device 305 of FIG. 11 includes one or more input and/or output devices 1130 (e.g., an on/off switch, a button that when pressed causes the optical monitoring device 305 to obtain UPC information, a USB communication device, as well as a USB cable connector, LED, LCD, etc.).

To provide power, the example optical monitoring device 305 of fig. 11 includes a battery 1135. In the illustrated example, it is preferable that the battery 1135 provide sufficient power to operate the optical monitoring device 305 for multiple days. In the illustrated example, the battery 1135 is a rechargeable battery, so that the optical monitoring device 305 can be connected to a power adapter (not shown) to charge/recharge the battery. The optical monitoring device 305 may operate when connected to a power adapter. Alternatively, the battery 1135 may be of a non-rechargeable type and therefore replaceable by the responder 105.

To allow for detection of motion and thereby wake up the optical monitoring device 305 from a sleep state (i.e., low power operating state), the example optical monitoring device 305 of FIG. 11 includes an accelerometer 1140 or any other device capable of detecting motion, such as a gyroscope, pressure transducer, compass, or the like. In the illustrated example, accelerometer 1140 detects when optical monitoring device 305 moves and then sends a notification signal (e.g., an interrupt signal) to processor 1115. Alternatively, optical monitoring device 305 may include a watchdog timer that periodically wakes processor 1115.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example image of a print media near the top of a ridge. The optical sensor 1110 of the example optical monitoring device 305 of FIG. 11 utilizes optical sensing and/or digital recording techniques to acquire a portion 1305 of the example image. This portion 1305 of the example image is then provided to the processor 1115 to first determine a maximum gap between the two spread pages (e.g., gap 1310), and then count the number of pages on both sides of the gap 1310 (i.e., loose pages) to determine the number of pages of at least one of the spread pages on both sides of the gap 1310. The gap is determined and the pages counted using any suitable image and/or signal processing technique.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating an example manner of using the example optical monitoring device 305 of FIG. 3. In the example illustrated in fig. 3, the example process is performed at least in part by the responder 105. Although the example manner of use is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 14, persons of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that many other methods of using the example optical monitoring apparatus 305 of FIG. 3 may be employed. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and/or changes, omissions, sub-divisions, or combinations of the blocks described may be made.

The responder 105 begins the example approach of fig. 14 by locating and enabling the example optical monitoring device 305 of fig. 3, such that the optical monitoring device 305 acquires a UPC of a printed media (e.g., a magazine) using the optical lens 1105 and the optical sensor 1110 (block 1405). The responder 105 next attaches the optical monitoring device 305 to the top of the spine of the magazine using, for example, the fork/clip 315 described above, and enables the optical monitoring device 305 by, for example, activating an on/off switch (block 1410). The responder 105 then reads the magazine without the need for the device 305 (block 1415).

When the responder 105 reads a magazine (block 1415), the optical monitoring device 305 records the pages of the magazine that are viewed by the responder 105. If the responder 105 chooses to read another printed media after reading the magazine (block 1420), the user removes the device 305 from the current printed media and places it in a similar location on the next printed media selected (block 1405) for monitoring the viewing of the second printed media. If the responder 105 does not choose to read another printed media (block 1420), the responder 105, for example, shuts down and stores the optical monitoring device 305 or initiates a program or connection to download the data recorded by the optical monitoring device 305 to a download server (block 1425). The example usage pattern of fig. 14 then ends.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart representative of example machine readable instructions that may be executed by a processor (e.g., the processor 1115 of FIG. 11, the processor 1610 of FIG. 16, etc.) to implement the example optical monitoring device 305 of FIG. 3. The machine-readable instructions of fig. 15 may be executed by a processor, a controller, and/or any other suitable processing device. For example, the machine-readable instructions of fig. 15 may be implemented as coded instructions stored on a tangible medium, such as flash memory, ROM, and/or RAM associated with processor 1610 illustrated in example processor platform 1600 and described subsequently in connection with fig. 16. Alternatively, some or all of the example machine readable instructions of FIG. 15 and/or the example optical monitoring device 305 of FIG. 3 may be implemented using any of a variety of ASICs, PLDs, FPLDs, discrete logic, hardware, or the like. Additionally, some or all of the machine readable instructions of FIG. 15 may be implemented manually or using a combination of any of the above techniques. Additionally, although the example machine readable instructions of FIG. 15 are described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 15, persons of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that some other method of implementing the example optical monitoring apparatus 305 of FIG. 3 may also be employed. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and/or changes, omissions, sub-divisions, or combinations of the blocks described may be made.

The example machine readable instructions of FIG. 15 begin with the example optical monitoring device 305 of FIG. 3 positioned and enabled to read a UPC of a printed media (e.g., a magazine). The optical monitoring device 305 reads and marks/records the UPC of the magazine (block 1505) and waits for the responder 105 to position the optical monitoring device 305 on top of the spine of the magazine and initiate an operation (e.g., by pressing a button or the like on the optical monitoring device 305) (block 1507). Alternatively, the optical monitoring device 305 automatically begins processing the output of the optical sensor 1110 to automatically determine when the optical monitoring device 305 is positioned. If the optical monitoring device 305 has not been located (block 1507), the optical monitoring device 305 continues to wait.

If the optical monitoring device 305 has been located (block 1507), the optical monitoring device 305 begins processing the output of the optical sensor 1110 to detect a page change (block 1510). If a page change occurs (block 1510), optical monitoring device 305 starts a timeout timer (block 1515), identifies the page number (block 1520), retrieves the current time and date from real-time clock 1120 (block 1525), records the page number, time, and date in a log stored in memory 1125 (block 1530), and then returns to block 1510 to await another page change.

Returning to block 1510, if a page change has occurred, optical monitoring device 305 determines whether a timeout has occurred (block 1535). If a timeout has not occurred (block 1535), then optical monitoring device 305 returns to block 1510 to wait for another page change. If a timeout occurs (block 1535), the optical monitoring device 305 switches to a low power sleep mode to conserve battery power (block 1540). While in sleep mode, accelerometer 1140 continues to monitor the movement of optical monitoring device 305 (block 1545). If motion is detected and/or user input for waking is detected (block 1545), the optical monitoring device 305 switches back to the normal operating mode (block 1550) and returns to block 1515 to identify and record the current page.

Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram of an example processor platform 1600 capable of executing the example machine readable instructions of fig. 6 and 15 to implement the example monitoring devices of fig. 1, 2, and 4 and the example optical monitoring devices of fig. 3 and 11. For example, processor platform 1600 may be implemented by one or more general-purpose microprocessors, microcontrollers, custom and/or special-purpose processors, etc.

Processor platform 1600 of the example of fig. 16 includes a general, custom, and/or special purpose programmable processor 1610. Processor 1610 executes coded instructions 1627 and/or 1629 present in main memory of processor 1610 (e.g., within ROM 1620 and/or RAM 1625). Processor 1610 may be any type of processing unit, such asTexasAnalogEtc. processors of the processor family. In addition, processor 1610 may execute the example machine readable instructions of fig. 6 and 15 to implement some or all of the example monitoring devices of fig. 1, 2, and 4 and/or the example optical monitoring devices of fig. 3 and 11.

Processor 1610 communicates with main memory (including ROM 1620 and RAM1625) via bus 1605. The RAM1625 may be implemented by Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), dynamic DRAM, and/or any other type of RAM device. ROM 1620 may be implemented by flash memory and/or any other desired type of memory device. Access to the memories 1620 and 1625 is typically controlled by a memory controller (not shown) in a conventional manner.

Processor platform 1600 also includes conventional interface circuitry 1630. The interface circuit 1630 may be implemented by any type of interface standard, such as an external memory interface, serial port, general purpose input/output, etc.

One or more input devices 1635 and one or more output devices 1640 are connected to interface circuit 1630. The input device 1635 and the output device 1640 may be used to implement an interface between the responder 105 and/or the download server and the example monitoring devices of fig. 1, 2, and 4 and/or the example optical monitoring devices of fig. 3 and 11.

Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the order, size, and proportions of the memories illustrated in the exemplary system may vary. Additionally, although this patent discloses example systems including, among other things, software or firmware executed on hardware, it should be noted that such systems are merely illustrative and should not be considered as limiting. For example, it is contemplated that any or all of these hardware and software components could be embodied exclusively in hardware, exclusively in software, exclusively in firmware or in some combination of hardware, software and/or firmware. Thus, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the above examples are not the only way to implement these systems.

At least some of the above example methods and/or apparatus are implemented by one or more software and/or firmware programs running on a computer processor. However, dedicated hardware, including but not limited to ASICs, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices, may likewise be constructed to implement, in whole or in part, some or all of the example methods and/or apparatus described herein. Additionally, alternative software implementations including, but not limited to, distributed processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can be constructed to implement the example methods and/or apparatus described herein.

It should also be noted that the example software and/or firmware implementations described herein may alternatively be stored on a tangible storage medium, such as: magnetic media (e.g., disk or tape); magneto-optical or optical media such as a disc; or other packaged solid state media such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only (non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable (volatile) memories; or a signal containing computer instructions. A digital file attachment to an email or other self-contained information document or set of documents is considered a distribution medium equivalent to a tangible storage medium. Thus, the example software and/or firmware described herein may be stored on a tangible storage medium or distribution medium such as those described above or equivalents and successor media.

With respect to the components and functions described above as examples with respect to particular devices, standards and/or protocols, it should be understood that the teachings of the present invention are not limited to these devices, standards and/or protocols. For example, RFID microchips, optical sensors, etc. represent examples of the current state of the art. These systems are periodically replaced by faster or more efficient devices having the same general purpose. Accordingly, alternative devices, standards, and/or protocols having the same general functions are equivalents which are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

Although certain example methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

Priority of united states provisional application No. 60/714,005 entitled Methods and Apparatus for measuring Printed Media, filed on 9/2/2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, is claimed in this patent.

Claims (24)

1. An apparatus for metering print media, the apparatus comprising:

a first radio frequency identification tag for attaching to a first leaflet of a printed media in a first position;

a second radio frequency identification tag for attaching to a second leaflet of the printed media in a second position, the first position and the second position being substantially the same position;

a first radio frequency identification absorber for affixing to a third leaflet of the printed media in a third position in such a manner that when the printed media is positioned to expose the first and third leaflets, the first radio frequency identification absorber inhibits operation of the second radio frequency identification tag as a result of the first radio frequency identification absorber being in proximity to the second radio frequency identification tag, the second radio frequency identification tag being disabled, and when the printed media is positioned to expose the second and third leaflets, the first radio frequency identification absorber inhibits operation of the first radio frequency identification tag as a result of the first radio frequency identification absorber being in proximity to the first radio frequency identification tag, the first radio frequency identification tag being disabled; and

a third radio frequency identification tag for affixing to a fourth location of a fourth leaflet in a manner such that the first radio frequency identification absorber does not disable the third radio frequency identification tag, the fourth location being different from the third location.

2. The apparatus for metering print media as recited in claim 1, further comprising: and the monitoring device is used for communicating with the first radio frequency identification tag and the second radio frequency identification tag.

3. The apparatus for metering print media as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a second radio frequency identification absorber for affixing to a fifth leaflet of the printed media in a fifth position different from the first and second positions in a manner such that when the printed media is positioned to expose the fourth and fifth leaflets, the second radio frequency identification absorber does not inhibit operation of the third radio frequency identification tag because the second radio frequency identification absorber is not proximate to the third radio frequency identification tag, the third radio frequency identification tag is usable, and such that the second radio frequency identification absorber cannot disable the first and second radio frequency identification tags.

4. The apparatus for metering print media as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and second radio frequency identification tags and the first radio frequency identification absorber are located in a first region of the print media and the third radio frequency identification tag is located in a second region of the print media.

5. An apparatus for metering print media as in claim 1, wherein the first radio frequency identification tag is affixed to the front face of the first leaflet.

6. An apparatus for metering print media as in claim 1 wherein the first radio frequency identification absorber is affixed to the front face of the third leaflet.

7. The apparatus for metering print media as in claim 1, wherein the first radio frequency identification tag comprises a generally planar package having a printable top surface and an adhesive bottom surface, the package further comprising:

an antenna;

an identifier; and

a radio frequency identification circuit.

8. An apparatus for metering print media as in claim 2 wherein the monitoring device is a movable portion of the print media.

9. The apparatus for metering print media as recited in claim 1, wherein the print media is at least one of a magazine, book, journal, newspaper, brochure, flyer, or newsletter.

10. An apparatus for metering print media, the apparatus comprising:

a first radio frequency identification tag for attaching to a first leaflet of a printed media in a first position;

a second radio frequency identification tag for attaching to a second leaflet of the printed media in a second position, the first position and the second position being substantially the same position;

a first radio frequency identification absorber for affixing to a third leaflet of the printed media in a third position in such a manner that when the printed media is positioned to expose the first and third leaflets, the first radio frequency identification absorber inhibits operation of the second radio frequency identification tag as a result of the first radio frequency identification absorber being in proximity to the second radio frequency identification tag, the second radio frequency identification tag being disabled, and when the printed media is positioned to expose the second and third leaflets, the first radio frequency identification absorber inhibits operation of the first radio frequency identification tag as a result of the first radio frequency identification absorber being in proximity to the first radio frequency identification tag, the first radio frequency identification tag being disabled; and

a third radio frequency identification tag for affixing to a fourth location on the second leaflet of the printed media in a manner such that the first radio frequency identification absorber cannot disable the third radio frequency identification tag, the fourth location being different from the third location.

11. The apparatus for metering print media as recited in claim 10, further comprising: a second radio frequency identification absorber for affixing to a fifth location of a fourth leaflet of the printed media that is different from the first and second locations in a manner such that when the printed media is positioned to expose the second and fourth leaflets, the second radio frequency identification absorber does not inhibit operation of the third radio frequency identification tag because the second radio frequency identification absorber is not proximate to the third radio frequency identification tag, the third radio frequency identification tag is usable, and such that the second radio frequency identification absorber does not disable the first and second radio frequency identification tags.

12. The apparatus for metering print media as recited in claim 10, wherein the first and second radio frequency identification tags and the first radio frequency identification absorber are located in a first region of the print media and the third radio frequency identification tag is located in a second region of the print media.

13. An apparatus for metering print media, the apparatus comprising:

a first radio frequency identification tag for attaching to a first leaflet of a printed media in a first position;

a second radio frequency identification tag for attaching to a second leaflet of the printed media in a second position, the first position and the second position being substantially the same position; and

a first radio frequency identification absorber for attaching to a third leaflet of the print media in a manner to a third location, i.e., such that when the print media is positioned to expose the first leaflet and the third leaflet, the first rfid absorber inhibits operation of the second rfid tag due to the proximity of the first rfid absorber to the second rfid tag, the second radio frequency identification tag is disabled, and such that when the printed media is positioned to expose the second leaflet and the third leaflet, the first radio frequency identification absorber inhibits operation of the first radio frequency identification tag due to the first radio frequency identification absorber being in proximity to the first radio frequency identification tag, the first radio frequency identification tag being disabled, wherein the first radio frequency identification absorber comprises a paper label covering conductive ink printed onto the third leaflet.

14. An apparatus for metering print media, the apparatus comprising:

a first radio frequency identification tag for attaching to a first leaflet of a printed media in a first position;

a second radio frequency identification tag for attaching to a second leaflet of the printed media in a second position, the first position and the second position being substantially the same position; and

a first radio frequency identification absorber for attaching to a third leaflet of the print media in a manner to a third location, i.e., such that when the print media is positioned to expose the first leaflet and the third leaflet, the first rfid absorber inhibits operation of the second rfid tag due to the proximity of the first rfid absorber to the second rfid tag, the second radio frequency identification tag is disabled, and such that when the printed media is positioned to expose the second leaflet and the third leaflet, the first radio frequency identification absorber inhibits operation of the first radio frequency identification tag due to the proximity of the first radio frequency identification absorber to the first radio frequency identification tag, the first radio frequency identification tag is disabled, wherein the first radio frequency identification absorber comprises a metal foil adhered to the third leaflet.

15. A method of metering print media, the method comprising the steps of:

positioning a first radio frequency identification tag on a first leaflet of the printed media, the first radio frequency identification tag being positioned at a first location on the first leaflet;

positioning a second radio frequency identification tag on a second leaflet of the printed media, the second radio frequency identification tag being positioned at a second location on the second leaflet, the first location and the second location being substantially the same location; and

positioning a first radio frequency identification absorber on a third leaflet of the printed media, the first radio frequency identification absorber positioned at a third location on the third leaflet in a manner such that when the printed media is opened exposing the first and third leaflets, the first radio frequency identification absorber inhibits operation of the second radio frequency identification tag due to the first radio frequency identification absorber being proximate to the second radio frequency identification tag, the second radio frequency identification tag is disabled, and such that when the printed media is opened exposing the second and third leaflets, the first radio frequency identification absorber inhibits operation of the first radio frequency identification tag due to the first radio frequency identification absorber being proximate to the first radio frequency identification tag, the first radio frequency identification absorber being disabled.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the steps of: monitoring means are provided for communicating with at least one of the first radio frequency identification tag or the second radio frequency identification tag when available to determine viewing of the printed media.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising the steps of: positioning a third radio frequency identification tag on a fourth leaflet of the printed media, the third radio frequency identification tag being positioned at a fourth location on the fourth leaflet in a manner such that the first radio frequency identification absorber does not disable the third radio frequency identification tag, the fourth location being different from the third location.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of: positioning a second radio frequency identification absorber on a fifth leaflet of the printed media, the second radio frequency identification absorber positioned in a fifth position of the fifth leaflet that is different from the first position and the second position in a manner such that when the printed media is opened exposing the fourth leaflet and the fifth leaflet, the second radio frequency identification absorber does not inhibit operation of the third radio frequency identification tag because the second radio frequency identification absorber is not proximate to the third radio frequency identification tag, the third radio frequency identification tag is usable, and the second radio frequency identification absorber is unable to disable the first radio frequency identification tag and the second radio frequency identification tag.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising the steps of: positioning a third radio frequency identification tag on the second leaflet of the printed media, the third radio frequency identification tag being positioned at a fourth location on the second leaflet in a manner such that the first radio frequency identification absorber cannot disable the third radio frequency identification tag, the fourth location being different from the third location.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of: positioning a second radio frequency identification absorber on a fourth leaflet of the printed media, a second radio frequency identification tag positioned on a fifth location of the fourth leaflet that is different from the first location and the second location in a manner such that when the printed media is opened exposing the second leaflet and the fourth leaflet, the second radio frequency identification absorber does not inhibit operation of the third radio frequency identification tag, the third radio frequency identification tag is usable because the second radio frequency identification absorber is not proximate to the third radio frequency identification tag, and the second radio frequency identification absorber does not disable the first radio frequency identification tag and the second radio frequency identification tag.

21. The method of claim 15, wherein the first radio frequency identification tag comprises a generally planar package having a printable top surface and an adhesive bottom surface, the package further comprising:

an antenna;

an identifier; and

a radio frequency identification circuit.

22. The method of claim 15, wherein the first radio frequency identification absorber comprises a paper label covering conductive ink printed onto the third leaflet.

23. The method of claim 15, wherein the monitoring device is a removable portion of the print media.

24. The method of claim 15, wherein the first radio frequency identification absorber comprises a metal foil adhered to the third leaflet.