The UNITAM panel system comprises an arrangement of means and processes that, by interoperating according to the methods of the CTS technology, is capable of providing several viewing measurement services in an integrated environment.

UNITAM was designed according to the client-server paradigm and runs on a TCP-IP local area network. Each subsystem includes one or more computers working in coordination providing high immunity to eventual hardware problems and maximum scalability.

Brief description of the most important subsystems composing UNITAM:

Polling Subsystem

It receives calls from meters in the panel and stores the downloaded information in an organized fashion. It also takes care of synchronizing parameters in the panel devices with those settings stored in the central database and provides a data path for RSM sessions (“Remote Setup and Maintenance”). The polling subsystem also manages the downloading of new firmware to the homes units when/if required.

Main Features

• Double-tier architecture allows the installation of distributed polling units across a geographical area for load balancing and/or backup purposes
• Nearly fault-tolerant design runs distributed on a low-cost PC network
• Advanced logging allows for fast and effective troubleshooting
• Includes modem-sharing service used in panel RMS (Remote Maintenance and Setup) sessions
  

Storage Subsystem

Provides a unified storage resource for the Signature Data Base used by various elements in the system. Its purpose is to provide a seamless network-wide interface to store and retrieve signature files generated by various different devices (e.g., meters, RefBoxes, reference stations, etc). The storage sub-system comprises two identical computers that may be swapped automatically in case of hardware malfunctions.

Main Features

• Proprietary, TCP/IP-based DBMS and communication protocols designed to assure service continuity in most conditions
• Data is automatically mirrored in backup unit providing maximum reliability
• Holds 1yr+ data in a standard 500GB hard disk making any data reproduction process seamless and straightforward
  

Reference Subsystem

The reference subsystem continuously generates signatures converting audio content into reference streams to be further used by scanning jobs. This sub-system is divided into two main parts:

Remote Reference Panel

Comprises all UNITAM meters that are programmed to create reference streams continuously from local TV channels.

Local Reference Panel

Includes a group of UNITAM meters programmed to work as ‘RefBoxes’ connected to media terminals (e.g., digital set-top boxes). The Local Reference Panel is usually required when the number of local TV stations is very large compared to the number of meters installed in a certain geographical area.

Scanning Subsystem

The Scanning Subsystem handles scanning requests made by other entities in the system. Generally speaking, the scanning subsystem is capable of correlating unknown signatures vs. reference signatures to identify content clips of any kind in various configurations, according to the TAM service requested. The scanning sub-system comprises a set of correlation computers managed by a special entity that evenly distributes the scan workload among the available resources.

Main Features

• Includes a powerful multipurpose pattern correlation engine based on the CTS technology
• Layered design maximizes flexibility and reliability
  

Surveillance Subsystem

The surveillance subsystem (not shown in the above figure) includes tools and robots that continuously monitor all subsystems looking for inconsistent or suspicious conditions. It includes sophisticated surveillance engine that has access to all data generated by the system and works upon rules that characterize “required safety conditions”. Any falling rule may create a report or otherwise generate an alarm that calls a system supervisor for immediate intervention.

Main Features

• Assures service continuity
• Generates detailed reports that can be emailed to specific groups
• Sophisticated scheduling mechanism automates data reporting and delivery
  

Production Subsystem

The Production Subsystem provides centralized control of batch processes triggered by external events. This system is responsible of managing each file downloaded from the outside world through the production roadmap, creating and following up one or more scanning jobs for each file.

All UNITAM software runs on PC networks what makes the system cost-effective, completely scalable and essentially fault-tolerant through redundancy. Being it a 100% proprietary development (i.e., no third-party software) makes the developer completely independent of any external supplier and ensuring total control over the technology.