U.S. patent application number 16/733399 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-04 for method and apparatus for content adaptation based on audience monitoring.
This patent application is currently assigned to AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.. The applicant listed for this patent is AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.. Invention is credited to Zhi Cui, Sangar Dowlatkhah, Venson Shaw.
Application Number | 20200177956 16/733399 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58664388 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200177956 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shaw; Venson ; et
al. |
June 4, 2020 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTENT ADAPTATION BASED ON AUDIENCE
MONITORING
Abstract
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example,
determining a content context of a first segment of content being
presented by a media processor at a display to an audience,
determining an expected audience reaction according to the content
context of the first segment, receiving sensor data captured from a
sensor device in proximity to the audience where the sensor data is
indicative of a sensed audience reaction to the first segment of
the content, comparing the sensed audience reaction with the
expected audience reaction to determine a level of interest in the
first segment, and adjusting a second segment of the content
according to the level of interest to generate an adjusted second
segment displayable at the display. Other embodiments are
disclosed.
Inventors: |
Shaw; Venson; (Kirkland,
WA) ; Dowlatkhah; Sangar; (Alpharetta, GA) ;
Cui; Zhi; (Sugar Hill, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
AT&T Intellectual Property I,
L.P.
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
58664388 |
Appl. No.: |
16/733399 |
Filed: |
January 3, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14938421 |
Nov 11, 2015 |
10542315 |
|
|
16733399 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/4126 20130101;
H04N 21/4667 20130101; H04N 21/44218 20130101; H04N 21/252
20130101; H04N 21/8456 20130101; H04N 21/42203 20130101; H04N
21/44204 20130101; G10L 25/57 20130101; H04N 21/234363 20130101;
H04N 21/44008 20130101; G10L 15/22 20130101; H04N 21/812
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 21/442 20060101
H04N021/442; H04N 21/44 20060101 H04N021/44; H04N 21/41 20060101
H04N021/41; G10L 15/22 20060101 G10L015/22; H04N 21/2343 20060101
H04N021/2343; H04N 21/422 20060101 H04N021/422; H04N 21/81 20060101
H04N021/81; H04N 21/845 20060101 H04N021/845; H04N 21/25 20060101
H04N021/25; H04N 21/466 20060101 H04N021/466 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: transmitting, by a processing system
including a processor, a first content to a first media processor
and a second content to a second media processor; determining, by
the processing system, a content context of a first segment of the
first content presented by the first media processor to an
audience; determining, by the processing system, an expected
audience reaction according to the content context of the first
segment; obtaining, by the processing system, sensor data from a
sensor device in proximity to an audience, the sensor data
indicative of a sensed audience reaction to the first segment of
the first content; comparing, by the processing system, the sensed
audience reaction to the expected audience reaction to determine a
level of interest in the first segment; determining that the level
of interest is above a predetermined threshold; responsive to the
determining that the level of interest is above the predetermined
threshold, increasing, by the processing system, a resolution of a
second segment of the first content being presented by the first
media processor, wherein the increasing the resolution of the
second segment results in a first adjusted bandwidth; and
responsive to the determining that the level of interest is above
the predetermined threshold, replacing, by the processing system,
the second content being presented by the second media processor
with third content presented by the second media processor, wherein
the replacing comprises decreasing a resolution of the third
content relative to an original resolution of the second content,
wherein the decreasing the resolution of the third content results
in a second adjusted bandwidth, where a change to the first
adjusted bandwidth is offset by a change to the second adjusted
bandwidth.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensor device comprises an
audio recorder of the first media processor presenting the first
content, wherein the method further comprises: applying, by the
processing system, speech recognition to the sensor data to
identify words spoken by the audience; and determining, by the
processing system, the sensed audience reaction according to the
words spoken by the audience.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein obtaining sensor data from the
sensor device in proximity to the audience comprises, obtaining, by
the processing system, a sensed volume of the sensed audience
reaction to the first segment of the first content, and wherein
determining the sensed audience reaction comprises determining, by
the processing system, the sensed audience reaction according to
the sensed volume.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein comparing the sensed audience
reaction to the expected audience reaction to determine a level of
interest in the first segment comprises comparing, by the
processing system, the sensed volume with an expected volume of the
expected audience reaction.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining the content
context of the first segment of the first content presented by the
first media processor to the audience comprises applying, by the
processing system, image pattern recognition and speech pattern
recognition to the first segment.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the determining the content
context of the first segment of the first content presented by the
first media processor to the audience comprises applying, by the
processing system, image pattern recognition and speech pattern
recognition to a live event that is being presented as the first
content.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining the content
context of the first segment of the first content presented by the
first media processor to the audience comprises determining, by the
processing system, the content context of the first segment based
on metadata associated with the first content.
8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: accessing, by the
processing system, metadata that describes the content context of
the first segment of the first content; and determining, by the
processing system, the expected audience reaction according to the
metadata.
9. A network server, comprising: a processing system including a
processor; and a memory that stores executable instructions that,
when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of
operations, comprising: transmitting a first content at a first
bandwidth to a first media processor and a second content at a
second bandwidth to a second media processor, wherein the first
bandwidth and the second bandwidth form a first total bandwidth;
determining a content context of a first segment of the first
content being presented by the first media processor to an
audience; determining an expected audience reaction context
according to the content context of the first segment; receiving
sensor data captured from a sensor device in proximity to the
audience; determining a sensed audience reaction context to the
first segment of the first content based on the sensor data;
comparing the sensed audience reaction context with the expected
audience reaction context to determine a level of interest in the
first segment; determining that the level of interest is above a
threshold; and adjusting a second segment of the first content
according to a determination that the level of interest is above
the threshold to generate an adjusted second segment of the first
content, wherein adjusting the second segment of the first content
comprises increasing a resolution of the second segment being
presented by the first media processor in conjunction with a
replacement of the second content being presented by the second
media processor with third content at a third resolution that is
decreased relative to an original resolution of the second content,
wherein the increasing of the resolution of the second segment of
the first content results in an adjusted first bandwidth, and the
decreasing of the other resolution of the second content results in
an adjusted second bandwidth, wherein a second total bandwidth
comprises the first adjusted bandwidth and the second adjusted
bandwidth, and wherein the increasing of the resolution of the
second segment of the first content resulting in the adjusted first
bandwidth is offset by the decreasing of the other resolution of
the second content resulting in the adjusted second bandwidth to
maintain the first total bandwidth and the second total bandwidth
equal.
10. The network server of claim 9, wherein the sensor device
comprises an audio recorder of the first media processor presenting
the first content.
11. The network server of claim 10, wherein the operations further
comprise: applying speech recognition to the sensor data to
identify words spoken by the audience; and determining a sensed
audio reaction context according to the words.
12. The network server of claim 11, wherein the operations further
comprise: determining an expected audio reaction according to the
content context of the first segment; and comparing the sensed
audio reaction context with an expected audio reaction context to
determine the level of interest in the first segment.
13. The network server of claim 10, wherein the operations further
comprise: obtaining sensor data from the sensor device in proximity
to the audience; obtaining a sensed volume of the sensed audience
reaction to the first segment of the first content; comparing the
sensed volume with an expected and an expected audience volume; and
determining the level of interest in the first segment according to
the comparing.
14. The network server of claim 9, wherein the operations further
comprise: applying one of image pattern recognition and speech
pattern recognition to the first segment to determine the content
context of the first segment of the first content.
15. The network server of claim 9, wherein the operations further
comprise: identifying a first genre of the first segment of the
first content; determining a target advertisement according to the
level of interest and the first genre of the first segment, wherein
the target advertisement is associated with the first genre; and
wherein the adjusting of the second segment of the first content
comprises presenting the target advertisement.
16. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, comprising
executable instructions that, when executed by a first media
processor, facilitate performance of operations, comprising:
receiving a first content at a first bandwidth, wherein a second
media processor receives a second content at a second bandwidth,
wherein the first bandwidth and the second bandwidth form a first
total bandwidth; determining a content context of a first segment
of the first content; presenting the first segment of the first
content at a first display to an audience; determining an expected
audience reaction context according to the content context of the
first segment; obtaining sensor data captured from a sensor device
in proximity to the first display, the sensor data indicative of a
sensed audience reaction context to the first segment of the first
content; comparing the sensed audience reaction context with the
expected audience reaction context to determine a level of interest
in the first segment; determining that the level of interest is
above a threshold; identifying a first genre of the first segment
of the first segment; increasing a second resolution of a second
segment of the first content being presented by the first media
processor at the first display in conjunction with a replacement of
the second content being presented by a second media processor at a
second display with third content at another resolution that is
decreased relative to an original resolution of the second content
according to a determination that the level of interest is above
the threshold, wherein the increasing of the second resolution of
the second segment generates an adjusted second segment, wherein a
third genre of the third content is different from a second genre
of the second content; presenting the adjusted second segment at
the first display; and wherein the increasing of the resolution of
the second segment of the first content results in an adjusted
first bandwidth, and decreasing of the other resolution of the
second content results in an adjusted second bandwidth, wherein the
first adjusted bandwidth and the second adjusted bandwidth form a
second total bandwidth, and wherein the increasing of the
resolution of the second segment of the first content resulting in
the adjusted first bandwidth is offset by the decreasing of the
other resolution of the second content resulting in the adjusted
second bandwidth to maintain the first total bandwidth and the
second total bandwidth equal.
17. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 16
wherein the operations further comprise: identifying a first genre
of the first segment of the first segment; determining a target
advertisement according to the level of interest and the first
genre of the first segment, wherein the target advertisement is
associated with the first genre; and wherein the adjusting of the
second segment of the first content comprises presenting the target
advertisement.
18. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 16
wherein the operations further comprise: providing a notice to the
second media processor that causes the second media processor to
decrease another resolution of the second content being presented
by the second media processor on a second display.
19. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 16
wherein the operations further comprise: applying speech
recognition to the sensor data to identify words spoken by the
audience; determining a sensed audio reaction context according to
the words; and comparing the sensed audio reaction context with an
expected audio reaction context to determine the level of interest
in the first segment.
20. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 16
wherein the operations further comprise: applying image pattern
recognition and speech pattern recognition to a live event that is
being presented as the first content to determine the content
context of the first segment of the first content.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/938,421 filed Nov. 11, 2015, pending. All
sections of the aforementioned application are incorporated herein
by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The subject disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for
content adaptation based on audience monitoring
BACKGROUND
[0003] Users have various options to select from in communication
services. Selection of content for presentation to the users
including movies, programming, advertising and the like is often
performed based on generalizations associated with demographics,
such as age and gender. However, not all users fit those
generalizations which can lead to selection of content which is not
of interest to a particular user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings,
which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0005] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict illustrative embodiments of content
adjustment systems that can adjust content according to monitored
audience reaction;
[0006] FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method used
in portions of the system described in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0007] FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication
system that provides media services including content adjustment
based on audience reactions;
[0008] FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication
device; and
[0009] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the
form of a computer system within which a set of instructions, when
executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the
methods described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] The subject disclosure describes, among other things,
illustrative embodiments for adjusting content based on the
reaction of the audience. The audience reaction can be compared to
an expected audience reaction that is determined from a context of
the particular segment of content that the audience is viewing. The
audience reaction can be utilized to determine a level of interest
or a change in the level of interest which can trigger an
adjustment of the content. Various criteria can be utilized for
comparing the actual and expected audience reaction, including
monitoring sound volume or determining a context of the audience
reaction, such as whether there is excitement directed towards the
content or whether the captured sounds are part of a conversation
indicating disinterest in the content, or even different
environments, such as mobility state or the vibration pattern of
the mobile device (via which content is delivered) in a car or a
train. Other embodiments are described in the subject
disclosure.
[0011] One or more aspects of the subject disclosure are a method
including determining, by a system including a processor, a content
context of a first segment of content being presented at a display
to an audience. The method can include determining, by the system,
an expected audience reaction according to the content context of
the first segment, where the expected audience reaction comprises
an expected volume and an expected audio reaction context. The
method can include obtaining, by the system, sensor data captured
from a sensor device in proximity to the audience, where the sensor
data is indicative of a sensed audience reaction to the first
segment of the content, and where the sensed audience reaction
comprises a sensed volume and a sensed audio reaction context. The
method can include comparing, by the system, the sensed volume and
the sensed audio reaction context with the expected volume and the
expected audio reaction context to determine a level of interest in
the first segment. The method can include adjusting, by the system,
a second segment of the content according to the level of interest
to generate an adjusted second segment displayable at the
display.
[0012] One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a
machine-readable storage medium, comprising executable instructions
that, when executed by a media processor, facilitate performance of
operations, including determining a content context of a first
segment of content. The media processor can present the first
segment of the content at a display to an audience; and can
determine an expected audience reaction according to the content
context of the first segment, where the expected audience reaction
comprises an expected audio reaction context. The media processor
can obtain sensor data captured from a sensor device in proximity
to the display, where the sensor data is indicative of a sensed
audience reaction to the first segment of the content. The media
processor can apply speech pattern recognition to the sensor data
to determine a sensed audio reaction context of the sensed audience
reaction. The media processor can compare the sensed audio reaction
context with the expected audio reaction context to determine a
level of interest in the first segment. The media processor can
increase a resolution of a second segment of the content according
to a determination that the level of interest has increased, where
the increasing of the resolution of the second segment generates an
adjusted second segment. The media processor can present the
adjusted second segment at the display. The media processor can
provide a notice to a second media processor that causes the second
media processor to decrease another resolution of other content
being presented by the second media processor.
[0013] One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a
network server having a processor; and a memory that stores
executable instructions that, when executed by the processor,
facilitate performance of operations, including determining a
content context of a first segment of content being presented by a
media processor at a display to an audience. The network server can
determine an expected audience reaction according to the content
context of the first segment, where the expected audience reaction
comprises an expected audio reaction context. The network server
can receive sensor data captured from a sensor device in proximity
to the audience, where the sensor data is indicative of a sensed
audience reaction to the first segment of the content. The network
server can apply speech recognition to the sensor data to identify
words spoken by the audience. The network server can determine a
sensed audio reaction context according to the words. The network
server can compare the sensed audio reaction context with the
expected audio reaction context to determine a level of interest in
the first segment. The network server can adjust a second segment
of the content according to the level of interest to generate an
adjusted second segment displayable at the display.
[0014] FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system 100 in
which content is presented by a media processor 106 (e.g., a set
top box) at a display 108 (e.g., a television). An audience 110 can
be viewing or otherwise consuming the content. Three users are
illustrated for audience 110, although the audience could be a
single user or any other number of users. Also, the media processor
106, the display 108 and the audience 110 are illustrated at a
single location (e.g., a single premises), however, the media
processor, the display and the audience can be groups of media
processors, displays and audiences that are located at different
locations, such as different premises. The content can be provided
to the media processor 106 by a network server 130.
[0015] In one embodiment, one or more sensor devices 150 (only one
of which is shown) can capture sensor data of a sensed audience
reaction for the audience 110. The sensor data can be of various
types including audio and/or image information. In one embodiment,
the sensor device 150 can be integrated with the media processor
106 or can be otherwise in communication with the media processor
to provide the sensor data to the media processor. In another
embodiment, the sensor device 150 can be a separate device from the
media processor 106, where the sensor device provides the sensor
data to the network server 130 with or without sharing the sensor
data with the media processor.
[0016] Combinations of sensor devices 150 can also be utilized,
such as a first sensor device that is an audio recorder of the
media processor 106 and a second sensor device that is a camera for
capturing images of the audience 110. For instance, the camera can
be integrated with the media processor 106 or can be otherwise in
communication with the media processor to provide the sensor data
to the media processor, or the camera can be a separate device from
the media processor, where the camera provides the sensor data to
the network server 130 with or without sharing the sensor data with
the media processor.
[0017] In another embodiment, the sensor device 150 can be part of
an end user device of one or more of the users in the audience 110.
For example, a mobile phone of a user of the audience 110 can
record audio and provide that audio to the media processor 106
and/or to the network server 130. In addition to audio and image
recordings, the sensor device 150 can capture other sensor data,
such as motion detection, lighting and so forth.
[0018] System 100 enables determining a level of interest or a
change in the level of interest for a particular segment of the
content being presented so that a content adaptation can be
performed. For example, a determination can be made for a content
context of a first segment of the content being presented at the
display 108 for the audience 110. The content context can be
performed based on various factors and utilizing various
techniques. In one embodiment, segments of the content can include
or otherwise be associated with metadata that can be accessed where
the metadata describes the particular content context of the
particular segment. For example, a movie can include metadata that
describes various scenes in the movie. The content context can be
categorized in such a way as to facilitate determining an expected
audience reaction to the scene. For instance, the metadata can
describe that the scene is funny from which it can be determined
that audience laughter is expected. As another example, the
metadata can describe that the scene is scary from which it can be
determined that an audience scream and/or an audience movement is
expected. As another example, the metadata can describe that the
scene is somber from which it can be determined that audience quiet
is expected. The metadata can also be utilized for determining that
which is not an expected reaction of the audience, such as it is
not expected for there to be laughter in a scene that is described
by the metadata as tragic.
[0019] In another embodiment, pattern recognition can be applied to
the segment of the content to determine the content context and
thus the expected audience reaction. For example, audio and/or
image pattern recognition can be applied to the segment to
determine that a movie scene is scary or tragic. Detected words
and/or sounds (e.g., laughter, scream, sighing, crying), detected
actions, or other characteristics of the scene detected from the
pattern recognition can be utilized in determining the particular
content context. The pattern recognition can also be performed on
live events that are being presented as the content. For instance,
pattern recognition can be utilized to determine that a football
team is close to the end zone from which it can be determined that
the expected audience reaction can be excited (for an audience
member favoring the team on offense) or discouraged (for an
audience member favoring the team on defense). In one embodiment,
an expected volume of audience reaction can be determined, such as
determining that an audio reaction to a touchdown in a football
game should be above a threshold level if the audience member is
interested in the particular game. The determination of the content
context can be performed by various devices, such as by the media
processor 106 and/or the network server 130.
[0020] System 100 enables comparing an expected audience reaction
with a sensed audience reaction to determine a level of interest or
a change in the level of interest for a particular segment of the
content being presented so that a content adaptation can be
performed. The comparison can be performed by various devices, such
as by the media processor 106 and/or the network server 130. As
explained above, the expected and sensed audience reactions can be
characterized in various ways, including audio volume, spoken
words, sounds, movement and so forth.
[0021] Once a level of interest or a change in the level of
interest for a particular segment of the content being presented is
determined, then a content adaptation can be performed. The content
adaptation can be of various types. For example, characteristics of
the content can be adjusted, such as a resolution or quality, in
response to a determination of an increased level of interest. For
instance, a determination can be made that the audience has become
more interested in a football game because the offensive team is
near the end zone and may score a touchdown. As described above,
this determination can be performed according to a comparison of
the expected audience reaction and the sensed audience reaction.
The content (i.e., the football game) can be adjusted to a high
resolution so that the upcoming plays near the end zone are of a
higher quality. In one embodiment, the system 100 can continue to
monitor for content context of subsequent segments, expected
audience reactions for those subsequent segments, and sensed
audience reactions for those subsequent segments, from which
changes in level of interest can be determined. In this example, if
it is determined that the level of interest decreases then the
content can be adjusted again, such as lowering the resolution (for
plays that are deemed to be of less interest to the audience).
[0022] In one embodiment, the adjustment of the resolution can be
performed in conjunction with adjustment to other content being
provided to the location. For instance, an increase in resolution
at the media processor 106 resulting in an increase in bandwidth
can be offset by a decrease in resolution at another media
processor so that the bandwidth usage for the location are
maintained relatively constant. In one embodiment, the location can
have multiple audiences and multiple media processors where the
monitoring for content context, expected audience reactions, and
sensed audience reactions are performed for those multiple
audiences, from which changes in level of interest can be
determined for those multiple audiences. In this example, the
changes in level of interest for each of the multiple audiences (at
different displays watching different content) can be compared and
the content adjustment can be made according to a higher level of
change in interest. For instance, a first audience determined to
have a higher level of interest can be presented with a high
definition version of first content while a second audience
determined to have a lower level of interest can be presented with
a standard definition version of second content.
[0023] In one embodiment, the adjustment of the content can include
inserting a different segment into the content, such as a targeted
advertisement or a different version of a scene. In another
embodiment, the adjustment of the content can include replacing the
subsequent segments with completely different content, such as
switching to a different episode of a show or a different
movie.
[0024] In one embodiment, the monitoring of the audience reaction
can be performed on an individual basis. For example, a captured
audio reaction can be identified with a particular user of the
audience and compared with an expected audio reaction for that
user. User profiles and/or historical reactions for that particular
user can be analyzed in conjunction with the content context to
determine the expected audience reaction for that particular user.
As an example, it can be determined that the content context for a
scene in a movie is humor. It can be further determined that a
particular user in the past has reacted with laughter at a
particular volume. The sensed laughter for that particular user can
be compared to the particular volume of past laughter to determine
a level of interest in the scene for the particular user.
[0025] In one embodiment, a notification can be presented at the
display 108 indicating that the content adjustment is going to
occur (e.g., resolution of a subsequent segment of the content will
be increased). In another embodiment, a characteristic of the
audience can be determined (e.g., by the media processor 106 and/or
the network server 130) based on a monitored consumption history
associated with the audience. In this example, the adjusting of a
subsequent segment of the content can include selecting a targeted
advertisement from among a group of advertisements and providing
the targeted advertisement for presentation at the display 108,
where the selecting of the targeted advertisement is according to
the determined level of interest and according to the
characteristic of the audience.
[0026] In one or more embodiments, system 100 can teach a video
broadcast system how to insert and/or adapt content according to an
audience signal-to-noise ratio. The audience signal-to-noise ratio
can be a measure of expected audio to actual audio and can filter
out background noise. System 100 can capture the mood, emotion,
need and/or requirement of the audience at that particular moment.
As a result, the content inserted and/or adapted to the video
broadcast system can instantaneously capture the need and/or
requirement of the audience at that moment. System 100 can enable
content insertion to be adapted and personalized according to the
audience signal-to-noise which is distinct from blindly or randomly
inserting content.
[0027] FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative embodiment of system 200 that
enables content adaptation according to monitored audience
reactions to segments of the content. By determining an expected
audience reaction according to the context of the particular
segment of content being presented, system 200 can detect a level
of interest or a change in the level of interest via a comparison
to a sensed audience reaction.
[0028] In one embodiment, a device 205 (e.g., a media processor
presenting the content, a network server, or some other device) can
determine a content context of a first segment of content being
presented by the media processor to the audience 110. The content
context determination can be performed utilizing various techniques
including analyzing metadata that describes the segment content
and/or performing pattern recognition (e.g., audio and/or image) to
determine the segment context. An expected audience reaction can be
determined according to the content context of the first segment,
such as determining an expected audio reaction context (e.g.,
laughter, screaming, enthusiasm, anger, and so forth). The device
205 can obtain sensor data captured from one or more sensor devices
in proximity to the audience, such as an audio recorder, a camera,
a motion detector and so forth. In one embodiment, the sensor data
can be indicative of a sensed audience reaction to the first
segment of the content. In another embodiment, the sensor data can
be filtered, such as removing background noise, to isolate the
sensed audience reaction.
[0029] In one embodiment, speech recognition can be applied to the
sensor data to identify words spoken by the audience. Based on the
speech recognition, a sensed audio reaction context can be
determined according to the words. For example, words indicative of
anger or words indicative of sorrow can be identified. Device 205
can compare the sensed audio reaction context with the expected
audio reaction context to determine a level of interest in the
first segment. For instance, device 205 can determine that a sad
scene in a movie should invoke a sorrowful audience reaction. If
the comparison of the expected and sensed audience reactions is not
a match then device 205 can determine that there is a low level of
interest in the scene. In one embodiment, the device 205 can detect
a sensed audience reaction which is contrary to what is expected,
such as sensing laughter during a sad scene. Based on this
detection, device 205 can determine there is little interest in the
scene.
[0030] Based on a detection of a particular level of interest
(e.g., satisfying a threshold), device 205 can adjust a second
segment of the content according to the level of interest to
generate an adjusted second segment for presentation at the
display. In one embodiment, the adjusting of the second segment of
the content can include adjusting a resolution of the second
segment according to the level of interest. In another embodiment,
the adjusting of the resolution of the second segment can be
performed in conjunction with decreasing of another resolution of
second content being presented by another media processor, where
the media processor and the other media processor are located at a
same premises.
[0031] In one embodiment, the display can be a group of displays
located at different premises, where the audience 110 is a group of
users located at the different premises. In this example, the
sensor device can be a group of sensor devices that capture sensor
data for the multiple audiences at the different premises. The
content adjustment can be performed for content being presented at
the different premises.
[0032] In one embodiment, the device 205 can determine a
characteristic of the audience based on a monitored consumption
history associated with the audience. In this example, the
adjusting of the second segment of the content can include
selecting a targeted advertisement from among a group of
advertisements and providing the targeted advertisement to the
media processor for presentation at the display. The selecting of
the targeted advertisement can be according to the level of
interest and according to the characteristic of the audience.
[0033] In one embodiment, the determining of the content context of
the first segment can include applying image pattern recognition
and speech pattern recognition to the first segment. In another
embodiment, device 205 can determine an expected volume of the
expected audience reaction according to the content context of the
first segment; determine a sensed volume of the sensed audience
reaction according to the sensor data; and compare the sensed
volume with the expected volume, where the level of interest in the
first segment is determined based in part on the comparing of the
sensed volume with the expected volume.
[0034] FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method 300
used by systems 100 and 200 for adjusting content according to a
level of audience interest determined from a comparison of an
expected audience reaction to an actual audience reaction.
[0035] Method 300 can commence at 302 where a content context is
determined by a system for a first segment of content being
presented at a display for an audience. The system can be various
devices or combinations of devices, including a media processor
presenting the content or a network server. At 304, an expected
audience reaction can be determined by the system according to the
content context of the first segment. In one embodiment, the
expected audience reaction can include an expected volume and/or an
expected audio reaction context.
[0036] At 306, the system can obtain sensor data that was captured
from a sensor device in proximity to the audience. The sensor data
can be indicative of a sensed audience reaction to the first
segment of the content. In one embodiment, the sensed audience
reaction can include a sensed volume and/or a sensed audio reaction
context.
[0037] At 308 the system can compare the sensed audience reaction
(e.g., the sensed volume and/or the sensed audio reaction context)
with the expected audience reaction (e.g., the expected volume
and/or the expected audio reaction context) to determine change in
level of interest for the first segment. If there is no change,
then method 300 can return to 302 to continue monitoring for
changes in interest to subsequent segments. If on the other hand
there is a change in level of interest then at 310 the system can
adjust a second segment of the content according to the changed
level of interest to generate an adjusted second segment for
presentation at the display. For example, if it is determined that
the level of interest has increased then the second segment can be
adjusted according to that increased level of interest.
[0038] In one embodiment, the sensor device can be an audio
recorder of a media processor presenting the content at the
display, and method 300 can include applying speech recognition to
the sensor data to identify words spoken by the audience; and
determining the sensed audio reaction context according to the
words. In one embodiment, the adjusting of the second segment of
the content can include adjusting a resolution of the second
segment according to the level of interest.
[0039] In one embodiment, the adjusting of the second segment of
the content can include increasing a resolution of the second
segment being presented by a first media processor at the display,
where the adjusting of the resolution of the second segment is
performed in conjunction with decreasing of another resolution of
second content being presented by a second media processor, and
where the first and second media processors are located at a same
premises. In one embodiment, method 300 can include transmitting,
by the system over a network, the content to a media processor
presenting the content at the display, where the obtaining of the
sensor data by the system comprises receiving the sensor data
captured from the sensor device housed in the media processor.
[0040] In one embodiment, the display can be a group of displays
located at different premises, where the audience is a group of
users located at the different premises, and where the sensor
device is a group of sensor devices that are each housed by a
corresponding media processor presenting the content at one of the
group of displays. In one embodiment, the method 300 can include
determining a characteristic of the audience based on a monitored
consumption history associated with the audience, where the
adjusting of the second segment of the content comprises selecting
a targeted advertisement from among a group of advertisements and
providing the targeted advertisement for presentation at the
display, and where the selecting of the targeted advertisement is
according to the level of interest and according to the
characteristic of the audience.
[0041] In one embodiment, the determining of the content context of
the first segment can be based on metadata associated with the
content. In one embodiment, the determining of the content context
of the first segment can include applying image pattern recognition
and speech pattern recognition to the first segment.
[0042] While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the
respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks
in FIG. 3, it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed
subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, as some
blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other
blocks from what is depicted and described herein. Moreover, not
all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods
described herein.
[0043] FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a first
communication system 400 for delivering media content. The
communication system 400 can represent an interactive television
network, such as an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) media
system. Communication system 400 can be overlaid or operably
coupled with systems 100 and 200 of FIGS. 1 and 2 as another
representative embodiment of communication system 400. For
instance, one or more devices illustrated in the communication
system 400 of FIG. 4 can adjust content based on the reaction of
the audience. The audience reaction can be compared to an expected
audience reaction that is determined from a context of the
particular segment of content that the audience is viewing. The
audience reaction can be utilized to determine a level of interest
or a change in the level of interest which can trigger an
adjustment of the content. Various criteria can be utilized for
comparing the actual and expected audience reaction, such as
monitoring sound volume, determining a context of the audience
reaction, such as whether there is excitement directed towards the
content or whether the captured sounds are part of a conversation
indicating disinterest in the content.
[0044] The IPTV media system can include a super head-end office
(SHO) 410 with at least one super headend office server (SHS) 411
which receives media content from satellite and/or terrestrial
communication systems. In the present context, media content can
represent, for example, audio content, moving image content such as
2D or 3D videos, video games, virtual reality content, still image
content, and combinations thereof. The SHS server 411 can forward
packets associated with the media content to one or more video
head-end servers (VHS) 414 via a network of video head-end offices
(VHO) 412 according to a multicast communication protocol.
[0045] The VHS 414 can distribute multimedia broadcast content via
an access network 418 to commercial and/or residential buildings
402 housing a gateway 404 (such as a residential or commercial
gateway). The access network 418 can represent a group of digital
subscriber line access multiplexers (DSLAMs) located in a central
office or a service area interface that provide broadband services
over fiber optical links or copper twisted pairs 419 to buildings
402. The gateway 404 can use communication technology to distribute
broadcast signals to media processors 406 such as Set-Top Boxes
(STBs) which in turn present broadcast channels to media devices
408 such as computers or television sets managed in some instances
by a media controller 407 (such as an infrared or RF remote
controller).
[0046] The gateway 404, the media processors 406, and media devices
408 can utilize tethered communication technologies (such as
coaxial, powerline or phone line wiring) or can operate over a
wireless access protocol such as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi),
Bluetooth.RTM., Zigbee or other present or next generation local or
personal area wireless network technologies. By way of these
interfaces, unicast communications can also be invoked between the
media processors 406 and subsystems of the IPTV media system for
services such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsing an electronic
programming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure services.
[0047] A satellite broadcast television system 429 can be used in
the media system of FIG. 4. The satellite broadcast television
system can be overlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV
system as another representative embodiment of communication system
400. In this embodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite 415
that include media content can be received by a satellite dish
receiver 431 coupled to the building 402. Modulated signals
received by the satellite dish receiver 431 can be transferred to
the media processors 406 for demodulating, decoding, encoding,
and/or distributing broadcast channels to the media devices 408.
The media processors 406 can be equipped with a broadband port to
an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network 432 to enable
interactive services such as VoD and EPG as described above.
[0048] In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital cable
broadcast distribution system such as cable TV system 433 can be
overlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system and/or
the satellite TV system as another representative embodiment of
communication system 400. In this embodiment, the cable TV system
433 can also provide Internet, telephony, and interactive media
services. System 400 enables various types of interactive
television and/or services including IPTV, cable and/or
satellite.
[0049] The subject disclosure can apply to other present or next
generation over-the-air and/or landline media content services
system.
[0050] Some of the network elements of the IPTV media system can be
coupled to one or more computing devices 430, a portion of which
can operate as a web server for providing web portal services over
the ISP network 432 to wireline media devices 408 or wireless
communication devices 416.
[0051] Communication system 400 can also provide for all or a
portion of the computing devices 430 to function as a content
adjustment server (herein referred to as server 430). The server
430 can use computing and communication technology to perform
function 462, which can include among other things, determining a
content context of a first segment of content being presented by a
media processor at a display for an audience; determining an
expected audience reaction according to the content context of the
first segment, where the expected audience reaction comprises an
expected audio reaction context; receiving sensor data captured
from a sensor device in proximity to the audience, the sensor data
indicative of a sensed audience reaction to the first segment of
the content; applying speech recognition to the sensor data to
identify words spoken by the audience; determining a sensed audio
reaction context according to the words; comparing the sensed audio
reaction context with the expected audio reaction context to
determine a level of interest in the first segment; and/or
adjusting a second segment of the content according to the level of
interest to generate an adjusted second segment for presentation at
the display.
[0052] For instance, function 462 of server 430 can be similar to
the functions described network server 130 of system 100. The media
processors 406 and wireless communication devices 416 can be
provisioned with software functions 464 and 466, respectively, to
utilize the services of server 430. For instance, functions 46Y and
46Z of media processors 406 and wireless communication devices 416
can be similar to the functions described for the communication
devices 106 of FIG. 1 in accordance with method 300.
[0053] Multiple forms of media services can be offered to media
devices over landline technologies such as those described above.
Additionally, media services can be offered to media devices by way
of a wireless access base station 417 operating according to common
wireless access protocols such as Global System for Mobile or GSM,
Code Division Multiple Access or CDMA, Time Division Multiple
Access or TDMA, Universal Mobile Telecommunications or UMTS, World
interoperability for Microwave or WiMAX, Software Defined Radio or
SDR, Long Term Evolution or LTE, and so on. Other present and next
generation wide area wireless access network technologies can be
used in one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.
[0054] FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication
device 500. Communication device 500 can serve in whole or in part
as an illustrative embodiment of the devices depicted in systems
100, 200 and 400 and can be configured to perform portions of
method 300. As an example, communication device 500 can determine a
content context of a first segment of content; present the first
segment of the content at a display for an audience; determine an
expected audience reaction according to the content context of the
first segment, where the expected audience reaction comprises an
expected audio reaction context; obtain sensor data captured from a
sensor device in proximity to the display, the sensor data
indicative of a sensed audience reaction to the first segment of
the content; apply speech pattern recognition to the sensor data to
determine a sensed audio reaction context of the sensed audience
reaction; compare the sensed audio reaction context with the
expected audio reaction context to determine a level of interest in
the first segment; increase a resolution of a second segment of the
content according to a determination that the level of interest has
increased, where the increasing of the resolution of the second
segment generates an adjusted second segment; present the adjusted
second segment at the display; and/or provide a notice to a second
media processor that causes the second media processor to decrease
another resolution of other content being presented by the second
media processor.
[0055] In one embodiment, communication device 500 can determine an
expected volume of the expected audience reaction according to the
content context of the first segment; determine a sensed volume of
the sensed audience reaction according to the sensor data; and
compare the sensed volume with the expected volume, where the level
of interest in the first segment is determined based in part on the
comparing of the sensed volume with the expected volume. In one
embodiment, communication device 500 can present a notification at
the display indicating that the resolution of the second segment of
the content will be increased prior to the presenting of the
adjusted second segment at the display.
[0056] Communication device 500 can comprise a wireline and/or
wireless transceiver 502 (herein transceiver 502), a user interface
(UI) 504, a power supply 514, a location receiver 516, a motion
sensor 518, an orientation sensor 520, and a controller 506 for
managing operations thereof. The transceiver 502 can support
short-range or long-range wireless access technologies such as
Bluetooth.RTM., ZigBee.RTM., WiFi, DECT, or cellular communication
technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth.RTM. and ZigBee.RTM.
are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth.RTM. Special Interest
Group and the ZigBee.RTM. Alliance, respectively). Cellular
technologies can include, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA,
GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO, WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next
generation wireless communication technologies as they arise. The
transceiver 502 can also be adapted to support circuit-switched
wireline access technologies (such as PSTN), packet-switched
wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP, etc.), and
combinations thereof.
[0057] The UI 504 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive
keypad 508 with a navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a
joystick, a mouse, or a navigation disk for manipulating operations
of the communication device 500. The keypad 508 can be an integral
part of a housing assembly of the communication device 500 or an
independent device operably coupled thereto by a tethered wireline
interface (such as a USB cable) or a wireless interface supporting
for example Bluetooth.RTM.. The keypad 508 can represent a numeric
keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTY keypad with
alphanumeric keys. The UI 504 can further include a display 510
such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED
(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology
for conveying images to an end user of the communication device
500. In an embodiment where the display 510 is touch-sensitive, a
portion or all of the keypad 508 can be presented by way of the
display 510 with navigation features.
[0058] The display 510 can use touch screen technology to also
serve as a user interface for detecting user input. As a touch
screen display, the communication device 500 can be adapted to
present a user interface with graphical user interface (GUI)
elements that can be selected by a user with a touch of a finger.
The touch screen display 510 can be equipped with capacitive,
resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect how much
surface area of a user's finger has been placed on a portion of the
touch screen display. This sensing information can be used to
control the manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of
the user interface. The display 510 can be an integral part of the
housing assembly of the communication device 500 or an independent
device communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline
interface (such as a cable) or a wireless interface.
[0059] The UI 504 can also include an audio system 512 that
utilizes audio technology for conveying low volume audio (such as
audio heard in proximity of a human ear) and high volume audio
(such as speakerphone for hands free operation). The audio system
512 can further include a microphone for receiving audible signals
of an end user. The audio system 512 can also be used for voice
recognition applications. The UI 504 can further include an image
sensor 513 such as a charged coupled device (CCD) camera for
capturing still or moving images.
[0060] The power supply 514 can utilize common power management
technologies such as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply
regulation technologies, and/or charging system technologies for
supplying energy to the components of the communication device 500
to facilitate long-range or short-range portable applications.
Alternatively, or in combination, the charging system can utilize
external power sources such as DC power supplied over a physical
interface such as a USB port or other suitable tethering
technologies.
[0061] The location receiver 516 can utilize location technology
such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of
assisted GPS for identifying a location of the communication device
500 based on signals generated by a constellation of GPS
satellites, which can be used for facilitating location services
such as navigation. The motion sensor 518 can utilize motion
sensing technology such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or other
suitable motion sensing technology to detect motion of the
communication device 500 in three-dimensional space. The
orientation sensor 520 can utilize orientation sensing technology
such as a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the
communication device 500 (north, south, west, and east, as well as
combined orientations in degrees, minutes, or other suitable
orientation metrics).
[0062] The communication device 500 can use the transceiver 502 to
also determine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth.RTM., or
other wireless access points by sensing techniques such as
utilizing a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal
time of arrival (TOA) or time of flight (TOF) measurements. The
controller 506 can utilize computing technologies such as a
microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), programmable gate
arrays, application specific integrated circuits, and/or a video
processor with associated storage memory such as Flash, ROM, RAM,
SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executing computer
instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by the
aforementioned components of the communication device 500.
[0063] Other components not shown in FIG. 5 can be used in one or
more embodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the
communication device 500 can include a reset button (not shown).
The reset button can be used to reset the controller 506 of the
communication device 500. In yet another embodiment, the
communication device 500 can also include a factory default setting
button positioned, for example, below a small hole in a housing
assembly of the communication device 500 to force the communication
device 500 to re-establish factory settings. In this embodiment, a
user can use a protruding object such as a pen or paper clip tip to
reach into the hole and depress the default setting button. The
communication device 500 can also include a slot for adding or
removing an identity module such as a Subscriber Identity Module
(SIM) card. SIM cards can be used for identifying subscriber
services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and so
forth.
[0064] The communication device 500 as described herein can operate
with more or less of the circuit components shown in FIG. 5. These
variant embodiments can be used in one or more embodiments of the
subject disclosure.
[0065] The communication device 500 can be adapted to perform the
functions of devices 106, 130, 205 of FIGS. 1 and 2, the media
processor 406, the media devices 408, or the portable communication
devices 416 of FIG. 4. It will be appreciated that the
communication device 500 can also represent other devices that can
operate in systems 100 and 200 of FIGS. 1 and 2], communication
system 400 of FIG. 4 such as a gaming console and a media player.
In addition, the controller 506 can be adapted in various
embodiments to perform the functions 462-466.
[0066] Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be
evident to an artisan with ordinary skill in the art that said
embodiments can be modified, reduced, or enhanced without departing
from the scope of the claims described below. For example, other
user activity can be monitored to detect a level of interest of a
user of the audience, such as detecting a text message, a voice
call, or surfing the web on a mobile device of a user of the
audience during the presentation of the content which may be
indicative of a lack of interest.
[0067] Other actions can be triggered by the determination of the
level of interest or a change in the level of interest, such as
proposing different content to the audience or to a subset of the
audience.
[0068] In one embodiment, the determination of the level of
interest can be multi-tiered based on different thresholds. For
example, a scene in a movie can be determined to have a content
context of frightening. The expected audience reaction can be
determined to be a scream or movement of the audience. If the
sensed audience reaction is both a scream and movement then a
determination of very high interest can be made. If the sensed
audience reaction is either the scream or the movement then a
determination of high interest can be made. If the sensed audience
reaction is neither the scream nor the movement, but rather
silence, then a determination of medium interest can be made. If
the sensed audience reaction is neither the scream nor the
movement, but rather laughter, then a determination of low interest
can be made. The content adjustments can then be made according to
the group of different interest levels. For instance, the highest
level of interest can result in an increase to the highest
resolution and insertion of a targeted advertisement for another
movie in the same genre while the lowest level of interest can
result in a notification that a different movie of a different
genre is currently available.
[0069] In one embodiment, sensed audience responses can be
distinguished amongst users of the audience and a content
adjustment determination can be made according to individual
responses. For example, sensed audio can be analyzed via speech
pattern recognition to determine that first and second users are
engaged in a conversation that is not related to the content (e.g.,
a football game) being presented. The sensed audio can be further
analyzed to determine that third and fourth users are cheering. The
determination of which users are speaking can be performed in a
number of different ways, such as based on accessible voice
samples. In this example, a content adjustment can be made (e.g., a
change in resolution of the presented football game or an insertion
of a commercial for another football game that is scheduled in the
near future) based on the interest of the third and fourth
users.
[0070] In one embodiment, the content can be broadcast content
which is then adjusted by a network server responsive to detecting
the change in level of interest. Other embodiments can be used in
the subject disclosure.
[0071] It should be understood that devices described in the
exemplary embodiments can be in communication with each other via
various wireless and/or wired methodologies. The methodologies can
be links that are described as coupled, connected and so forth,
which can include unidirectional and/or bidirectional communication
over wireless paths and/or wired paths that utilize one or more of
various protocols or methodologies, where the coupling and/or
connection can be direct (e.g., no intervening processing device)
and/or indirect (e.g., an intermediary processing device such as a
router).
[0072] FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a
machine in the form of a computer system 600 within which a set of
instructions, when executed, may cause the machine to perform any
one or more of the methods described above. One or more instances
of the machine can operate, for example, as the media processor
106, the network server 130, the server 430, the media processor
406 and other devices of FIGS. 1-2 and 4 in order to adjust content
according to a comparison of an expected audience reaction with a
sensed audience reaction. In some embodiments, the machine may be
connected (e.g., using a network 626) to other machines. In a
networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a
server or a client user machine in a server-client user network
environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or
distributed) network environment.
[0073] The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user
computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet, a smart phone, a
laptop computer, a desktop computer, a control system, a network
router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set
of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to
be taken by that machine. It will be understood that a
communication device of the subject disclosure includes broadly any
electronic device that provides voice, video or data communication.
Further, while a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine"
shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that
individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of
instructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed
herein.
[0074] The computer system 600 may include a processor (or
controller) 602 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphics
processing unit (GPU, or both), a main memory 604 and a static
memory 606, which communicate with each other via a bus 608. The
computer system 600 may further include a display unit 610 (e.g., a
liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, or a solid state
display). The computer system 600 may include an input device 612
(e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 614 (e.g., a mouse), a
disk drive unit 616, a signal generation device 618 (e.g., a
speaker or remote control) and a network interface device 620. In
distributed environments, the embodiments described in the subject
disclosure can be adapted to utilize multiple display units 610
controlled by two or more computer systems 600. In this
configuration, presentations described by the subject disclosure
may in part be shown in a first of the display units 610, while the
remaining portion is presented in a second of the display units
610.
[0075] The disk drive unit 616 may include a tangible
computer-readable storage medium 622 on which is stored one or more
sets of instructions (e.g., software 624) embodying any one or more
of the methods or functions described herein, including those
methods illustrated above. The instructions 624 may also reside,
completely or at least partially, within the main memory 604, the
static memory 606, and/or within the processor 602 during execution
thereof by the computer system 600. The main memory 604 and the
processor 602 also may constitute tangible computer-readable
storage media.
[0076] Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not
limited to, application specific integrated circuits, programmable
logic arrays and other hardware devices can likewise be constructed
to implement the methods described herein. Application specific
integrated circuits and programmable logic array can use
downloadable instructions for executing state machines and/or
circuit configurations to implement embodiments of the subject
disclosure. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems
of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronic and
computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two or
more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with
related control and data signals communicated between and through
the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated
circuit. Thus, the example system is applicable to software,
firmware, and hardware implementations.
[0077] In accordance with various embodiments of the subject
disclosure, the operations or methods described herein are intended
for operation as software programs or instructions running on or
executed by a computer processor or other computing device, and
which may include other forms of instructions manifested as a state
machine implemented with logic components in an application
specific integrated circuit or field programmable gate array.
Furthermore, software implementations (e.g., software programs,
instructions, etc.) including, but not limited to, distributed
processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel
processing, or virtual machine processing can also be constructed
to implement the methods described herein. It is further noted that
a computing device such as a processor, a controller, a state
machine or other suitable device for executing instructions to
perform operations or methods may perform such operations directly
or indirectly by way of one or more intermediate devices directed
by the computing device.
[0078] While the tangible computer-readable storage medium 622 is
shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term
"tangible computer-readable storage medium" should be taken to
include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or
distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that
store the one or more sets of instructions. The term "tangible
computer-readable storage medium" shall also be taken to include
any non-transitory medium that is capable of storing or encoding a
set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the
machine to perform any one or more of the methods of the subject
disclosure. The term "non-transitory" as in a non-transitory
computer-readable storage includes without limitation memories,
drives, devices and anything tangible but not a signal per se.
[0079] The term "tangible computer-readable storage medium" shall
accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to: solid-state
memories 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, a magneto-optical or optical
medium such as a disk or tape, or other tangible media which can be
used to store information. Accordingly, the disclosure is
considered to include any one or more of a tangible
computer-readable storage medium, as listed herein and including
art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the
software implementations herein are stored.
[0080] Although the present specification describes components and
functions implemented in the embodiments with reference to
particular standards and protocols, the disclosure is not limited
to such standards and protocols. Each of the standards for Internet
and other packet switched network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP,
UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) represent examples of the state of the art.
Such standards are from time-to-time superseded by faster or more
efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions.
Wireless standards for device detection (e.g., RFID), short-range
communications (e.g., Bluetooth.RTM., WiFi, Zigbee.RTM.), and
long-range communications (e.g., WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, LTE) can be used
by computer system 600.
[0081] The illustrations of embodiments described herein are
intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of
various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a
complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus
and systems that might make use of the structures described herein.
Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the
art upon reviewing the above description. The exemplary embodiments
can include combinations of features and/or steps from multiple
embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived
therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and
changes may be made without departing from the scope of this
disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be
drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated,
while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and
drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a
restrictive sense.
[0082] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement
which achieves the same or similar purpose may be substituted for
the embodiments described or shown by the subject disclosure. The
subject disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or
variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above
embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described
herein, can be used in the subject disclosure. For instance, one or
more features from one or more embodiments can be combined with one
or more features of one or more other embodiments. In one or more
embodiments, features that are positively recited can also be
negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or without
replacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The
steps or functions described with respect to the embodiments of the
subject disclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or
functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subject
disclosure can be performed alone or in combination with other
steps or functions of the subject disclosure, as well as from other
embodiments or from other steps that have not been described in the
subject disclosure. Further, more than or less than all of the
features described with respect to an embodiment can also be
utilized.
[0083] Less than all of the steps or functions described with
respect to the exemplary processes or methods can also be performed
in one or more of the exemplary embodiments. Further, the use of
numerical terms to describe a device, component, step or function,
such as first, second, third, and so forth, is not intended to
describe an order or function unless expressly stated so. The use
of the terms first, second, third and so forth, is generally to
distinguish between devices, components, steps or functions unless
expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, one or more devices or
components described with respect to the exemplary embodiments can
facilitate one or more functions, where the facilitating (e.g.,
facilitating access or facilitating establishing a connection) can
include less than every step needed to perform the function or can
include all of the steps needed to perform the function.
[0084] In one or more embodiments, a processor (which can include a
controller or circuit) has been described that performs various
functions. It should be understood that the processor can be
multiple processors, which can include distributed processors or
parallel processors in a single machine or multiple machines. The
processor can be used in supporting a virtual processing
environment. The virtual processing environment may support one or
more virtual machines representing computers, servers, or other
computing devices. In such virtual machines, components such as
microprocessors and storage devices may be virtualized or logically
represented. The processor can include a state machine, application
specific integrated circuit, and/or programmable gate array
including a Field PGA. In one or more embodiments, when a processor
executes instructions to perform "operations", this can include the
processor performing the operations directly and/or facilitating,
directing, or cooperating with another device or component to
perform the operations.
[0085] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the
understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the
scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing
Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are
grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of
streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be
interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments
require more features than are expressly recited in each claim.
Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter
lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.
Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed
Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately
claimed subject matter.
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