WO2023167687A1

WO2023167687A1 - Systems and methods for user recognition

Info

Publication number: WO2023167687A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/019107
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bleck Gaetan MABIALA KIBABOU
Original assignee: Mabiala Kibabou Bleck Gaetan
Priority date: 2022-03-04
Filing date: 2022-03-07
Publication date: 2023-09-07

Abstract

The present disclosure provides for a system and associated methods for user recognition. The system may comprise at least one detection device, such as a camera, configured to detect all users within a particular viewing area. When the system comprises more than one detection device, the detection devices may be situated in a plurality of locations. The system may comprise a plurality of localized or remote storage systems that may be aggregated by the user recognition system. The user recognition system may comprise two or more access devices when the viewable media comprises a virtual event. The user recognition system may comprise registered information for each user. The user recognition system may detect unregistered users and prompt for registration and/or payment to proceed with viewing the viewable media. The user recognition system may pause viewable media when unregistered users are detected in the viewing area.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USER RECOGNITION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[OOlJThis application claims priority to and the full benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 63/316,678, filed March 4, 2022, and titled “Systems and Methods for User Recognition”, the entire contents of which are incorporated in this application by reference.

BACKGROUND

[002] Traditionally the cost of generating events for public viewing and/or attendance has been afforded by creating a charge for each person attending and/or viewing the event. The number of people attending events has been used to evaluate performance of an event as well as ensure a reliable source of income for the event. These events have included gatherings for entertainment in movie theaters, concerts, and sports as well as for education with colleges, conferences, and certification courses.

[003]However, there are situations that may prevent people from attending events in person. Infectious disease and facility closures are examples of phenomena that might prevent people from attending events. Additionally, people may live in a distant or remote location that is prohibitive from accessing public venues such as movie theaters and universities. For example, some parents may have the financial resources to pay for their children's education, but do not have enough money to pay for their stay in another country, any required visas, accommodations, and living expenses. When large groups of people become unable to attend events, large losses in profits can ensue that prompt adjustments to pricing and in-person availability of these public services.

[004]0ne solution to this challenge has been the conversion of public events to a virtual format that can be remotely accessed and viewed at a person’s discretion and leisure. However, without an ability to accurately assess how many people are watching the virtual event, costs have to be higher and viewing access limited to ensure that losses in per-person profit are minimized. Often this solution leaves users, companies, and content creators discontent. The users disapprove of the increased cost, and the companies and content creators have no way to regulate access to released virtual content.

[005]For example, one person may pay $20 to view a new movie at home but have 10 people over to watch the film. If every person were to normally pay $7 to view the movie in theaters, then the virtual access has cost the company providing the film $50 of lost revenue.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[006]What is needed is a system and methods for accurately charging for viewable media based on the number of users present while accessing the viewable media. The system and methods may allow relatively small groups of users to pay a lower price for access to viewable media. In some embodiments, the system and methods may differentiate between users based on categorical information, such as age, that may lower the price for or restrict access to viewable media.

[007] The present disclosure generally provides for a system and methods for user recognition. The system may comprise at least one detection device, such as a camera a thermographic camera, a thermal sensor, a motion sensor, a presence sensor, or an infrared sensor. When the system comprises more than one detection device, the detection devices may be situated in a plurality of locations. The system may comprise one or more localized or remote storage systems, including at least one database, that may be aggregated by the user recognition system. The system for user recognition may comprise at least one access device that comprises at least one display screen and/or at least one audio emitting device, such as a speaker. In some implementations, the at least one access device may comprise a television set, a smartphone, a laptop computing device, a desktop computing device, a tablet computing device, or a movie screen. At least one server or other computing device may be communicatively coupled to the at least one detection device, the at least one database, and the at least one access device in order to carry out coded software instructions that, when executed, enable the performance of the processes and methods of the present disclosure.

[008]The at least one access device may be configured to present the viewable media to all users within a viewing area adjacent to the at least one access device. In some embodiments, the viewing area may comprise an interior or exterior portion of a residence, a classroom, an interior or exterior portion of a commercial building, a movie theater, an automobile interior, a portion of a watercraft, or an aircraft interior.

[009]In some embodiments, the user recognition system may comprise two or more access devices when the viewable media comprises a virtual live event. The system may be utilized by one or more users. The user recognition system may comprise registered information for each approved or registered user that may be stored within at least one database. The user recognition system may account for each approved or registered user by facial recognition or a face count with associated identifying information, as non-limiting examples. The user recognition system may detect unregistered users and prompt for registration and/or payment in order to proceed with viewing the viewable media.

[OOlOJThe user recognition system may pause viewable media when unregistered users are detected in the viewing area or if one or more registered or approved users become disengaged from watching the viewable media. In some implementations, a time threshold may be incorporated into the functioning of the user recognition system. As non-limiting examples, an unregistered or unapproved user may need to remain in the viewing area for at least five seconds before or a registered or approved user may need to be disengaged from watching the viewable media for at least two minutes before the viewable media is paused or stopped. In some aspects, the viewable media may be stopped or paused when a registered or approved user vacates the viewing area.

[OOllJThe present disclosure is related to a method for verifying user access to viewable media. In some embodiments, presentation of the viewable media may already be in progress, while in some additional embodiments presentation of the viewable media may not yet be in progress. The method may comprise detecting all users within a viewing area using at least one detection device. The method may comprise using at least one computing device to compare all detected users within the viewing area with images of faces of users approved to access the viewable media. In some embodiments, the images of faces of users approved to access the viewable media may be stored within at least one database for registered or approved users. The method may comprise presenting the viewable media to all approved or registered users within the viewing area via at least one access device. [0012]In some implementations, the method may further comprise determining, via the at least one computing device, that at least one unapproved or unregistered user is within the viewing area. In some embodiments, the method may comprise denying access to the viewable media by making it unavailable for selection on the at least one access device. In some aspects, the method may comprise stopping the presentation of the viewable media. In some implementations, the presentation of the viewable media may remain paused, stopped, or unavailable until all unapproved or unregistered users have taken steps to become approved users, such as by registering and/or submitting payment. Any unapproved or unregistered users who do not become approved users may be required to vacate the viewing area before the presentation of the viewable media may be resumed or accessed.

[0013]In some embodiments, the method may further comprise determining, via the at least one computing device, that at least one approved or registered user has vacated the viewing area. In some aspects, the method may comprise pausing or stopping the presentation of the viewable media until the vacated user(s) have returned or until one or more of the remaining approved or registered users indicates a desire to proceed with the presentation of the viewable media, such as by using an input device such as remote control, keyboard, touchscreen, or microphone to input or speak such a desire.

[0014]In some implementations, the method may further comprise determining, via the at least one computing device, that at least one approved or registered user has become disengaged from watching the viewable media. This determination may be at least partially based on detecting, via the at least one detection device, that eyes of the at least one approved or registered user have been closed or looking away from the viewable media for an extended time duration, such as, by way of example and not limitation, for longer than two minutes. In some aspects, the method may comprise stopping or pausing the presentation of the viewable media until the at least one computing device determines that all approved or registered users are engaged in watching the viewable media e.g., the at least one detection device detects that eyes of all approved or registered users are open and looking at the viewable media) or until one or more approved or registered users indicates a desire to proceed with the presentation of the viewable media.

[0015]In some implementations, the method may further comprise determining, via the at least one computing device, an actual or approximate age of at least one detected users. In some embodiments, the method may comprise prohibiting access to at least a portion of the viewable media based on the actual or approximate age of the at least one detected user. In aspects wherein the age of the at least one detected user may be approximated, the approximation may be at least partially based on comparing, via the at least one computing device, an image of the at least one detected user’s face with a plurality of images of faces of known ages or by detecting, via the at least one detection device, one or more measurements of one or more body parts of the at least one detected user. In some implementations, an actual age of the at least one detected user may be retrieved from the at least one database for approved/registered users or received from the at least one detected user via at least one input device, such as a remote control, keyboard, touchscreen, or microphone.

[0016]In some embodiments, the method may further comprise determining, via the at least one detection device, an actual identity of at least one detected user. In some aspects, the actual identity of the at least one detected user may be at least partially determined, via the at least one detection device, by comparing an image of the face of the at least one detected user with a verified image of the at least one detected user stored within the at least one approved or registered user database. In some implementations, the method may comprise presenting viewable media associated with the actual identity of the at least one detected user to the at least one detected user via the at least one access device, such as presenting the at least one detected user with a movie that was recently paused during viewing or by displaying favorite or recommended television shows.

[0017]In some implementations, the method may further comprise using the at least one computing device to determine whether each detected user has remained in the viewing area for a threshold amount of time, such as at least five seconds, or to determine whether each detected user comprises a static, two-dimensional image. Such determinations may be useful in assessing whether any detected users are merely passing through the viewing area without intending to watch the viewable media or in assessing whether any detected users are actually part of a portrait/photograph, respectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0018] The accompanying drawings that are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification illustrate several embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure:

Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary user recognition system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2A illustrates an exemplary user recognition system comprising a user, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2B illustrates an exemplary user recognition system comprising a user, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3A illustrates an exemplary user recognition system comprising at least one access device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3B illustrates an exemplary user recognition system comprising at least one access device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4A illustrates an exemplary user recognition system comprising at least one access device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4B illustrates an exemplary user recognition system comprising at least one access device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 illustrates an exemplary user recognition system comprising at least one access device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 illustrates an exemplary user recognition system comprising a plurality of users, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7A illustrates an exemplary user recognition system comprising a plurality of users, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7B illustrates an exemplary user recognition system comprising a plurality of users, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 illustrates an exemplary user recognition system comprising a plurality of users and cameras, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 illustrates an exemplary user recognition system comprising a plurality of users and cameras, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 illustrates an exemplary user recognition system comprising a plurality of users and cameras, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11 illustrates exemplary method steps for verifying user access to viewable media not yet in progress, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 12 illustrates exemplary method steps for verifying user access to viewable media already in progress, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 13 illustrates exemplary method steps for automatically pausing viewable media when at least one approved user vacated a viewing area, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 14 illustrates exemplary method steps for automatically pausing viewable media when at least one approved user becomes disengaged from watching the viewable media, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 15 illustrates exemplary method steps for presenting viewable media to at least one user based on an actual or approximate age of the at least one user, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 16 illustrates exemplary method steps for presenting viewable media associated with at least one approved user based on an actual identity of the at least one approved user, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 17 illustrates an exemplary processing and interface system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 18 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a computing device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019]The present disclosure generally provides for a system and associated methods for user recognition. According to the present disclosure, the user recognition system may comprise at least one detection device, such as, by way of example and not limitation, a camera. The user recognition system may be configured to interface with at least one user. The user recognition system may comprise registered information for each user that may be stored within at least one database. The user recognition system may detect unregistered users and prompt for registration and/or payment in order to proceed with viewing the viewable media. The user recognition system may comprise at least one access device.

[0020]In the following sections, detailed descriptions of examples and methods of the disclosure will be given. The descriptions of both preferred and alternative examples, though thorough, are exemplary only, and it is understood to those skilled in the art that variations, modifications, and alterations may be apparent. It is therefore to be understood that the examples do not limit the broadness of the aspects of the underlying disclosure as defined by the claims.

Glossary

Viewable media: as used herein, refers to any form of media that is viewable or otherwise perceivable. Viewable media may comprise virtual seminars, conferences, certification training courses, university classes, concerts, and movies, as non-limiting examples. In some implementations, viewable media may comprise media that is substantially completely auditory in nature, such as a radio broadcast or podcast. Any reference to “watching” viewable media throughout this disclosure includes perceiving viewable media via any of the senses, including hearing.

User: as used herein, refers to a person who accesses or otherwise interfaces with the user recognition system. In some embodiments, users may comprise registered or approved users. In some implementations, users may comprise unregistered or unapproved users. In some aspects, the user recognition system may store information within at least one database or other storage medium by relating it to a visually confirmed registered/approved user. In some embodiments, financial information, a viewing history, viewing preferences, and personal or identifying information may be associated with a visually confirmed registered/approved user, as non-limiting examples.

Detection device: as used herein, refers to a visual capture device. In some embodiments, one or more secondary detection devices may provide secondary verification to visual images captured by a first or primary detection device. In some implementations, the detection device may comprise a camera, a thermal or thermographic camera, or one or more sensors such as thermal sensors, motion sensors, presence sensors, and infrared sensors, as non-limiting examples.

Access device: as used herein, refers to a device that may provide access to viewable media, such as a television set, a cellular telephone or smartphone, a laptop computing device, a desktop computing device, a tablet computing device, or a movie screen, as non-limiting examples. In some embodiments, the access device may comprise public access to a plurality of users, such as users attending a drive-in movie theater with individual vehicles. In some implementations, an access device may comprise at least one display screen and/or at least one audio emitting device, such as a speaker.

Viewing area: as used herein, refers to the area adjacent to an access device that may be occupied by at least one user and from which the at least one user may view, hear, or otherwise perceive viewable media presented by the access device. In some implementations, a viewing area may comprise an interior or exterior portion of a residence, a classroom, an interior or exterior portion of a commercial building, a movie theater, a portion of a watercraft, an automobile interior, or an aircraft interior.

[0021]Referring now to Fig. 1, an exemplary user recognition system 100 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the user recognition system 100 may comprise at least one access device 140. In some implementations, the user recognition system 100 may store information relevant to one or more users 130. In some aspects, such information may be stored within at least one registered or approved user database or other storage medium. In some embodiments, the at least one access device 140 may comprise at least one display screen and/or at least one audio emitting device, such as a speaker, and may be configured to present viewable media to a viewing area adjacent to the at least one access device 140.

[0022]In some aspects, the user recognition system 100 may comprise at least one database that connects or associates a facial image of at least one registered or approved user 130 with documented or registered user 130 information. As an illustrative example, a user 130 may create a profile within the user recognition system 100 and add additional details such as credit card information, fields of interests, and age. When the user 130 accesses the user recognition system 100 to view a movie, the user recognition system 100 may, upon verifying the visual identity of the user 130, charge the user 130 for access to the movie using the stored credit card information. In some embodiments, the user recognition system 100 may provide recommendations for other viewable media based on documented fields of interest. In some implementations, recommendations may be at least partially generated by at least one computing device using artificial intelligence and/or machine learning capabilities.

[0023]In some implementations, the user recognition system 100 may utilize facial recognition facilitated by one or more detection devices, such as cameras, that may be configured to detect any user within a particular viewing area. At least one server or other computing device may be communicatively coupled to the at least one detection device, the at least one database, and the at least one access device 140 in order to carry out coded software instructions that, when executed, enable the performance of the processes and methods of the present disclosure. In some aspects, the user recognition system may be authorized to make purchases as directed by the user 130. In some embodiments, the user recognition system 100 may compare the faces of users 130 present to view the viewable media with registered or approved users 130 stored within the one or more databases of the user recognition system 100. In some implementations, the user recognition system 100 may ensure only registered or approved users 130 have access to purchased viewable media.

[0024] As an illustrative example, a university may only offer courses to registered students who have paid an enrollment fee. To extend access to their courses, the university may offer a virtual curriculum to accepted students who otherwise lack the fiscal capacity to attend the university in person. A student in India who pays the enrollment fee may reserve the right of attendance for a single student and, to be reassured that only the student who has paid can follow the courses, the university may use the user recognition system 100 to confirm that only the registered student is present for the virtual classes.

[0025]The university may use the user recognition system 100 to ensure that the student who has paid is in fact the user 130 who attends the courses provided by the university. Only the registered user 130 may attend the courses and if another user 130 is detected within the viewing area , the user recognition system 100 may stop broadcasting a lecture or other program and prompt the unregistered user 130 to enter a separate registration. Otherwise, the broadcast of the course may end until either the unregistered user 130 is no longer present within the viewing area or has entered a separate registration. [0026]By accurately accounting for all users 130 viewing the purchased viewable media, the user recognition system 100 may provide accurate pricing for companies and content creators distributing viewable media as well as users 130. This may facilitate a decrease in loss of revenue for companies and content creators providing viewable media, which may incentivize the companies and content creators to increase remote and virtual access to viewable media, thereby increasing the overall revenue for the companies and content creators and increasing accessibility to users 130 that may otherwise be unable to access the viewable media.

[0027]Referring now to Figs. 2A-B, an exemplary user recognition system 200 comprising a user 230, 231 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the user recognition system 200 may store information relevant to two or more registered or approved users 230, 231. In some implementations, the user recognition system 200 may store information related to two or more registered or approved users 230, 231. In some aspects, the user recognition system may provide means to add new registered or approved users 231.

[0028]In some embodiments, settings, previously watched videos, and current subscriptions may remain associated with an actual identity of users 230, 231 that are active during initial use. As an example, a man and a woman may watch a show together but pause the viewing before the show ends. When the man accesses the user recognition system 200 later on a separate access device, the user recognition system 200 may use the man’s actual identity to display the unfinished show as well as the man’s paid subscriptions when the man accesses the user recognition system 200.

[0029]Referring now to Figs. 3 A-B, an exemplary user recognition system 300 comprising at least one access device 340 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the user recognition system 300 may be configured to present a plurality of viewable media 310. In some implementations, the user recognition system 300 may provide viewing accessibility to the viewable media on a per user basis. In some aspects, the price to view the viewable media 310 may be affected by the number of users viewing the viewable media 310.

[0030]As an illustrative example, a recently released film may be viewable via the user recognition system 300. When a user elects to view the film, the user recognition system 300 may prompt the user to input the total number of users that intend to view the film. Upon submitting the number of users and verifying the number of registered or approved users present with a camera or other detection device(s), the price to view the film may be presented based on the actual number of users. For example, the film may comprise a base price of $7 per person and, upon selecting 5 viewing users, the price to view the film may be $35. In some implementations, the user recognition system 300 may pause viewable media 310 when a new or unregistered user enters the viewing area, prompting for payment for the new user.

[0031]In some embodiments, pricing may vary based on the age of the users. In some aspects, the age of each user may be retrieved from one or more registered or approved user databases, may be input by each user via at least one input device (e.g., a remote control, keyboard, touchscreen, or microphone), or the age of each user may be approximated by the user recognition system 300 by, for example and not limitation, comparing an image of each detected user’s face with a plurality of images of faces of known ages.

[0032]In some implementations, the user recognition system 300 may comprise one or more detection devices, such as cameras, to visually confirm the number of users present to watch viewable media, such as a film. In some aspects, the user recognition system 300 may prompt at least one of the users to adjust the number of users in the user recognition system when the number of users confirmed by the detection devices differs from the number of users inputted into the user recognition system 300.

[0033]In some embodiments, the user recognition system 300 may be able to determine which users are actively viewing a film or other type of viewable media. For example, the user recognition system 300 may store information for 10 users, but only four registered users may be detected as actively viewing a film. The user recognition system 300 may determine an appropriate price for viewing the film based on the actual number of detected users present and actively watching. In some implementations, the user recognition system may use detected user information for billing purposes. As an example, a rented film may be rented by a particular user for a lump sum, such as $35 for 5 users or the user recognition system may charge each detected present user separately for their respective portion of the overall charge. This would result in each of the 5 users being charged $7 for viewing a film, although the five users are viewing the film together. In some aspects, the users may elect to have the film billed to a single user as a transactional alternative. [0034]Referring now to Figs. 4A-B, an exemplary user recognition system 400 comprising at least one access device 440 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the user recognition system 400 may pause viewable media 410 in response to one or more events. For example, the user recognition system 400 may pause or stop displaying viewable media 410 when a detection device detects that one or more users is asleep (e.g., has closed eyes), has left the viewing area to get a snack, has gone to the restroom, or has otherwise moved away from or vacated the viewing area. In some aspects, the user recognition system 400 may compare the number of present users to the number of inattentive users to determine whether viewable media 410 should be paused. For example, the viewable media 410 may pause when a single user falls asleep, but may continue playing if only one of seven present users falls asleep.

[0035]In some implementations, the user recognition system 400 may prompt a user for verification before resuming a paused viewable media 410. For example, the user recognition system 400 may access a database of users associated with the purchase of a film and notify the present users if a user who was previously present is now absent for the current viewing. In some aspects, the viewable media 410 may be paused when it is detected that a user leaves or vacates the viewing area.

[0036]Referring now to Fig. 5, an exemplary user recognition system 500 comprising at least one access device 540 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the user recognition system 500 may facilitate access to viewable media in the form of recorded events, live performances, and seminars, as non-limiting options. In some implementations, the user recognition system 500 may comprise one or more detection devices such as cameras to facilitate attendance to paid events. In some aspects, the detection devices may reside in a plurality of locations.

[0037]As an illustrative example, a plurality of cameras may be arranged in a plurality of selected locations so as to be able to scan the surroundings of remote paid approved users to ensure that only paid approved users are viewing a paid seminar. The cameras may register attendance to the event and thereby limit access and virtual attendance only to paid approved users. If other viewers are present other than paid approved users, the paid seminar may pause viewing or restrict viewability (such as by making the seminar unavailable for selection or viewing), as non-limiting options, until the issue is resolved. [0038]By accurately accounting for all users viewing purchased viewable media, the user recognition system 500 may provide accurate pricing for companies and content creators distributing viewable media as well as users who view or otherwise access the viewable media. The decrease in loss of revenue for companies and content creators providing viewable media may incentivize the companies and content creators to increase remote and virtual access to viewable media, thereby increasing the overall revenue for the companies and content creators and increasing accessibility to users that may otherwise be unable to access the viewable media.

[0039]Referring now to Fig. 6, an exemplary user recognition system 600 comprising a plurality of users 630, 631, 632 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the user recognition system 600 may compare the faces of users present to view the viewable media with users stored within one or more databases of the user recognition system 600, such as one or more registered or approved user databases. In some implementations, the user recognition system 600 may recognize users 631 that need to create accounts or otherwise register with the user recognition system 600. In some embodiments, the user recognition system 600 may verify present users 630, 631, 632 by a facial count. In some aspects, the user recognition system 600 may differentiate between users 630, 631 that intend to view the viewable media and users 632 merely present in the room.

[0040]As an illustrative example, the user recognition system 600 may comprise a face tracking timer communicatively coupled to at least one computing device that interacts with users 630, 631, 632 and determines whether the users 630, 631, 632 are in the viewing area of the viewable media for more than five seconds. The timer may allow unregistered or unapproved users 632 to pass through the viewing area, such as a guest passing through a hallway adjacent to the viewing area, without pausing or otherwise restricting the presentation of viewable media.

[0041]In some embodiments, the user recognition system 600 may be configured to differentiate between users 630, 631 present to view the viewable media and visible objects 650 that may be mistaken for users 630, 631 present to view the viewable media. For example, the user recognition system 600 may distinguish between users 630, 631 on a couch and a portrait of users hanging on the wall of the same room behind the users 630, 631. Such distinction may be at least partially made, by way of example and not limitation, based on the user recognition system 600 determining the users in the portrait are static, two-dimensional images. [0042]The ability for the user recognition system 600 to distinguish between active users 630, 631 present to view the viewable media and other users 632 and visible objects 650 may allow the user recognition system 600 to ensure that pricing based on the number of users 630, 631, 632 is accurate regardless of the number of users 630, 631, 632 within the viewing area of the user recognition system 600 for various purposes at the same time.

[0043]Referring now to Figs. 7A-B, an exemplary user recognition system 700 comprising a plurality of users 730, 731, 732 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the user recognition system 700 may comprise one or more databases configured to store associations with users 730, 731, 732 present for any purchase. For example, the user recognition system 700 may access a database of users 730, 731, 732 associated with the purchase of a film to notify the present users 730, 731, 732 if a user 731 previously present is absent for the current viewing. In some aspects, the viewable media 710, 711 may pause or stop when a previously present user 731 is determined to be absent.

[0044]In some embodiments, the one or more detection devices of user recognition system 700 may operate on a continuous basis. In some implementations, the one or more detection devices may be configured to detect various physiological changes in one or more users 730. For example, the user recognition system 700 may pause or stop displaying viewable media 710, 711 when the one or more detection devices detect and user recognition system 700 determines that at least one user 730 is asleep or is otherwise disengaged from viewing viewable media 710, 711 (such as, by way of example and not limitation, by detecting and determining that eyes of at least one user 730 are closed or by detecting and determining that eyes of at least one user 730 are looking away from viewable media 710,711 for an extended period of time, such as more than two minutes).

[0045]In some implementations, the user recognition system 700 may comprise the ability to differentiate users 730, 731, 732 by categorical association. For example, the user recognition system 700 may utilize existing user information and visual size measurements detected from one or more cameras or other detection devices to confirm that one of the users 732 is a 10-year-old child. Knowledge of the child’s age may allow the user recognition system 700 to provide a personalized aspect to the viewable media 711. For example, the user recognition system 700 may prevent the child from viewing viewable media that may be deemed inappropriate for the child’s age. In some implementations, the user recognition system 700 may allow access to certain types of viewable media 711 to children only with parental consent.

[0046]Referring now to Fig. 8, an exemplary user recognition system 800 comprising a plurality of users 830, 831, 832 and detection devices 820, 821 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the user recognition system 800 may use a plurality of detection devices 820, 821 to ensure that all present users 830, 831, 832 in a particular viewing area are captured. In some implementations, a plurality of detection devices 820, 821 may provide verification of user information received by a first or primary detection device 820, such as the perceived age and facial features of each user 830, 831, 832, as well as other non-limiting examples. In some aspects, the plurality of detection devices 820, 821 may verify other aspects of the viewing area environment, such as any visible objects 850 in the vicinity.

[0047]As an illustrative example, a portrait containing images of several users’ 830, 831, 832 faces may hang on the wall in the background of the viewing area. The detection devices 820, 821 may use the location and dimensions of the portrait (a two-dimensional object against a wall) as well as the static nature of the faces in the portrait to verify that none of the faces in the portrait is a user. Additionally, the detection devices 820, 821 may be configured to scan the floor to determine if there are any users 830 present on the floor. This increased range of view may be particularly applicable in viewing areas such as living rooms, movie rooms, and other informal non-limiting examples.

[0048]In some embodiments, the detection devices 820, 821 may comprise various camera 821 types. In some aspects, the detection devices 820, 821 may conduct a physical count of users 830 831, 832 present to verify user authentication. In some implementations, the user recognition system 800 may use different types of cameras 821 to confirm observations captured by a first or primary camera 820. For example, a thermal camera 821 may use heat signatures to confirm the number of users 830, 831, 832 in the viewing area when the first or primary camera 820 has been used to make an initial detection and determination of the number of users 830, 831, 832 present. This confirmation may be helpful, for example, in confirming that visible objects 850 are not users 830.

[0049]Referring now to Fig. 9, an exemplary user recognition system 900 comprising a plurality of users 930, 931 and detection devices is illustrated. In some embodiments, the user recognition system 900 may comprise detection devices in the form of cameras on a plurality of separate devices 940.

[0050]As an illustrative example, a virtual classroom may provide instruction on specific course material for a predetermined number of registered students. The students may register and attend using personal laptop computing devices. The user recognition system 900 may use the cameras on each student’s laptop to register each student and ensure only the registered students are viewing the class. In some embodiments, the user recognition system 900 may use the cameras to document virtual attendance of the students. If one or more unregistered or unapproved users 931 are present in the viewing area of a registered or approved student user’s 930 laptop or other access device, then the registered or approved student user’s 930 access to the class may be paused or restricted, as non-limiting options, until the issue is resolved.

[0051]Referring now to Fig. 10, an exemplary user recognition system 1000 comprising a plurality of users 1030 and detection devices 1020, 1021 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the user recognition system 1000 may comprise detection devices in the form of cameras 1020, 1021 within a plurality of separate viewing areas.

[0052] As an illustrative example, the user recognition system 1000 may use cameras 1020, 1021 within separate cars to verify the attendance of prepaid approved users 1030 attending a drive-in movie theater. The cameras 1020, 1021 may transmit user account information from each vehicle to at least one centralized database that may compare detected users 1030 with approved users 1030 who have paid to view the movie. In some embodiments, the users may use the cameras connected to the user recognition system 1000 to purchase access to the movie, wherein the cameras 1020, 1021 may account for all users 1030 present in a particular vehicle.

[0053]By accurately accounting for all users 1030 viewing the purchased viewable media 1010, the user recognition system 1000 may provide accurate pricing for companies and content creators distributing viewable media 1010 as well as users 1030. This may facilitate a decrease in loss of revenue for companies and content creators providing viewable media 1010 and may incentivize the companies and content creators to increase remote and virtual access to viewable media 1010, thereby increasing the overall revenue for the companies and content creators and increasing accessibility to users 1030 that may otherwise be unable to access the viewable media 1010. [0054]Referring now to Fig. 11, exemplary method steps for verifying user access to viewable media not yet in progress are illustrated. At 1105, all users within a particular viewing area may be detected using at least one detection device. At 1110, all detected users may be compared, via at least one computing device, with images of faces of users approved to access the viewable media. By way of example and not limitation, the images of approved user faces may be stored in at least one registered/approved user database. At 1115, it is determined, via the at least one computing device, whether all detected users are approved to access the viewable media.

[0055]By way of example and not limitation, approved users may comprise all users whose faces have a positive match to at least one face in the registered/approved user database. In determining whether a positive match exists, the at least one computing device may assess facial similarities between detected user faces and stored user facial images, such as nose size and shape, eye color and spacing, and skin tone, as non-limiting examples. In some embodiments, at 1120, the viewable media may be presented to all users in the viewing area via at least one access device.

[0056]In some aspects, at 1125, it may be additionally determined, via the at least one computing device, whether any detected unapproved users intend to watch the viewable media by, for example, assessing whether any undetected users are within the viewing area for a threshold amount of time (such as, by way of example and not limitation, at least five seconds). In some implementations, at 1130, it may further determine, via the at least one computing device, whether any detected unapproved users are merely images in a portrait. By way of example and not limitation, such determination may be at least partially made by assessing whether the detected unapproved users comprise static, two-dimensional images and/or assessing whether the detected unapproved users comprise heat signatures. At 1135, access to the viewable media may be denied until any detected unapproved users vacate the viewing area or change status from an unapproved user to an approved user (such as, by way of example and not limitation, by registering and/or paying to access the viewable media).

[0057]Referring now to Fig. 12, exemplary method steps for verifying user access to viewable media already in progress are illustrated. At 1205, all users within a particular viewing area may be detected using at least one detection device. At 1210, all detected users may be compared, via at least one computing device, with images of faces of users approved to access the viewable media. By way of example and not limitation, the images of approved user faces may be stored in at least one registered/approved user database.

[0058]At 1215, it is determined, via the at least one computing device, whether all detected users are approved to access the viewable media. By way of example and not limitation, approved users may comprise all users whose faces have a positive match to at least one face in the registered/approved user database. In determining whether a positive match exists, the at least one computing device may assess facial similarities between detected user faces and stored user facial images, such as nose size and shape, eye color and spacing, and skin tone, as non-limiting examples.

[0059]In some embodiments, at 1220, the viewable media may be presented to all users in the viewing area via at least one access device. In some aspects, at 1225, it may be additionally determined, via the at least one computing device, whether any detected unapproved users intend to watch the viewable media by, for example, assessing whether any detected unapproved users are within the viewing area for a threshold amount of time (such as, by way of example and not limitation, at least five seconds). In some implementations, at 1230, it may be further determined, via the at least one computing device, whether any detected unapproved users are merely images in a portrait.

[0060]By way of example and not limitation, such determination may be at least partially made by assessing whether the detected unapproved users comprise static, two-dimensional images and/or whether the detected unapproved users comprise heat signatures. At 1235, presentation of the viewable media may be stopped or paused until any detected unapproved users vacate the viewing area or change status from an unapproved user to an approved user (such as, by way of example and not limitation, by registering and/or paying to access the viewable media).

[0061]Referring now to Fig. 13, exemplary method steps for automatically pausing viewable media when at least one approved user vacates a viewing area are illustrated. At 1305, all users within a particular viewing area may be detected using at least one detection device. At 1310, all detected users may be compared, via at least one computing device, with images of faces of users approved to access the viewable media. By way of example and not limitation, the images of approved user faces may be stored in at least one registered/approved user database. [0062] At 1315, it is determined, via the at least one computing device, whether all detected users are approved to access the viewable media. By way of example and not limitation, approved users may comprise all users whose faces have a positive match to at least one face in the registered/ approved user database. In determining whether a positive match exists, the at least one computing device may assess facial similarities between detected user faces and stored user facial images, such as nose size and shape, eye color and spacing, and skin tone, as non-limiting examples. In some embodiments, at 1320, the viewable media may be presented to all users in the viewing area via at least one access device.

[0063]In some aspects, at 1325, it may be determined, via the at least one computing device, that at least one approved user has vacated the viewing area. At 1330, presentation of the viewable media may be stopped or paused until it is determined, via the at least one computing device, at 1335 that the vacated approved user has returned or until some other action is taken, such as a different approved user indicating a desire to proceed with the presentation of the viewable media (such as, by way of example and not limitation, speaking or inputting a command to continue with the presentation using an input device such as a microphone, keyboard, touchpad, and/or remote control).

[0064]Referring now to Fig. 14, exemplary method steps for automatically pausing viewable media when at least one approved user becomes disengaged from watching the viewable media are illustrated. At 1405, all users within a particular viewing area may be detected using at least one detection device. At 1410, all detected users may be compared, via at least one computing device, with images of faces of users approved to access the viewable media. By way of example and not limitation, the images of approved user faces may be stored in at least one registered/approved user database.

[0065]At 1415, it is determined, via the at least one computing device, whether all detected users are approved to access the viewable media. By way of example and not limitation, approved users may comprise all users whose faces have a positive match to at least one face in the registered/approved user database. In determining whether a positive match exists, the at least one computing device may assess facial similarities between detected user faces and stored user facial images, such as nose size and shape, eye color and spacing, and skin tone, as non-limiting examples. In some embodiments, at 1420, the viewable media may be presented to all users in the viewing area via at least one access device.

[0066]In some aspects, at 1425, it may be determined, via the at least one computing device, that at least one approved user has become disengaged from watching the viewable media. By way of example and not limitation, such determination may be at least partially based on the at least one detection device detecting that the eyes of at least one approved user are closed or have been looking away from the viewable media for an extended period of time (such as, for example and not limitation, for longer than two consecutive minutes). In some implementations, at 1430, presentation of the viewable media may be stopped or paused until it is determined, via the at least one computing device, at 1435 that all approved users are engaged with the viewable media (e.g., it is detected by the at least one detection device that the eyes of all approved users are open and looking at the viewable media) or until at least one approved user indicates a desire to proceed with the presentation of the viewable media (such as, for example and not limitation, by speaking or inputting a command to continue with the presentation using an input device such as a microphone, keyboard, touchscreen, and/or remote control).

[0067]Referring now to Fig. 15, exemplary method steps for presenting viewable media to at least one user based on an actual or approximate age of the at least one user are illustrated. At 1505, all users within a particular viewing area may be detected using at least one detection device. At 1510, all detected users may be compared, via at least one computing device, with images of faces of users approved to access the viewable media. By way of example and not limitation, the images of approved user faces may be stored in at least one registered/approved user database.

[0068] At 1515, it is determined, via the at least one computing device, whether all detected users are approved to access the viewable media. By way of example and not limitation, approved users may comprise all users whose faces have a positive match to at least one face in the registered/approved user database. In determining whether a positive match exists, the at least one computing device may assess facial similarities between detected user faces and stored user facial images, such as nose size and shape, eye color and spacing, and skin tone, as non-limiting examples.

[0069]In some embodiments, at 1520, an additional determination may be made, via the at least one computing device, as to the actual or approximate age of one or more detected users. By way of example and not limitation, an approximate age of a detected user may be at least partially based on a comparison of an image of a face of the detected user with a plurality of images of faces of known ages and/or based on one or more detected size measurements of one or more body parts (e.g., arm length, face width, etc.) of the detected user, while an actual age of one or more detected users may be determined by retrieving the information from a registered user profile contained within the at least one registered/approved user database or by receiving such information directly from the detected user(s) via an input device, such as a microphone, keyboard, touchscreen, or remote control, as non-limiting examples.

[0070]In some aspects, at 1525, presentation of viewable media may be made based on the age of at least one detected user, such as, by way of example and not limitation, by prohibiting the at least one detected user from accessing at least a portion of the viewable media that is deemed inappropriate for the age group of the at least one detected user. At 1530, access to the viewable media may be denied until any detected unapproved users vacate the viewing area or change status from an unapproved user to an approved user (such as, by way of example and not limitation, by registering and/or paying to access the viewable media).

[0071]Referring now to Fig. 16, exemplary method steps for presenting viewable media associated with at least one approved user based on an actual identity of the at least one approved user are illustrated. At 1605, all users within a particular viewing area may be detected using at least one detection device. At 1610, all detected users may be compared, via at least one computing device, with images of faces of users approved to access the viewable media. By way of example and not limitation, the images of approved user faces may be stored in at least one registered/approved user database.

[0072] At 1615, it is determined, via the at least one computing device, whether all detected users are approved to access the viewable media. By way of example and not limitation, approved users may comprise all users whose faces have a positive match to at least one face in the registered/approved user database. In determining whether a positive match exists, the at least one computing device may assess facial similarities between detected user faces and stored user facial images, such as nose size and shape, eye color and spacing, and skin tone, as non-limiting examples. [0073]In some embodiments, at 1620 an actual identity of at least one detected user may be determined via the at least one computing device. By way of example and not limitation, the actual identity of the at least one detected user may be determined by comparing an image of the face of the at least one detected user with at least one verified image of the at least one previously identified detected user stored within the at least one registered/ approved user database and finding a positive match. In some implementations, at 1625, viewable media associated with or relevant to the actual identity of the at least one detected user may be presented via the at least one access device (such as, for example and not limitation, a previously paused movie being watched by the user may be resumed, favorite television shows may be displayed, or new television shows may be recommended). At 1630, access to the viewable media may be denied until any detected unapproved users vacate the viewing area or change status from an unapproved user to an approved user (such as, by way of example and not limitation, by registering and/or paying to access the viewable media).

[0074]Referring now to Fig. 17, an exemplary processing and interface system 1700 is illustrated. In some aspects, access devices 1715, 1710, 1705, such as a paired portable device 1715 or laptop computer 1710 may be able to communicate with an external server 1725 through a communications network 1720. The external server 1725 may be in logical communication with a database 1726, which may comprise data related to identification information and associated profile information. In some embodiments, the server 1725 may be in logical communication with an additional server 1730, which may comprise supplemental processing capabilities.

[0075]In some aspects, the server 1725 and access devices 1705, 1710, 1715 may be able to communicate with a cohost server 1740 through a communications network 1720. The cohost server 1740 may be in logical communication with an internal network 1745 comprising network access devices 1741, 1742, 1743 and a local area network 1744. For example, the cohost server 1740 may comprise a payment service, such as PayPal or a social network, such as Facebook or a dating website.

[0076]Referring now to Fig. 18, an exemplary block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a computing device 1802 is illustrated. The computing device 1802 may comprise an optical capture device 1808, which may capture an image and convert it to machine-compatible data, and an optical path 1806, typically a lens, an aperture, or an image conduit to convey the image from the rendered document to the optical capture device 1808. The optical capture device 1808 may incorporate a Charge-Coupled Device (CCD), a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) imaging device, or an optical sensor of another type.

[0077]In some embodiments, the computing device 1802 may comprise a microphone 1810, wherein the microphone 1810 and associated circuitry may convert the sound of the environment, including spoken words, into machine-compatible signals. Input facilities 1815 may exist in the form of buttons, scroll-wheels, or other tactile sensors such as touch-pads. In some embodiments, input facilities 1814 may include a touchscreen display. Visual feedback 1832 to the user may occur through a visual display, touchscreen display, or indicator lights. Audible feedback 1834 may be transmitted through a loudspeaker or other audio transducer. Tactile feedback may be provided through a vibration module 1836.

[0078]In some aspects, the computing device 1802 may comprise a motion sensor 1838, wherein the motion sensor 1838 and associated circuity may convert the motion of the computing device 1802 into machine-compatible signals. For example, the motion sensor 1838 may comprise an accelerometer, which may be used to sense measurable physical acceleration, orientation, vibration, and other movements. In some embodiments, the motion sensor 1838 may comprise a gyroscope or other device to sense different motions.

[0079]In some implementations, the computing device 1802 may comprise a location sensor 1840, wherein the location sensor 1840 and associated circuitry may be used to determine the location of the device. The location sensor 1840 may detect Global Position System (GPS) radio signals from satellites or may also use assisted GPS where the computing device may use a cellular network to decrease the time necessary to determine location. In some embodiments, the location sensor 1840 may use radio waves to determine the distance from known radio sources such as cellular towers to determine the location of the computing device 1802. In some embodiments these radio signals may be used in addition to and/or in conjunction with GPS.

[0080]In some aspects, the computing device 1802 may comprise a logic module 1826, which may place the components of the computing device 1802 into electrical and logical communication. The electrical and logical communication may allow the components to interact. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the received signals from the components may be processed into different formats and/or interpretations to allow for the logical communication. The logic module 1826 may be operable to read and write data and program instructions stored in associated storage 1830, such as RAM, ROM, flash, or other suitable memory. In some aspects, the logic module 1826 may read a time signal from the clock unit 1828. In some embodiments, the computing device 1802 may comprise an on-board power supply 1832. In some embodiments, the computing device 1802 may be powered from a tethered connection to another device, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection.

[0081]In some implementations, the computing device 1802 may comprise a network interface 1816, which may allow the mobile device 1802 to communicate and/or receive data to a network and/or an associated additional computing device. The network interface 1816 may provide two-way data communication. For example, the network interface 1816 may operate according to an internet protocol. As another example, the network interface 1816 may comprise a local area network (LAN) card, which may allow a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. As another example, the network interface 1816 may comprise a cellular antenna and associated circuitry, which may allow the computing device 1802 to communicate over standard wireless data communication networks. In some implementations, the network interface 1816 may comprise a Universal Serial Bus (USB) to supply power or transmit data. In some embodiments, other wireless links known to those skilled in the art may also be implemented.

Conclusion

[0082JA number of embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any disclosures or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0083]Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination or in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in combination in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination. [0084] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

[0085]Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0086]Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order show, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A user recognition system for viewable media, the user recognition system comprising: at least one access device, wherein the at least one access device comprises at least one display screen, wherein the at least one display screen is configured to display viewable media to a viewing area; at least one detection device configured to detect at least one user within the viewing area; at least one database configured to store user information; and at least one server communicatively coupled to the at least one access device, the at least one detection device, and the at least one database.

2. The user recognition system of Claim 1, wherein the at least one access device comprises at least one of: a television set, a smartphone, a laptop computing device, a desktop computing device, a tablet computing device, and a movie screen.

3. The user recognition system of Claim 1, wherein the user recognition system further comprises at least one audio emitting device.

4. The user recognition system of Claim 1, wherein the at least one detection device comprises at least one of: a camera, a thermographic camera, a thermal sensor, a motion sensor, a presence sensor, and an infrared sensor.

5. The user recognition system of Claim 1, wherein the viewing area comprises at least one of: an interior or exterior portion of a residence, a classroom, an interior or exterior portion of a commercial building, a movie theater, an automobile interior, a portion of a watercraft, and an aircraft interior.

6. A computer-implemented method for verifying user access to viewable media, the method comprising: detecting, via at least one detection device, all users within a viewing area; comparing, via at least one computing device, all detected users with images of faces of users approved to access the viewable media, wherein the images of faces of users approved to access the viewable media are stored in at least one database; determining whether all detected users are approved to access the viewable media; and presenting, via at least one access device, the viewable media to all users in the viewing area. method of Claim 6, further comprising: determining, via the at least one computing device, that at least one unapproved user is within the viewing area. method of Claim 7, further comprising: denying access to the viewable media by making it unavailable for selection on the at least one access device. method of Claim 7, further comprising: stopping the presentation of the viewable media on the at least one access device. method of Claim 6, further comprising: determining, via the at least one computing device, that at least one approved user has vacated the viewing area; and stopping the presentation of the viewable media on the at least one access device. method of Claim 6, further comprising: determining, via the at least one computing device, that at least one approved user is disengaged from watching the viewable media, wherein the determination is at least partially based on detecting, via the at least one detection device, that eyes of the approved user have been closed or looking away from the viewable media for an extended time duration; and stopping the presentation of the viewable media on the at least one access device. The method of Claim 11, wherein the extended period time comprises at least two minutes. The method of Claim 6, wherein the at least one detection device comprises at least one of: a camera, a thermographic camera, a thermal sensor, a motion sensor, a presence sensor, and an infrared sensor. The method of Claim 6, wherein the at least one access device comprises at least one display screen. The method of Claim 6, wherein the at least one access device comprises at least one audio emitting device. The method of Claim 14, wherein the at least one access device comprises at least one of: a television set, a smartphone, a laptop computing device, a desktop computing device, a tablet computing device, and a movie screen. The method of Claim 6, wherein the viewing area comprises at least one of: an interior or exterior portion of a residence, a classroom, an interior or exterior portion of a commercial building, a movie theater, an automobile interior, a portion of a watercraft, and an aircraft interior. The method of Claim 6, further comprising: determining, via the at least one computing device, an actual or approximate age of at least one detected user; and prohibiting access to at least a portion of the viewable media based on the actual or approximate age of the at least one detected user; wherein an approximate age of the at least one detected user is at least partially based on comparing an image of a face of the at least one detected user with a plurality of images of faces with known ages or by detecting, via the at least one detection device, one or more measurements of one or more body parts of the at least one detected user. thod of Claim 6, further comprising: determining, via the at least one computing device, an actual identity of at least one detected user; and presenting, via the at least one access device, viewable media associated with the actual identity of the at least one detected user; wherein the actual identity of the at least detected user is at least partially determined by comparing an image of a face of the at least one detected user with at least one verified image of the at least one detected user stored within the at least one database. thod of Claim 6, further comprising: determining, via the at least one computing device, whether each detected user has remained in the viewing area for a threshold amount of time; and determining, via the at least one computing device, whether each detected user comprises a static two-dimensional image.