System automatically determines what is being watched from a small audio signature
Researchers at Google Labs are working on an interactive television application that provides contextually relevant web content for viewers. The researchers have demonstrated how to sample the ambient sound emitted from a TV and automatically determine what is being watched from a small audio signature.
The system uses a microphone to analyse the sound and can then provide the user with related web content.
For example, during a time-out in a live sporting event some viewers may enjoy reviewing highlight footage, while others may prefer to view a parallel programme to watch player profiles and statistics before being automatically returned to the sporting action once the event is back underway.