Ambx UK Limited

U.S. Philips Corporation

Koninklijke Philips Corporation N.v.

Richard Cole

David Eves

Paul John Rankin

Rosa Freitag

Martin A Shiels

Christopher Thorne

A method of controlling output devices () comprises receiving inputs () from sensor devices (), accessing location information () defining the location of each sensor device (), generating a grid () from the received inputs () and the accessed location information (), the grid () containing non-zero values () at the locations of the sensor devices () for which an input () has been received and containing non-zero values () at locations related to the locations of the sensor devices () for which an input () has been received, accessing location information () defining the location of each output device (), and transmitting outputs () to those output devices () whose value at the location of the respective output device () within the grid () is above a predetermined threshold.

Method and device for controlling output devices based on generating a grid from sensor device inputs and location information

A system and method is described in which a multimedia story is rendered to a consumer in dependence on features extracted from an audio signal representing for example a musical selection of the consumer. Features such as key changes and tempo of the music selection are related to dramatic parameters defined by and associated with story arcs, narrative story rules and film or story structure. In one example a selection of a few music tracks provides input audio signals () from which musical features are extracted (), following which a dramatic parameter list and timeline are generated (). Media fragments are then obtained (), the fragments having story content associated with the dramatic parameters, and the fragments output () with the music selection.

Augmenting an audio signal via extraction of musical features and obtaining of media fragments

A method of operating a set of devices comprises receiving a real-world description () in the form of an instruction set of a markup language, selecting a source of assets () for use by the set of devices, and operating the devices () according to the description. The source of assets can be a local store or a broadcast channel, or a combination of the two.

Selectable real-world representation system descriptions

A method of operating a set of devices comprises receiving a real-world description in the form of an instruction set of a markup language, the description including asset terms and effect terms, requesting assets and effects according to the description, modifying at least one asset according to at least one effect, and operating the devices according to the assets.

Assets and effects

A real-world representation system includes a set of devices, each device being arranged to provide one or more real-world parameters, for example, audio and visual characteristics. At least one of the devices is arranged to receive a real-world description in the form of an instruction set of a markup language and the devices are operated according to the description. General terms expressed in the language are interpreted by either a local server or a distributed browser to operate the devices to render the real-world experience to the user.

Real-world representation system and language

A method of delivering content comprises receiving content in the form of an instruction set of a markup language, distorting the content according to predetermined parameters, and rendering the content. Apparatus for delivering the content are also disclosed.

System and method for delivering modified conent

A markup language enabled device () comprises storage means () storing data, the data for enabling augmentation of an experience by providing extra functionality to a movie or a game for example. The device () further comprises transmitting means () for transmitting the data, receiving means () for receiving a real-world description in the form of an instruction set of a markup language and adjusting means () for adjusting one or more parameters of the device according to the description.

Enabled device and a method of operating a set of devices

A method of operating a set of devices comprises receiving a signal, for example at least part of a game world model from a computer program. The signal is analyzed to produce a real-world description in the form of an instruction set of a markup language and the set of devices is operated according to the description.

Operation of a set of devices

A method of processing an audio signal comprises receiving an audio signal, extracting features from the audio signal, and translating the extracted features into metadata. The metadata comprises an instruction set of a markup language. A system for processing the audio signal is also disclosed, which comprises an input device for receiving the audio signal and a processor for extracting the features from the audio signal and for translating the extracted features into the metadata.

Method and system to mark an audio signal with metadata

A method of providing one or more aspects of an ambient environment comprises receiving a video signal, processing the video signal and controlling ambient light accordingly. A corresponding device and system of devices are described.

Controlling ambient light as a function of a video signal

An interactive entertainment apparatus and a method for controlling the same are described, in which the apparatus presents to the user a branch structured narrative (,), and user input determines which path (A,B) is followed at at least one narrative branch point (,). The user is enabled to selectively capture predetermined pieces of narrative information at interaction points (,) and subsequently reintroduce them at a later interaction point (,). Branch point selection is then handled by the apparatus in dependence on which information was reintroduced and at what point in the narrative. On-screen guidance is provided to the user in terms of interaction point indicators, and reminder artefacts for captured information in the form of miniaturised still pictures from the narrative.

Information handling for interactive apparatus

Methods and apparatus are provided for control access to, and user interaction with, a branch structured narrative entertainment (,). Selected paths (parallel lined portions BC, DE, GY) are locked to a user and may only be accessed on presentation of predetermined access data. The access data may comprise user identification codes or may be the time of day, with such paths only being made available at specific times.

Interactive entertainment content control

A method and apparatus are provided for enabling user interaction with a branch-structured narrative entertainment (90) in which branch path selection (A,B,C) is made at least partially in response to user input. A user is provided with a non-volatile memory, such as a smart card, in which memory is stored data specifying a record of past user interactions. This data is periodically checked and updated by the apparatus and, at one or more branch points (92) of the narrative, access to one or more branch paths (A,B,C) is enabled or denied on the basis of the stored user history.

Interactive entertainment personalization

A method of controlling, and apparatus for, an interactive entertainment system, in which user input influences the path taken through a narrative branch structure (90). Features of the narrative are assigned a respective attribute store containing an attribute value (80-83) and, for at least some paths of the narrative (XA,AB,AC,CD), one or more of the attribute values are altered. At least one branch point (E) of the narrative has conditional access (Y) and default paths (N) leading therefrom, with access being enabled or denied on the basis of one or more current attribute values.

Interactive entertainment attribute setting

An interactive entertainment apparatus and a method for controlling the same are described, in which the apparatus presents to the user a branch structured narrative (90), and user input determines which path (A,B) is followed at at least one narrative branch point (92). The user is enabled to selectively capture predetermined pieces of narrative information at interaction points (72) and subsequently reintroduce them at a later interaction point (73). Branch point selection is then handled by the apparatus in dependence on which information was reintroduced and at what point in the narrative. On-screen guidance is provided to the user in terms of interaction point indicators, and reminder artefacts for captured information in the form of miniaturized still pictures from the narrative.

Growing community of inventors

Redhill, United Kingdom

Richard Cole