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TiVo Files Patent For RFID Schema
JamesAlfaro wrote to mention an article on the site TechWeb, which reports that Tivo has filed a patent for an RFID-based preferences schema. From the article: "The multimedia mobile personalization system would have a remote control that recognizes the viewer's RFID tag closest to the PVR. The remote control identifies and notifies the multimedia device through the RFID chip in the person's clothing or body to tailor the media content to their preferences. The remote control device would identify and link the viewer to the system using an 'RFID tag that is attached to a key ring, necklace, watch, in his wallet, or even a sub dermal tag inserted somewhere in the user's body.'"
Because choosing preferences onscreen or by pressing a button on a remote control is so labour-intensive and laborious. It's a wonder mankind manages to use things as they are.
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even a sub dermal tag inserted somewhere in the user's body.
I'll be getting off the ride now thanks!! I know they want to cover that in their patent but it gives me the creeps.
"The multimedia mobile personalization system would have a remote control that recognizes the viewer's RFID tag closest to the PVR."
with a system that uses a remote, why would you assume the person closest is the one whose preferences you need?
I find it humors(in a nervous laugh kind of way) that they assume we will all have rfid embedded in our cloths or person.
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Do you know people who will spend inordinate amounts of time searching for a lost remote instead of just changing the channel by hand? :raises his hand:
With hundreds of channel it really isn't convenient to use little up/down arrows on the television anymore - effectively the user interface is borked if you don't have the remote. Neither of my DVD players will allow me to play a DVD without the remotes (they have a play button, but no method of choosing items on the DVD menu).
Isn't this like patenting using paint to protect the outside of your house?
Recognizing an identity and reacting to it, is a primary function and obvious function of RFID. You know like using lightbulbs to illuminate your closet.
So if a company starts using RFID tags in their clothing http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4873013/ then it's POSSIBLE that the tivo remote control reads those RFID tags to then provide feedback to the TiVo box which then uplinks to the main network that you are wearing Levi Jeans and a corresponding ad appears on your TV...
Your remote control is now big brother...