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Lost the Remote? Use Your Face

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the you-look-bored dept.

coondoggie writes "A researcher has discovered a way to use facial expressions to speed and slow video playback. By using a combination of facial expression recognition software and automated tutoring technology Jacob Whitehill, a computer science Ph.D. student from UC San Diego's Jacobs School of Engineering, is leading the project that ultimately is part of a larger venture to use automated facial expression recognition to make robots more effective teachers. The researchers recently conducted a pilot test with 8 people that demonstrated information within the facial expressions people make while watching recorded video lectures can be used to predict a person's preferred viewing speed of the video and how difficult a person perceives the lecture at each moment in time."

12 of 88 comments (clear)

  1. Use your face by kharri1073 · · Score: 4, Funny

    ... or just look between the couch cushions.

    1. Re:Use your face by eln · · Score: 5, Funny

      I don't know about you, but when looking for the remote I find my face, specifically the eye part of the face, to be an invaluable tool.

  2. Bah! by 0100010001010011 · · Score: 4, Funny

    I have Bell's Palsy you insensitive clod!

  3. Invalid Input by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    So, whenever you were constipated, your movie would start rewinding?

  4. Obvious use by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    The obvious use for this technology is, of course, pornography. When it detects a look of boredom it knows to fast-forward through the plot bits. When it detects a relaxed-but-slightly-guilty look, it knows to stop the video and clear your browsing history.

  5. I can't wait by merreborn · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Great. Then you'll know when the kids who grew up with this technology get bored -- they'll subconsciously start to make the "fast forward" facial expression.

    And when they mishear something, they'll make the "rewind" face.

    I can't wait. It'll be hilarious.

    1. Re:I can't wait by Vectronic · · Score: 4, Funny

      Agreed, just think about the brats, sitting in the corner, cycling through all the facial expressions trying to figure out why life isnt working.

  6. Excellent teachers... by Thelasko · · Score: 5, Insightful

    can do this. I've noticed bad college professors just keep plowing through the subject. The best ones will look at the students faces and say, "Lets back up a little," when they see blank stares from their pupils.

    I don't think the ability to determine how difficult a concept is to grasp is the breakthrough here. I think it's the fact that a machine can do it.

    --
    One of our competitors trademarked the term "hypothesis". From now on, we will call them "boneheaded ideas".
  7. Apply face liberally by Captain+Spam · · Score: 4, Funny

    Oh, oh, facial recognition. That makes a lot more sense. When I read the headline, I first thought it was going to suggest that if you lose the remote, get up and bash the buttons on the DVD player with your forehead or something.

    A similar system applied to computer keyboards would certainly make IT and data entry more interesting professions...

    --
    Demanding constant attention will only lead to attention.
  8. Obligatory Hitchhikers... by camperdave · · Score: 4, Insightful

    For years radios had been operated by means of pressing buttons and turning dials; then as the technology became more sophisticated the controls were made touch-sensitive -- you merely had to brush the panels with your fingers; now all you had to do was wave your hand in the general direction of the components and hope. It saved a lot of muscular expenditure of course, but meant that you had to sit infuriatingly still if you wanted to keep listening to the same programme.
    --
    When our name is on the back of your car, we're behind you all the way!
  9. The best interface by UnknowingFool · · Score: 4, Funny

    Until we develop a neural link, all other interfaces will be poor substitutes. Of course there are drawbacks like the possibility that it will become The Matrix. Even if it worked, it might work too well:

    [Average male watching TV]
    [Average Male thought]: Hey! Football is on.
    [Neural Link switches to football]
    [Average Male thought]: Damn, a commercial. What else is on?
    [Neural Link begins switching channels at a breathtaking rate. Epilleptics in room start convulsing]
    [Average Male thought]: Is the game back on?
    [Neural Link switches back to football]
    [Average Male thought]: Damn, another commercial. Hey that girl is hot!
    [Neural Link switches to Playboy channel and dims lights]
    [Male's Significant Other stares at him in disgust]

    --
    Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
  10. Hmmm by ubrgeek · · Score: 4, Funny

    > The next Slashdot story will be ready soon, but subscribers can beat the rush and see it early!

    *look of boredom*
    Nope, didn't help ...

    --
    Bark less. Wag more.