Apparatus, and associated method, for selecting information delivery manner using facial recognition

• US 8,749,651 B2
• Filed: 08/07/2013
• Issued: 06/10/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 02/17/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Malikie Innovations Limited (Key Patent Innovations Limited)
• Original Assignee: Blackberry Limited
• Inventors: Hymel, James Allen, Byrd, Thomas Edward, Paul-Cavallier, Julien Camille, O'Carroll, Finbarr Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): VILLECCO, JOHN M
• Application Number:
  US13/961,477
• Publication Number:
  US 20130321266A1
• Time in Patent Office: 307 Days
• Field of Search: 348/211.2, 348/62, 348/77, 348/333.03, 455/414.4, 455/414.1, 455/466, 340/439, 340/576
• US Class Current: 348/211.2
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/174 Facial expression recognition
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 13/00 Speech synthesis; Text to speech systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6075 adapted for handsfree use in a vehicle H04M1/6058 takes precedence; arrangements for holding telephones in a vehicle B60R11/0241
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72403 with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72436 for text messaging, e.g. short messaging services [SMS] or e-mails
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72448 with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/12 including a sensor for measuring a physical value, e.g. temperature or motion
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/52 including functional features of a camera

Abstract

An apparatus, and an associated method, selects a manner by which to deliver received information at a wireless, or other electronic, device. A facial recognition indication is obtained and analyzed. Responsive to the analysis of the facial recognition indication, selection is made of the manner by which to deliver the information. If the facial recognition indication indicates the recipient to exhibit a serious demeanor, the information is provided in aural form, thereby to permit delivery of the information without requiring the recipient to read, or otherwise view, the information.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising:

a camera;

a display;

a facial image analyzer configured to determine, based on data obtained from the camera, whether a subject contains a facial characteristic which indicates the availability of the subject to view the display;

a selector configured to select whether information is to be delivered on the display, the selection based on the determination of whether the subject contains the facial characteristic; and

a transducer for delivering the information in an aural manner when the facial characteristic indicates that the subject is not available to view the display.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the display delivers the information in a visual form when the subject is available to view the display.

3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the transducer comprises a text-to-voice transducer.

4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the facial characteristic is a facial demeanor characteristic.

5. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the facial characteristic is a serious demeanor.

6. The electronic device of claim 1 further comprising a confirmation detector configured to detect affirmation of selection by the selector.

7. The electronic device of claim 6 wherein the confirmation detector comprises a facial image analyzer configured to detect the affirmation of the selection.

8. The electronic device of claim 7 further comprising an indicator configured to generate an indication of the selection made by the selector and wherein the confirmation detector is configured to detect affirmation subsequent to generation by the indicator of the indication.

9. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the facial image analyzer is configured to determine whether the subject contains the facial characteristic based on the facial configuration of the subject.

10. A method for facilitating delivery of information at an electronic device, the method comprising:

determining, based on data obtained from a camera, whether a subject contains a facial characteristic which indicates the availability of the subject to view a display;

selectively delivering the information on the display based on the determination; and

selectively delivering the information on a speaker when the facial characteristic indicates that the subject is not available to view the display.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein selectively delivering information on the display comprises:

delivering the information on the display when the facial characteristic indicates that the subject is available to view the display.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein delivering the information on the speaker comprises:

transducing text information into audio.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the facial characteristic is a facial demeanor characteristic.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the facial characteristic is a serious demeanor.

15. The method of claim 10 wherein selectively delivering information on the display based on the determination comprises:

selecting a visual delivery manner to deliver the information; and

generating an affirmation request to confirm selection of the visual delivery manner.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein selectively delivering information on the display based on the determination further comprises:

performing facial image analysis to detect the affirmation of a selection.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein the determination of whether the subject contains the facial characteristic is based on the facial configuration of the subject.