This work is part of the large-scale EU-funded research project FI-Content aimed at identifying new use cases for discovery and distribution of professional content.
Project in 2012
What we are doing
We have developed an intuitive and effortless authentication method using a standard remote control that uses the OAuth2 protocol. We have also developed an iPhone web app to authenticate to the TV. The system offers the ability to tag programmes using the remote control but also to use the smartphone as a TV remote control.
Why it matters
The offering of personalised services on a TV such as tailored recommendations or the ability to view the attention data gathered by the broadcaster implies that the connected TV should be authenticated to an online account (individual or household).
We were interested in developing a secure, simplified and intuitive authentication process on TVs and want to address the wider TV viewers spectrum giving the option to authenticate using traditional/standard devices as not everybody possesses a smartphone.
Our Goals
The authentication process on a TV using a connected device addresses:
- issues related to what stages would be most appropriate to be displayed on the TV (e.g. input feedback, confirmation, prompts), positioning of user interface overlay that need to be clearly visible at a minimum distance of 1 metre
- how to adapt current interaction models to improve the login process and ensure it is seamless, clear and simple with minimum learning curve to ensure users can quickly access the services available (i.e. personalised recommendations, activity dashboard etc.)
The aim is to evaluate with end users the effectiveness of the authentication method to an online account that can be standardised across IP-enabled TV platforms and connected devices.
Outcomes
This work has several outputs:
- build upon an initial version of a prototyping platform that allow us to test new concepts, experiences, interaction models aimed at the TV in a realistic scenario
- a simplified authentication process using a standard remote control based on the OAuth2 protocol
- an iPhone app to sign in onto an online identity, tag programmes and use as a TV remote control
- presented the prototype at NEM Summit 2012 in Istanbul
How it works
The system allows users to view TV programmes streamed over the Internet. Users can sign in to receive a personalised interactive service on their connected TV or PC. This also allows users to bookmark their favourite programmes.
The system comprises a connected TV or set-top box platform that delivers a simplified sign-in process with an intuitive user interface that guides the users through the authentication process. The system is able to recognise several devices as authentication input device – from standard TV remote controls to smart devices (e.g., tablets, mobile phones).
Project Team
Project Partners
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A provider of production, postproduction, and distribution services to content creators and distributors.
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An international company that designs and develops visualization solutions for a variety of selected professional markets.
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One of industry-leading studios that created original games for gaming platforms including Xbox 360, and PS3. Now creating new IP for Disney Interactive Studios.
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Disney Research Zurich A research laboratory inventing new technology for Disney‟s media and entertainment businesses.
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it represents the France Telecom-Orange Group's global innovation network.
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A renowned research centre on Telecommunication and media topics, active in a large number of European projects in the ICT area, and contributes actively to standardisation efforts.
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Fraunhofer IAIS (IAIS) focuses on research and development on innovative systems for data analysis and information extraction, in software and in hardware.
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The public broadcaster for the federal states of Berlin and Brandenburg.
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A world leader in mission-critical information systems for the Aerospace, Defence and Security markets.
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The most active company in Europe in terms of European research projects in the ICT sector.
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A major Italian enterprise and a key European strategic ICT player, operating in fixed-line and mobile telecommunications, Internet & Media and Information Technologies.
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Part of the Technicolor Group, provides advanced software and hardware platforms such as video back-end solution, voice over IP solution, gateways, tablets and set top boxes for home content delivery.
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It performs fundamental and applied research on Internet-based communication networks and services.
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One of the largest non-profit contract research institutes in the field of innovative software technology based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods.
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A media research company offering creative concepts and project management for media research and productions.