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So how does it work? The classification system automatically analyses programmes for a range of different video and audio features, such as luminosity, laughter and motion (see here for further details). The results of this are then used to assign each programme a rating on a set of mood scales. For example, a programme with a high level of motion but not much laughter might score 5/5 on the ‘slow-moving to fast-paced scale’, but 1/5 on the ‘serious to humorous’ scale, meaning it is quick but not very funny (a thrilling drama for instance). The advantage here is that it is then possible to compare different programmes based on their mood scores, allowing you to, for example, search for something ‘more exciting than Spooks’. Moreover, the combination of scores on each scale gives the programme a kind of mood fingerprint, so the system could recommend programmes with similar mood fingerprints to ones it knows you like.

We're currently in the process of researching how users might interact with this mood data. A prototype interface we have developed is a 2-dimensional scatter chart, with each axis representing one mood scale.

Mood Chart: helping users browse by mood

This allows users to view the relative moods of programmes as dots plotted on the chart. They can then either pick the mood they want using the sliders, or search using conventional means, using mood as a reference. It is hoped that this frontend will be integrated with ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Redux (a ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ internal research tool) within a few months, as a preliminary trial to see how useful people find this type of affective interface.

Another area of interest is how mood varies throughout a programme. We’ve built a prototype system using the Universal Control API which allows users to view a dynamic graph of mood data on a second screen (such as a tablet PC or smart phone) that moves along in sync with a programme on a set top box.

Intelligent Skipping - Peaks and troughs in the graph show how the mood is changing

This graph can display individual features (such as luminosity shown above) but for public use will most likely show an amalgamation of the many different audio and video features of the programme as analysed by the classification system, to provide an overall value for what we are provisionally calling ‘interestingness’. Imagine a kind of ‘intelligent skipping’ service, so that by tapping on peaks and troughs shown on the graph you can skip ahead to goals and car chases, or straight to the desired performance in entertainment shows.

There are a number of directions this project could take in the future. A more public-friendly user interface than a graph is desirable, and here there is scope for innovative interface design. The problem of mood subjectivity will need to be addressed; since something I find humorous may not be so funny to you (this became apparent in our user trials where many people rated a serious documentary on 70s fashion as very humorous…) The current view is that the system would take advantage of machine learning technologies so that it could adapt to your tastes: the user would rate the success of mood categorisations and the system would gradually learn, improve and become personalised.

Ultimately, the Multimedia Classification team hope to augment browsing, searching, skipping and programme recommendations utilizing mood-based metadata, and, with user experience in mind, bring you an effective affective interface.