[LINK] Microsoft patents technology that watches viewers

[stephen at melbpc.org.au]

Can't see this idea taking-off in Australia ..

United States Patent Application
November 1, 2012  http://tinyurl.com/asxchtd

CONTENT DISTRIBUTION REGULATION BY VIEWING USER 

Abstract:  A content presentation system and method allowing content 
providers to regulate the presentation of content on a per-user-view 
basis. Content is distributed an associated license option on the number 
of individual consumers or viewers allowed to consume the content. 
Consumers are presented with a content selection and a choice of licenses 
allowing consumption of the content. The users consuming the content on a 
display device are monitored so that if the number of user-views licensed 
is exceeded, remedial action may be taken. 
 
Assignee: MICROSOFT CORPORATION, Redmond WA.

Claims (snip) ..

8. A computer implemented method for distributing limited play content to 
a user, comprising: transmitting a selection of audiovisual content to a 
display device, each content having one or more associated license 
option, each license option allowing a specified number one or more 
presentations to one or more users on the display device; receiving a 
selection of one of the content and a selection of a licensing option for 
said content; determining a number of users at the display device prior 
to presenting the content; presenting the content on the display device 
if the number of users at the display device is equal to or lower than 
that specified in the licensing option; and monitoring the presentation 
of the content to determine a number of viewers of the content during 
presentation of the content at the display device. 

<http://au.gamespot.com/news/microsoft-patents-tech-that-watches-viewers-
6399616>
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Cheers,
Stephen