Browser Tab Audio Muting via Page Visibility API
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users experience sub-optimal multimedia consumption when switching between multiple streaming media content items, as conflicting audio streams cancel each other out, requiring manual intervention to manage audio playback.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a visibility monitor and Page Visibility API to dynamically adjust audio volume levels by muting or halting audio playback when a media stream is not in focus, while allowing video to continue streaming, thereby reducing noise interference and enhancing the user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple multimedia streams play simultaneously in different browser windows or tabs, then users can access multiple content sources, but conflicting audio streams cancel each other out creating sub-optimal user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the audio component from the multimedia stream when the browser tab is not active, separating it from the video playback. This allows video to continue streaming while audio is removed, preventing audio cancellation effects. The system selectively removes only the audio portion rather than stopping the entire media stream.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts audio playback based on the active state of the browser tab. When the tab becomes active, audio plays; when inactive, audio is muted or stopped. This dynamic behavior adapts the multimedia playback to the user's current viewing context, ensuring audio only plays when the user is actually watching that content.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If users manually control audio playback for each multimedia stream, then audio interference can be prevented, but user convenience is reduced requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors browser tab activity and self-adjusts audio playback without requiring user intervention. The browser or media player detects when a tab becomes active or inactive and automatically mutes or restores audio accordingly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually control audio for each stream while preventing audio interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring the active state of browser tabs and using this information to control audio playback. The tab activity status provides feedback to the audio control system, which then adjusts audio output accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures audio only plays when appropriate without requiring manual user input.
3Ease of operation
If audio playback is automatically controlled based on tab visibility, then user experience is enhanced without manual intervention, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing Page Visibility API, which is a universal browser feature already present in modern browsers. By using this existing multi-functional API that serves various web development purposes, the system can implement automatic audio control without adding significant complexity. The API provides tab visibility information that can be used for audio control alongside its other functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the Page Visibility API as an intermediary between browser tab state and audio playback control. Rather than directly monitoring complex browser internals, the Visibility API serves as a mediator that provides simplified visibility state information. This intermediary approach reduces system complexity by abstracting the monitoring and control logic through a standardized interface.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multiple media module receives data indicating a status of a tab of a graphical user interface (GUI) presented on a user device. The multiple media module determines, based on the data indicating the status of the tab, whether the tab is active, the tab comprising a streaming media player. If the tab of the web browser is not active, the multiple media module mutes an audio component of a streaming media file playing in the streaming media player.