Content Direction Device for Proximity-Based Output Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing availability of digital content and the multiplicity of electronic devices in close proximity lead to distractions for users consuming content, as noises, lights, and other outputs from nearby devices can interrupt the viewing experience.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based system that identifies content susceptible to interruption and modifies the output characteristics of nearby devices to minimize distractions. This involves determining the proximity of devices, identifying users, and adjusting output parameters such as volume, luminance, and operation timing based on metadata and user profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electronic devices are used in close proximity to provide flexibility and availability, then device accessibility and functionality are improved, but distractions and interruptions to users increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively identifies content susceptible to interruption and preemptively modifies output characteristics of nearby devices before distractions can occur. This includes detecting quiet or dark content portions and pre-reducing output from nearby devices, or identifying live content that cannot be rewound and pre-modifying nearby device outputs to prevent interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
A content direction device acts as an intermediary between content consumption devices and users. It receives content streams, identifies interruption-susceptible portions, determines nearby devices through proximity detection, and coordinates output characteristic modifications across multiple devices to harmonize their operation and minimize mutual distractions.
2Reliability
If output characteristics of nearby devices are modified to reduce distractions, then viewing experience is improved, but device functionality and user control are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts output characteristics based on real-time content analysis and device proximity. Output modifications are not static but change continuously according to the content being consumed, the spatial relationship between devices, and the identified susceptibility to interruption. This allows devices to maintain full functionality when not consuming interruptible content while providing targeted modifications when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system modifies specific output parameters such as volume, luminance, and operational timing of nearby devices based on the content being consumed. Rather than completely disabling devices or imposing rigid restrictions, the system adjusts parameters like reducing volume during quiet scenes or dimming screens during dark content portions, preserving device functionality while minimizing distractions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the system modifies output characteristics of nearby devices during interruptible content, then distractions are reduced, but system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments content into distinct portions based on interruption susceptibility, identifying specific time ranges or scenes that require protection from distractions. Rather than treating all content uniformly, the content direction device divides content streams into interruptible and non-interruptible segments, allowing selective modification of nearby device outputs only during relevant segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Content consumption devices self-identify as being in proximity to other devices and self-report their content consumption status. The system uses decentralized information gathering where devices provide data about their state and location, reducing the burden on a centralized controller and simplifying overall system architecture while maintaining coordination capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for reducing distractions from nearby devices when content susceptible to interruption is being consumed. Content susceptible to interruption is determined, and when this content is consumed on one device, nearby devices are identified and their output characteristics are modified. For example, output volume of nearby devices may be reduced, or the volume of the first device may be increased. This process is repeated with different devices as they each output content determined to be susceptible to interruption. Consumers are thus presented with fewer distractions from surrounding devices while they are consuming content that is susceptible to interruption.