Context-Based Announcements Through Segmented Audio Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current conferencing applications lack the capability to play user-specific announcements during active communication sessions and determine optimal times for broadcasting, requiring users to monitor external services for important updates, which is inefficient and disruptive.
Innovation Solution
A context/event-driven approach is implemented to play announcements on a background audio channel or audio whisper channel, allowing automatic or host-controlled delivery of user-specific announcements at optimal times, with features like visual alerts and machine learning for user positioning and illumination adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If announcements are broadcast during active communication sessions, then users receive timely updates without monitoring external services, but the announcement may interrupt the communication session
Solution Approach 1:
The audio channel is segmented into different types: background audio channel for announcements and foreground audio channel for active communication. This segmentation allows announcements to be delivered without interrupting the main communication session, as each has its own dedicated channel.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary audio processing system is introduced that mixes announcement audio with background music and applies audio effects. This intermediary layer allows the announcement to be delivered subtly without disrupting the primary communication flow, acting as a buffer between the announcement source and the user's audio perception.
2Extent of automation
If announcements are played automatically, then users receive updates without manual intervention, but the system cannot determine optimal timing
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the communication session state (speaker activity, silence periods) and uses this feedback to determine optimal announcement timing. When no one is speaking or during natural pauses, the system automatically triggers the announcement, achieving both automation and timing accuracy through real-time feedback loops.
3Adaptability or versatility
If user-specific announcements are implemented, then relevant users receive targeted updates, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conferencing system's existing participant identification and session management capabilities are leveraged to achieve user-specific announcements. The same infrastructure used for session control, audio routing, and participant list management is reused to identify target users and deliver personalized announcements, avoiding the need for separate complex identification systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, system, device to play context-based announcement to specific participants during an active communication session. The method includes receiving a context-based announcement for a participant while the participant is in the active communication session. The method also includes monitoring the communication session, to determine a time when the context-based announcement should be played to the participant. The method further includes playing the context-based announcement to the participant at the determined time. The method may also include displaying to the participant a visual alert associated with the context-based announcement, the visual alert may include controls that allows the participant to select when the announcement is played.