Media-Guided Voice Link Volume for Shared Viewing Distraction Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems that connect users for shared media experiences do not effectively manage distractions from user conversations, requiring manual volume adjustments that disrupt the viewing experience.

Innovation Solution

A media guidance application that automatically adjusts the volume of voice communications links based on the content being viewed, using metadata processing and machine learning algorithms to determine optimal volume levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If users connect to each other via voice communications while consuming media, then users can share media experiences remotely, but user conversations create distractions that detract from the viewing experience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshared media experience capabilityVSAvoidconversation distractions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the volume of voice communications in real-time based on the media content being consumed. During action sequences or dialogue, the voice volume is automatically reduced, while during pauses or transitions, the voice volume is increased, creating a dynamic balance between social interaction and media engagement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the audio parameter (volume level) of voice communications based on detected media content characteristics. By analyzing audio levels, scene changes, or content type, the system automatically modulates the voice communication volume to minimize distractions while maintaining connectivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If users manually adjust volume to avoid distractions, then viewing experience is maintained, but constant manual adjustments are inefficient and disruptive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing experience qualityVSAvoidmanual volume adjustment burden
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring media content and adjusting voice communication volume without user intervention. The system detects when media content requires reduced distraction (such as during dialogue or action sequences) and autonomously modifies audio levels, freeing users from manual adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where audio from the media is continuously monitored, analyzed for content type or intensity, and used to automatically adjust the voice communication volume. This closed-loop system responds to media content characteristics in real-time, maintaining optimal viewing conditions without user input

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3628127B1Systems and methods for establishing a voice link between users accessing media
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 ADEIA GUIDES INC
  • EP3628127B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3628127B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3628127B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Systems and methods for establishing a voice communications link between multiple users accessing a media asset are provided. A media asset is accessed using a first user device, the first user device being associated with a first user at a first location. A second user who is accessing the media asset using a second user device is identified, wherein the second user is associated with the first user and is at a second location. A voice communications link between the first and second user devices that enables the first and second users to speak to each other while accessing the media asset is established. A volume level of audio received via the voice communications link is set based on content of the media asset, causing the audio received via the voice communications link from the second user to be presented to the first user at the set volume level.