Media Playback Control Using Mental State Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media playback systems cannot accurately rewind media content to the exact point when a user becomes distracted, as they rely on fixed time increments, leading to inaccuracy and user frustration.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method determines a mental state metric based on sensor data to modify media content playback, allowing for precise rewinding or pausing when the user becomes distracted and resuming playback when attention is regained, using a media controller application that processes cognitive, emotional, and mind-wandering metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed time increment rewinding is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the rewinding accuracy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the user's mental state through sensor data (eye tracking, cognitive load metrics) and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust media playback. When distraction is detected, the system automatically rewinds to the precise moment before distraction began, creating a closed-loop control system that improves rewinding accuracy without requiring manual user input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical interaction (user pressing rewind buttons at fixed intervals) with an automated system using psychophysiological sensing and algorithmic determination of optimal rewind points. This substitution of mechanical user action with automated sensing and processing achieves precise rewinding while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If manual rewinding by fixed time increments is used, then the operation is easy, but the user experience is poor due to missing content
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting when the user becomes distracted and autonomously rewinding the media to the correct position without requiring user intervention. The system monitors its own operational context (user attention state) and self-corrects playback position, eliminating the need for manual rewinding operations while ensuring content is not missed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors user mental state in advance and proactively rewinds media playback before the user would have the opportunity to manually rewind. By detecting early signs of distraction through sensor data and acting preemptively, the system ensures the user never misses content, maintaining both ease of operation and content consumption reliability.
3Measurement precision
If psychophysiological sensing is implemented, then the rewinding accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multi-functional sensor arrays that serve multiple purposes: eye tracking for attention detection, cognitive load monitoring for distraction identification, and potentially other psychophysiological measurements. By making the sensing system universal and multi-purpose, the patent achieves high measurement precision while justifying the increased complexity through multiple benefits from a single integrated system.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure sets forth a computer-implemented method for playing back media content comprising determining, based on sensor data, a first mental state associated with a user accessing media content, and modifying playback of media content based on the first mental state.