Multi-tasking Interference System for Media Interruption Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of media sources in the home environment creates distractions that detract from the entertainment experience, as there is no effective way to differentiate between urgent and insignificant interruptions, leading to a fragmented focus on primary media inputs.

Innovation Solution

A multi-tasking interference system that monitors primary and secondary inputs, calculates attention and interruption values based on user preferences, and decides whether to interrupt the primary input, packaging the interruption with characteristics like tone, volume, and timing to optimize the entertainment experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple media sources are allowed to operate simultaneously, then media diversity and information availability are improved, but user attention fragmentation and distraction increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedia source diversityVSAvoiduser distraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary layer (the interruption evaluation system) between multiple media sources and the user. This intermediary continuously monitors primary and secondary inputs, compares their interruption values against thresholds, and selectively allows or blocks interruptions. The intermediary filters and manages the flow of information, preventing direct fragmentation of user attention while preserving access to diverse media sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If all secondary inputs are treated as potential interruptions, then important information is not missed, but unnecessary interruptions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterruption detection accuracyVSAvoidunnecessary interruptions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of interruption value assignment dynamically. Different secondary inputs receive different interruption values based on their characteristics (e.g., telephone calls vs. emails vs. text messages). The system adjusts these values based on time of day, user preferences, and input characteristics. By varying the interruption value parameter, the system reliably identifies truly important interruptions while filtering out unnecessary ones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial action by selectively allowing interruptions only when their interruption value exceeds a predetermined threshold. Not all secondary inputs trigger full interruptions; instead, the system applies a graded response based on the input's interruption value. This partial action approach prevents excessive interruptions while maintaining reliable detection of truly important matters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If interruptions are allowed to occur freely, then user needs are met, but focus on primary media input is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser needs fulfillmentVSAvoidprimary input focus

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback through continuous monitoring and comparison of interruption values. The evaluation system constantly compares the interruption value of secondary inputs against the attention value of primary inputs and adjusts interruption allowance accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that primary media input focus is maintained while still allowing user needs to be met through controlled interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If interruption thresholds are set low, then important interruptions are caught, but minor interruptions disrupt entertainment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterruption priority accuracyVSAvoidentertainment disruption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses parameter changes by assigning different interruption values to different types of secondary inputs based on their inherent importance. Telephone calls receive higher interruption values than emails, which receive higher values than text messages. This parameter differentiation allows the system to maintain low thresholds for catching important interruptions while preventing minor interruptions from disrupting entertainment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS7673088B2Multi-tasking interference model

Publication Date: 2010.03.02 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

The subject disclosure pertains to a multi-tasking interference system. A gatekeeper receives primary and secondary inputs, and a quantifier ascertains attention values associated with primary inputs and interruption values associated with secondary inputs. Attention values are ascertained based on attributes associated with primary inputs such as type or genre of media presentation, temporal location within media presentation, or a likelihood of impending commercials. Based on a comparison between attention values and interruption values the gatekeeper determines whether, when, and how to interrupt the primary input with the secondary input and accordingly thereafter interrupts the primary input with the secondary input based on the foregoing assessment.