Nearby Device Output Control for Interruptible Content Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices in close proximity can distract or disturb each other's users due to noise, light, or inappropriate content, particularly in shared spaces like homes or coffee shops, where multiple devices are often used simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A system that identifies content susceptible to interruption through metadata, determines nearby devices, and modifies their output characteristics, such as volume or luminance, to minimize distractions for the primary user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices output content simultaneously in a household environment, then users can access content on different devices, but distracting content from nearby devices interrupts the consumption of primary content
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different output characteristics to different devices based on their proximity and the type of content being output. The primary device maintains normal output characteristics while nearby devices have their output volume reduced or is muted, creating localized quality differences that eliminate distraction while preserving content access flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts output characteristics of devices based on real-time conditions such as proximity to the primary device and the nature of content being consumed. As users move devices or change content, the system automatically recalibrates which devices are muted or have volume reduced, providing adaptive distraction management
2Illumination intensity
If output volume of primary device is increased to overcome distraction, then primary content becomes more audible, but overall sound level in the environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the primary device volume to overcome distraction, the system discards the distracting content from nearby devices by muting or reducing their volume. This eliminates the need to raise the primary device volume, maintaining comfortable overall sound levels while ensuring primary content remains clearly audible
3Object-affected harmful factors
If all nearby devices are muted to eliminate distraction, then distraction is reduced, but users lose the ability to access content on those devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines which nearby devices to mute based on their proximity to the primary device and the type of content being output. Not all nearby devices are muted - only those that would create distraction. Users can still access content on non-muted devices, preserving content accessibility while reducing distraction
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies selective muting based on local conditions - devices close to the primary device that could create distraction are muted, while other devices remain accessible. This localized approach maintains content accessibility on appropriate devices while eliminating distraction from problematic ones
Data Source
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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.