Playback Loudness Adjustment During Media Source Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
During media content replacement events, playback devices often lack access to volume playback information from the original source, leading to user frustration as volume adjustments made via remote controls are not effectively communicated to the playback device, resulting in a poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
The playback device receives an audio signal corresponding to the original media content, monitors loudness levels, and adjusts the volume of the replacement content based on user-triggered changes, even when switching sources, by determining loudness levels for shorter portions during replacement events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the playback device switches to presenting second media content from a second source during a replacement event, then the device can provide targeted advertisements dynamically, but the device loses access to volume playback information from the original source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an audio signal from the original media content as an intermediary to convey volume information during the replacement event. Instead of directly accessing volume playback information from the first source (which is unavailable), the system monitors loudness levels in the audio signal of the original content that is being replaced. This audio signal acts as a mediator that carries the necessary volume information through the replacement event, allowing the playback device to maintain volume control functionality despite switching to a different content source.
2Speed
If the playback device monitors loudness levels for shorter portions during replacement events, then the device can respond quickly to user input, but the device must process multiple loudness level determinations in rapid succession
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring process by determining loudness levels for different portions of the original media content at different times. During replacement events, the system determines loudness levels for shorter portions (enabling faster response) while outside replacement events, it determines loudness levels for longer portions (reducing processing load). This temporal segmentation of the monitoring process allows the system to optimize between response speed and processing complexity by adapting the portion length to the operational context.
3Ease of operation
If the playback device adjusts volume based on second loudness levels determined during replacement events, then user experience is improved, but the device must continuously monitor and adjust volume during the replacement period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of loudness levels during replacement events rather than continuous monitoring. The system determines loudness levels for discrete portions of the original media content at specific intervals, adjusting volume at these periodic points. This periodic approach maintains good user experience by responding to volume changes while reducing the overall monitoring duration and computational burden compared to continuous monitoring throughout the entire replacement event.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one aspect, an example method includes (i) determining, by a playback device, a first loudness level of a first portion of first media content from a first source while the playback device presents the first media content, with the first portion having a first length; (ii) switching, by the playback device, from presenting the first media content from the first source to presenting second media content from a second source; (iii) based on the switching, determining, by the playback device, second loudness levels of second portions of the first media content while the playback device presents the second media content, with the second portions having a second length that is shorter than the first length; and (iv) while the playback device presents the second media content, adjusting, by the playback device, a volume of the playback device based on one or more of the second loudness levels.