Receiver Minimizing Multimedia Content via Mute Command
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods to avoid advertisements during commercial breaks, such as using the mute function, either force users to view ads or face technical or legal issues, failing to effectively minimize multimedia content.
Innovation Solution
A system where a receiver minimizes multimedia content in response to a mute command by reducing its size and superimposing it over a background, such as a black screen, image, or other content, while optionally altering or suspending audio data, allowing continued viewing without audio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the mute function is used to turn off audio during commercial breaks, then audio disturbance is eliminated, but users are still forced to view advertisements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display area into multiple regions, placing the minimized multimedia content (including advertisements) in a small picture-in-picture window while allowing the user to view other content in the main display area. This spatial segmentation enables users to mute and minimize ads without being forced to view them full-screen, thus eliminating advertising disturbance while maintaining viewing freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the advertisement display from occupying the entire two-dimensional screen to a minimized window within the same screen space. By reducing the spatial dimension of ad display and overlaying it with other content, users can effectively ignore advertisements while continuing to view desired content, resolving the contradiction between audio muting and viewing freedom.
2Ease of operation
If multimedia content is minimized in response to a mute command, then user experience is improved by allowing continued viewing, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the receiver device perform multiple functions: it not only processes audio muting but also automatically minimizes multimedia content, manages picture-in-picture display, and handles background content selection. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional receiver, the system improves user experience while limiting the increase in overall device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver automatically detects mute commands and autonomously performs content minimization, window management, and background content selection without requiring additional user input or complex external control systems. This self-service capability enhances user experience while avoiding the complexity that would arise from manual control interfaces or multiple coordinated devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments facilitate minimization of multimedia content currently being shown on a display in response to a mute command. In a first embodiment, a receiver is configured to provide multimedia content to an entertainment system and obtain commands from a control device. A user presses the control device's mute button and a mute command is transmitted from the control device to the receiver and the entertainment system. In response to the mute command, the entertainment system turns off its own audio and the receiver minimizes multimedia content currently being provided by the receiver to the entertainment system. In a second embodiment, the mute command is transmitted from the control device to the receiver. In response to the mute command, the receiver mutes and minimizes multimedia content currently being provided by the receiver to the entertainment system.