Shared Media Voice Link With Content-Aware Volume Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems that connect users for shared media experiences do not effectively manage distractions from concurrent conversations, requiring manual adjustments of audio volumes, which is inefficient and disrupts the viewing experience.

Innovation Solution

A media guidance application that automatically adjusts the volume of voice communications links based on the content being viewed, using metadata processing and machine learning to optimize audio levels, ensuring a smoother viewing experience by minimizing distractions during key events or commercials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If users connect to each other via voice communications while consuming media, then social interaction is improved, but distractions from conversations that detract from viewing experience increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesocial interaction capabilityVSAvoidviewing distraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the volume of voice communications based on media content characteristics. During key moments in media playback, the voice communication volume is automatically reduced to minimize distractions, while during less critical moments, the volume is increased to facilitate social interaction. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to different viewing contexts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the audio parameter (volume level) of voice communications based on the media content being consumed. By monitoring media playback state and adjusting the voice communication volume parameter accordingly, the system optimizes both social interaction quality and viewing experience, preventing distractions during important media moments while maintaining connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If users manually adjust volume of audio from other users or media asset, then viewing experience is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates due to constant manual adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing distractionVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic volume adjustment of voice communications without requiring user intervention. The media guidance application monitors media playback and autonomously controls the volume of connected users' audio, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and maintaining optimal viewing experience throughout the media consumption session.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where the media guidance application continuously monitors media playback state and automatically adjusts voice communication volume in response. This closed-loop control ensures that volume adjustments are made at appropriate moments based on media content, improving viewing experience without requiring manual user input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If manual volume adjustments are made to avoid distractions, then viewing experience is improved, but disruption to viewing experience increases due to frequent adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing distractionVSAvoidviewing time continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system proactively adjusts voice communication volume before distractions can occur during key media moments. By anticipating important moments in media playback and pre-adjusting volumes accordingly, the system prevents distractions rather than reacting to them, maintaining continuous viewing experience without interruptions for manual adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous automatic monitoring and adjustment of voice communication volume throughout the media playback session. This continuous control ensures that viewing experience remains uninterrupted, with volume levels optimally adjusted at all times based on media content, eliminating the need for users to pause or interrupt viewing for manual adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS10992719B2Systems and methods for establishing a voice link between users accessing media

Publication Date: 2021.04.27 ADEIA GUIDES INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for establishing a voice communications link between multiple users accessing a media asset are provided. A media asset is accessed using a first user device, the first user device being associated with a first user at a first location. A second user who is accessing the media asset using a second user device is identified, wherein the second user is associated with the first user and is at a second location. A voice communications link between the first and second user devices that enables the first and second users to speak to each other while accessing the media asset is established. A volume level of audio received via the voice communications link is set based on content of the media asset, causing the audio received via the voice communications link from the second user to be presented to the first user at the set volume level.