Virtual Assistant Media Selection via User Presence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with voice assistants lack the ability to automatically adapt volume levels and media content selection based on the presence and preferences of multiple registered users, leading to inconvenience and frustration, especially for users with hearing impairments and varying environmental contexts.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method and system that uses a virtual assistant to detect registered users in proximity and automatically adjust volume levels and select media content based on stored preference settings and context, utilizing a Volume Preferences Manager (VPM) and Active Consumer Media Content Selector (ACMCS) modules to determine active consumers and apply corresponding settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the device outputs audio content at the volume level last set by any user, then the device maintains simplicity in volume management, but users with different hearing needs (e.g., hearing-impaired users) experience inconvenience and frustration when they need to repeatedly adjust volume settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the user base into different user profiles (e.g., hearing-impaired users, normal hearing users) and assigns different default volume levels to each profile. When a user interacts with the device, the system identifies the user's profile and automatically applies the appropriate volume setting, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the volume parameter dynamically based on the detected user profile. Instead of maintaining a single static volume setting, the system stores multiple volume parameters associated with different user profiles and automatically selects the appropriate parameter when a specific user is detected, thereby improving ease of operation without requiring repeated adjustments.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the device returns to default settings at each power-on event, then the device maintains consistency and predictability, but users must manually re-adjust their preferred settings each time the device is restarted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple user profiles with their respective preferred settings (including volume levels and media content preferences) before the user needs them. When the device starts up, the system automatically detects which user profile to apply and configures the settings in advance, eliminating the need for users to manually re-adjust settings after power-on.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the current user and applying the appropriate settings without requiring manual user intervention. The device monitors user presence or input and autonomously adjusts volume and media content settings based on the detected user's profile, maintaining both stability and ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device stores separate preference settings for multiple registered users, then the device accommodates heterogeneous user needs (e.g., hearing impairments, music preferences), but the device complexity increases with user profile management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal user profile management system that handles multiple user preferences through a unified interface. The system stores and manages various types of settings (volume levels, media content preferences, etc.) for multiple users within a single structured framework, allowing the device to accommodate heterogeneous user needs while presenting a consistent and simple management interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer (the user profile management module) that mediates between the diverse user preferences and the device's core functions. This intermediary structure organizes and manages multiple user profiles centrally, simplifying the complexity by providing a unified access point and automatic user detection mechanism that handles profile switching transparently.
4Device complexity
If the hearing-impaired user must provide additional requests with repeated instructions to increase volume, then the device maintains simple control mechanisms, but the user experience deteriorates with frustration and inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring a higher default volume level specifically for hearing-impaired users in their profiles. When the system detects that a hearing-impaired user is interacting with the device, it automatically applies the appropriate volume setting in advance, eliminating the need for the user to repeatedly request volume increases and improving interaction efficiency without complicating the control mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes detecting, at an electronic device (ED) providing a virtual assistant (VA), an input that triggers the VA to perform a task that comprises outputting media content through an output device associated with the ED. The method includes detecting a presence of at least one registered user in proximity to the ED. Each registered user is associated with a corresponding media preferences profile. The method includes, for each detected registered user, determining whether the detected registered user is an active consumer. The method includes, in response to determining that a detected registered user is an active consumer, outputting, via the output device, media content associated with the media preferences profile of the detected registered user.