Voice Link Volume Control During Shared Media Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for connecting users while they consume media do not account for distractions from user conversations, requiring manual volume adjustments, which disrupts the viewing experience.
Innovation Solution
A media guidance application automatically adjusts the volume of voice communications links based on media content and user interactions, maintaining an optimal viewing experience by managing audio levels dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users connect to each other via voice communications while consuming media, then social interaction is improved, but viewing experience is degraded due to distractions from conversations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the volume of voice communications in real-time based on the type of media content being consumed. During engaging content (e.g., action scenes, dialogue), the voice volume is automatically reduced to minimize distractions, while during less engaging content (e.g., commercials, transitions), the voice volume is increased to maintain social interaction quality. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptive to different viewing contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the audio parameter (volume level) of voice communications based on media content analysis. By monitoring media characteristics and adjusting the voice communication volume parameter accordingly, the system optimizes both social interaction and media consumption experience simultaneously, eliminating the need for manual volume adjustments.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If users manually adjust volume to avoid distractions, then viewing experience is improved, but operation complexity increases and enjoyment is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic volume adjustment without requiring user intervention. The media guidance application autonomously monitors media content and adjusts voice communication volumes based on content characteristics, eliminating the need for users to manually control volume settings. This self-service approach maintains ease of operation while effectively managing distractions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the media guidance application continuously monitors media content being consumed and uses this information to automatically adjust voice communication volumes. This closed-loop control ensures that volume adjustments are responsive to actual viewing conditions, maintaining optimal experience without user intervention.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If manual volume adjustments are required, then distraction control is achieved, but time efficiency decreases and viewing flow is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of media content characteristics and proactively adjusts voice communication volumes before distractions occur. By anticipating when media content may become engaging or less engaging, the system pre-adjusts volumes to maintain optimal viewing experience, eliminating the need for reactive manual adjustments and preserving viewing flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous automatic adjustment of voice communication volumes throughout media consumption, ensuring uninterrupted optimization of the viewing experience. This continuous operation eliminates gaps where manual adjustments would be needed, maintaining both distraction control and viewing continuity without time loss.
Data Source
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.