FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
AND
THE PATENT RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
“SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTEXTUAL VOLUME CONTROL
BY SET TOP BOX”
We, Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited, an Indian National, of, 101, Saffron, Nr. Centre Point, Panchwati 5 Rasta, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad-380006, Gujarat, India.
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD:
The present invention generally relates to Set Top Box and more particularly to systems and methods for contextual volume control by a set top box.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE:
The following description of the related art is intended to provide background information pertaining to the field of the disclosure. This section may include certain aspects of the art that may be related to various features of the present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section is used only to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure, and not as admissions of the prior art.
Over the past few years the TV Set-Top Boxes (STBs) are enhanced to a great extent. The enhancement in the STBs is a result of an advancement in the digital and wireless technologies. Most of the Set-Top Boxes (STBs) that are currently in use receives encoded/compressed digital signals from a signal source (e.g., a content provider's headend) and thereafter such STBs decodes/decompresses the received signals and converts them into analog signals compatible to an analog (SDTV) televisions. Furthermore, a STB may be defined as a computerized device that processes digital information and may come in many forms and can have a variety of functions such as Digital Media Adapters, Digital Media Receivers, Windows Media Extender and most video game consoles are also examples of the set-top boxes. The STBs operates based on commands received from user/s (often via use of remote devices such as a remote control) and once the user command/s are received the STBs transmits such received commands back to a network operator which has a return path capability for two-way communication. The STB devices also provides satellite broadband TV services, Video on Demand, games, live streaming of various events etc. Also, the STBs contains communication capabilities including, but not limited to, wireless communication capabilities provided by wireless networks such as LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NB IoT, etc.
Furthermore, today a wireless network, that is widely deployed to provide various communication services such as voice, video, data, advertisement, content, messaging, broadcasts, etc. usually comprises multiple access networks and support

communications for multiple users by sharing the available network resources.
One example of such a network is the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) which is a radio access network standard meant to be a replacement of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and High-Speed Downlink Packet Access/High-Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSDPA/HSUPA) technologies specified in 3GPP releases 5 and beyond. Unlike HSPA, Long Term Evolution’s (LTE's) E-UTRA is an entirely new air interface system, unrelated to and incompatible with W-CDMA. It provides higher data rates, lower latency and is optimized for packet data. The earlier UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) is the radio access network (RAN), defined as a part of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), a third generation (3G) mobile phone technology supported by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The UMTS, which is the successor to Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) technologies, currently supports various air interface standards, such as Wideband-Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA), Time Division-Code Division Multiple Access (TD-CDMA), and Time Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA). The UMTS also supports enhanced 3G data communications protocols, such as High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), which provides higher data transfer speeds and capacity to associated UMTS networks. Furthermore, as the demand for mobile data and voice access continues to increase, research and development continue to advance the technologies not only to meet the growing demand for access, but to advance and enhance the user experience with user device. Some of the technologies that have evolved starting GSM/EDGE, UMTS/HSPA, CDMA2000/EV-DO and TD-SCDMA radio interfaces with the 3GPP Release 8, e-UTRA is designed to provide a single evolution path for providing increases in data speeds, and spectral efficiency, and allowing the provision of more functionality.
Also, the wireless communication includes 5th generation mobile networks or 5th generation wireless systems, abbreviated 5G, the telecommunications standards beyond the current 4G LTE/ international mobile telecommunications (IMT)-advanced standards. 5G aims at higher capacity than current 4G LTE, allowing a higher density of mobile broadband users, and supporting device-to-device, ultra-reliable, and massive machine communications. 5G also aims at lower latency than 4G equipment

and lower battery consumption, for better implementation of the Internet of things (IoT) devices.
Furthermore, 3GPP has introduced Narrow Band Internet of things IoT (NB-IoT) technology in release 13. The low end IoT applications can be met with this technology. It has taken efforts to address IoT markets with completion of standardization on NB-IoT. The NB-IoT technology has been implemented in licensed bands. The licensed bands of LTE are used for exploiting this technology. This technology makes use of a minimum system bandwidth of 180 KHz i.e. one PRB (Physical Resource Block) is allocated for this technology. The NB-IOT can be seen as a separate RAT (Radio Access Technology). The NB-IOT can be deployed in 3 modes as: “in-band”, “guard band” and “standalone”. In the “in-band” operation, resource blocks present within LTE carrier are used. There are specific resource blocks reserved for synchronization of LTE signals which are not used for NB-IOT. In “guard band” operation, resource blocks between LTE carriers that are not utilized by any operator are used. In “standalone” operation, GSM frequencies are used, or possibly unused LTE bands are used. Release 13 contains important refinements like discontinuous reception (eDRX) and power save mode. The PSM (Power Save Mode) ensures battery longevity in release 12 and is completed by eDRX for devices that need to receive data more frequently.
Furthermore, the Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and connectivity which can be readable, recognizable, locatable, addressable, and controllable via an IoT communications network that enables these things to connect and exchange data, creating opportunities for more direct integration of the physical world into computer-based systems, resulting in efficiency improvements, economic benefits, and reduced human exertions. The “Internet of things” (IoT) concept getting more and more popular, devices, such as sensors, actuators and everyday objects including the coffee makers, washing machines, headphones, lamps and wearable devices, etc. are being increasingly looked upon as potential IoT devices. IoT involves extending internet connectivity beyond standard devices, such as desktops, laptops, smartphones and tablets, to any range of traditionally dumb or non-internet-enabled physical devices and everyday objects. Embedded with technology, these devices can

communicate and interact over the communication networks, and they can be remotely monitored and controlled. The term "Enterprise IoT" refers to devices used in business and corporate settings in a network of physical objects that contain embedded technology to communicate and sense or interact with their internal states or the external environment. The IoT refers to connected physical devices, in many cases everyday objects (things) that can communicate their status, respond to events, or even act autonomously. This enables communication among those things, closing the gap between the real and the virtual world and creating smarter processes and structures that can support user without needing their attention. IoT has evolved from the convergence of wireless technologies, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), and the Internet. An IoT device is generally provisioned with an IP address to provide it with the capability of transferring data and receive control signals over an IP network using the standard Internet protocols such as TCP/IP or UDP which is being exclusively used in the Internet.
Further, the STBs may also have communication capabilities to connect to the smart computing devices. A ‘smart computing device or user equipment (UE) or user device’ refers to any electrical, electronic, electro-mechanical computing device or equipment or a combination of one or more of the above devices. Also, a ‘smartphone’ is one type of “smart computing device” that refers to a mobility wireless cellular connectivity device that allows end users to use services on cellular networks such as including but not limited to 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G and/or the like mobile broadband Internet connections with an advanced mobile operating system which combines features of a personal computer operating system with other features useful for mobile or handheld use. Also, a smart device may have one or the other type of a subscriber identity module (SIM) card to connect to a network.
Further, the set top boxes (STBs) using the various communication capabilities receives and displays TV signals, connect to networks, play games via a game console, surf the Internet, interact with Interactive Program Guides (IPGs), virtual channels, electronic storefronts, walled gardens, sends e-mail, and initiate videoconferences etc. Also, a number of STB devices have the capability to communicate in real time with other devices such as camcorders, DVD and CD players, portable media devices, music keyboards and the like. Some STB have large dedicated hard-drives and

capability to operate smart cards for purchases, identification and other use cases. The customer/user uses the STBs for entertainment purposes also the users usually watch via the set top box specific contents on specific channels at specific time. Therefore the user has to remember the time and channel number for playing the content every time. Also, some of the STB devices provide the users an option to record contents as well, however, this optionally involves connecting the STB devices with a dedicated external hard drive and explicitly recording the desired content.
Furthermore, over a period of time the STB device has gone on a major transformation in terms of processing and capabilities but one of the major challenges in STB hub based along with IoT platform deployments is different use cases based on detection of events on different devices/IoTs present in vicinity of the set top box. Most of the known solutions rely on direct interaction for command to build the use cases which are static and closed model definition for the detection. For instance, one of the known solution provides a solution for communicating content and call information over Wi-Fi. Furthermore said solution also suggests for about displaying notification of incoming call on multiple screens. Also, another known solution provides a method and apparatus for controlling set top box volume based on mobile device events, this solution suggests about controlling STB volume based on mobile device's signal strength. Yet another known solution provides a method and apparatus for controlling a set top box based on device events, this solution suggests about controlling STB volume based on commands generated by mobile device and transmitted explicitly to achieve desired behavior (mute or reduce/increase volume).
At present, there are no solutions to the existing problems related to detection of one or more events on different devices/IoTs for volume control at the STB along with the Gateway to seamless provide different use cases without any disruption with zero downtime. There are no solutions for enabling the STB to control the volume level based on mobile devices’ signal strength and to smartly detect if only one user or multiple users are watching any program/content via the STB. Furthermore no currently known solution provides a solution to perform multiple actions like smartly displaying by the STB, an incoming call indication protecting user privacy based on how many people are present in a room where the STB is placed. Also, the currently known solutions fails to smartly manage the STB volume (whether to mute or to

reduce/increase volume) based on how many people are present in the room. The known solutions also failed to start auto-recording and to handle scenarios where multiple smartphones enter in call state.
Also, in the current technology landscape there are no mechanism to contextually control volume based on events occurring in vicinity of the set top box, by the other present IoT or smart devices connected with the set top box in the premise. Also, there are no solution that can contextually control volume based on internal and/or external sensors connected to STB directly or in-directly via a cloud platform to determine a presence of one or more users. Furthermore, the current landscape does not disclose elements for controlling volume based on events, by enabling the STB to connect to external smart sensors via wireless connectivity along with directly connected sensors and through all available sensors and contextual information via cloud computing that is based on previous usage patterns.
Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide a novel system and method for contextual volume control by a set top box.
The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related herewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the figures.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
This section is provided to introduce certain objects and aspects of the present invention in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In order to overcome at least some of the drawbacks mentioned in the previous section and those otherwise known to persons skilled in the art, an object of the present invention is to provide a method and system/set top box for contextual volume control by a set top box. Another object of the present invention is to provide method and system for enabling the STB to control the volume level based on mobile devices’ signal strength. Another object of the present invention is to smartly detect

if only one user or multiple users are watching a program via the STB to perform multiple actions like smartly displaying incoming call indication protecting user privacy based on how many people are present in vicinity of the set top box, smartly manage the STB volume (whether to mute or to reduce volume) based on how many people are present in the room where the STB is placed and also starting auto-recording and handling scenarios where multiple smartphones enter in call state. Another object of the present invention is to provide a solution that can automatically turn on and stream the specific serial/episode/movie if the user is not on any call. An object of the present invention is to provide solution that can automatically record/pause the specific serial/episode/movie, if user is on the call. Another object of the present invention is to provide solution that helps to transform a STB to Smart STB that contains communication capabilities including, but not limited to, WiFi, Bluetooth, NB IoT, etc. Another object of the present invention is to provide solution that provides a secure backend cloud infrastructure where all sensor information (internal and external) collected by Smart STB is securely stored, categorized and processed using complex Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms to derive patterns, user preference recognition and provide enhanced user experience. Another object of the present invention is to provide solution that can upgrade the existing Set Top Boxes available in market that lack the capability to understand user requirement and preferences. Another object of the present invention is to provide solution that can upgrade the current STB’s dumb devices with capability to stream digital signal based on a person’s presence and a calling event. Yet another object of the present invention is to mechanism to provides a seamless enhancement of existing Set Top Boxes for precision and decision services in the user devices independent of whether the STB and the IoT is on 5G/4G/3G/EV-Do/eHRPD capable technology. Another object of the present invention is to add value to user for content services and deliver interactive advertisements during no call and halt any such advertisements. Another object of the present invention is to add value with input rich information and technology rich digital content, serving dual purpose of enhancing user experience with low input cost and reducing ecological burden of adding additional devices for such functionality.

Furthermore, in order to achieve the aforementioned objectives, the present invention provides a method and system/set top box for contextual volume control by a set top box.
A first aspect of the present invention relates to the method for contextual volume control by a set top box. The method encompasses identifying, by an identification unit of the set top box, one of an incoming call and an outgoing call at one or more connected user devices. The method thereafter encompasses identifying, by the identification unit, one or more users watching a program via the set top box based on at least one of a sensor data, a user device data and a pre-stored contextual information. Further the method comprises identifying, by the identification unit, a set of user devices associated with a call connect event based on at least one of the identification of the one or more users watching the program, the sensor data and the user device data. The method thereafter leads to determining, by a processing unit of the set top box, a distance of the set of user devices from the set top box based at least on the user device data. Further the method encompasses automatically adjusting in real time, by the processing unit, a volume level of the set top box based at least on the distance of the set of user devices from the set top box.
Another aspect of the present invention relates to a set top box for contextual volume control by a set top box. The set top box comprises an identification unit, configured to identify one of an incoming call and an outgoing call at one or more connected user devices. The identification unit is thereafter configured to identify one or more users watching a program via the set top box based on at least one of a sensor data, a user device data and a pre-stored contextual information. The identification unit is thereafter configured to identify a set of user devices associated with a call connect event based on at least one of the identification of the one or more users watching the program, the sensor data and the user device data. The set top box thereafter comprises a processing unit, configured to determine a distance of the set of user devices from the set top box based at least on the user device data. Further the processing unit is configured to automatically adjust in real time, a volume level of the set top box based at least on the distance of the set of user devices from the set top box.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Some drawings may indicate the components using block diagrams and may not represent the internal circuitry of each component. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that disclosure of such drawings includes disclosure of electrical components, electronic components or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.
Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a set top box [100] for contextual volume control by the set top box, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary diagram of a set top box [200], in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary method flow diagram [300], depicting a method for contextual volume control by a set top box, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram, depicting an instance implementation of an exemplary process of contextual volume control by a set top box, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following more detailed description of the disclosure.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described

hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address all of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein.
The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth.
Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a sequence diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional steps not included in a figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination can correspond to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.
Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks (e.g., a computer-program product) may be stored in a machine-readable medium. A processor(s) may perform the necessary tasks.
The term “machine-readable storage medium” or “computer-readable storage medium” includes, but is not limited to, portable or non-portable storage devices, optical storage devices, and various other mediums capable of storing, containing, or carrying instruction(s) and/or data. A machine-readable medium may include a non-

transitory medium in which data can be stored and that does not include carrier waves and/or transitory electronic signals propagating wirelessly or over wired connections. Examples of a non-transitory medium may include, but are not limited to, a magnetic disk or tape, optical storage media such as compact disk (CD) or digital versatile disk (DVD), flash memory, memory or memory devices. A computer-program product may include code and/or machine-executable instructions that may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.
The word “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive—in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word—without precluding any additional or other elements.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
The term "data" as used herein means any indicia, signals, marks, symbols, domains, symbol sets, representations, and any other physical form or forms representing information, whether permanent or temporary, whether visible, audible, acoustic, electric, magnetic, electromagnetic or otherwise manifested. The term "data" as used to represent predetermined information in one physical form shall be deemed to encompass any and all representations of corresponding information in a different physical form or forms.
The terms "media data" and "media" as used herein mean data which is widely accessible, whether over-the-air, or via cable, satellite, network, internetwork (including the Internet), print, displayed, distributed on storage media, or by any other means or technique that is humanly perceptible, without regard to the form or content of such data, and including but not limited to audio, video, audio/video, text, images, animations, databases, broadcasts, displays (including but not limited to video displays, posters and billboards), signs, signals, web pages, print media and streaming media data.
The terms "reading" and "read" as used herein mean a process or processes that serve to recover data that has been added to, encoded in, combined with or embedded in, media data.
The term "database" as used herein means an organized body of related data, regardless of the manner in which the data or the organized body thereof is represented. For example, the organized body of related data may be in the form of

one or more of a table, a map, a grid, a packet, a datagram, a frame, a file, an e-mail, a message, a document, a report, a list or in any other form.
The terms "first", "second", "primary" and "secondary" are used to distinguish one element, set, data, object, step, process, function, activity or thing from another, and are not used to designate relative position, or arrangement in time or relative importance, unless otherwise stated explicitly. The terms "coupled", "coupled to", and "coupled with" as used herein each mean a relationship between or among two or more devices, apparatus, files, circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, and/or means, constituting any one or more of (a) a connection, whether direct or through one or more other devices, apparatus, files, circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means, (b) a communications relationship, whether direct or through one or more other devices, apparatus, files, circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means, and/or (c) a functional relationship in which the operation of any one or more devices, apparatus, files, circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means depends, in whole or in part, on the operation of any one or more others thereof.
The terms "communicate," and "communicating'' and as used herein include both conveying data from a source to a destination, and delivering data to a communications medium, system, channel, network, device, wire, cable, fiber, circuit and/or link to be conveyed to a destination and the term "communication" as used herein means data so conveyed or delivered. The term "communications" as used herein includes one or more of a communications medium, system, channel, network, device, wire, cable, fiber, circuit and link.
Moreover, terms like “user equipment” (UE), “electronic device”, “mobile station”, “user device”, “mobile subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “smartphone,” “smart computing device,” “handset,” and similar terminology refers to any electrical, electronic, electro-mechanical equipment or a combination of one or more of the above devices. Smart computing devices may include, but not limited

to, a mobile phone, smart phone, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, pager, laptop, a general-purpose computer, desktop, personal digital assistant, tablet computer, mainframe computer, or any other computing device as may be obvious to a person skilled in the art. In general, a smart computing device is a digital, user configured, computer networked device that can operate autonomously. A smart computing device is one of the appropriate systems for storing data and other private/sensitive information. The said device operates at all the seven levels of ISO reference model, but the primary function is related to the application layer along with the network, session and presentation layer with any additional features of a touch screen, apps ecosystem, physical and biometric security, etc. Further, a ‘smartphone’ is one type of “smart computing device” that refers to the mobility wireless cellular connectivity device that allows end-users to use services on 2G, 3G, 4G and the like mobile broadband Internet connections with an advanced mobile operating system which combines features of a personal computer operating system with other features useful for mobile or handheld use. These smartphones can access the Internet, have a touchscreen user interface, can run third-party apps including the capability of hosting online applications, music players and are camera phones possessing high-speed mobile broadband 4G LTE internet with video calling, hotspot functionality, motion sensors, mobile payment mechanisms and enhanced security features with alarm and alert in emergencies. Mobility devices may include smartphones, wearable devices, smart-watches, smart bands, wearable augmented devices, etc. For the sake of specificity, we will refer to the mobility device to both feature phone and smartphones in this disclosure but will not limit the scope of the disclosure and may extend to any mobility device in implementing the technical solutions. The above smart devices including the smartphone as well as the feature phone including IoT devices enable the communication on the devices. Furthermore, the foregoing terms are utilized interchangeably in the subject specification and related drawings.
As used herein, a “processor” or “processing unit” includes one or more processors, wherein processor refers to any logic circuitry for processing instructions. A processor may be a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more

microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, a low-end microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, Field Programmable Gate Array circuits, any other type of integrated circuits, etc. Furthermore, the term "processor" as used herein includes, but is not limited to one or more computers, hardwired circuits, signal modifying devices and systems, devices and machines for controlling systems, central processing units, programmable devices and systems, systems on a chip, systems comprised of discrete elements and/or circuits, state machines, virtual machines, data processors, processing facilities and combinations of any of the foregoing. The processor may perform signal coding data processing, input/output processing, and/or any other functionality that enables the working of the system according to the present disclosure. More specifically, the processor or processing unit is a hardware processor. The term "processor" as used herein means processing devices, apparatus, programs, circuits, components, systems and subsystems, whether implemented in hardware, tangibly-embodied software or both, and whether or not programmable.
As used herein, “memory unit”, “storage unit” and/or “memory” refers to a machine or computer-readable medium including any mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a computer or similar machine. For example, a computer-readable medium includes read-only memory (“ROM”), random access memory (“RAM”), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices or other types of machine-accessible storage media. The memory unit as used herein is configured to retain data, whether on a temporary or permanent basis, and to provide such retained data to various units to perform their respective functions.
As used herein the “Transceiver Unit” may include but not limited to a transmitter to transmit data to one or more destinations and a receiver to receive data from one or more sources. Further, the Transceiver Unit may include any other similar unit obvious to a person skilled in the art, to implement the features of the present invention. The transceiver unit may convert data or information to signals and vice versa for the purpose of transmitting and receiving respectively.
The present invention provides a novel system and method for contextual volume control by a set top box (STB). More particularly, the disclosure encompasses

automatically adjusting a volume level based on a contextual information and a signal strength of a user device connected to the set top box, wherein the user device is the device on which an incoming or an outgoing call is detected. The present invention in order to implement the features of the present invention encompasses connecting the set top box via one or more communication interfaces like IR (infrared), Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi, NFC, Cloud etc., with at least one of one or more user devices/smartphones, one or more display devices (such as Televisions), one or more Remote-Control Units (RCUs) and other devices including IoTs, home surveillance systems, home automation systems, sensors such as camera sensors, smart bulb sensors, thermostats, fitness band’s sensors, smart door-lock’s sensors, etc. The Remote-control unit (RCU) including the sensors like accelerometer, microphone, gyroscope, fingerprint, etc., connects to the STB via IR (InfraRed), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) or any other communication mechanism that is able to transmit sensor data to STB.
The set top box (STB) is also connected to secured cloud storage unit/s for data processing and storage. More particularly, the STB is connected with the one or more cloud storage units, where all sensor information (i.e. data received from internally and/or externally connected sensors of the set top box) collected by the STB is securely stored, categorized and processed using complex Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) modules based trained datasets to derive patterns, user preference recognition to provide better user experience.
The STB is configured to receive, decode and display digital signals to support IP TV, gaming, media content streaming, live streaming etc. functions. Furthermore, the implementation of the features of the present disclosure enables the STB to control a volume level based on detection of a calling event on one or more mobile devices, mobile devices’ signal strength, a pre-stored contextual data of users of the mobile devices and at least one sensor data. Also the solution as disclosed in the present invention enables the set top box to smartly detect if only one user or multiple users are watching a program via the STB, to perform one or more actions like smartly displaying a call indication protecting user privacy based on how many people are present in a room where the STB is placed, smartly managing the STB volume (whether to mute or to reduce volume) based on how many people are present in the

room and starting auto-recording and handling scenarios where one or multiple smartphones enter in call state etc. Furthermore, in the present invention contextual information, information or data such as sensor data, user device data associated with a user and the like is collected based on prior consent provided by such user. Further, the contextual information is a non-personal information.
Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present disclosure.
Referring to Figure 1, an exemplary block diagram of a set top box [100] for contextual volume control by a set top box, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown.
The set top box [100] comprises, at least one identification unit [102], at least one processing unit [104], at least one transceiver unit [106] and at least one storage unit [108]. Also, all of the components/ units of the set top box [100] are assumed to be connected to each other unless otherwise indicated below. Also, in Fig. 1 only a few units are shown, however, the set top box [100] may comprise multiple such units or the set top box [100] may comprise any such numbers of said units, as required to implement the features of the present disclosure.
The set top box [100] is configured for contextual volume control with the help of the interconnection between the components/units of the set top box [100].
The transceiver unit [106] is configured to initiate a connection between the set top box and at least one of one or more user devices, one or more sensors and one or more storage units. Each user device from the one or more user devices is a device capable to provide a communication over a voice and/or a video call. In an implementation the one or more user devices are connected to the set top box [100] via at least one of a wired and a wireless connection. Also, the one or more sensors comprises one or more internal sensors of the set top box and/or one or more externally connected sensors of the set top box. In an implementation the one or more sensors may also include sensor/s present in at least one of a remote control unit (RCU) and a smart device (such as a smartwatch, a smartphone, a smart AC, a

smart bulb and the like) connected to the set top box [100]. More particularly, in an example the one or more sensors may include but not limited to one or more smart door-lock sensors, smart bulb sensors, motion sensors, camera sensors, thermostat sensors, microphone sensors, thermal sensors, pressure sensors, infrared sensors and the other such sensors present in a smartphone, a smart/fitness watch, a smart TV and/or the like smart/IoT devices connected to the set top box [100]. The one or more sensors are connected to the set top box via one or more communication interfaces such as IR (infrared), Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi, NFC, Cloud etc.
Further, the one or more storage units comprises one or more cloud storage units and the one or more cloud storage units are connected to the set top box [100] via one or more wireless communication mediums. Also, the one or more cloud storage units are configured to store at least a contextual information related to one or more users, wherein such contextual information comprises users’ usage patterns, user preference recognition and such contextual information of the one or more users. Also, in an implementation, the one or more cloud storage units are configured to securely store, categorize and/or process at least one sensor data (i.e. a data received via the one or more sensors connected with the set top box [100]) based on a pre-trained data set to determine the contextual information related to the one or more users. The pre-trained data set comprises a plurality of users’ usage patterns, a plurality of users’ preference recognitions and the similar data.
The identification unit [102] is configured to identify one of an incoming call and an outgoing call at the one or more user devices connected with the set top box, wherein the incoming call and the outgoing call is one of a voice call and a video call.
After identification of one of the incoming call and the outgoing call, the identification unit [102] is configured to identify one or more users watching a program via the set top box [100] based on at least one of the sensor data, a user device data and a pre-stored contextual information. The user device data is a data received at the set top box [100] from the one or more user devices and the user device data comprises at least a signal strength between the one or more user devices and the set top box and an information related to the one or more user devices. Further, the pre-stored contextual information is received at the set top box [100] from the one or more cloud

storage units and the pre-stored contextual information comprises the contextual information of the one or more users. Also, the sensor data comprises the data received at the set top box [100] from the one or more sensors connected to the set top box [100]. More particularly, the identification unit [102] is configured to identify a number of persons watching a display device (such as a TV) connected to the set top box based on the one or more users’ contextual information received at the set top box from at least one of the connected one or more user devices, the one or more internal sensors, the one or more external sensors and the one or more storage units. More specifically, an owner of a user device/number of persons watching a program via the set top box are identified based on an information collected/received at the set top box based on the user device data (such as a distance of connected user device/s from the STB), the sensor data (such as passive listening through microphone sensors, number of smart bulbs powered ON, data captured by camera or motion detection sensors etc.), and the pre-stored contextual information (such as time of the day, what content is been played on STB at the said time and if the owner of a particular user device or more than one person are highly likely to watch such content, etc.). Furthermore, in the present invention contextual information, information or data such as sensor data, user device data associated with a user and the like is collected based on prior consent provided by such user. Further, the contextual information is a non-personal information.
Further, the processing unit [104] is further configured to display at the display unit (such as the TV) connected to the set top box [100], a notification related to one of the incoming call and the outgoing call identified on the one or more user devices based on the identified one or more users. Furthermore, the notification comprises one of a caller and a receiver details with the call indication in an event one of the incoming call and the outgoing call is identified at a first user device from the one or more user devices connected with the set top box, and only a user of the first user device is identified to be watching the program via the set top box. Also, in an implementation the notification comprises only the call indication and no caller and/or receiver details are displayed with the call indication if one of the incoming call and the outgoing call is identified at the first user device from the one or more user devices connected with the set top box, and more than one users are identified to be

watching the program via the set top box [100]. Also, in another implementation, the notification further comprises a user device identifier along with an indication of one of the incoming and the outgoing call, in an event one of the incoming call and the outgoing call is identified at more than one user devices from the one or more user devices connected with the set top box. Furthermore in such implementation the notification comprises the user device identifier of each user device on which one of the incoming and the outgoing call is identified. In one another implementation if more than one user devices are connected with the set top box and incoming/outgoing call is detected on a single user device, the notification along with said user device’s identifier is displayed. Also, the user device identifier comprises a user device information of a specific user device such as a name of the owner of said specific user device, a model name and/or number of the specific user device, a type of the specific user device (such as a smartphone, a smartwatch etc.) and the like. More specifically, the user device identifier comprises any such information of a specific user device which helps the users to identify said specific user device from multiple user devices.
Thereafter, the identification unit [102] is configured to identify a set of user devices associated with a call connect event based on at least one of the identification of the one or more users watching the program, the sensor data and the user device data. The call connect event indicates that a call is answered/established. The set of user devices associated with the call connect event comprises one or more user devices on which a call is answered or one or more user devices on which a call is established between a caller and a callee party. More particularly, the identification unit [102] is configured to identify the set of user devices associated with the call connect event based on at least one of the identification of the one or more users watching the program, the sensor data and the user device data, for example if four users (user 1, 2, 3 and 4) are identified watching a program via the set top box [100] and an incoming call on a user device of user 2 (i.e. user device 2) and user 3 (i.e. user device 3) is identified. Also in the given example, a sensor data of a camera sensor indicates that user 2 and user 3 are operating their respective user devices, and a sensor data of a microphone sensor indicates the user 2 is communicating over a call. Furthermore, in the given example, a user device data indicates that the incoming call identified on

the user device 2 is answered and incoming call identified on the user device 3 is declined. The identification unit [102] thereafter based on such identification of users 1, 2, 3 and 4, the sensor data of the camera sensor and the microphone sensor and the user device data, is configured to identify the user device 2 as a user device associated with the call connect event.
Further, once the set of user devices associated with the call connect event are identified, the processing unit [104] is configured to automatically initiate, a recording of the program displayed via the set top box [100] based on the identification of the set of user devices. More specifically, if a call connect event is identified on one or more user devices, the processing unit [104] is configured to automatically start recording of a program/ongoing session streamed via the set top box [100].
Further, the processing unit [104] is configured to determine a distance of the set of user devices from the set top box based at least on the user device data. The processing unit [104] is configured to determine the distance of the set of user devices from the set top box in real time. In an implementation the distance of the set of user devices (i.e. the one or more user devices on which the call connect event is identified) from the set top box [100] is determined based on a signal strength between the one or more user devices on which the call is answered/established and the set top box [100]. For instance, when one or more users of one or more user devices answers a call, the processing unit [104] is configured to automatically calculate a distance of said one or more call answering user devices from the STB [100], based on communication parameters such as RSSI signal strength in case of WiFi or BT (Bluetooth) connection between said one or more call answering user devices and the STB [100]. More specifically, if the signal strength between the set of user devices and the set top box is high, the distance of the set of user devices from the set top box is lesser and the set of user devices is identified to be nearer to the set top box or a TV connected to the STB. Also, if the signal strength between the set of user devices and the set top box is low, the distance of the set of user devices from the set top box is higher and the set of user devices is identified to be away from the set top box or the TV connected to the STB.

Thereafter, the processing unit [104] is configured to automatically adjust in real time, a volume level of the set top box and/or a display device connected to the set top box, based at least on the distance of the set of user devices from the set top box [100]. In an implementation, a volume of the set top box/TV connected to STB is decreased/muted if a signal strength is high i.e. a user device associated with a call connect event is nearer to the TV/set top box. Also if the signal strength is low i.e. the user device associated with the call connect event is away from the TV/set top box, the volume is increased/unmuted. Also, in another implementation if more than one user devices enters in the call connect state simultaneously, then the processing unit [104] is configured to automatically adjust a volume level of the STB [100] based on the STB’s distance from all user devices with active call connect state. The volume can be increased or decreased in real time based on a real time change in the signal strength/distance between the user device/s associated with the call connect event and the set top box [100].
Furthermore, in an implementation the processing unit [104] is further configured to automatically adjust in real time, the volume level of the set top box based on the sensor data. For instance if based on a sensor data of one or more sensors such as an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, a microphone sensor and the like, a user of a user device in a call connect state is identified nearer to the set top box [100] or a display device connected to the STB [100], the processing unit [104] is further configured to automatically adjust in real time, the volume level of the set top box/TV based on said sensor data of said sensors.
The processing unit [104] is also configured to automatically reset the volume level of the set top box and/or the display device connected to the set top box, to a pre-set volume level, based on an identification of a call disconnect event at the set of user devices. The call disconnect event indicates a termination of the call established between a caller and a callee party. Therefore, if a call termination event is identified on the one or more user devices on which the call is answered or the one or more user devices on which the call is established, the processing unit [104] is configured to automatically reset the volume level of the set top box and/or the display device connected to the set top box to the pre-set volume level.

Also, the processing unit [104] is configured to automatically stop the recording of the program/ongoing session, based on the identification of the call disconnect event at the set of user devices.
Referring to Figure 2, an exemplary diagram of a set top box [200], in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown. The set top box [200] as indicated in the Figure 2, depicts units/components additional to units/components disclosed in the Figure 1.
More particularly, as shown in Figure 2, the set top box [200] comprises, at least one processing unit [104], at least one transceiver unit [106], at least one identification unit [102], at least one storage unit [108], at least one power management unit [202], at least one remote control interface [204], at least one video decoder [206], at least one audio decoder [208], at least internal sensor interface [210] and at least one external sensor interface [212]. All of the components/ units of the set top box [200] are assumed to be connected to each other unless otherwise indicated below. Also, in Fig. 2 only a few units are shown, however, the set top box [200] may comprise multiple such units or the set top box [200] may comprise any such numbers of said units, as required to implement the features of the present disclosure. The set top box [200] is configured for contextual volume control, with the help of the interconnection between the components/ units of the set top box [200].
Furthermore, the power management unit [202] is configured to manage a power source or a power on/off state of the units/components of the set top box [200]. Also, the remote control interface [204] is configured to provide an interface to remotely connect the set top box [200] with one or more remote devices/sensors. The video decoder [206] and the audio decoder [208] are configured to decode an encoded video and audio digital contents respectively, to stream at least one digital content via the set top box [200]. Further, internal sensor interface [210] and the external sensor interface [212] are configured to provide an interface to connect to the one or more internal sensor and one or more external sensors respectively, with the set top box [200].
Further, the processing unit [104], the transceiver unit [106], the identification unit [102] and the storage unit [108] of the set top box [200] are configured to operate in

a similar manner as disclosed above in Figure 1, to implement the features of the present invention.
Referring to Figure 3, an exemplary method flow diagram [300], depicting a method for contextual volume control by a set top box, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown. In an implementation the method is performed at the set top box [100]. As shown in Figure 3, the method starts at step [302].
The method comprises initiating by a transceiver unit [106] of the set top box, a connection between the set top box and at least one of one or more user devices, one or more sensors and one or more storage units. Each user device from the one or more user devices is a device capable to provide a communication over a voice and/or a video call. In an implementation the one or more user devices are connected to the set top box [100] via at least one of a wired and a wireless connection. Also, the one or more sensors comprises one or more internal sensors of the set top box and/or one or more externally connected sensors of the set top box. In an implementation the one or more sensors may also include sensor/s present in at least one of a remote control unit (RCU) and a smart device (such as a smartwatch, a smartphone, a smart AC, a smart bulb and the like) connected to the set top box [100]. More particularly, in an example the one or more sensors may include but not limited to one or more motion sensors, accelerometer sensors, camera sensors, gyroscope sensors, thermostat sensors, proximity sensors, microphone sensors, pressure sensors, optical sensors, infrared sensors, sensors present in at least one of a smartphone, a smart/fitness watch, a smart TV and/or the like smart/IoT devices connected to the set top box [100]. The one or more sensors are connected to the set top box via one or more communication interfaces such as IR (infrared), Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi, NFC, Cloud etc.
Further, the one or more storage units comprises one or more cloud storage units and the one or more cloud storage units are connected to the set top box [100] via one or more wireless communication mediums. Also, the method encompasses storing at the one or more cloud storage units at least a contextual information related to one or more users, wherein such contextual information comprises users’ usage patterns,

user preference recognition and such other contextual information of the one or more users. Also, in an implementation, the method comprises securely storing, categorizing and/or processing at the one or more cloud storage units end, at least one sensor data (i.e. a data received via the one or more sensors connected with the set top box [100]) based on a pre-trained data set to determine the contextual information related to the one or more users. The pre-trained data set comprises a plurality of users’ usage patterns, a plurality of users’ preference recognitions and the similar data.
Thereafter at step [304] the method comprises identifying, by an identification unit [102] of the set top box, one of an incoming call and an outgoing call at the one or more user devices connected with the set top box, wherein the incoming call and the outgoing call is one of a voice call and a video call.
Further at step [306] the method comprises identifying, by the identification unit [102], one or more users watching a program/ongoing session streamed via the set top box based on at least one of the sensor data, a user device data and a pre-stored contextual information. The method encompasses receiving the user device data at the set top box [100] from the one or more user devices connected with the set top box [100] and the user device data comprises at least a signal strength between the one or more user devices and the set top box and an information related to the one or more user devices. Further, the method comprises receiving the pre-stored contextual information at the set top box [100] from the one or more cloud storage units and the pre-stored contextual information comprises the contextual information the one or more users. Also, the sensor data comprises the data received at the set top box [100] from the one or more sensors connected to the set top box [100]. Furthermore, in the present invention contextual information, information or data such as sensor data, user device data associated with a user and the like is collected based on prior consent provided by such user. Further, the contextual information is a non-personal information.
More particularly, the method comprises identifying by the identification unit [102], a number of persons watching a display device (such as a TV) connected to the set top box based on the one or more users’ contextual information received at the set top

box from at least one of the connected one or more user devices, one or more internal sensors, one or more external sensors and one or more storage units. More specifically, an owner of a user device/number of persons watching a program via the set top box are identified based on the user device data (such as a distance of connected user device/s from the STB), the sensor data (such as passive listening through microphone sensors, number of smart devices powered ON, data captured by infrared, optical or motion detection sensors etc.), and the pre-stored contextual information (such as time of the day, what content is been played on STB at the said time and if the owner of a particular user device or more than one person are highly likely to watch such content, etc.), collected/received at the set top box.
The method further comprises displaying, by the processing unit [104] at the display unit connected to the set top box [100], a notification related to one of the identified incoming call and the identified outgoing call based on the identified one or more users. In an implementation the notification comprises one of a caller and a receiver details with the call indication in an event one of the incoming call and the outgoing call is identified at a first user device from the one or more user devices connected with the set top box, and only a user of the first user device is identified to be watching the program/ongoing session via the set top box [100]. Also, in another implementation, the notification comprises only the call indication and no caller and/or receiver details are displayed with the call indication if one of the incoming call and the outgoing call respectively, is identified at the first user device from the one or more user devices connected with the set top box and more than one users are identified to be watching the program/ongoing session via the set top box [100]. Also, in yet another implementation, the notification comprises a user device identifier along with an indication of one of the incoming and the outgoing call, in an event one of the incoming call and the outgoing call is identified at more than one user devices from the one or more user devices connected with the set top box [100]. Furthermore in such implementation the notification comprises the user device identifier of each user device on which one of the incoming and the outgoing call is identified. In one another implementation if more than one user devices are connected with the set top box and incoming/outgoing call is detected on a single user device, the notification along with said user device’s identifier and the call indication is displayed. Also, the

user device identifier comprises a user device information of a specific user device such as a name of the owner of said specific user device, a model name and/or number of the specific user device, a type of the specific user device (such as a smartphone, a smartwatch etc.) and the like. More specifically, the user device identifier comprises any such information of a specific user device which helps the users to identify said specific user device from multiple user devices.
Next at step [308], the method comprises identifying, by the identification unit [102], a set of user devices associated with a call connect event based on at least one of the identification of the one or more users watching the program, the sensor data and the user device data. The call connect event indicates that a call is answered/established. The set of user devices associated with the call connect event comprises one or more user devices on which a call is answered or one or more user devices on which a call is established between a caller and a callee party. More particularly, the method encompasses identifying by the identification unit [102], the set of user devices associated with the call connect event based on at least one of the identification of the one or more users watching the program, the sensor data and the user device data, for example if six users (user A, B, C, D, E and F) are identified watching a program via the set top box [100] and an incoming call on a user device of user C (i.e. user device C) and user D (i.e. user device D) is identified. Also in the given example, a sensor data of an optical sensor indicates that user C and user D are operating their respective user devices, and a sensor data of a microphone sensor indicates the user C is communicating over a call. Furthermore, in the given example, a user device data indicates that the incoming call identified on the user device C is answered and incoming call identified on the user device D is declined. The method in such instance, based on such identification of users A to F, the sensor data of the optical sensor and the microphone sensor and the user device data, encompasses identifying by the identification unit [102], the user device C as a user device associated with the call connect event.
Further, once the set of user devices associated with the call connect event are identified, the method comprises automatically initiating by a processing unit [104] of the set top box [100], a recording of the program/ongoing session displayed via the set top box [100] based on the identification of the set of user devices. More

specifically, if a call connect event is identified on one or more user devices, the method encompasses automatically recording of a program/ongoing session streamed via the set top box [100], by the processing unit [104].
The method thereafter at step [310] comprises determining, by the processing unit [104] of the set top box, a distance of the set of user devices from the set top box based at least on the user device data. The method encompasses determining by the processing unit [104] the distance of the set of user devices from the set top box in real time. In an implementation the distance of the set of user devices (i.e. the one or more user devices on which the call connect event is identified) from the set top box [100] is determined based on a signal strength between the one or more user devices on which the call is answered/established and the set top box [100]. For instance, when one or more users of one or more user devices answers a call, the method comprises automatically calculating by the processing unit [104], a distance of said one or more call answering user devices from the STB [100], based on communication parameters such as RSSI signal strength in case of WiFi or BT (Bluetooth) connection between said one or more call answering user devices and the STB [100]. More specifically, if the signal strength between the set of user devices and the set top box is high, the distance of the set of user devices from the set top box is lesser and the set of user devices is identified to be nearer to the set top box or a TV connected to the STB. Also, if the signal strength between the set of user devices and the set top box is low, the distance of the set of user devices from the set top box is higher and the set of user devices is identified to be away from the set top box or the TV connected to the STB.
Further the method at step [312] comprises automatically adjusting in real time, by the processing unit [104], a volume level of the set top box based at least on the distance of the set of user devices from the set top box [100]. In an implementation, a volume of the set top box/TV connected to STB is decreased/muted if a signal strength is high i.e. one or more user devices associated with a call connect event is nearer to the TV/set top box. Also if the signal strength is low i.e. the one or more user device associated with the call connect event is away from the TV/set top box, the volume is increased/unmuted. Also, in another implementation if more than one user devices enters in the call connect state simultaneously, the method encompasses

automatically adjusting by the processing unit [104], a volume level of the STB [100] based on the STB’s distance from all user devices with active call connect state. The volume can be increased or decreased in real time based on a real time change in the signal strength/distance between the user device/s associated with the call connect event and the set top box [100].
Also in an implementation, the process of automatically adjusting in real time, by the processing unit [104], a volume level of the set top box is further based on the sensor data. For instance, if based on a sensor data of one or more sensors, a user of a user device in a call connect state is identified nearer to the set top box [100] or a display device connected to the STB [100], the method via the processing unit [104] encompasses automatically adjusting in real time, the volume level of the set top box/TV based on said sensor data of said sensors.
The method further comprises automatically resetting by the processing unit [104], the volume level of the set top box to a pre-set volume level and automatically stopping the recording of the program, based on an identification of a call disconnect event at the set of user devices. The call disconnect event indicates a termination of the call established between a caller and a callee party. Therefore, if a call termination event is identified on the one or more user devices on which the call is answered or the one or more user devices on which the call is established, the method encompasses automatically resetting by processing unit [104] the volume level of the set top box to the pre-set volume level and automatically stopping by processing unit [104] the recording of the program/ongoing session.
The method thereafter terminates at step [314].
Referring to Figure 4, an exemplary flow diagram, depicting an instance implementation of an exemplary process of contextual volume control by a set top box, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown. As shown in Figure 4, the method starts at step [402].
At step [404], the set top box (STB) is powered on. Once the STB is powered on, at step [406], the STB connects to one or more user devices (such as smartphones and/or fitness bands etc.) and all available sensors including internal sensors, external

sensors and RCU (Remote Control Unit). Also, the STB thereafter connects to one or more cloud storage units to receive a pre-stored contextual data related to one or more users. After establishing all the connections, the STB [100], based on the contextual information received from the one or more cloud storage units and a sensor data received from the connected sensors, is configured to identify if a single or multiple user(s) are present in a room where the set top box is placed to display media contents.
Thereafter, the method at step [408] encompasses identifying an incoming/outgoing voice/video call on one or more user devices connected to the STB and whenever there is an incoming/outgoing voice/video call on a connected user device such as a smartphone is detected, the STB is configured to perform one or more checks. Further to perform the one or more checks, the method leads to step [412]. Also, in an event no incoming/outgoing voice/video call is detected, the method leads to step [410] and no further action is taken at the STB.
Further at step [412], the method comprises identifying if owner of the one or more user devices (such as the smartphone) on which the incoming/outgoing voice/video call is detected is watching the TV connected to the set top box. Said identification of the owner of said smartphone/user device is done based at least on a contextual information (such as a time of the day, what content is been played on the STB at said time and if smartphone’s owner is highly likely to watch such content etc.,) received from the one or more cloud storage units, a sensor data (such as an information received from internal and/or external sensors connected to the STB e.g.: passive listening through mic of RCU to identify if the smartphone owner is in same room where the STB is placed, number of smart bulbs are powered ON, a camera or motion detection sensors data), and an information collected from the smartphone’s distance from the STB (such as RSSI signal strength of Wi-Fi / BT connection). Further, if the owner of the one or more user devices is detected to be watching the TV connected to the set top box, the method leads to step [414], otherwise the method leads to step [424]. At step [424] the call is answered and the method thereafter leads to step [426].

Thereafter, at step [414], the method encompasses identifying if the owner of the one or more user devices is watching the TV alone or if more than one person are watching the TV. Further, said identification is done based at least on the contextual information (such as the time of the day, what content is been played on the STB at said time and if smartphone’s owner and one or more persons are highly likely to watch such content etc.,) received from the one or more cloud storage units and the sensor data (such as the information received from internal and/or external sensors connected to the STB). Further, if the owner of the one or more user devices is detected to be watching the TV alone, the method leads to step [418], otherwise the method leads to step [416].
At step [416], a notification is displayed on the TV, wherein the notification encompasses indication of the incoming/outgoing call without the caller/callee details. The method thereafter leads to step [420].
Also, at step [418], a notification is displayed on the TV, wherein the notification encompasses indication of the incoming/outgoing call along with the caller/callee details. The method thereafter leads to step [420].
Further, at step [420] the call is answered and the method leads to step [422]. The method at step [422] encompasses stating automatic recording of the TV channel and the method then leads to step [426] from step [422].
Thereafter, at step [426] the method encompasses checking a signal strength between the one or more user devices on which the call is answered and the set top box, to identify a distance of the one or more user devices from the STB. More particularly, when the owner of smartphone/s answers the call, the STB automatically calculates the distance of the smartphone/s from the STB, based on communication parameters such as RSSI signal strength in case of WiFi or BT (Bluetooth) connection between the smartphone/s and the STB.
Further the method at step [428] comprises detecting if the one or more user devices (smartphone/s) are closer to the TV based on the identified distance. Further if the one or more user devices are detected to be nearer the TV the method leads to step [430], otherwise the method leads to step [432].

At step [430] the method comprises automatically decreasing the volume of the TV/STB if more people are watching STB/TV or the TV/STB is paused/muted when only owner is watching the STB/TV to avoid inconvenience.
Further, at step [432], the method comprises automatically increasing the volume of the TV/STB if more people are watching STB/TV or the TV/STB is resumes/unmuted when only owner is watching the STB/TV to avoid inconvenience.
The method thereafter at step [434] comprises identifying if the call is active on the one or more user devices. In an event the call is active the method leads back to step [426], otherwise the method leads to step [436].
At step [436], the method encompasses resetting by the set top box, its volume level to previous set volume level and if recording was started the set top box stops the recording.
The method thereafter terminates at step [438].
Thus, the present invention provides a novel solution for contextual volume control by a set top box. More specifically, the present invention provides a solution to enable a set top box to control in real time a volume level of the set top box and/or devices connected with the set top box based at least on mobile devices’ signal strength and identification of number of users watching a content streamed via the set top box, in an event a calling event is identified at the mobile device/s. Also the present invention provides a solution for identification of the number of users watching the content streamed via the set top box based on at least one of a pre-stored contextual information, a sensor data and a user device data. Furthermore, the present invention provides a solution to automatically record a content streamed via the set top box, in an event a calling event is identified at the mobile device/s.
The systems/units depicted in some of the figures may be provided in various configurations. In some embodiments, the systems may be configured as a distributed system where one or more components of the system are distributed across one or more networks in a cloud computing system.
A network may be set up to provide an access device user with access to various

devices connected to the network. For example, a network may include one or more network devices that provide a user with the ability to remotely configure or control the network devices themselves or one or more electronic devices (e.g., appliances) connected to the network devices. The electronic devices may be located within an environment or a venue that can support the network. An environment can include, for example, a home, an office, a business, an automobile, a park, or the like. A network may include one or more gateways that allow client devices (e.g., network devices, access devices, or the like) to access the network by providing wired connections and/or wireless connections using radio frequency channels in one or more frequency bands. The one or more gateways may also provide the client devices with access to one or more external networks, such as a cloud network, the Internet, and/or other wide area networks.
A local area network, such as a user's home local area network, can include multiple network devices that provide various functionalities. Network devices may be accessed and controlled using an access device and/or one or more network gateways. One or more gateways in the local area network may be designated as a primary gateway that provides the local area network with access to an external network. The local area network can also extend outside of the user's home/building and may include network devices located outside of the user's home/building. For instance, the local area network can include network devices such as exterior motion sensors, exterior lighting (e.g., porch lights, walkway lights, security lights, or the like), garage door openers, sprinkler systems, or other network devices that are exterior to the user's home. It is desirable for a user to be able to access the network devices while located within the local area network and also while located remotely from the local area network. For example, a user may access the network devices using an access device within the local area network or remotely from the local area network.
In some embodiments, a user may create an account with login information that is used to authenticate the user and allow access to the network devices. For example, once an account is created, a user may enter the login information in order to access a network device in a logical network.
In some embodiments, an accountless authentication process may be performed so

that the user can access one or more network devices within a logical network without having to enter network device login credentials each time access is requested. While located locally within the local area network, an access device may be authenticated based on the access device's authentication with the logical network. For example, if the access device has authorized access to the logical network (e.g., a WiFi network provided by a gateway), the network devices paired with that logical network may allow the access device to connect to them without requiring a login. Accordingly, only users of access devices that have authorization to access the logical network are authorized to access network devices within the logical network, and these users are authorized without having to provide login credentials for the network devices.
An accountless authentication process may also be performed when the user is remote so that the user can access network devices within the logical network, using an access device, without having to enter network device login credentials. While remote, the access device may access the network devices in the local area network using an external network, such as a cloud network, the Internet, or the like. One or more gateways may provide the network devices and/or access device connected to the local area network with access to the external network. To allow accountless authentication, a cloud network server may provide a network ID and/or one or more keys to a network device and/or to the access device (e.g., running an application, program, or the like). In some cases, a unique key may be generated for the network device and a separate unique key may be generated for the access device. The keys may be specifically encrypted with unique information identifiable only to the network device and the access device. The network device and the access device may be authenticated using the network ID and/or each device's corresponding key each time the network device or access device attempts to access the cloud network server.
In some embodiments, a home local area network may include a single gateway, such as a router. A network device within the local area network may pair with or connect to the gateway and may obtain credentials from the gateway. For example, when the network device is powered on, a list of gateways that are detected by the network device may be displayed on an access device (e.g., via an application, program, or the like installed on and executed by the access device). In this example, only the single gateway is included in the home local area network (e.g., any other displayed

gateways may be part of other local area networks). In some embodiments, only the single gateway may be displayed (e.g., when only the single gateway is detected by the network device). A user may select the single gateway as the gateway with which the network device is to pair and may enter login information for accessing the gateway. The login information may be the same information that was originally set up for accessing the gateway (e.g., a network user name and password, a network security key, or any other appropriate login information). The access device may send the login information to the network device and the network device may use the login information to pair with the gateway. The network device may then obtain the credentials from the gateway. The credentials may include a service set identification (SSID) of the home local area network, a media access control (MAC) address of the gateway, and/or the like. The network device may transmit the credentials to a server of a wide area network, such as a cloud network server. In some embodiments, the network device may also send to the server information relating to the network device (e.g., MAC address, serial number, or the like) and/or information relating to the access device (e.g., MAC address, serial number, application unique identifier, or the like).
The cloud network server may register the gateway as a logical network and may assign the first logical network a network identifier (ID). The cloud network server may further generate a set of security keys, which may include one or more security keys. For example, the server may generate a unique key for the network device and a separate unique key for the access device. The server may associate the network device and the access device with the logical network by storing the network ID and the set of security keys in a record or profile. The cloud network server may then transmit the network ID and the set of security keys to the network device. The network device may store the network ID and its unique security key. The network device may also send the network ID and the access device's unique security key to the access device. In some embodiments, the server may transmit the network ID and the access device's security key directly to the access device. The network device and the access device may then communicate with the cloud server using the network ID and the unique key generated for each device. Accordingly, the access device may perform accountless authentication to allow the user to remotely access the network

device via the cloud network without logging in each time access is requested. Also, the network device can communicate with the server regarding the logical network.
In some embodiments, a local area network may include multiple gateways (e.g., a router and a range extender) and multiple network devices. For example, a local area network may include a first gateway paired with a first network device, and a second gateway paired with a second network device. In the event credentials for each gateway are used to create a logical network, a server (e.g., a cloud network server) may register the first gateway as a first logical network and may register the second gateway as a second logical network. The server may generate a first network ID and a first set of security keys for the first logical network. The first set of security keys may include a unique security key for the first network device and a unique security key for the access device for use in accessing the first network device on the first logical network. The server may register the second gateway as the second logical network due to differences in the credentials between the first gateway and second gateway. The server may assign the second gateway a second network ID and may generate a second set of security keys. For example, the server may generate a unique security key for the second network device and may generate a unique security key for the access device for use in accessing the second network device on the second logical network. The server may associate the first network device and the access device with the first logical network by storing the first network ID and the first set of security keys in a first record or profile. The server may also associate the second network device and the access device with the second logical network by storing the second network ID and the second set of security keys in a record or profile. The server may then transmit the first network ID and the first set of security keys to the first network device and may transmit the second network ID and the second set of security keys to the second network device. The two network devices may store the respective network ID and set of security keys of the gateway with which each network device is connected. Each network device may send the respective network ID and the access device's unique security key to the access device. The network devices and the access device may then communicate with the cloud server using the respective network ID and the unique key generated for each device.
Accordingly, when multiple gateways are included in the home local area network,

multiple logical networks associated with different network identifiers may be generated for the local area network. When the access device is located within range of both gateways in the local area network, there is no problem accessing both network devices due to the ability of the access device to perform local discovery techniques (e.g., universal plug and play (UPnP)). However, when the user is located remotely from the local area network, the access device may only be associated with one logical network at a time, which prevents the access device from accessing network devices of other logical networks within the local area network.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other changes in the preferred embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter to be implemented merely as illustrative of the invention and not as limitation.

We Claim:
1. A method for contextual volume control by a set top box, the method
comprising:
- identifying, by an identification unit [102] of the set top box, one of an incoming call and an outgoing call at one or more connected user devices;
- identifying, by the identification unit [102], one or more users watching a program via the set top box based on at least one of a sensor data, a user device data and a pre-stored contextual information;
- identifying, by the identification unit [102], a set of user devices associated with a call connect event based on at least one of the identification of the one or more users watching the program, the sensor data and the user device data;
- determining, by a processing unit [104] of the set top box, a distance of the set of user devices from the set top box based at least on the user device data;
- automatically adjusting in real time, by the processing unit [104], a volume level of the set top box based at least on the distance of the set of user devices from the set top box.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, the method comprises initiating, by a transceiver unit [106] of the set top box, a connection between the set top box and at least one of the one or more user devices, one or more sensors and one or more storage units.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, the method further comprises displaying, by the processing unit [104] at a display unit connected to the set top box, a notification related to one of the identified incoming call and the identified outgoing call based on the identified one or more users.

4. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the notification further comprises one of a caller and a receiver details in an event one of the incoming call and the outgoing call is identified at a first user device from the one or more user devices connected with the set top box, and only a user of the first user device is identified to be watching the program via the set top box.
5. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the notification further comprises a user device identifier in an event one of the incoming call and the outgoing call is identified at more than one user devices connected with the set top box.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, the method further comprises automatically initiating by the processing unit [104], a recording of the program displayed via the set top box based on the identification of the set of user devices.
7. The method as claimed in claim 5, the method further comprises automatically resetting by the processing unit [104], the volume level to a pre-set volume level and automatically stopping the recording of the program, based on an identification of a call disconnect event at the set of user devices.
8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user device data further comprises at least a signal strength between the one or more user devices and the set top box.
9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the automatically adjusting in real time, by the processing unit [104], a volume level of the set top box is further based on the sensor data.
10. A set top box for contextual volume control, the set top box comprising:
- an identification unit [102], configured to identify:
one of an incoming call and an outgoing call at one or more connected user devices,

one or more users watching a program via the set top box based on at least one of a sensor data, a user device data and a pre-stored contextual information, and
a set of user devices associated with a call connect event based on at least one of the identification of the one or more users watching the program, the sensor data and the user device data; and
- a processing unit [104], configured to:
determine a distance of the set of user devices from the set top box based at least on the user device data; and
automatically adjust in real time, a volume level of the set top box based at least on the distance of the set of user devices from the set top box.
11. The set top box as claimed in claim 10, further comprises a transceiver unit [106] configured to initiate a connection between the set top box and at least one of the one or more user devices, one or more sensors and one or more storage units.
12. The set top box as claimed in claim 10, wherein the processing unit [104] is further configured to display at a display unit connected to the set top box, a notification related to one of the identified incoming call and the identified outgoing call based on the identified one or more users.
13. The set top box as claimed in claim 12, wherein the notification further comprises one of a caller and a receiver details in an event one of the incoming call and the outgoing call is identified at a first user device from the one or more user devices connected with the set top box, and only a user of the first user device is identified to be watching the program via the set top box.
14. The set top box as claimed in claim 12, wherein the notification further comprises a user device identifier in an event one of the incoming call and the

outgoing call is identified at more than one user devices connected with the set top box.
15. The set top box as claimed in claim 10, wherein the processing unit [104] is further configured to automatically initiate, a recording of the program displayed via the set top box based on the identification of the set of user devices.
16. The set top box as claimed in claim 15, wherein the processing unit [104] is further configured to automatically reset the volume level to a pre-set volume level, and automatically stop the recording of the program, based on an identification of a call disconnect event at the set of user devices.
17. The set top box as claimed in claim 10, wherein the user device data further comprises at least a signal strength between the one or more user devices and the set top box.
18. The set top box as claimed in claim 10, wherein the processing unit [104] is further configured to automatically adjust in real time, the volume level of the set top box based on the sensor data.