Augmented Reality Network Device Control With UWB Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managing and controlling IoT devices in a home network is challenging due to the lack of centralized interfaces, difficulty in locating devices, and limited network layer control capabilities, as well as troubleshooting network issues without intuitive spatial models.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing augmented reality (AR) devices with UWB radios to detect and position network devices, providing real-time overlays with network information, and enabling user control through graphical interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If specialized applications and interfaces are used for each network device, then device control functionality is provided, but device complexity and difficulty of management increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of managing network devicesVSAvoidcomplexity of control interfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple specialized device control interfaces into a single centralized management interface that can control multiple network devices through one unified application, eliminating the need for separate specialized applications for each device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized management interface is designed to be universal, capable of controlling different types of network devices (smart speakers, cameras, thermostats, etc.) from various manufacturers through a single interface that provides consistent functionality across diverse devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple network devices are deployed in different locations, then network coverage and functionality are improved, but difficulty in locating and controlling specific devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoiddifficulty of locating devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses visual indicators such as colored overlays and highlighted elements in the augmented reality display to indicate device locations, statuses, and selection states, making it easy to identify and locate specific devices throughout the home environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The augmented reality display acts as an intermediary between the user and the physical network devices, providing visual feedback and control capabilities by overlaying digital information on the physical environment, allowing users to locate and control devices remotely with intuitive spatial awareness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If applications focus on application layer control, then device-specific functionality is provided, but network layer control capabilities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice control capabilityVSAvoidnetwork layer control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The centralized management interface provides multi-layer control capabilities, enabling users to control both application-specific functions (such as streaming audio quality) and network-layer parameters (such as bandwidth allocation and data caps) through a single unified interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If router management interfaces provide network layer control, then network parameter management is improved, but user accessibility and ease of identification of devices decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork parameter control capabilityVSAvoiduser accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The augmented reality display serves as an intermediary that translates complex network management functions into intuitive visual representations in the physical space, allowing users to access and control network parameters without dealing with abstract technical interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent provides localized control by allowing users to interact with specific network devices and their associated network parameters directly at the device location in the augmented reality view, rather than requiring users to navigate through abstract menu structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables easy identification and control of network devices, diagnosing issues, and managing network parameters, even for less tech-savvy users, by using AR to visualize device positions and activities.

Implementation Method 1

The second network device may utilize a signal from a UWB radio of the first network device to determine a position of the first network device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS20250285394A1Systems and methods for managing network devices using augmented reality

Publication Date: 2025.09.11 ADEIA GUIDES INC

AI summary

Systems and methods are described herein for controlling network devices in an augmented reality environment. A user may point a second network device at a first network device to determine a network activity the first network device. The second network device may display a user control interface to enable the user to control the network activity of the first network device (e.g., a pinch gesture control). In response to receiving the user input, the second network device causes the modification of the network activity based on the user input.