AR Network Device Control via UWB Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The proliferation of IoT devices in homes leads to management challenges due to multiple devices requiring specialized apps, lack of centralized control, difficulty in troubleshooting network issues, and inadequate interfaces for managing network devices, particularly in diagnosing bandwidth allocation and wireless signal strength.
Innovation Solution
The system uses augmented reality to identify and manage network devices by detecting them via wireless communications, such as UWB radios, and provides a graphical interface for users to control network parameters, allowing real-time visualization and modification of device positions and network activities within the AR environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized applications are used to control different network devices, then each device can be controlled with device-specific features, but the system complexity increases and centralized management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple specialized device control applications into a single unified network management application. This application provides a centralized interface that can discover, identify, and control multiple different network devices (smart speakers, smart lights, cameras, etc.) through a common AR-based interface, eliminating the need for users to switch between multiple specialized apps while maintaining device-specific control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The network management application implements universality by designing a multi-functional platform that can handle various network device types through a single interface. The system uses AR visualization to universally represent different devices in their physical locations and provides unified control mechanisms that work across device types, while still allowing access to device-specific features when needed.
2Extent of automation
If abstract network interfaces are used to manage network devices, then network layer control capabilities are available, but the interface does not correspond well with user's intuitive physical and spatial model
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional abstract graphical user interfaces with an augmented reality interface that overlays network device information directly onto the physical environment. Instead of using abstract icons and menus that require mental mapping, the system uses spatial AR visualization to display device identifiers, network status, and control options at the actual physical locations of devices, making the interface intuitively correspond to the user's spatial model of their home.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to network management by transitioning from 2D abstract interfaces to 3D augmented reality visualization. Network device information is projected into the physical space where devices are located, allowing users to interact with network management functions in their natural spatial context rather than requiring them to translate between physical device locations and abstract interface elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If specialized applications focus on application layer control, then device-specific functions can be managed, but network layer issues such as bandwidth allocation and signal strength cannot be diagnosed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network management information into multiple hierarchical layers that can be accessed through the AR interface. The system simultaneously displays application-layer device controls and network-layer diagnostic information (bandwidth usage, signal strength, network activity) as separate but integrated layers of information. Users can access both device-specific application controls and underlying network status indicators through the same AR interface without conflating the different management layers.
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 users to easily locate and control network devices, diagnose issues, and manage bandwidth allocation and signal strength through an intuitive AR interface, simplifying the management of multiple IoT devices and improving troubleshooting capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The systems and methods described herein utilize the wireless radios (e.g., ultra-wide band ('UWB') radios) of network devices to determine a position of a first network device
Data Source
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.