Auxiliary Display Context-Aware Functionality Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Auxiliary devices used for remotely controlling primary devices are limited in their functionality and usefulness when directly interacting with the primary device, as their role as a remote control diminishes their utility, and they lack the ability to seamlessly transition between different usage contexts based on proximity, battery life, and connection methods.
Innovation Solution
The auxiliary device dynamically changes its functionality by interfacing with primary device services to receive and display different information based on usage contexts, such as being docked, undocked, or in proximity to other devices, allowing it to act as a companion display, remote control, or informational outpost, and manage its power and communication settings accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the auxiliary device is used as a traditional remote control near the primary device, then it can control the primary device, but its display functionality becomes less useful
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary device dynamically changes its usage context and functionality based on its proximity to the primary device. When docked or near the primary device, it transitions to acting as a companion display showing information from the primary device. When remote, it functions as a traditional remote control with control buttons, thereby adapting its behavior to maximize utility in each context
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can act as a traditional remote control with physical buttons, a companion display showing primary device information, or an informational outpost. This multi-functionality allows it to be useful in various usage scenarios rather than being limited to a single remote control role
2Adaptability or versatility
If the auxiliary device displays information from the primary device when docked, then it extends its usefulness as a companion display, but it requires seamless context transition capability
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary device uses feedback from sensors (proximity sensors, docking detection) to automatically determine its usage context and adjust its functionality accordingly. The device receives feedback about its physical state and location relative to the primary device, and this feedback drives automatic transitions between different operational modes without requiring complex user intervention
3Adaptability or versatility
If the auxiliary device changes functionality based on usage context, then it increases user experience, but it requires interfacing with primary device services
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary device interfaces with the primary device through defined service protocols and communication interfaces. These service layers act as intermediaries that allow the auxiliary device to receive information from and send commands to the primary device without requiring direct complex integration, thereby managing the complexity of context-aware functionality through standardized interaction patterns
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary computing device normally used for remotely controlling a primary device may change its functionality and extend its usefulness based on a usage context. An auxiliary device may change its usage context by connecting differently to a primary device depending on any number of parameters including distance from the device, battery life, connection method, and proximity to other devices. The device may change its usage context by interfacing with a primary device service that communicates with various applications to feed the auxiliary device different information in different usage contexts. Further, the device may control different functions of the primary device based on the usage context.