State-Based Auxiliary Display Input Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auxiliary computing devices and actuators face challenges in seamlessly interacting with users when the host computer system is in offline or reduced-power states, such as when the laptop lid is closed, as existing solutions do not effectively route input signals or control the operation of auxiliary displays based on the host computer's state.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves configuring an actuator set to route input signals to either the host computer system or an auxiliary device based on detected state data, such as laptop lid position, communication status, and program execution, allowing for intuitive interaction with the auxiliary display even when the host computer is in an offline state by using state-based operation logic to control the actuator set and auxiliary device functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the auxiliary display is used when the host computer is in a reduced-power state, then the auxiliary display can show data and accept user input independently, but the system cannot seamlessly determine whether input signals should be routed to the host computer or the auxiliary device
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the power state of the host computer and uses this feedback to dynamically control the routing of input signals from the actuator set. When the host computer is in a reduced-power state, input signals are routed to the auxiliary device; when the host computer is in a normal state, input signals are routed to the host computer. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual routing controls while maintaining auxiliary display independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The input signal routing is made dynamic rather than static, automatically adapting to the host computer's power state. The system transitions between different operational modes based on real-time detection of the host computer's state, allowing seamless switching between routing input to the host computer or the auxiliary device without requiring complex user intervention.
2Ease of operation
If the actuator set is positioned proximate the auxiliary display for intuitive interaction, then user accessibility is improved, but the system lacks a clear mechanism to control which device receives input based on host computer state
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines and executes the appropriate input routing based on the host computer's power state without requiring user intervention. The state detection and routing control mechanisms operate autonomously, with the system self-managing the complexity of determining whether input should go to the host computer or the auxiliary device, thereby maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the system routes input signals to the host computer when online, then host computer functionality is maintained, but the auxiliary device cannot operate independently when the host is offline
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator set is designed to serve multiple functions by routing input signals to different destinations based on the host computer's power state. The same physical actuators can interact with either the host computer or the auxiliary device, eliminating the need for separate input mechanisms and enabling the auxiliary device to operate independently when needed while maintaining reliability of host computer interaction when online.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a technology by which the operation of an auxiliary computing device, comprising a display and/or actuator set, may be automatically modified based on detected state data. For example, user input may be routed from the actuator set to the host computer system when the host computer system is in an online state, or to the auxiliary computing device when the host computer system is offline. State may be determined based on one or more various criteria, such as online or offline, laptop lid position, display orientation, current communication and/or other criteria. The auxiliary display and/or actuator set may be embedded in the host computer system, or each may be separable from it or standalone, such as a remote control or cellular phone.