Content Portal for External Display Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for enabling content output on external displays from computing devices are complex and limited in user interaction capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A content portal system that allows content from a mobile device to be easily dragged and dropped for display on an external display, with the option to modify the displayed content via input received at the mobile device, using a portal module to manage and control the display settings and interactions between the mobile device and external display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional methods are used to enable content output on external displays, then content can be displayed externally, but the process becomes complicated and user interaction is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent transfer processVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a portal object as an intermediary element between the mobile device and external display. This portal serves as a simplified interface that mediates the complex connection process, allowing users to drag and drop content onto the portal rather than dealing with complex display settings and connection protocols directly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the external display connection through the portal object on the mobile device screen. This graphical interface copy allows users to interact with the external display connection process through familiar drag-and-drop gestures, simplifying the actual complex technical process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If content is displayed on an external display, then display capacity is increased, but user interaction with the external display content becomes limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay capabilityVSAvoiduser interaction capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes a feedback loop where the mobile device receives input from the user and sends control commands to the external display. The portal object acts as the interface for this feedback mechanism, allowing user actions on the mobile device to be transmitted and executed on the external display, creating responsive two-way interaction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the mobile device serve multiple functions: it acts as both the primary interaction interface and a remote control for the external display. The portal object enables the mobile device to function universally as both display and control device, allowing users to interact with external content through the mobile device's touchscreen

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3649535B1Portal to an external display
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3649535B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3649535B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3649535B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

Techniques for a content portal to an external display are described. In at least some implementations, content from a mobile computing device is dropped at a content portal for display on an external display. According to various implementations, content displayed at an external display by a mobile device is modifiable via input received at the mobile device. In one or more implementations, content dropped at a content portal on a mobile device is displayed on an external display via a different application than on the mobile device.