Cross-Device Action Selection Using Proximity and Device Priority
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in identifying suitable user devices for performing actions and transferring content between devices, especially when they want to initiate an action on one device but prefer it to be performed on another.
Innovation Solution
Systems and methods that detect nearby user devices, determine their capabilities and priorities, and select a target device to perform the desired action based on device types, proximity, user preferences, and attention state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user wants to initiate an action on one user device but have it performed on another user device, then user convenience and device utilization are improved, but it becomes difficult to identify suitable user devices and transfer content between them
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables user devices to automatically detect and advertise their own capabilities without requiring manual configuration or user intervention. Each device independently determines its suitability for performing actions by evaluating its own device type, current state, and available resources, then communicates this information to other devices in the group.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where user devices continuously broadcast their device types, capabilities, and availability status to other devices. This allows the initiating device to receive real-time information about which devices are suitable targets for actions, enabling intelligent selection based on current device states and user preferences.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple user devices are available to perform an action, then device versatility and capability are improved, but the complexity of selecting the most suitable device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of device identification from generic device names to specific device types (e.g., smartphone, tablet, desktop). This parameter transformation enables systematic comparison and selection of devices based on their type characteristics, making the selection process more manageable even when multiple devices are available.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary selection mechanism that acts as a mediator between the user's action initiation and the target device execution. This intermediary automatically evaluates device types, applies user preferences, and determines the most suitable target device, thereby reducing the complexity of direct user-to-device selection.
3Productivity
If user devices continuously broadcast their availability and capabilities, then device discoverability and action transfer efficiency are improved, but energy consumption and network traffic increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous broadcasting, user devices transmit their device types and availability information at periodic intervals. This periodic transmission maintains device discoverability and action transfer efficiency while significantly reducing energy consumption and network traffic compared to continuous broadcasting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transmits only the essential information needed for device selection (device type, availability status) rather than complete device capabilities and specifications. This partial information transmission reduces network traffic and energy consumption while still enabling effective device discovery and action transfer.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and media for causing an action to be performed on a user device are provided. In some implementations, the systems comprise: a first user device comprising at least one hardware processor that is configured to: detect a second user device in proximity to the first user device; receive a user input indicative of an action to be performed; determine a plurality of candidate devices that are capable of performing the action, wherein the plurality of candidate devices includes the second user device; determine a plurality of device types corresponding to the plurality of candidate devices; determine a plurality of priorities associated with the plurality of candidate devices based at least in part on the plurality of device types; select a target device from the plurality of candidate devices based at least in part on the plurality of priorities; and cause the action to be performed by the target device.