Device Functionality Adaptation via Spatial Distance Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote control systems fail to leverage the performance opportunities of computing devices, such as global positioning information and network access, by replicating traditional device functionality without adapting to distances and orientations between devices.

Innovation Solution

Systems and methods that modify the functionality of individual devices based on distances and orientations relative to shared devices, allowing for dynamic user interface changes and mode adjustments, such as transitioning from direct interaction to remote control functions based on measured distances and user movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional remote control functionality is replicated in computing device software, then users can perform desired operations with the computing device, but the system fails to leverage performance opportunities such as global positioning information, network access, and other hardware functionality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality adaptationVSAvoidperformance utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the functionality of the computing device based on its real-time spatial relationship with the shared display device. As the user moves the computing device closer to or farther from the display, the system automatically transitions between different operational modes (e.g., from remote control mode to direct interaction mode), thereby adapting the device's capabilities to the current context and maximizing performance utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters based on distance measurements between the computing device and shared display. By monitoring spatial parameters and translating them into mode of operation changes, the system leverages the computing device's hardware capabilities (such as GPS, network access, and sensors) to provide context-aware functionality that enhances both adaptability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the computing device uses the same or very similar functionality as traditional remote controls, then users can perform desired operations, but the system fails to leverage performance opportunities available with computing device hardware

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidfunctionality flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The computing device is designed to perform multiple functions beyond traditional remote control operations. By integrating capabilities such as global positioning, network access, and various sensors, the device can adapt its functionality based on context, transforming from a simple remote control into a versatile interaction tool that maintains ease of operation while significantly enhancing adaptability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the computing device's functionality based on real-time spatial relationships with the shared display. As distance and orientation change, the device automatically transitions between operational modes, maintaining simple operation for the user while leveraging hardware capabilities to provide context-appropriate functions, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the system transitions from direct interaction to remote control functions based on measured distances, then efficient use of computing devices is enabled, but additional complexity is introduced in measuring and translating distance into operational modes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice utilization efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs distance measurement, mode determination, and functionality adjustment without requiring manual user input. The computing device and shared display work together to self-monitor their spatial relationship and autonomously transition between operational modes, thereby improving device utilization efficiency while the automation masks the underlying system complexity from the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where distance measurements between the computing device and shared display continuously inform operational mode adjustments. This automatic feedback mechanism enables efficient device utilization by adapting functionality to spatial context, while the automated nature of the feedback process prevents user-facing complexity despite the sophisticated underlying system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2965299B1Modifying functionality based on distances between devices
Publication Date: 2016.09.21 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP2965299B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2965299B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2965299B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Described herein are techniques and systems that allow modification of functionalities based on distances between a shared device (e.g., a shared display, etc.) and an individual device (e.g., a mobile computing device, etc.). The shared device and the individual device may establish a communication to enable exchange of data. In some embodiments, the shared device or the individual device may measure a distance between the shared device and the individual device. Based on the distance, the individual device may operate in a different mode. In some instances, the shared device may then instruct the individual device to modify a functionality corresponding to the mode.