Multi-Display Configuration via Camera-Based Lighting Pattern Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring multiple displays connected to a common computing system to work together correctly and accurately reflect their physical arrangement is challenging, especially when displays are moved, rearranged, or added/removed, requiring frequent reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses cameras integrated into or separate from the displays to detect a lighting pattern emitted by the displays, which includes sequentially displaying a background color or pattern, and employs artificial intelligence to infer the physical arrangement of the displays along both X and Y axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual configuration methods are used to set up multiple displays, then configuration accuracy can be maintained, but configuration time and user effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting displays through cameras, determining their physical arrangements, and configuring themselves without requiring manual user input. The computing system autonomously identifies multiple displays, detects their positions using integrated cameras, and configures the display space automatically, eliminating the need for users to manually measure and configure each display's position and orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement and configuration processes with automated optical detection and computational algorithms. Instead of users physically measuring display positions and manually entering data, the system uses cameras to capture the physical arrangement and computational algorithms to automatically determine display positions, orientations, and spatial relationships.
2Adaptability or versatility
If displays are frequently moved or rearranged, then adaptability to different configurations is improved, but configuration complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to different display configurations by continuously detecting and reconfiguring based on the current physical arrangement of displays. When displays are moved or rearranged, the system automatically detects the new positions through camera input and updates its configuration accordingly, providing dynamic adaptation rather than static configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses camera feedback to continuously monitor and detect the physical arrangement of displays, then uses this information to automatically adjust and reconfigure the display setup. The camera captures the current state, the processing system analyzes the spatial relationships, and the system automatically configures accordingly, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that simplifies reconfiguration.
3Productivity
If automated detection methods are implemented, then configuration speed is improved, but system complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into existing display hardware, specifically using cameras that are already part of the display system for detection purposes. The same cameras used for other display functions (such as capturing images or video) are also utilized for detecting the physical arrangement of displays, eliminating the need for separate dedicated detection hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy or representation of the physical display arrangement through camera images and processes this visual information to determine spatial relationships. Instead of requiring complex physical sensors or measurement devices, the system uses visual copying through cameras and computational algorithms to infer the physical configuration, simplifying the hardware requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and seamless configuration of multiple displays, ensuring accurate display of images and graphical elements across all displays, and allows smooth movement of these elements between displays, enhancing productivity and visual appeal.
Implementation Method 1
The computing system causes at least one of the displays to emit a lighting pattern. This lighting pattern may include, for example, sequentially displaying a selected background color and/or pattern on each of the displays.
Implementation Method 2
The computing system detects the lighting pattern using one or more cameras connected to the computing system, such as cameras incorporated into the displays.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for configuring multiple displays connected to a common computing system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a computing system detects multiple displays connected thereto. The computing system causes at least one of the displays to emit a lighting pattern. This lighting pattern may include, for example, sequentially displaying a selected background color and/or pattern on each of the displays. The computing system detects the lighting pattern using one or more cameras connected to the computing system, such as cameras incorporated into the displays. Using the detected lighting pattern, the computing system infers a physical arrangement of the displays. In certain embodiments, the computing system uses artificial intelligence to infer the physical arrangement. A corresponding system and computer program product are also disclosed herein.