Display Server Window Distribution for Wireless Presentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current computing systems, particularly in presentation settings, are limited by the need for physical cables like VGA, which restrict mobility, allow only single-device access to projectors, and hinder audience participation and collaboration due to lack of digital access to presentation information.

Innovation Solution

A method for displaying windows from a client device that allows multiple windows to be displayed on a single screen with overlapping regions, where the current window is determined based on front-to-back ordering, and pixels from obscured windows are captured and sent to a display server for non-overlapping display on separate regions, enabling network-based display services and user interface control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If VGA cable connection is used to connect personal computing device to projector, then the connection is stable and reliable, but mobility is restricted and the device is tethered tightly to the projection system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidmobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical VGA cable connection system with a wireless network-based display protocol. The client device communicates with the display server through network packets instead of physical cables, eliminating the mechanical constraint while maintaining connection stability through protocol-level handshaking and session management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a display server as an intermediary between the client device and the projector. The server receives display commands from the client, processes them, and outputs to the projector, enabling wireless communication while maintaining reliable display output through centralized protocol management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If VGA cable connection is used, then the connection protocol is simple, but only a single personal computing device can have access to the projector at one time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol simplicityVSAvoidmulti-device access

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The display server implements a universal interface that accepts display commands from multiple client devices simultaneously. The server manages multiple active sessions, allowing different devices to connect to the projector at the same time with support for device-specific protocols and display configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the display output into multiple independent regions, with each region assigned to a different client device. The display server divides the projector output into separate display regions, allowing simultaneous presentation of content from multiple devices without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a single projector is used for display, then the hardware setup is simple, but multiple windows from a single device cannot be displayed simultaneously without stacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware setupVSAvoiddisplay space

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional window stacking to a multi-dimensional display space by utilizing multiple display regions on the projector. Windows are distributed across different spatial zones rather than being stacked in a single plane, effectively increasing the usable display area while maintaining the same hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Productivity

If VGA connection is used, then the display output is direct, but audience members have no digital access to the presentation information for copying or commenting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay efficiencyVSAvoiddigital access to content

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the display server provides digital access to the presentation content being displayed. Audience members can receive digital copies of the displayed information through the network connection, enabling them to copy, annotate, and interact with the presentation content while maintaining the efficiency of the primary display output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8671360B2Distributing multiple client windows using a display server

Publication Date: 2014.03.11 BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIV

AI summary

Displaying overlapping windows from a client device. Windows are displayed at a client device with a first window overlapping a second window on a single display. The first window is a current window. The current window is based on front to back ordering of windows displayed at the client device. Pixels in a region of the first window are captured and sent to a display server. At the display server, the first window is displayed on a first display region. The second window becomes the current window, resulting in capturing and sending pixels in a region of the second window to the display server. At the display server, the second window is displayed on a second display region. At the display server, the first and second windows are displayed in a non-overlapping fashion by displaying the first window and the second window on separate display regions.