Distributed Device Input Coordination via Mobile Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Different electronic devices have distinct advantages and disadvantages, leading to inefficiencies in providing user services, such as TVs requiring cumbersome text input and smartphones offering efficient input but with small screens unsuitable for video viewing.
Innovation Solution
A device communication method and system that enables collaboration between devices, allowing a first device to display an edit box, send indication messages to assistive devices, and synchronize editing status across multiple devices for flexible and efficient input operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a television is used for video viewing, then the screen size is large and suitable for video playback, but text input becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile phone as an intermediary device that mediates between the user and the television for text input operations. The mobile phone's efficient keyboard interface serves as a mediator, allowing users to input text conveniently while the television maintains its primary function as a large-screen display device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the functionality between two devices: the television handles video playback and display, while the mobile phone handles text input operations. This functional segmentation allows each device to excel at its specialized task, resolving the contradiction between large screen size and text input efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If a mobile phone is used for text input, then input efficiency is high and convenient, but the screen size is too small for comfortable video viewing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into two functional components: the mobile phone provides the efficient text input interface, while the television provides the large-screen display for video viewing. This segmentation allows users to leverage the strengths of each device without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile phone acts as an input mediator that connects to the television, allowing users to perform text input operations on the mobile phone while the results are displayed on the television screen. This intermediary approach resolves the screen size limitation for input operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices collaborate for input assistance, then input flexibility and efficiency improve, but device coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal input assistance mechanism where the mobile phone can serve multiple functions: it can assist with text input, display input interfaces, and communicate with the television through standardized protocols. This multi-functionality reduces the need for device-specific coordination complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the television sends indication messages to the mobile phone regarding input status and requirements, and the mobile phone provides feedback about input operations. This structured feedback loop simplifies the coordination between devices by establishing clear communication protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A device communication method applied to a field of communication technologies includes, in a process in which a user uses a mobile phone to assist a large-screen device with input, that another auxiliary device in a same distributed network as the large-screen device and the mobile phone preempts auxiliary input of the mobile phone and further assists, based on input content on the mobile phone, the large-screen device with input.