Gaze-Based Multi-Display Input Selection With One Input Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems struggle with efficiently managing user input across multiple displays, requiring separate input devices for each display, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A system that determines a user's gaze direction to select a target electronic device and processes inputs via an input device, allowing seamless interaction across multiple displays using a single input device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate input devices are used for each display, then each display can be controlled independently, but the system complexity and user burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidinput device quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single input device is designed to control multiple displays through gaze direction detection. The system enables one input device to serve multiple functions by determining which display the user is looking at and routing input accordingly, eliminating the need for separate input devices for each display while maintaining independent control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Gaze direction detection acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and multiple displays. The system detects where the user is looking and uses this information to determine which display should receive the input, serving as a mediator that directs input from a single source to multiple potential targets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If separate input devices are required for each display, then precise control of each display is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput control precisionVSAvoidinput operation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows the user's natural gaze direction to automatically determine which display receives input. Instead of requiring the user to manually select or switch between displays, the system self-determines the target display based on where the user is looking, making operation more intuitive and convenient while maintaining precise control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If multiple input devices are used, then each display receives dedicated input control, but loss of time increases due to switching between devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput control reliabilityVSAvoiddevice switching time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically determines the target display based on real-time gaze direction detection. Instead of requiring static assignment or manual switching between input devices, the system adaptively routes input to the appropriate display based on where the user is currently looking, eliminating time spent switching devices while maintaining reliable control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12504812B2Method and device for processing user input for multiple devices

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 APPLE INC

AI summary

In one implementation, a method of processing input for multiple devices is performed by a first electronic device one or more processors and non-transitory memory. The method includes determining a gaze direction. The method includes selecting a target electronic device based on determining that the gaze direction is directed to the target electronic device. The method includes receiving, via an input device, one or more inputs. The method includes processing the one or more inputs based on the target electronic device.