Coordinating Image Layers Between External Device and Head-Mounted Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Head-mounted devices, such as augmented reality headsets, do not effectively coordinate image display with external electronic devices, leading to underutilization of display capabilities when used in conjunction with them.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device detects pairing with a head-mounted device and separates video streams into multiple layers of image information, coordinating the display of these layers between the external device and the head-mounted device to present an aggregate view, including augmented reality content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If head-mounted devices display images independently without coordination with external electronic devices, then the head-mounted device can operate autonomously, but the display capabilities are underutilized and processing power of external devices is not leveraged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay capabilitiesVSAvoidcoordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image stream into multiple layers (first image layer and second image layer) that can be independently processed and displayed on different devices. This segmentation allows the system to distribute display tasks across multiple devices while maintaining coordinated functionality, thereby enhancing display capabilities without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables a multi-functional display system where the head-mounted device can operate independently or in coordination with external electronic devices. The system universally supports both autonomous operation and coordinated operation modes, allowing the same infrastructure to serve multiple purposes and enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

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

2Productivity

If the electronic device processes all image information independently, then processing quality is maintained, but the display capabilities of the head-mounted device are underutilized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoiddisplay capability utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The image stream is segmented into multiple layers that can be processed by different devices according to their capabilities. The electronic device processes certain layers while the head-mounted device processes others, distributing the processing workload and fully utilizing the display capabilities of both devices while maintaining overall processing quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of parallel processing by distributing image layer processing across multiple devices simultaneously. Instead of sequential processing on a single device, the system processes different image layers in parallel on different devices, thereby enhancing productivity while utilizing display capabilities across the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple display devices are coordinated to present aggregate view, then the aggregate view including augmented reality content is achieved, but the coordination complexity between devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaggregate view capabilityVSAvoidcoordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The aggregate view is achieved by segmenting the image stream into distinct layers that are independently processed and displayed by different devices. This segmentation simplifies the coordination requirement compared to processing complete images on multiple devices, as each device only needs to handle its assigned layer rather than coordinate every pixel across all devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that manages the coordination between the electronic device and head-mounted device. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of synchronization and coordination, allowing the individual devices to operate more independently while still achieving the coordinated aggregate view effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20230333797A1Aggregate view of image information on display devices
Publication Date: 2023.10.19 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • US20230333797A1 patent drawing
  • US20230333797A1 patent drawing
  • US20230333797A1 patent drawing

AI summary

In some examples, an electronic device includes a first display device and a processor. The processor determines whether the electronic device is paired with a head-mounted device comprising a second display device. In response to determining that the electronic device is paired with the head-mounted device, the processor presents first image information on the first display device, sends second image information to the head-mounted device, and coordinates with the head-mounted device to cause the head-mounted device to display the second image information on the second display device, where the first image information and the second image information are to present an aggregate view to a user of the head-mounted device.