Mobile Assistant Display Positioning for Selective User Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in accessing information from a computing device when they are preoccupied with tasks in another room, as they may not be able to safely or reasonably hear and see the rendered content.
Innovation Solution
A mobile computing device that selectively navigates to a user and adjusts its display panel's viewing angle based on the user's relative position, using motors and sensors to determine the user's location and render content accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the computing device remains stationary in a fixed location, then power consumption is reduced and device complexity is minimized, but users cannot access information when they are in another room or preoccupied with tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device transitions from a static to a dynamic state by implementing motorized mobility. The device can autonomously navigate to users when needed, as evidenced by the motor system that enables movement across floors and the control logic that activates navigation based on user presence detection and content type
Solution Approach 2:
The device autonomously determines when navigation is necessary and executes self-navigation without user intervention. The system monitors user location, content type, and environmental factors to automatically activate motors and move to optimal positions for information delivery
2Ease of operation
If the computing device navigates to the user for all content types, then users can always access information, but power is wasted when navigation is unnecessary
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes its operational parameters based on content type. For audio-only content, the device remains stationary if already within audible range. For visual content, the device navigates to ensure the user is within viewing distance. This conditional behavior optimizes power consumption while maintaining accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors user location, content type, and environmental conditions to make real-time decisions about navigation. Sensors detect user presence and the system feedback loop determines whether motor activation is necessary, preventing unnecessary power consumption
3Ease of operation
If the display panel is always oriented toward the user, then users can always see the content, but the device cannot be compact when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel transitions from a fixed to a dynamically adjustable position. Motors enable the display to rotate and tilt toward the user during active use, then return to a compact configuration when not in use, optimizing both visibility and space efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel and other components are designed to nest or fold into a compact form when not actively displaying content. The motorized adjustment mechanisms allow the display to be positioned optimally during use while returning to a space-saving configuration afterward
4Ease of operation
If the computing device is placed in another room for user access, then users can access information from their work location, but users may not be able to safely or reasonably hear and see the rendered content
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device acts as a mobile intermediary that physically moves between the user's work location and the information source. Rather than requiring the user to leave their work, the device navigates to deliver content reliably within optimal viewing and hearing distance
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the dimension of spatial mobility to information delivery. Instead of the user moving through space to access information, the device moves through space to bring information to the user, fundamentally changing the interaction paradigm
Data Source
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AI summary
Set forth is a motorized computing device that selectively navigates to a user according content of a spoken utterance directed at the motorized computing device. The motorized computing device can modify operations of one or more motors of the motorized computing device according to whether the user provided a spoken utterance while the one or more motors are operating. The motorized computing device can render content according to interactions between the user and an automated assistant. For instance, when automated assistant is requested to provide graphical content for the user, the motorized computing device can navigate to the user in order to present the content the user. However, in some implementations, when the user requests audio content, the motorized computing device can bypass navigating to the user when the motorized computing device is within a distance from the user for audibly rendering the audio content.