Mobile Device Positioning via Timing Signal Sweeps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to accurately determine the position of multiple mobile devices within a visual space to create a cohesive large display, such as in an auditorium setting, where each device's location is crucial for forming a unified visual output.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses timing data from a timing signal and line-of-sight events to determine the location of each mobile device, employing horizontal and radial sweeps to capture Cartesian and polar coordinates, and then overlays an image onto the devices based on their positions, allowing for coordinated display of image portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If timing data and line-of-sight events are used to determine device positions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for coordinated sweeps and timing signals
Solution Approach 1:
A controller acts as an intermediary between the sweep mechanism and mobile devices, coordinating timing signals and line-of-sight events to determine device positions without requiring complex interactions between individual devices and sweep mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with an optical/timing-based system using line-of-sight events and timing data to determine device coordinates, simplifying the overall system architecture
2Measurement precision
If horizontal and radial sweeps are employed to capture device coordinates, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the time required for location determination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by capturing timing data from multiple sweeps to establish device positions before the actual display coordination occurs, separating the measurement phase from the execution phase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic horizontal and radial sweeps that systematically scan the display area, capturing device positions at regular intervals to build a complete coordinate map efficiently
3Stability of the object's composition
If the position of each mobile device is determined to create a unified display, then visual coherence is improved, but the complexity of image distribution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the overall image into portions and assigns specific portions to specific devices based on their determined positions, with each device displaying only its designated local portion to maintain visual coherence
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions: determining device positions, calculating image portions, and distributing display data, consolidating what could be separate complex systems into a single coordinating entity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the creation of a unified visual display across multiple mobile devices by accurately determining their positions and transmitting corresponding image portions, effectively forming a cohesive and potentially motion-based image.
Implementation Method 1
time data with the timing data based on an elapsed time from a timing signal and line-of-sight events directed to the mobile devices
Data Source
AI summary
An approach is disclosed that receives, from a number of mobile devices, time data with the timing data is based on an elapsed time from a timing signal and line-of-sight events directed to the mobile devices. A location of each of the mobile devices is determined based on the respective timing data received from each of the mobile devices. A portion of an overall image to display at each of the mobile devices is determined based on the identified location of the mobile devices, and the overall image is displayed by transmitting the determined portion to each of the plurality of mobile devices.