Seamless Multi-Display Projection via Virtual Canvas Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display systems face challenges in seamlessly displaying visual files across multiple devices of varying dimensions and orientations, often resulting in discontinuities due to bezels and separation between monitors, which hinders the rendering of entire visual files.

Innovation Solution

The system employs holographic projectors and pico projectors to create a seamless canvas by determining the display window space based on relative positions and dimensions of monitors, using proximity sensing cameras to identify available surfaces for projection, and calculating a virtual canvas to render visual files across multiple displays, including adjacent surfaces, ensuring continuous display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If visual files are displayed across multiple display devices, then the display area and viewing experience are improved, but discontinuities and seams appear between devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay areaVSAvoiddisplay continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple display devices into a unified display system by projecting visual content across all devices simultaneously. The system combines the display areas of multiple devices to create a single expanded canvas, eliminating the perception of individual device boundaries and achieving seamless display continuity across the combined area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces projection technology as an intermediary layer between the content source and display devices. This projection medium overlays visual content across device boundaries, creating a seamless transition zone that masks the physical separations and bezels between devices, thereby achieving display continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If display devices are positioned to expand display area, then more visual content can be shown, but bezels and separations create discontinuities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay areaVSAvoiddisplay discontinuities

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of device separations and bezels into a benefit by using these physical boundaries as projection targets. The projection system deliberately targets the gaps and bezel areas between devices, transforming what were previously visible discontinuities into seamless transition zones that blend content across device boundaries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a projection dimension to the traditional display setup. Instead of relying solely on direct device screens, the system introduces a projection layer that spans across multiple devices in three-dimensional space, creating a virtual display plane that transcends the physical boundaries and separations of individual devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple display devices with varying dimensions and orientations are used, then display flexibility and area are improved, but coordinating content across devices becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay flexibilityVSAvoidcontent coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic content coordination system that automatically adapts to different device configurations. The system continuously monitors the dimensions, orientations, and positions of connected devices, and dynamically adjusts the projection parameters and content distribution in real-time, eliminating the need for manual coordination and simplifying the user experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal display system that can accommodate various device types, sizes, and orientations through a single projection-based interface. The system performs multiple functions including automatic device detection, configuration adaptation, and content scaling, allowing the same system to seamlessly handle different display scenarios without requiring device-specific configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10592194B2Method and system for multiple display device projection

Publication Date: 2020.03.17 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A method begins by a computing device obtaining a visual file for display, determining to display the visual file in an expanded manner and determining a number of monitors associated with the computing device. The method continues by determining a display window space that extends beyond a display area of at least one monitor. The method continues by determining a first display region of the display window space attributed to the number of monitors within and determining a second display region of the display window space that is outside of the first display region. The method continues by mapping a first and section portion of the visual file to the first and second display regions to produce a first and second visual mapping. The method continues by rendering at least a portion of the visual file onto the display window space in accordance with the first and second visual mappings.