Multi-Display Spatial Configuration via Sensor Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Configuring multiple display devices is often complex and inconvenient, especially for inexperienced users, as existing systems require manual input of spatial layouts and do not efficiently detect changes in display positions, leading to incorrect rendering and resource wastage.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a spatial configurator that uses available input sensors, such as touchscreens, cameras, and voice recognition, to simplify the configuration process by prompting users to identify display arrangements through intuitive inputs like gestures or voice commands, reducing the need for complex menu interfaces and minimizing user interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a menu interface is used to configure multiple display devices, then the computer can detect and set up configuration information, but the interface becomes complex and difficult for inexperienced users to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay configuration capabilityVSAvoiduser interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects display devices and their spatial positions using sensors, eliminating the need for manual configuration through complex menu interfaces. The computer performs self-service by autonomously determining display arrangements and configuring rendering accordingly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual menu-based configuration with automated sensor-based detection. Instead of using a mechanical interaction model (user navigating menus), the system uses sensor inputs (cameras, touchscreens, motion sensors) to automatically detect and configure display arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual input is required to enter spatial layout information, then the computer can configure displays, but the process becomes time consuming and resource wasteful

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay configuration capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of display spatial positions using sensors before configuration is needed. By continuously monitoring and pre-detecting display arrangements, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming manual input when configuration changes occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensor feedback to automatically detect changes in display positions and update configuration accordingly. The sensors continuously provide feedback about display arrangements, enabling the computer to adapt configuration in real-time without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the computer does not know the physical location of display devices, then it can connect to them, but content rendering becomes incorrect and requires manual reconfiguration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay connectivityVSAvoidcontent rendering accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual spatial configuration with automated sensor-based position detection. Sensors capture the physical locations and orientations of display devices, and the computer uses this data to automatically calculate correct rendering transformations, eliminating manual input errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes rendering parameters based on detected display positions. By continuously monitoring spatial parameters through sensors and adjusting rendering transformations accordingly, the system ensures accurate content placement on each display without manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10809958B2Setting up multiple displays via user input

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Techniques are disclosed for configuring a group of displays. A grouping of display devices that are to be combined to form an integrated display is identified. A prompt is generated for user input indicative of a spatial arrangement of the display devices. In response to the prompt, a series of user inputs is received by one or more input sensors. Based on the series of user inputs, the spatial arrangement of the display devices is estimated. Based on the estimated spatial arrangement of the display devices, portions of display data are mapped to the display devices. The mapped portions of the display data are rendered on the display devices to form an integrated display.