Multi-User Interface for Shared Computing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current content provider applications cannot handle multiple users viewing the same content on a computing device, as they typically allow only one user to log in and cannot attribute inputs to individual users.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that identifies multiple users in proximity to a computing device, generates a user interface with distinct interactive elements for each user, and receives and stores inputs associated with each user, enabling multiple users to interact with content items simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a content provider application allows only one user to log in at a time, then user input attribution is simple and clear, but multiple users cannot simultaneously interact with the same content item
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the user interaction system by creating distinct user profiles and associating each profile with specific user interface elements. Multiple users can simultaneously interact with the same content item through their own segregated input channels, resolving the contradiction between multi-user capability and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the user profile system) that mediates between multiple physical users and the application logic. This intermediary enables input attribution to specific users without requiring complex changes to the core application architecture, thus enabling multi-user interaction while managing system complexity.
2Loss of information
If a single user profile is used for all inputs, then the system is simple to operate, but individual user responses cannot be distinguished or tracked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining user profiles and their associated characteristics before users interact with content items. This allows the system to automatically attribute inputs to the correct user without requiring complex real-time identification, thus preserving user-specific information while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates copies of user interface elements for each user profile, allowing each user to interact with their own customized set of elements. This copying approach enables precise tracking of individual user responses without complicating the overall system operation, as each user experiences a simplified, personalized interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple users are detected in proximity to the device, then interactive content can be customized for each user, but the user interface becomes more complex to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different characteristics and interface elements to different user profiles based on their individual properties. Each user receives a customized view of the interactive content tailored to their profile, enabling personalization while managing interface complexity through localized customization rather than global complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided herein for enabling the improved reception of multiple inputs at a user interface. A content item is received at a computing device, and metadata associated with the content item is received. A number of users that are in proximity to the computing device is determined, and an interactive content item is identified based on the metadata and the number of users. A visual representation of the users is accessed. A user interface is generated for output. The user interface comprises the interactive content item, which comprises at least one user interface element associated with each user, and the visual representation of the users. An input selecting a user interface element associated with each user is received. An indication of the received input and the user with whom the input is associated are stored to a data structure, and at least a part is transmitted.