Peripheral Location Detection for Automatic Workspace Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

In a hybrid workplace setting, managing computing device settings for employees who use peripherals in various locations and with different peripherals is challenging and time-consuming, often requiring IT assistance due to the need for manual configuration adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A system that automatically configures computing device settings based on detected peripheral locations using Bluetooth signals, allowing a service to modify settings such as mouse and display configurations dynamically as peripherals are positioned relative to the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If employees manually configure peripheral settings themselves, then IT administrator assistance is reduced, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic configurationVSAvoidconfiguration process

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables employees to automatically configure peripheral settings without IT administrator assistance. The service detects peripheral locations and automatically modifies device settings, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual intervention from either employees or IT staff.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically modifies device settings parameters based on detected peripheral locations. The service changes configuration parameters such as display orientation, mouse settings, and keyboard layout dynamically according to the spatial arrangement of peripherals, eliminating manual configuration steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If employees request IT administrator assistance for peripheral configuration, then configuration accuracy is ensured, but productivity is reduced due to time-consuming processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkspace setup speedVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The service performs configuration actions automatically as peripherals are connected and positioned. By detecting peripheral locations and applying appropriate settings immediately upon connection, the system eliminates the time loss associated with manual configuration requests and IT administrator intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors peripheral locations and automatically adjusts settings in response to detected changes. This feedback mechanism ensures configuration accuracy while maintaining high productivity, as the system adapts settings dynamically without requiring employee intervention or IT administrator involvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If employees work in different locations with different peripherals, then workplace flexibility is improved, but configuration management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkplace flexibilityVSAvoidsettings management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The service provides universal configuration management that works across different locations and peripheral combinations. By detecting peripheral locations and automatically applying appropriate settings, the system handles diverse workplace configurations through a single unified service, eliminating the need for location-specific configuration procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts configuration settings based on real-time peripheral detection. As employees move between locations and connect different peripherals, the service automatically adjusts settings to match the current configuration, providing flexibility without increasing management complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution streamlines the setup process, allowing employees to easily adapt their workspace settings without manual intervention, enhancing productivity and reducing the need for IT assistance across different workspaces and peripherals.

Implementation Method 1

Peripheral direction information that was generated based on Bluetooth signals transmitted from or to a first peripheral can be processed to detect a location of the first peripheral relative to a computing device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBluetooth signals:

Data Source

PatentUS11436164B1Automatically configuring settings based on detected locations of peripherals

Publication Date: 2022.09.06 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

Settings of a computing device can be automatically configured based on detected locations of peripherals. A service on a computing device can be configured to detect the location of one or more peripherals relative to the computing device. Based on the relative location of the one or more peripherals, the service can automatically update one or more settings pertaining to the one or more peripherals to thereby automatically setup the user's workspace.