PointRight Multi-Machine Input Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for interactive workspaces with multiple screens and machines lack the ability to provide seamless and intuitive pointer and keyboard access, failing to support complex topologies and multiple users, and are limited to specific operating systems and devices.
Innovation Solution
PointRight is a system that enables cross-device, cross-platform, multi-user input redirection, allowing seamless pointer control across multiple screens by employing a geometric model for pointer motion and intelligently tracking the operational status of devices, enabling multiple simultaneous cursor control and dynamic topology adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple keyboards and mice are used for each machine, then each machine can be controlled independently, but the system complexity and user confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal input device that can control multiple machines across different operating systems. A single keyboard and mouse are designed to work with any machine in the workspace, eliminating the need for dedicated input devices for each machine. The system achieves this through software layers that translate input events into machine-specific commands, allowing one input device to serve multiple functions and control multiple targets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary software layer that sits between the input device and multiple machines. This mediator translates generic input events into machine-specific commands, enabling a single keyboard and mouse to control multiple machines without direct connection to each one. The intermediary handles the complexity of device mapping and machine state tracking, simplifying the user interface while managing system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If keyboard-view-mouse switch systems are used, then control can be directed to specific machines, but the system becomes complicated and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic control redirection system that uses sensors and software to detect which machine the user intends to interact with. The system automatically redirects keyboard and mouse control to the appropriate machine based on user behavior, eye tracking, or pointer position, eliminating the need for manual switching. The system serves itself by automatically managing control allocation without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors user interactions and machine states to dynamically adjust control allocation. The system provides visual feedback about which machine is currently receiving input and uses this information to automatically redirect control. This feedback loop eliminates manual switching by making the system responsive to user needs in real-time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If software pointer redirection systems are used for dedicated machines, then one user can control a few machines, but the systems do not support complex topologies of interactive workspaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic topology management system that automatically adapts to changing workspace configurations. The system continuously monitors the physical arrangement of machines and displays, and dynamically updates the pointer redirection mappings accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to support complex and changing topologies without requiring manual reconfiguration, maintaining simplicity while increasing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the workspace into logical zones and associates each zone with specific machines or displays. The pointer redirection system operates by segmenting the complex topology into manageable regions, allowing independent control of each segment while maintaining overall system coherence. This segmentation approach simplifies the management of complex topologies by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable units.
4Ease of operation
If VNC windows are opened for each machine, then remote control is possible, but the user must manually switch among multiple windows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic machine switching based on user interaction patterns and system state. Instead of requiring manual window switching, the system automatically detects which machine the user wants to access and switches control to that machine seamlessly. The system serves itself by monitoring user behavior and autonomously managing the switching process, eliminating the time loss associated with manual window navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares multiple machine connections and control channels in advance, so that when switching is needed, the transition can occur immediately without delay. The system pre-establishes communication channels with all machines and maintains ready-state connections, allowing instant switching when triggered by user action. This preliminary preparation eliminates the time loss that would otherwise be required to establish new connections or load remote desktop sessions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a software system, PointRight, that allows for smooth and effortless control of pointing and input devices among multiple displays. With PointRight, a single free-floating mouse and keyboard can be used to control multiple screens. When the cursor reaches the edge of a screen it seamlessly moves to the adjacent screen and keyboard control is simultaneously redirected to the appropriate machine. Laptops may also redirect their keyboard and pointing device, and multiple pointers are supported simultaneously. The system automatically reconfigures itself as displays go on, go off, or change the machine they display.