Position-Dependent Display Control for Multi-Device Message Source Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face confusion when trying to determine the source of messages and perform subsequent actions across multiple devices, as existing technologies lack effective methods for clearly displaying and managing messages between devices.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with proximity and orientation sensors, which detects discrete positions and generates unique display object data for each position, allowing it to communicate with a remote device to create or modify display objects based on user gestures and device positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If messages are displayed on a second separate device, then the user can view messages from one device on another device, but the user becomes confused about the source of messages and how to perform subsequent actions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage viewing capabilityVSAvoidmessage source identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color coding to display objects to indicate their source device. Different colors or color schemes are used to represent messages from different devices, allowing users to instantly identify the source without confusion while maintaining the ability to view messages on a separate device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements position-dependent display characteristics where the visual properties of display objects change based on the physical position of the first device relative to the second device. This includes displaying different information, colors, or levels of detail depending on whether the device is in a docked position, a wireless charging position, or other spatial configurations, thereby providing contextual information about message sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic device is positioned at multiple discrete positions, then different display object data can be generated for each position, but the device complexity increases due to sensor integration and position detection mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition-based display controlVSAvoidsensor and detection system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the first device's display system multi-functional by enabling it to serve as both a primary display device and a remote control for the second device. The same display object generation mechanism is used for both displaying content from the first device and showing control interfaces for the second device, eliminating the need for separate specialized hardware and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary that mediates between the first device and the second device. This intermediary handles the complex sensor data processing and position detection algorithms, allowing the first device to determine its position relative to the second device without requiring complex direct coupling mechanisms. The intermediary layer simplifies the control architecture by centralizing the position-based display logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables clear and intuitive management of display objects across devices, allowing users to easily interact with and update messages through gestures, improving user experience by providing a seamless communication and interaction interface.

Implementation Method 1

determining, using the sensors, that the electronic device has been positioned at a first position thereof in contact with a surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProximity sensing: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an orientation sensor, which detects discrete positions and generates unique display object data for each position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOrientation sensing: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2797299B1Device and method for remote controlling of an external display using different positions of the remote controller
Publication Date: 2019.04.03 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2797299B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2797299B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2797299B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method (800) comprising the steps of detecting an electronic device (100) being positioned at one of a plurality of discrete positions (802), and generating data pertaining to at least one application associated with the one detected discrete position (804) for generating or modifying a display object on a display generated by a remote device (300).