Preliminary Image Puzzle for Multi-Device Video Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for aligning mobile devices to display a video content item fail to accurately represent the scene when video content items are initially provided, leading to a burdensome process for users.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that uses preliminary image portions transmitted to mobile devices as a puzzle for users to solve, allowing them to correctly arrange their devices before receiving the main video content items, ensuring accurate representation across all devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If video content items are initially provided to mobile devices without alignment, then users can independently view content, but the scene representation becomes inaccurate and the process becomes burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a puzzle image to mobile devices before the actual video content is displayed. Users must solve the puzzle by arranging their devices in the correct spatial configuration, which pre-aligns the devices before the main content is presented. This ensures accurate scene representation across multiple devices without making the alignment process burdensome.
Solution Approach 2:
The puzzle image serves as an intermediary element between the user and the video content. Instead of directly providing video content that requires precise device alignment, the system introduces a puzzle-solving intermediate step that naturally guides users to the correct device arrangement, thereby achieving both ease of operation and scene representation accuracy.
2Productivity
If multiple mobile devices display video content items independently, then user viewing is independent and simple, but the collective scene representation is fragmented and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by distributing puzzle image portions to multiple mobile devices before the actual video content. Each device receives a specific portion that, when assembled by users through puzzle-solving, reveals the complete scene layout. This pre-alignment ensures that when video content is subsequently delivered to each device, the collective representation is accurate and coherent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the puzzle image into multiple portions and distributing them to different mobile devices. Each device holds a segment of the overall puzzle, and users must physically arrange their devices to assemble the complete picture. This segmentation approach maintains content delivery efficiency while achieving accurate scene assembly across devices.
3Ease of operation
If a puzzle-solving approach is used for device alignment, then user experience is enhanced and alignment is accurate, but additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The puzzle image acts as an intermediary that transforms the complex device alignment process into an engaging puzzle-solving activity. Instead of requiring users to manually configure devices based on technical parameters, the puzzle provides intuitive visual cues that guide alignment naturally. This intermediary approach enhances user engagement while managing process complexity through gamification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by enabling users to automatically align their devices through the puzzle-solving process without requiring external assistance or complex configuration steps. The puzzle itself provides the guidance and feedback needed for users to self-correct their device arrangement, achieving accurate alignment while maintaining simplicity in the user interface.
Data Source
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AI summary
A request from a plurality of mobile devices to join a group may be received. A number of the mobile devices that have joined the group may be identified. Furthermore, a preliminary image may be selected based on the number of the mobile devices that have joined the group and portions of the preliminary image may be transmitted to the mobile devices. An indication of an arrangement of the mobile devices based on the transmitted portions of the preliminary image may be received. In response to receiving the indication of the arrangement of the mobile devices, a different video item of the video items representing the main video may be transmitted to each of the mobile devices according to the arrangement of the mobile devices.