Projector Selection Screen Using Positional Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-projection systems, selecting the appropriate projector devices for image division and combination is challenging due to the lack of positional information in the list generated based on IP address information, making it difficult to choose devices with a proper positional relationship to the master projector.

Innovation Solution

A display device that includes a positional information obtaining unit to determine the positional relationship between communication partners, a selection screen generating unit to display positions based on this information, and a control unit to preferentially show devices with shorter distances, allowing easy selection of nearby devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the selection list is generated based on IP address information, then the list can be automatically created, but the list does not reflect positional information making it difficult to select appropriate projector devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of selecting projector deviceVSAvoidpositional information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines IP address information with positional information (distance and direction) into a unified selection list. The master projector obtains both types of information from slave projectors and integrates them to display comprehensive device details, allowing users to select appropriate devices based on both network identification and physical location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds spatial dimensions (distance and direction) to the traditional IP-address-based selection interface. By incorporating positional data, the system transforms a one-dimensional list (based solely on network addresses) into a multi-dimensional selection interface that includes spatial relationships, enabling users to make informed decisions about device placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If positional information is obtained and displayed on the selection screen, then device selection becomes easier, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of selecting projector deviceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The master projector automatically obtains positional information from slave projectors without requiring manual input or configuration. The system self-services by having each projector device transmit its own positional data, which the master projector then processes and displays, reducing the need for external intervention or complex setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by having projector devices transmit their positional information in advance during the device search phase, before the user needs to make selections. This pre-gathering of data simplifies the subsequent selection process and avoids the need for additional configuration steps later.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10261404B2Display device and control method
Publication Date: 2019.04.16 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • US10261404B2 patent drawing
  • US10261404B2 patent drawing
  • US10261404B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A first projector device includes: a positional information obtaining unit that obtains first positional information of a second projector device and second positional information of a third projector device by obtaining positional information indicating a positional relationship with a communication partner through communication; a selection screen generating unit that generates a selection screen for selecting at least one from a plurality of the projector devices; and a projection unit that displays the selection screen. The selection screen generating unit determines, based on the first positional information and the second positional information, a first position where the second projector device is selectably displayed and a second position where the third projector device is selectably displayed on the selection screen.