Projector-Based Virtual Input Interface for Compact Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices with large screens and keyboards occupy significant space, and those with smaller interfaces face issues like reduced content rendering and inconvenient user operation due to the fixed size of input/output interfaces.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with an input/output controller, first and second projector components, and a detector component that projects virtual keyboards and interfaces, allowing for adjustable projection directions and modes based on applications and user preferences, enabling miniaturization while maintaining operational convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the electronic device is equipped with large screen and keyboard, then the input/output interface area is increased, but the device occupies relatively large space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses projector components to create virtual copies of the keyboard and display interface on an external surface rather than using physical hardware. The first projector component projects a virtual keyboard image, and the second projector component projects a display interface image, allowing users to interact with virtual representations that occupy minimal physical space while providing large effective interface areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional physical interfaces (keyboard and screen) to three-dimensional spatial projection. By projecting interfaces onto external surfaces in three-dimensional space, the system eliminates the need for bulky physical components while maintaining or expanding the effective interface area through adjustable projection positions and angles.
2Volume of stationary object
If the electronic device is equipped with small sizes of screen and keyboard, then the device volume is reduced, but the area of input/output interface is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The projector components create full-size virtual copies of keyboard and display interfaces on external surfaces, allowing the physical device to remain compact while the projected interfaces provide sufficient area for content rendering and user operation. The virtual keyboard and display interface maintain standard sizes despite the small physical form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
By moving the interface display to external surfaces through projection, the system decouples interface area from device volume. The projected interfaces can be positioned at various distances and angles, effectively expanding the available interface area without increasing the physical device size.
3Device complexity
If the electronic device uses fixed size input/output interface, then the device structure is simplified, but user operation convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic projection capabilities where the virtual keyboard and display interface can be repositioned, resized, and reconfigured based on user needs and application requirements. The projector components can adjust projection position, angle, and content dynamically, providing operational flexibility that adapts to different usage scenarios while maintaining relatively simple hardware architecture.
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
The solution provides an input/output interface of desired size, reducing the device's volume and enhancing user experience through flexible projection and adaptation to various applications and environments, improving portability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The first projector component is configured to project the output interface according to the first projection signal
Implementation Method 2
The second projector component is configured to project the input interface according to the second projection signal
Implementation Method 3
The detector component is configured to detect an input signal in the projected input interface
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an electronic device, an input/output apparatus and an input/output method therefor. The electronic device includes an input/output controller, a first projector component, a second projector component and a detector component. The input/output controller generates a first projection signal for an output interface and a second projection signal for an input interface. The first projector component projects the output interface according to the first projection signal. The second projector component projects the input interface according to the second projection signal. The detector component detects an input signal in the projected input interface, and transmits the detected input signal to the input/output controller as an input signal for the electronic device. By implementing input/output in a manner of projection, an input/output interface of a desired size is provided while the input/output apparatus of the electronic device is miniaturized. In this way, the volume of the electronic device may be further reduced while keeping convenience in operation.