Proximity-Based Object Transfer Between Display Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-screen interactivity systems face challenges in providing intuitive and efficient interaction techniques for users to easily manage and interact with multiple functions and features across various devices, such as TVs, personal computers, and mobile devices.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for shifting displayed objects between two devices using input modules, processing modules, and communicating modules, which include sensors like magnetic field sensors and touch screens, allowing users to move objects between devices based on proximity and user input, ensuring a natural interaction experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users interact with multiple devices manually, then they can control functions on each device, but the interaction becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of interactionVSAvoidinteraction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic object transfer between devices based on proximity detection. When a first device is brought close to a second device, objects are automatically transferred without requiring manual user intervention for each transfer action, making the system serve itself through automatic detection and execution of transfer operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses proximity sensors to detect the distance between devices and provides feedback-based control. When devices are within a threshold distance, the system activates transfer functionality. This feedback mechanism from proximity detection enables automatic triggering of object transfer operations, reducing manual interaction steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If objects are manually transferred between devices, then users have control over transfer, but the process is not intuitive and requires multiple steps

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveintuitivenessVSAvoidinteraction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical interaction (touching, clicking, selecting) with automatic proximity-based detection and transfer. The system substitutes complex manual operations with automatic sensor-based triggering, making the interaction more intuitive while reducing the number of steps required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares transfer functionality in advance by continuously monitoring device proximity. When devices approach each other, the transfer mechanism is already activated and ready to execute automatically, eliminating the need for users to manually initiate complex multi-step transfer procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If the system automatically detects proximity, then object transfer is automatic, but requires sensors and communication infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic transferVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses universal communication protocols and standard sensor interfaces that can work across different device types. The proximity detection and object transfer mechanism is designed to be multi-functional, working with various device combinations (smartphones, tablets, computers) without requiring device-specific complex implementations

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary communication layer that handles proximity detection and object transfer coordination between devices. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a standardized interface for interaction, reducing the complexity that would otherwise be distributed across multiple device-specific components

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 seamless and intuitive multi-screen interaction by automatically transferring and scaling objects between devices when they are moved close or far apart, enhancing user experience and usability across different digital ecosystems.

Implementation Method 1

A first device and a second device are provided with a magnetic field sensor, respectively, to detect a distance between the first device and the second device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3025469B1Method and device for displaying objects
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 INTERDIGITAL CE PATENT HOLDINGS SAS
  • EP3025469B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2C
  • EP3025469B1 patent drawingFigure 2D~2E
  • EP3025469B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

It is provided a method for displaying objects. The method comprises, at the side of a first device, steps of detecting distance between the first device and a second device, wherein the second device displays one or more objects; if the distance becomes less than a threshold value, displaying at least one object among the one or more objects on the first device.