Surface Computing Notification Source Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
During group conferencing, it is unclear which mobile phone is producing vibrations from notifications placed on a conference room table, leading to disruptions as attendees silence their phones and switch to vibrate mode to avoid audible and visual distractions.
Innovation Solution
A surface computing system that registers multiple smart devices via near field communications, detects notifications, and renders a visual indication on the display to identify the device receiving the notification, including its location and type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If attendees silence mobile phones and switch to vibrate mode to avoid audible and visual distractions, then notification disruptions are reduced, but the ability to identify which device is producing the notification is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a surface computing system as an intermediary between multiple mobile devices and the conference participants. This intermediary detects vibrations from any device on the table surface and provides visual feedback indicating which specific device is vibrating, thereby resolving the information loss problem while maintaining the silent/vibrate mode requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical vibration notification method with an optical/visual notification system. Instead of relying on physical vibrations that cannot be identified visually, the system uses cameras and display surfaces to provide visual indicators of which device is vibrating, substituting a mechanical sensing system with an optical detection and display system
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple smart devices are placed on the conference table, then each attendee can access their notifications, but it becomes unclear which specific device is producing each notification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the surface computing system continuously monitors the table surface for device vibrations and immediately provides visual feedback indicating which device is vibrating. This real-time feedback allows participants to identify the notification source without changing their device placement or notification settings
Solution Approach 2:
The surface computing system serves multiple functions: it detects vibrations from any device placed on the table, identifies the specific vibrating device, and provides visual notification to all participants. This universal system handles multiple devices simultaneously without requiring individual configuration for each device
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
This solution effectively identifies the source of notifications on a surface computing environment, minimizing disruptions during group conferences by clearly indicating which device is alerting, thus allowing attendees to manage their notifications discreetly.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a notification received in one of the smart devices
Implementation Method 2
a combination of one or more digital projectors and an array of cameras permit both the projected display of the graphical user interface
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for smart device notifications in surface computing. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for smart device notifications in surface computing includes registering in memory of a surface computing system, a placement of multiple different smart devices upon a surface of the surface computing system. The method also includes detecting a receipt of a notification in one of the smart devices. Finally, the method includes rendering in a visual display of the surface computing system, an indication of a particular one of the smart devices in which the receipt of the notification is detected.