Surface-Projected Interfaces for Expanding Display Workspaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices have limited dimensions for presenting graphical information, restricting the ability to effectively expand the user interface beyond their physical boundaries.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for projecting graphical interfaces onto a surface around a display using a projector, which scans the surrounding area to determine a usable space and projects interfaces onto that area, adjusting for objects, dimensions, and user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If graphical information is presented only on the display device, then the presentation is confined to the display's physical dimensions, but the area for presenting graphical information remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the graphical interface from the two-dimensional display screen into the three-dimensional space surrounding the display by projecting images onto surfaces such as desks or walls. This dimensional transition allows the presentation area to expand beyond the physical boundaries of the display device itself, effectively increasing the area available for graphical information without adding complex multi-display hardware configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a projector as an intermediary device between the display device and the surface where graphical information is presented. The projector receives video signals from the display and projects them onto surrounding surfaces, serving as a mediator that enables the expansion of the graphical interface area without requiring direct integration between the display and the projection surface, thus maintaining system simplicity.
2Area of stationary object
If the display device dimensions are increased to provide more graphical information space, then the presentation area expands, but the device size and portability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The projector acts as an intermediary that decouples the display device from the final presentation surface. Instead of increasing the physical dimensions of the display device itself, the system uses the projector to extend the graphical interface onto surrounding surfaces at a distance, thereby achieving a larger effective display area without increasing the size of the display device, maintaining its portability and compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a confined two-dimensional display surface to a three-dimensional projection space, allowing graphical information to be presented on surfaces that are spatially separated from the display device. This enables the effective display area to expand in all directions around the user rather than being constrained to a single planar surface, thus increasing area without increasing device dimensions.
3Area of stationary object
If a projector is added to expand the graphical interface area, then the presentation area increases, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The projector is designed to work with multiple types of display devices (monitors, televisions, mobile devices) and can project onto various surfaces (desks, walls, whiteboards). This multi-functionality allows a single projector addition to expand the graphical interface area across different scenarios and device types without requiring multiple specialized components, thereby increasing area while minimizing the increase in system complexity through standardized, versatile hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The projector serves as a simple intermediary component that bridges the gap between the display device and the projection surface. By using a standalone projector rather than integrating projection capabilities directly into the display device, the system maintains the simplicity of each individual component while achieving the combined effect of expanded display area, thus increasing area with minimal impact on overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, systems, and program products are disclosed for projecting interfaces on a surface. An apparatus includes a processor and a memory that stores code executable by the processor. The code is executable by the processor to scan a surface around a display device connected to an electronic device, determine a usable area of the scanned surface for projecting at least one graphical interface of the electronic device, and project the determined at least one graphical interface on the usable area of the scanned surface using at least one projector.