Virtual Input Device Emulation for Mobile Data Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices face practical limitations in connecting multiple input devices due to constraints such as the number of ports, processing power, and cost, which restricts the scope of input data that can be simultaneously used in applications like video conferencing and gaming.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a virtual input device on a local computing device that utilizes input data from mobile devices via a network, allowing multiple mobile devices to transmit data to the computing device, which is then processed and outputted as if the data originated from physically connected devices, eliminating the need for additional accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple physical input devices (cameras, microphones) are connected to a computing device, then the scope and quality of input data is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to additional ports and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of physical input devices through software emulation. Virtual cameras and virtual microphones are implemented as software components that replicate the functionality of physical devices without requiring additional hardware ports. These virtual devices receive data from mobile devices via network communication and present it to applications as if from physical devices, thereby increasing the effective number of input devices without adding physical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical mechanical connections (USB ports, audio jacks, video inputs) with wireless network communication protocols. Instead of physically connecting multiple cameras and microphones to the computing device, mobile devices transmit data through Wi-Fi or other wireless networks to the virtual input devices, substituting mechanical hardware connections with software-based network communication
2Reliability
If additional input devices are connected to enhance communication quality, then the reliability and functionality of real-time communications is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome installation and configuration of accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual input device system automatically discovers and configures itself without requiring manual installation. When a mobile device joins the network, the virtual input device automatically detects and begins receiving data streams from it. The system self-configures the data flow paths and integrates new devices dynamically without user intervention, eliminating the need for manual port connections and driver installations
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual input device acts as an intermediary layer between mobile devices and applications. Instead of requiring direct physical connections between mobile devices and applications, the virtual input device mediates the communication by receiving data from mobile devices through network protocols and presenting it to applications in the format expected by standard input devices, thereby simplifying the interaction model
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for augmenting communications using input data from mobile devices are described herein. A computing device may establish a connection with a mobile device having one or more input devices. The computing device may display a barcode that, when scanned by a mobile device, causes the mobile device to access a web page. The web page may be configured to cause the mobile device to transmit, e.g., via a web browser executing on the mobile device and to the computing device, input data from the input devices. The input data may be used by the computing device to replicate a physical input device connected to the computing device. The computing device may transmit the input data to a different computing device.