Virtual Peripherals via Projection for Mobile Device Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices with small form factors face challenges in allowing users to perform complex tasks that require extensive user interactions, as they are limited by physical constraints such as small screens and keypads.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of virtual peripherals on mobile devices, which include projecting components to project images of input/output devices like keyboards and monitors onto external surfaces, allowing users to interact with the mobile device as if it were a larger computing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the form factor of mobile devices is reduced to make them portable, then ease of carrying is improved, but the physical dimensions of input/output devices are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects the display output from the mobile device screen onto an external surface (wall, table, etc.), effectively extending the display area from two dimensions (screen) to three dimensions (space). The projecting component creates a virtual peripheral that appears on an external surface, allowing users to interact with a larger display area while keeping the mobile device itself compact and portable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the physical dimensions of input/output devices are increased to perform complex tasks, then functionality is improved, but portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of peripheral devices (keyboard, mouse, display) by projecting images of these peripherals onto external surfaces. Instead of physically attaching large keyboards or monitors to the mobile device, the system projects visual representations that users can interact with, providing full functionality of complex tasks while maintaining the portability of the original mobile device.
3Area of stationary object
If virtual peripherals are projected onto external surfaces, then the effective working area is expanded, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal projecting component that can display multiple types of virtual peripherals (keyboard, mouse, display, etc.) on the same external surface. The system uses a single projecting mechanism to provide multiple functions, reducing the need for separate physical devices for each function while expanding the effective working area across different virtual peripheral types.
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 enables mobile devices to operate beyond their physical dimensions, allowing users to perform complex tasks like drafting documents or navigating maps without the limitations of small screens, and simultaneously serve multiple users and purposes.
Implementation Method 1
projecting components to project images of input/output devices like keyboards and monitors onto external surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone) supporting virtual peripherals are described. The mobile device may include a projecting component configured to project images to external surfaces outside of the mobile device. In some cases, the mobile device may project an image of a document on a first external surface and an image of a keyboard on a second external surface. Moreover, the mobile device may include an imaging component to receive inputs based on sensing an input device overlaid on the projected image (e.g., the keyboard). Accordingly, the mobile device may function as a computer with an external monitor and a keyboard, virtually added to the mobile device. In some cases, the mobile device may serve two or more users or purposes at a time. For example, the mobile device may operate as an infotainment device of a vehicle.