Virtual Workspace GUI With Sensor-Based Device Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-user and multi-device collaboration technologies face limitations in real-time interaction, file sharing complexity, window management, and reduced engagement due to reliance on cloud-based systems, peer-to-peer file-sharing, and sensor-dependent setups, which hinder efficient and intuitive collaboration.
Innovation Solution
A unified graphical user interface (GUI) displays other devices around the perimeter of the screen, using sensor data to determine their relative positions, enabling intuitive interactions like file sharing and screen control through simple gestures, without the need for dedicated sensors or cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cloud-based virtual devices and virtual storage are used for multi-user collaboration, then users can access shared data across multiple devices, but real-time interaction is limited due to upload/download bottlenecks and internet speed constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a local device acting as an intermediary that receives sensor data from multiple devices and relays spatial position information to the collaboration platform. This local intermediary enables real-time spatial awareness without requiring continuous cloud communication for position updates, thus maintaining cross-device adaptability while improving real-time interaction speed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cloud-based collaboration platforms are used to allow users to contribute from any device, then collaboration flexibility is improved, but file sharing and window management become complicated requiring multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables devices to automatically determine and communicate their spatial positions to the collaboration platform using onboard sensors. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual device selection and setup, allowing users to simply bring devices into the collaborative space where they are automatically recognized and integrated, thus maintaining flexibility while dramatically simplifying operations.
3Productivity
If cloud-based collaboration platforms occupy the entire local desktop for screen sharing, then real-time collaboration is enabled, but users cannot easily access local files or take notes without switching workspaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the collaboration interface into spatially-organized zones around the perimeter of the screen, with each zone representing a physical device location. This segmentation allows the collaboration platform to occupy only the necessary screen real estate while leaving the central workspace accessible for local tasks, thus maintaining real-time collaboration efficiency while preserving local workspace accessibility.
4Measurement precision
If dedicated sensors or cameras are positioned to track devices in a local environment, then device location detection is accurate, but system complexity and setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor tracking system with an electronic solution where each device uses its own onboard sensors (GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) to determine its position. The local device collects these electronic sensor data and communicates position information to the collaboration platform, achieving accurate device location detection without requiring external cameras or positioning sensors, thus maintaining measurement precision while reducing system complexity.
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
Enhances user comfort and efficiency in multi-device collaboration by allowing seamless interaction and integration of local and remote devices, simplifying common tasks and reducing cognitive load.
Implementation Method 1
based on sensor data collected by one or more of the plurality of devices
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, and processor-readable media for managing a virtual workspace shared by multiple devices are described. A unified GUI is presented to each device in which the other devices sharing the virtual workspace are represented by GUI elements, with the location of the other local devices present within the same local environment corresponding to a display location of the corresponding GUI element around the perimeter of the GUI screen. The locations of the other local devices are determined based on sensor data from the local devices, such as NFC radio data or other short-range sensor data, without the need for a dedicated, specially positioned camera or other sensor configured to track the devices within the local environment.