Patent Publication Number: US-2015084837-A1

Title: Coordination of multiple mobile device displays

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 61/880,065, filed Sep. 19, 2013, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The subject matter described herein relates to mobile device displays. In particular, the subject matter described herein relates to coordination of multiple mobile device displays. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     A common complaint is that display screens on mobile devices are too small. However, the larger displays become, the less mobile the “mobile” devices become. A larger fixed display, e.g., a desktop display, is often unavailable. Thus, there is a need for mobile users to retain the mobility of their mobile devices while having alternative displays. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for coordinating multiple mobile device displays, substantially as shown in and/or described herein in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate a plurality of embodiments and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles involved and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art(s) to make and use the disclosed technologies. However, embodiments of the disclosed technologies are not limited to the specific implementations disclosed herein. Unless expressly indicated by common numbering, each figure represents a different embodiment where components and steps in each embodiment are intentionally numbered differently. 
         FIG. 1  shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system that coordinates multiple mobile device displays. 
         FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  show exemplary two-dimensional and three-dimensional arrangements of mobile devices, respectively. 
         FIG. 3  shows a block diagram of an exemplary computer that may coordinate multiple mobile device displays. 
         FIG. 4  shows a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method for coordinating multiple mobile device displays. 
         FIG. 5  shows an exemplary image that may be displayed by coordinated mobile device displays. 
         FIG. 6  shows an exemplary mode of displaying the image shown in  FIG. 5  by a plurality of coordinated mobile device displays that are the same. 
         FIG. 7  shows an exemplary mode of displaying the image shown in  FIG. 5  by a plurality of coordinated mobile device displays that are different. 
         FIGS. 8   a ,  8   b , and  8   c  show an exemplary mode of displaying the image shown in 
         FIG. 5  by a plurality of coordinated mobile device displays. 
         FIGS. 9   a ,  9   b ,  9   c  and  9   d  show an exemplary mode of displaying related images by a plurality of coordinated mobile device displays. 
     
    
    
     Embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Additionally, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     I. Introduction 
     Reference will now be made to embodiments that incorporate features of the described and claimed subject matter, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the technology will be described in conjunction with various embodiments, it will be understood that the embodiments are not intended to limit the present technology. The scope of the subject matter is not limited to the disclosed embodiment(s). On the contrary, the present technology is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope the various embodiments as defined herein, including by the appended claims. In addition, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present technology. However, the present technology may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments presented. 
     References in the specification to “embodiment,” “example,” or the like indicate that the subject matter described may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or step. However, other embodiments do not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, characteristic or step. Moreover, “embodiment,” “example,” or the like do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, characteristic or step is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not those other embodiments are explicitly described. 
     Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular system components and configurations. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, various skilled artisans and companies may refer to a component by different names. The discussion of embodiments is not intended to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . ” Also, the term “couple” or “couples” is intended to mean either an indirect or direct electrical connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct electrical connection or through an indirect electrical connection via other devices and connections. 
     Methods, systems, and apparatuses will now be described for coordination of multiple mobile device displays so that each mobile device displays an image based on its relative position in an arrangement of a plurality of mobile devices. Random configurations of uniform and non-uniform mobile device displays may be adapted as display elements in a larger display or in a related display, such as game pieces. Many embodiments of systems, devices and methods may be implemented, each with various configurations and/or steps. While several detailed features and embodiments are discussed below, many more embodiments are possible. In Section II, an overview of coordination of multiple mobile device displays is described. In Section III, an exemplary multi-display coordination system is described. In Section IV, an exemplary computer is described. In Section V, an exemplary method of coordinating multiple mobile device displays is described. In Section VI, exemplary display modes are described. In Section VII, a conclusion is provided. Section headings are non-limiting guides and do not restrict the disclosure in any way. 
     II. Overview of Coordination of Multiple Mobile Device Displays 
     The technology herein generally addresses the problem that display screens on mobile devices are too small. However, because people often have more than one mobile device and/or congregate with other people with one or more mobile devices, multiple mobile devices may be aggregated and arranged to form a larger display or related displays to display images, where an image is defined as any visual content. Images displayed by coordinated displays may be pre-divided for a plurality of mobile devices, may be partitioned and distributed among the plurality of mobile devices or each mobile device may select an image or a portion of an image so that each mobile device displays an image, or portion thereof, based on its relative position in an arrangement of a plurality of mobile devices. As a result of display coordination, random configurations of mobile device displays may be adapted as display elements in a larger display or in a related display, such as game pieces, for passive viewing or interactive use by one or more viewers or users. Non-limiting examples of passive viewing include the display of pictures, videos, movies, and Web pages while non-limiting examples of interactive use include playing games (e.g. puzzles, reaction time games and video games). 
     The subject technology can be used with a wide variety of mobile device types, including but not limited to wireless devices, such as cell phones (e.g. smartphones, non-smartphones), tablets, mini notebooks, notebooks, netbooks, laptops, media players, etc. Devices may be uniform (i.e. the same) or non-uniform (i.e. different). 
     Configurations or arrangements of device displays may be two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D). Non-limiting examples of 2D shapes include straight, meandering, sinusoidal, rectangular, square and circular. Non-limiting examples of 3D shapes include spherical, cubical, 3D-circular (wheel) and conical. Arrangements may be freeform or organized. Organized arrangements may use forms, such as racks/mounts, that hold devices in a particular shape or pattern. 
     In view of an infinite number of random or ad hoc, static and dynamic arrangements of mobile devices as multi-screen displays and given a variety of image applications and display modes, the configuration, organization or physical arrangement of aggregated mobile devices, i.e., device alignment, such as the number of devices, their relative positions and orientations, is detected and used to determine what image, or what portion of an image, each mobile device will display in accordance with an image application and available display modes. Certain information may be more or less relevant to various image applications. For example, aggregated mobile devices may be used by some image applications, such as puzzle games, to display related images, such as different game pieces, while aggregated mobile devices may be used by other image applications, such as video applications, to display a portion of a divided image to present viewers with a larger image. For the latter type of image applications, an aggregate display shape formed by a plurality of mobile device displays (i.e. screens) may be relevant to determine display mode, image scaling and image partitioning. 
     Device arrangement/alignment may be detected by sensing data and interpreting or analyzing the sensed data. Arrangement of devices may be discovered using general purpose or location-specific sensors. A non-limiting example of a general purpose sensor is a wireless transceiver. Non-limiting examples of location-specific sensors include gyro, accelerometer, proximity, compass and global positioning system (GPS) sensors. 
     In one embodiment, communications by mobile devices using one or more transceivers may be analyzed in combination with device information to determine the display arrangement. For example, distance between communication transceivers may be determined by analyzing timestamps in communications for propagation delays. Data may be sensed and analyzed periodically or in response to a trigger event, such as movement sensed by one or more sensors. Power savings can advantageously be achieved in embodiments in which the data sensing and analysis is triggered by movement, as such data sensing and analysis may be performed less frequently when the mobile devices are immobile. One or more devices, including all devices, and/or a server may comprise one or more image applications that determine an aggregate display and display processing. Image processing may be performed by a server, by one device or by each device in the arrangement, such as where each device receives an entire image and each device determines what portion of the image the device should display. 
     Image applications may have one or more display modes offering different viewing perspectives and image processing. For example, a viewing perspective may account for or ignore non-display area (e.g. device frames, protective covers and gaps between devices) relative to the aggregate display. If non-display area is considered part of the aggregate display, then portions of an overall image would be appear to be missing, i.e., hidden as if looking through a window divided with muntins. 
     Device information, such as dimensions (e.g. frame and display size), processor, memory, transceiver (number and location), etc. can be associated with an image application on one or more devices and/or a server in any format, such as a table. Alternatively, devices may discover such information, e.g. during handshaking. 
     In comparison to large commercial displays with an array of display elements that are fixed in place, uniform, singular-purpose and do not operate independently, this technology adapts multi-purpose devices that are mobile, independently operable, uniform and non-uniform, as ad hoc display elements in random display configurations. 
     III. Exemplary Embodiments of Coordination of Multiple Mobile Device Displays 
       FIG. 1  shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system  100  that coordinates multiple mobile device displays. System  100  is merely one exemplary system out of many possible systems. In other embodiments, system  100  may comprise more or fewer components. System  100  comprises mobile device arrangement  113 , display coordinator  117  and optional communication device  114 , communication medium  115  and server  116 . Other embodiments may comprise more or fewer components. 
     Arrangement  113  shows first mobile device D 1  and second mobile device D 2 . In various embodiments, arrangement  113  may comprise any physical arrangement of any number and type of mobile devices. First and second devices D 1 , D 2 , and other devices forming part of arrangement  113  or any other arrangement, may be arranged in 2D or 3D.  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  show exemplary two-dimensional and three-dimensional arrangements of mobile devices. In  FIG. 2   a , nine devices, including first through ninth devices D 1 -D 9 , are shown in rectangular arrangement  200   a  with very little or no space between frames of first through ninth devices D 1 -D 9 . Rectangular arrangement  200   a  may be suitable, for example, as an aggregate display of pictures, videos and video games. Of course, many other 2D arrangements are possible in terms of shapes, spacing, orientations, number of devices, etc. In  FIG. 2   b , eight devices, including first through eight devices D 1 -D 8 , are shown in 3D circular arrangement  200   b . In this embodiment, first through eight devices D 1 -D 8  are shown affixed to 3D circular mount  205 . Circular arrangement  200   b  may be suitable, for example, in 3D interactive games (e.g. showing an airplane traversing 3D space), 3D imagery/lighting (e.g. disco ball). Of course, many other 3D arrangements are possible, with and without a mount, in terms of shapes, spacing, orientations, number of devices, etc. 
     First mobile device D 1  comprises display  101 , frame  102  and first through fourth transceivers  103 ,  104 ,  105  and  106 . Second mobile device D 2  comprises display  107 , frame  108  and first through fourth transceivers  109 ,  100 ,  111  and  112 . First and second mobile devices D 1 , D 2 , and other mobile devices in other embodiments, may each comprise a computer. A non-limiting example of a computer is computer  300  shown in  FIG. 3 . First and second devices D 1 , D 2  may communicate with each other via one or more transceivers  103 - 106 ,  109 - 112 . Displays  101 ,  107  may comprise any type of display, including a touch screen display. Transceivers  103 - 106 ,  109 - 112 , may transmit and receive wireless communications at any frequency using any one or more communication technology protocols. Non-limiting examples of communication protocols include near field communication (NFC), radio frequency identification (RFID), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), e.g., WiFi operating based on IEEE 802.11 standards and WiMax operating based on IEEE 802.16 standards, 60 GHz wireless protocols, Bluetooth (BT), Wireless USB (WUSB), and any cellular technology, e.g., Advanced Mobile Phone (“AMPS”), digital AMPS, Global System for Mobile communications (“GSM”), Code Division Multiple Access (“CDMA”), Local Multi-point Distribution Systems (“LMDS”), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (“LTE”), Multi-channel-Multi-point Distribution System (MMDS), or other cellular services, and/or variations thereof First and second devices D 1 , D 2  may have any number of transceivers, supporting communication components such as receivers, transmitters and antennas, sensors and other components and features (not shown). Non-limiting examples of sensors in first and second devices D 1 , D 2  include gyro, accelerometer, proximity, compass and global positioning system (GPS) sensors. 
     System  100  further comprises communication device  114  and server  116  coupled by communication medium(s)  115 . Communication device  114  may comprise any fixed or mobile wireless transceiver operating at any frequency using any wireless communication technology that communicates with at least one of first device D 1  and second device D 2 . Non-limiting examples of communication device  114  include an access point (AP) and a cellular base station. Non-limiting examples of wireless communication technology include the examples provided for first and second devices D 1 , D 2 . Communication medium(s)  115  comprise any wireless and/or wired communication medium, e.g., optical fiber, using any communication protocol. 
     Communication medium(s)  115  may comprise multiple networks, including but not limited to LANs, WLANs, intranet(s), and internet(s) that may or may not be coupled to the world wide web (WWW). Server  116  comprises one or more computers. A non-limiting example of a computer is computer  300  shown in  FIG. 3 . Server  116  may communicate with first device D 1  and/or second device D 2  via communication medium(s)  115 , communication device  114  and one or more transceivers  103 - 106 ,  109 - 112 . 
     System  100  further comprises display coordinator  117 . Display coordinator coordinates the display of an image or related images on first and second devices D 1 , D 2  and any other devices forming part of arrangement  113 . In some embodiments, such as the one depicted in  FIG. 1 , display coordinator  117  comprises several modules, including but not limited to arrangement detector  118  and image selector  119 . 
     Each device in an arrangement may provide an indication that they are participating in an arrangement. As one of many possible examples, each device may run a display coordination application. Any portion or all of display coordinator  117  may be implemented in any one or more of first device D 1 , second device D 2  and server  116 . Any portion or all of display coordinator  117  may be repeated in each of first device D 1 , second device D 2  and server  116 . Display coordinator  117  may be implemented in digital hardware, analog hardware, firmware, software or any combination thereof. For example, first device D 1  may perform display coordination and provide the portion of an image or a related image to D 2 . As another example, each of first and second devices D 1  and D 2  can perform display coordination for themselves based on image(s) they have or image(s) provided by another device. As another example, server  116  can perform display coordination and provide respective image(s) to first and second devices D 1 , D 2 . In some embodiments, display coordinator  113  may be split among an operating system and one or more applications. There are a wide variety of options to centralize and distribute various functions involved in display coordination. 
     Arrangement detector  118  detects the arrangement/alignment of first and second devices D 1 , D 2 , and any other devices forming part of arrangement  113 , by interpreting or analyzing data generated by one or more general or specific purpose sensors, including but not limited to one or more wireless transceivers, gyros, accelerometers, proximity sensors, compasses and global positioning system (GPS) sensors. 
     In one embodiment, communications by first and second devices D 1 , D 2  with each other and/or with communication device  114  using selected transceivers  103 - 106 ,  109 - 112  may be analyzed in combination with information about first and second devices D 1 , D 2  and/or communication device  114  to determine the display arrangement, e.g. arrangement  113 . For example, distance between selected first device D 1  transceivers  103 - 106 , second device D 2  transceiver  109 - 112  and/or communication device  114  may be determined by analyzing timestamps in those communications for propagation delays. For timestamp techniques to determine distance and, ultimately, relative positions of devices in arrangement  113 , first device D 1 , second device D 2  and/or communication device  114  may need to be time synchronized. For example, each participating device may maintain a timing synchronization function (TSF) with a TSF timer in microsecond increments. In some embodiments, time synchronization may be implemented in accordance with an audio video bridging (AVB) standard for IEEE  802  communications. 
     Distance and relative positioning determinations based on communications, without limitation and with varying levels of precision, include time of arrival (TOA), time distance of arrival (TDOA), round trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AOA) and received signal strength indicator (RSSI). These and other techniques may be implemented alone or in combination to determine distances and relative positions of devices in an arrangement. TOA, TDOA and RTT may be determined from timestamp difference (TSD). In some embodiments, TSD may be the time difference between the time that an acknowledgement of a frame is sent/received minus the time that the frame was originally sent/received, as measured on a single station (e.g. mobile or fixed station), such as first device D 1 , second device D 2  or communication device  114 . In other embodiments, TSD may be defined differently. 
     Regardless of technique(s), raw data for distance and relative position calculations may be sensed and analyzed periodically or in response to a trigger event, such as movement sensed by one or more sensors. Device information to determine an arrangement of devices, such as but not limited to dimensions (e.g. frame and display size), processor, memory, transceiver (number and location), implemented in any format (e.g. a table) can be associated with or otherwise accessible by display coordinator  117 . Alternatively, this information may be discovered during device communications, such as during handshaking. Thus, communications between devices in an arrangement may be dual purpose. The communications may provide discovery of device information as well as provide timestamps that may be analyzed to determine relative positions of mobile devices in an arrangement. 
     Given that device information discloses the locations of transceivers  103 - 106  relative to the display of first device D 1  and the locations of transceivers  109 - 112  relative to the display of second device D 2 , the calculated distances between transceivers  103 - 106 ,  109 - 112  are used to determine the physical arrangement of displays of devices in arrangement  113 . The level of detailed information that needs to be known depends on the image application. For example, related displays, such as different game pieces displayed on different devices may not require the same level of detailed information and analyses as an image application that partitions a single image into a plurality of images for aggregate display of a video. 
     Image selector  119  selects the image(s) to be displayed on the displays of first and second devices D 1 , D 2 , and any other devices forming part of arrangement  113 . Image selector may base selection decisions on the detected arrangement alone or in combination with one or more manually or automatically determined factors, such as but not limited to, the number of devices in the arrangement, the types of devices in the arrangement (e.g. touchscreen, non-touchscreen), the shape formed by the arrangement, a type or category of image being displayed (e.g. 2D, 3D, still, moving), the type of image application being run (e.g. passive video, interactive game), a display mode (e.g. display entire image or permit obstructions), display settings, scaling, zooming or magnification, centering, user input and other factors that may influence display. 
     Coordinated display applications running on one or more mobile devices and/or a server may have one or more display modes offering different viewing perspectives and, accordingly, different image processing. For example, a viewing perspective may account for or ignore non-display area (e.g. device frames, protective covers and gaps between devices) relative to an aggregate display of an image (e.g. video). If non-display area is considered part of the aggregate display, then portions of an overall image would be appear to be missing, i.e., hidden as if looking through a window divided with muntins. While this mode may avoid image distortion, it may interfere with some image displays depending on display settings and the image being displayed. For example, attempting to display a sports game as an image displayed on twelve cell phones in a rectangular arrangement at a scale where players are smaller than divisions between device displays in a display mode with obstructions may result in device frames and spacing significantly obstructing the game. Automated or manual entry of display settings may provide for appropriate display. 
     IV. Exemplary Computer 
       FIG. 3  shows a block diagram of an exemplary computer  300  that may coordinate multiple mobile device displays. As previously indicated, computer  300  is one of many possible embodiments of each of first device D 1 , second device D 2  and server  116 . Embodiments, including systems, methods/processes, and/or apparatuses/devices, may be implemented using well known computers, such as computer  300 . 
     Components of computer  300  may include, but are not limited to, central processor  318 , memory  306  and system bus  324 . System bus  324  couples various system components, including memory  306 , to central processor  318 . System bus  324  also couples graphics processor  320 , media controller(s)  322 , sensor interface  326 , user interface  330 , wireless interface  334  and wired interface  338 . System bus  324  may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. 
     Central processor  318  may comprise one or more processing units to process executable instructions, which may be stored in cache(s) in central processor  318  or in memory  306 , media  323 , remote memory (not shown) or other memory (not shown). There are many ways to implement the technology as various types of software, including but not limited to a program, application, operating system, application programming interface (API), tool kit, driver code, standalone or downloadable software object, etc. Each of these may be stored in memory  306 , media  323 , remote memory (not shown) or other computer readable media. 
     Graphics processor  320  is coupled to system bus  324  and display  321 . Graphics processor  320  may have its own memory, but may also access memory  306  and media  323 . Graphics processor  320  may communicate with central processor  318  and assume responsibility for accelerated graphics port (AGP) communications. Graphics processor may comprise one or more graphics processing units (GPUs) that perform image processing, such as display coordination. Graphics processor  320  may provide audio to speakers (not shown) and images to display  321  for display to a viewer. 
     Memory  306  comprises any one or more types of volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable computer storage media. As illustrated without limitation, memory  306  may store basic input/output system (BIOS)  308 , operating system  310 , programs  312 , applications  314  and data  316 . Media controller(s)  322  accepts and controls one or more type of media  323 . Media  323 , i.e., computer readable media, can be any volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media that can be accessed by computer  300 . By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media may comprise computer storage media and communication media. 
     Computer storage media includes any media that stores information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory and any other type of memory technology or memory devices in any format useful to store information accessible by computer  300 . 
     Communication media is any non-storage media having computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Communication media is non-overlapping with respect to computer storage media. 
     User interface  330 , comprising one or more interfaces, couples input device  332 , comprising one or more input devices, to system bus  324 . Input device  332  permits a user to enter commands and information into computer  300  through input devices, such as but not limited to one or more of a touchpad (e.g. touchscreen), keypad, gamepad, joystick, keyboard or pointing device. As one example, one or more input devices may be coupled to a universal serial bus (USB) or micro USB port. 
     Sensor interface  326  is coupled between system bus  324  and sensors  328 . Non-limiting examples of sensors  328  include gyro, accelerometer, proximity, compass and global positioning system (GPS) sensors. For example, one or more sensors  328  may be used to determine arrangement  113  and/or trigger determination of arrangement  113 . 
     As indicated in  FIG. 3 , computer  300  may operate in a networked, distributed or other environment involving communication with one or more remote computer(s)  342 , which may or may not have similar features and components as shown for computer  300 . Remote computer(s)  342  may, for example and without limitation, be mobile devices (e.g. first and second devices D 1 , D 2 ), personal computers, servers (e.g. server  116 ), routers, or network nodes. In a networked or distributed environment, programs, applications and data depicted relative to computer  300 , or portions thereof, may be stored in remote memory (not shown). 
     Computer  300  illustrates wired and/or wireless connections are possible to remote computer(s)  342 . Wired interface  338  is coupled between system bus  324  and wired communication medium(s)  340  to remote computer(s)  342 . Wired interface  338  and communication medium(s)  340  may be configured to handle any type and number of wired communication technologies and protocols, including mixed communication technologies and protocols. Wireless interface  334  is coupled between system bus  324  and transceiver  336  to remote computer(s)  342 . Wireless interface  334  and transceiver  336  may be configured to handle any type and number of wireless communication technologies and protocols, including mixed communication technologies and protocols. Non-limiting examples of transceiver  336  include first device D 1  transceivers  103 - 106 , second device D 2  transceivers  109 - 112  and communication device  114 . It will be appreciated that the network or distributed connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing communications with remote computers may be used in any embodiment. 
     V. Exemplary Method of Coordinating Multiple Mobile Device Displays 
     Embodiments may also be implemented in processes or methods. For example, 
       FIG. 4  shows a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method for coordinating multiple mobile device displays. 
     Embodiments described with respect to  FIGS. 1 and 3  and/or otherwise in accordance with the technical subject matter described herein may operate according to method  400 . Method  400  comprises steps  405  to  425  that may be performed in periodic or continuous operation. However, embodiments may operate in other ways. No order of steps is required unless expressly indicated or inherently required. There is no requirement that a method embodiment implement all of the steps illustrated in  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 4  is simply one of many possible embodiments. Embodiments may implement fewer, more or different steps. Other structural and operational embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the description of method  400 . 
     Method  400  begins with step  405 . In step  405 , on a continuous or periodic basis, an ad hoc physical arrangement of a plurality of mobile devices is determined The physical arrangement indicates relative positions of first and second mobile devices in the ad hoc physical arrangement. The mobile devices comprise first and second mobile devices. Each mobile device operates independently, has a display and is removable from the arrangement. Further, the arrangement can be rearranged. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2   a  and  2   b , arrangement  113 , 2D arrangement  200   a , 3D arrangement  200   b  or any other arrangement having first device D 1 , second device D 2  and any number of other devices, is determined Display coordinator  117 , specifically arrangement detector module  118 , may make the determination of the arrangement. The determination may be implemented in computer executable instructions executed by computer  300 . The determination of the arrangement may be made by any one or more device(s) in the arrangement, server  116  and/or another device (e.g. communication device  114  or another device that is not shown). 
     As previously discussed, the determination of an arrangement may be based on analysis of data provided by general or specific purpose sensors. Each device may be equipped differently and so the data set and analyses for various mobile devices in the arrangement may be different. While there are a wide variety of possible sensors, data sets and analyses, an example using transceivers is discussed with reference to first and second devices D 1 , D 2  in  FIG. 1 . In one embodiment, first and second devices D 1 , D 2  may engage in direct communications (e.g. via NFC, RFID, BT, WUSB, 60 GHz wireless), where first device D 1  communicates with second device D 2  by sending and receiving time stamped messages from each transceiver in first device D 1  transceivers  103 - 106  to at least two transceivers in second device D 2  transceivers  109 - 112 . 
     As one example, the arrangement  113  may be determined from an analysis of time-stamped messages sent between transceiver  103  and transceivers  109 - 112 , between transceiver  104  and transceivers  109 - 112 , between transceiver  105  and transceivers  109 - 112 , and between transceiver  106  and transceivers  109 - 112 . In other embodiments, more or fewer communications may be necessary to determine a 2D or 3D arrangement. It is noted that RF delays in transmitters and receivers can be calibrated to make measurements more accurate. 2D arrangement  200   a  and 3D arrangement  200   b  may be determined by analyzing communications between the devices in those arrangements. User selection of a pattern or mount in advance of exploratory communications may reduce the complexity of communications and analyses to determine an arrangement. Communications may be analyzed by any one or more communication analysis techniques, e.g., TOA, TDOA, RTT, AOA and RSSI, to determine distances between transceivers. Given the distances and information about the devices, calculations may be performed to determine the arrangement of device displays. 
     At step  410 , a first image to display on the first mobile device is determined based on the relative position of the first mobile device in the ad hoc physical arrangement. At step  415 , a second image to display on the second mobile device is determined based on the relative position of the second mobile device in the ad hoc physical arrangement. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , display coordinator  117 , specifically image selector  119 , may determine which images are displayed on which devices in an arrangement (e.g. arrangement  113 , 2D arrangement  200   a , 3D arrangement  200   b ) based on information determined by arrangement detector  118 . Image selection or determination may be based on the detected arrangement alone or in combination with one or more manually or automatically determined factors, such as but not limited to, the number of devices in the arrangement, the types of devices in the arrangement (e.g. touchscreen, non-touchscreen), the shape formed by the arrangement, a type or category of image being displayed (e.g. 2D, 3D, still, moving), the type of image application being run (e.g. passive video, interactive game), a display mode (e.g. display entire image or permit obstructions), display settings, scaling, zooming or magnification, centering, user input and other factors that may influence display. 
     At step  420 , the first image is displayed on the first mobile device and the second image is displayed on the second mobile device. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8   a ,  8   b ,  8   c ,  9   a ,  9   b ,  9   c  and  9   d  in arrangements  600 ,  700 ,  800   a ,  800   b ,  800   c,    900   a  and  900   b , images are displayed on devices in the arrangements. 
     VI. Exemplary Display Modes 
       FIG. 5  shows an exemplary image that may be displayed by coordinated mobile device displays. Image  500  is a black circle. Of course, in other embodiments, any image(s) of any kind may be displayed on the displays of mobile devices in an arrangement. Image  500  may be any type of image, e.g., passive picture, sketch, video, animation or interactive form, video or game where viewer(s) may manipulate image(s) by providing user input to one or more devices in an arrangement or in another device (not shown). Embodiments described herein may partition image  500  into a plurality of images based on a particular arrangement of mobile devices, such as the arrangements shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
       FIG. 6  shows an exemplary mode of displaying the image shown in  FIG. 5  by a plurality of coordinated mobile device displays that are the same. As used in this context, “same” may connote a uniformity of manufacturer and model type or a uniformity of display characteristics such as dimensions or the like. Arrangement  600  shows first through fourth mobile devices D 1 -D 4  arranged in a rectangle and separated by a gap  605 . For simplicity, each of first through fourth devices D 1 -D 4  and the gaps between them, i.e., gap  605 , are uniform. In other embodiments, the devices may be different (non-uniform) and gaps between them, if any, may be different. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the aggregate display formed by devices D 1 -D 4  displays image  500  centered in the center of devices D 1 -D 4 . Portion  500   n  of image  500  is displayed on first device D 1 . Of course, if image  500  is part of a video, image  500  may move and be displayed disproportionately on devices D 1 -D 4  in accordance with the video. Image settings, such as centering and scaling and display mode, may also be manually or automatically adjusted. It may be observed that the display mode in  FIG. 6  counts non-display area between device displays as part of the aggregate display, which results in portions of image  500  being obscured by device frames and gaps  605  between devices. 
       FIG. 7  shows an exemplary mode of displaying the image shown in  FIG. 5  by a plurality of coordinated mobile device displays that are different. As used in this context, “different” may connote a non-uniformity of manufacturer and model type or a non-uniformity of display characteristics such as dimensions or the like. Arrangement  700  comprises non-uniform mobile devices D 1 , D 2  and D 5 . Compared to  FIG. 6 , second and fourth devices D 2 , D 4  are replaced by fifth device D 5  to illustrate non-uniform devices forming an arrangement, in this embodiment an aggregate display, created from non-uniform mobile devices. Of course, a visible advantage in obstruction mode is larger displays that cause fewer obstructions. 
       FIGS. 8   a ,  8   b  and  8   c  show an exemplary mode of displaying the image shown in  FIG. 5  by a plurality of coordinated mobile device displays. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8   a , the display mode ignores non-display areas between device displays, including uniform gap  802 . Image  500  is partitioned and displayed as if displays for devices D 1 -D 4  were continuous without any device frames or gap  802  between them. Portion  500   a  is displayed by fourth device D 4 . As shown in  FIG. 8   a , this does create some distortion of image  500 . However, this display mode may be suitable for some images. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8   b , movement of fourth device D 4  widens gap  802  into a non-uniform gap  804 , creating arrangement  800   b . If non-uniform gap  804  (or movement) is not taken into account then image  500  would be further distorted. As shown in  FIG. 4 , non-uniform gap  804  is taken into account, such that portion  500   a  remains in its original display position while fourth device D 4  moves. This display mode of reacting to movement, or to arrangement  800   b  generally without movement, requires a different display on fourth device D 4 , as indicated by portion  500   b.    
     The embodiment shown in  FIG. 8   c  is an extension of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8   b . Additional movement of fourth device D 4  causes wider gap  806  and arrangement  800   c.  Taking wider gap  806  into account, the portioning of image  500  and display on fourth device D 4  change again. As shown, portion  500 c is displayed on fourth device D 4  in order to avoid further distortion of image  500 . Moving fourth device D 4  back into the position shown in arrangement  800   a  would return the full ¼ image partition (i.e. portion  500   a ) to display on fourth device D 4 . 
       FIGS. 9   a ,  9   b ,  9   c  and  9   d  show an exemplary mode of displaying related images by a plurality of coordinated mobile device displays. In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 9   a ,  9   b ,  9   c  and  9   d , an interactive still image game places related images (i.e. game pieces) on mobile devices in arrangements  900   a  and  900   b . The underlying game may be designed for a single display or it may be designed for multiple displays. If the underlying game is designed for a single display then, as would be the case with display of an image on an aggregate display, an image would be partitioned and perhaps otherwise manipulated, e.g., by scaling, orientation, for distribution to and display by mobile devices in an arrangement. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9   a , first through fourth devices D 1 -D 4  are randomly arranged in arrangement  900   a . Four game (e.g. puzzle) pieces are provided, respectively, for display by devices D 1 -D 4 . A user may accept these game pieces or provide user input to change one or more of the game pieces if the user/viewer does not see pieces that fit together. A user may also be enabled to interact with the display of each device. Such display interaction may be independent of other devices or may change the display by more than one device. For example, a user may provide user input to a device to zoom in or zoom out to, respectively, magnify a game piece or display additional game pieces. One or more devices may zoom in or out in response to interaction with one device. In this particular game, which is one of an infinite number of games that may be displayed, a user physically moves mobile devices to align game pieces. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9   b , a user has moved both second device D 2  and fourth device D 4  to generally align game pieces and create arrangement  900   b , which is detected by arrangement detector  118 . Assembly of game (e.g. puzzle) pieces may be automatic upon such general alignment or may require manual input, such as pressing a button or touching a touchscreen. Thus, in some embodiments, arrangement alone may not modify display of an image. For example, a user input may be required to modify the display of related images. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9   c , regardless whether it occurred automatically based on arrangement or based on the addition of manual user input, generally aligned game pieces displayed on second and fourth devices D 2 , D 4  in arrangement  900   b  are combined and displayed on fourth device D 4 , leaving second device without an image to display, at least temporarily. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9   d , a new game piece is displayed by second device D 2 . In some embodiments, the same game piece may be displayed on second device D 2  regardless if it remains in the same place in arrangement  900   b  or is moved to a new position. In an implementation, a game piece may be provided to second device D 2  at the same time the display on fourth device D 4  changes to show assembled game pieces. Note that the arrangement in  FIGS. 9   b - d  is the same; only the game pieces displayed are different. For this image application in this embodiment, the new game piece provided for display by second device D 2  may not matter if device D 2  is relocated to form a new arrangement. In other embodiments, a change in arrangement may matter in the selection of an image for display. 
     VII. Conclusion 
     The technology herein generally addresses the problem that display screens on wireless devices are too small. However, because people often have more than one mobile device and/or congregate with other people with one or more mobile devices, multiple devices may be aggregated and arranged to form a larger display or related displays to display images, where an image is defined as any visual content. Images displayed by coordinated displays may be pre-divided for a plurality of devices, may be partitioned and distributed among the plurality of mobile devices or each device may select an image or a portion of an image so that each device displays an image, or portion thereof, based on its relative position in an arrangement of a plurality of mobile devices. As a result of display coordination, random configurations of mobile device displays may be adapted as display elements in a larger display or in a related display, such as game pieces, for passive viewing or interactive use by one or more viewers or users. Non-limiting examples of passive viewing include the display of pictures, videos, movies, and Web pages while non-limiting examples of interactive use include playing games (e.g. puzzles, reaction time games and video games). 
     A device (i.e., apparatus), as defined herein, is a machine or manufacture as defined by 35 U.S.C. §101. Devices may be digital, analog or a combination thereof. 
     Techniques, including methods, described herein may be implemented by hardware (digital and/or analog) or a combination of hardware with software and/or firmware component(s). Techniques described herein may be implemented by one or more components. Embodiments may comprise computer program products comprising logic (e.g., in the form of program code or software as well as firmware) stored on any computer useable medium, which may be integrated in or separate from other components. Such program code, when executed in one or more processors, causes a device to operate as described herein. Program code may be stored in computer-readable storage media. Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, a removable optical disk, flash memory cards, digital video disks, random access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROM), and the like. In greater detail, examples of such computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, a hard disk associated with a hard disk drive, a removable magnetic disk, a removable optical disk (e.g., CDROMs, DVDs, etc.), zip disks, tapes, magnetic storage devices, MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) storage, nanotechnology-based storage devices, as well as other media such as flash memory cards, digital video discs, RAM devices, ROM devices, and the like. Such computer-readable storage media may, for example, store computer program logic, e.g., program modules, comprising computer executable instructions that, when executed, provide and/or maintain one or more aspects of functionality described herein with reference to the figures, as well as any and all components, steps and functions therein and/or further embodiments described herein. 
     Such computer-readable storage media are distinguished from and non-overlapping with communication media (do not include communication media). Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media, as well as signals transmitted over wires. Embodiments are also directed to such communication media. 
     Proper interpretation of subject matter described herein and claimed hereunder is limited to patentable subject matter under 35 U.S.C. §101. Subject matter described in and claimed based on this patent application is not intended to and does not encompass unpatentable subject matter. As described herein and claimed hereunder, a method is a process defined by 35 U.S.C. §101. As described herein and claimed hereunder, each of a circuit, device, apparatus, machine, system, computer, module, media and the like is a machine and/or manufacture defined by 35 U.S.C. §101. 
     While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Embodiments are not limited to the functional blocks, detailed examples, steps, order or the entirety of subject matter presented in the figures, which is why the figures are referred to as exemplary embodiments. A device, apparatus or machine may comprise any one or more features described herein in any configuration. A method may comprise any process described herein, in any order, using any modality. It will be understood by those skilled in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and details may be made to such embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter of the present application. 
     The exemplary appended claims encompass embodiments and features described herein, modifications and variations thereto as well as additional embodiments and features that fall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosed technologies. Thus, the breadth and scope of the disclosed technologies should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments or the following claims and their equivalents.