A technique for improving cross-device graphics and animation on heterogeneous networks of collocated graphical devices

As different kinds of graphical computing devices become more common, there are numerous opportunities for these devices to work together. Multi-device functionality can be enhanced by persistent graphical entities that move seamlessly among the constituent devices. However, when two devices have different graphical capabilities, it may not be possible for both devices to represent an entity in the same way; when the entity is transferred between such devices, it undergoes a stylistic transformation that may cause a visual discontinuity. This paper describes a technique for improving heterogeneous graphics and animation by separating the moment of cross-device transfer from the moment of stylistic transformation. The technique involves implementing an explicit stylistic transformation on the device with superior graphical capabilities, shortly before or after the cross-device transfer. Making the stylistic transformation explicit, and separating it temporally from the transfer, helps to preserve the identity of the graphical object as it moves between devices. This technique can lead to more effective heterogeneous animation, thereby contributing to innovative industrial applications, novel platforms for computer-supported learning and new kinds of graphical entertainment.