Activity-Launching User Interface for Fewer Inputs and Lower Power

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for enabling activities on computer systems are cumbersome, inefficient, and time-consuming, particularly in battery-operated devices, often requiring multiple key presses and wasting user time and device energy.

Innovation Solution

Faster and more efficient methods and interfaces for enabling activities on computer systems, including the ability to initiate activities without installing applications, reduce cognitive burden, and conserve power by providing quick access and reducing redundant user inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing techniques are used to enable activities on computer systems, then the activities can be performed, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming requiring multiple key presses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of enabling activityVSAvoidtime to enable activity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-generates and stores activity indicator graphics that represent available activities before the user needs them. When a user queries available activities, the system can immediately display pre-prepared indicators without requiring the user to navigate through multiple menus or press multiple keys to discover what activities are available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates visual copies (graphics) of activities that can be displayed on the interface. Instead of requiring users to physically navigate through system menus to find activities, the system generates visual representations of available activities that users can directly select, reducing the number of input operations required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If existing techniques are used to enable activities on computer systems, then the activities can be performed, but multiple key presses are required which wastes device energy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of enabling activityVSAvoiddevice energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-generates and stores activity indicator graphics that represent available activities before the user needs them. When a user queries available activities, the system can immediately display pre-prepared indicators without requiring the user to navigate through multiple menus or press multiple keys to discover what activities are available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates visual copies (graphics) of activities that can be displayed on the interface. Instead of requiring users to physically navigate through system menus to find activities, the system generates visual representations of available activities that users can directly select, reducing the number of input operations required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If existing techniques are used to enable activities on computer systems, then the activities can be performed, but the user interface is complex and cognitive burden is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivity enabling functionalityVSAvoiduser interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates visual copies (graphics) of activities that can be displayed on the interface. Instead of requiring users to physically navigate through system menus to find activities, the system generates visual representations of available activities that users can directly select, reducing the number of input operations required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses visual properties such as color, size, and positioning of activity indicator graphics to convey different states and types of activities. This visual encoding allows users to quickly understand available activities and their states without requiring complex text-based interfaces or multiple navigation steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP4277252B1User interfaces for enabling an activity

Publication Date: 2026.02.18 APPLE INC

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AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces for enabling an activity using a computer system. In some embodiments, exemplary user interfaces for invoking an activity associated with an application are described. In some embodiments, exemplary user interfaces for customizing displayed content based on circumstances under which the content was invoked are described. In some embodiments, exemplary user interfaces for managing applications that were used to enable activities are described. In some embodiments, exemplary user interfaces for managing settings for applications used to enable activities are described.