Circular Dial Interface for Intuitive Time Period Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices require multiple user inputs to set a time period, making the process cumbersome and inefficient for users when executing functions like schedule management or healthcare applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and electronic device that display a user interface with a circular dial featuring icons for start and end time settings, allowing users to input dates and times intuitively by moving icons along the dial, reducing the number of user inputs required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional input methods are used to set time period, then date and time can be set accurately, but the number of user inputs increases and the process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the setting of start date, start time, end date, and end time into a single circular dial interface. Users can set all time period parameters by interacting with icons positioned on the dial, rather than entering each parameter separately through multiple input screens. This merging of multiple setting operations into one unified interface reduces the number of user inputs while maintaining accurate date and time setting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional linear or hierarchical input forms to a circular dial interface where time parameters are represented positions around the circle. This dimensional change allows users to set time periods by positioning icons at appropriate locations on the dial, converting multiple sequential input steps into a more intuitive spatial arrangement that reduces input complexity while preserving setting precision.
2Loss of information
If multiple input fields are provided for time period setting, then complete time information can be captured, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple input fields for date and time into a single circular dial interface. The dial integrates all time period parameters (start date, start time, end date, end time) into one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate input fields and reducing interface complexity while ensuring complete time information is captured through icon positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The circular dial serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays the current time, allows setting of start date and time, allows setting of end date and time, and provides visual feedback for the selected time period. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate interfaces for each function, reducing overall interface complexity while maintaining complete time information capture.
3Loss of information
If traditional time setting interface is used, then all time parameters can be set, but the user experience becomes less intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional linear or hierarchical time setting interface into a circular dial where time parameters are arranged circumferentially. This dimensional change creates a more intuitive visual representation of time periods, allowing users to grasp the relationship between start and end times at a glance and set parameters through natural icon positioning rather than navigating through multiple input fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual indicators such as different colors or highlighting for the first icon and second icon to distinguish between start time and end time settings. This visual differentiation enhances user understanding of which parameter is being set and provides intuitive feedback, improving the overall user experience while ensuring complete time period information is captured.
Data Source
AI summary
According to various disclosed embodiments, a method for setting a date and time by an electronic device may include: displaying a user interface that includes a plurality of time points arranged at regular intervals along a circumferential direction in an edge area of a substantially circular dial and including a date change point, a first icon positioned at a first point among the plurality of time points, and a second icon positioned at a second point among the plurality of time points; receiving an input for at least one of the first icon and the second icon; displaying movement of the at least one of the first icon and the second icon on the plurality of time points based on the received input; and displaying a date and time corresponding to a movement direction and movement location of the at least one of the first icon and the second icon.