Clock GUI Indication Object for External Device Time Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices lack an intuitive method for displaying time information related to external device operations, position information, and estimated arrival times, making it inconvenient for users to manage and interact with external devices.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus that displays time information, position information, and estimated arrival times using a clock graphical user interface (GUI) with an indication area and moving indication objects, allowing users to intuitively understand and manage external device operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a general calendar application or text/phone function is used to provide information or contact another person, then the existing functionality is maintained, but the user experience is not intuitive and requires multiple steps (searching for contact addresses, manually contacting)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintuitiveness of information accessVSAvoidnumber of steps required
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (calendar, contact management, information display, and communication initiation) into a single integrated clock interface. The clock face displays schedule information, contact details, and provides direct access to communication functions, eliminating the need to switch between separate applications and reducing the number of operational steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clock interface serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it displays time, shows calendar schedules, presents contact information, provides location data, and enables direct communication. This multi-functional design allows users to access various features through a single interface, improving ease of operation while maintaining a familiar visual format.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If traditional calendar applications are used to check schedules, then the existing calendar functionality is provided, but the display is not intuitive and does not improve upon paper-based calendars

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintuitiveness of schedule displayVSAvoidinformation accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional linear or grid-based calendar displays to a circular clock-face dimension. Schedule information is radially arranged around the clock face, with different time periods represented by different angular sectors. This dimensional change provides a more intuitive visual representation that resembles analog clocks users are already familiar with, while maintaining comprehensive schedule information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses different colors to represent various types of schedule information, contacts, or time periods on the clock interface. Color coding allows users to quickly distinguish between different categories of information without requiring detailed text reading, enhancing information accessibility and intuitive understanding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Ease of operation

If text or phone functions are used to contact another person, then communication capability is provided, but the process is inconvenient requiring manual contact address search and initiation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of contacting othersVSAvoidtime to initiate contact
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-loads contact information and communication options directly on the clock interface. When a user views the clock, relevant contact details and communication methods are already displayed and accessible, eliminating the need to manually search for contact addresses before initiating communication. The system prepares all necessary information in advance for immediate action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3542330B1Method and electronic apparatus for displaying information
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3542330B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2
  • EP3542330B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3542330B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A method and an electronic apparatus for displaying various types of information on a clock graphical user interface (GUI) are provided. The electronic apparatus includes a transceiver configured to obtain time information related to an operation of an external device, at least one processor configured to generate a clock GUI displaying the time information, and a display displaying the clock GUI. The clock GUI includes an indication area and an indication object moving on the indication area. The indication object rotates with respect to a center point included in the indication area, and indicates the time information by indicating an area from among partial areas included in the indication area.