Communication Interface Adaptation for Faster Call Initiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication user interfaces on electronic devices are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring multiple key presses and consuming excessive time and energy, particularly in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

Implement methods and interfaces that dynamically adjust user interface options based on network availability, displaying appropriate communication options and initiating communication processes efficiently, conserving power and reducing cognitive burden.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing communication user interface techniques are used, then communication functionality is provided, but user interaction time and device energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication initiation speedVSAvoiduser interaction time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by proactively detecting network availability status before the user needs to communicate. It pre-configures the appropriate communication interface (terrestrial or non-terrestrial) based on detected network conditions, so that when the user initiates communication, the system is already ready to proceed without requiring additional user steps to select network type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system serves itself by automatically selecting and configuring the appropriate communication network based on its own detection of network availability. The device autonomously determines whether terrestrial or non-terrestrial networks are accessible and configures communication accordingly, eliminating the need for user intervention in network selection and reducing interaction time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If existing communication user interface techniques are used, then communication functionality is provided, but device energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoiddevice energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary network availability detection and configuration before communication is initiated. By pre-determining the appropriate network interface based on detected availability, the system avoids energy-wasting operations such as attempting to use unavailable networks or requiring users to manually configure settings, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device autonomously monitors network availability and self-configures communication parameters without user intervention. This self-service approach prevents energy waste from unnecessary user interface operations, repeated detection attempts, or suboptimal network selection, allowing the system to efficiently manage power while maintaining communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing communication user interface techniques are used, then communication options are provided, but interface complexity and cognitive burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication network coverageVSAvoiduser interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically adapts to available networks by detecting terrestrial and non-terrestrial network availability and configuring communication accordingly. This self-service adaptation eliminates the need for complex user interface elements that would require users to understand and navigate multiple network options, thereby reducing cognitive burden while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts and handles network selection complexity internally by automatically detecting network availability and configuring appropriate interfaces. By removing the network selection decision from the user interface and handling it autonomously, the system maintains adaptability to different network conditions while presenting a simplified interface to users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4165498B1Methods and interfaces for initiating communications
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 APPLE INC
  • EP4165498B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4165498B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4165498B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to methods and user interfaces for establishing communications.