Communication Interface Reachability Switching for Fewer User Actions

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Solution Overview

Problem

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

Innovation Solution

Implement methods and interfaces that efficiently manage communication by determining network reachability to select appropriate communication networks (terrestrial or non-terrestrial) and adapt user interface displays accordingly, optimizing power usage 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 time and device energy are wasted due to multiple key presses and complex interactions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoiduser interaction time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting network reachability status before user interaction and pre-configuring the appropriate communication interface. When the terrestrial network is unreachable, the system proactively prepares the satellite communication interface in advance, eliminating the need for users to manually navigate through multiple settings or press multiple keys to switch networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If existing communication user interface techniques are used, then communication functionality is provided, but device energy is consumed due to complex user interactions and prolonged interface display

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

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring network reachability in the background and pre-configuring the appropriate communication interface before user interaction is needed. This eliminates energy-wasting scenarios where the device remains in a state of waiting for user input or continuously displays complex interface options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts and separates the network reachability detection function from the main user interaction flow. By independently monitoring network status and automatically switching interfaces based on detected conditions, the system removes the need for users to navigate through energy-consuming interface sequences, thereby reducing overall device energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing communication user interface techniques are used, then communication options are available, but cognitive burden on user increases due to complex interface navigation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication network optionsVSAvoiduser interface simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting network reachability status and autonomously selecting the appropriate communication interface (terrestrial or satellite) without requiring user intervention. The system monitors its own network connectivity state and independently configures the communication pathway, freeing users from the cognitive burden of understanding or navigating complex network selection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary layer (automatic network reachability detection mechanism) that mediates between the user's communication intent and the available network options. This intermediary automatically translates user communication requests into appropriate network selections based on real-time reachability detection, shielding users from the complexity of multiple communication protocols and interface navigation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4141636B1Methods and user interfaces for initiating communications
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 APPLE INC
  • EP4141636B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4141636B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4141636B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

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