Communication UI State Handling for Network-Aware Call Initiation

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 dynamically adjust user interface options based on network availability, displaying appropriate communication options and initiating communication processes through terrestrial or non-terrestrial networks efficiently, and optimizing content selection and alignment for low-bandwidth conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex user interface with multiple key presses is used to initiate communication, then communication options can be thoroughly presented, but user time and device energy are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication options presentationVSAvoiduser time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting network reachability and pre-selecting appropriate communication modes before the user needs to initiate communication. The device determines whether terrestrial or non-terrestrial networks are available and configures the communication interface accordingly, eliminating the need for users to manually navigate complex menu structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The communication system serves itself by automatically detecting network conditions and selecting optimal communication pathways without requiring extensive user input. The device monitors network availability and autonomously determines the best communication mode, reducing the cognitive burden and time investment required from the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex user interface with multiple key presses is used to initiate communication, then communication options can be thoroughly presented, but device energy is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication options presentationVSAvoiddevice energy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting network reachability and pre-selecting appropriate communication modes before the user needs to initiate communication. The device determines whether terrestrial or non-terrestrial networks are available and configures the communication interface accordingly, eliminating the need for users to manually navigate complex menu structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The communication system serves itself by automatically detecting network conditions and selecting optimal communication pathways without requiring extensive user input. The device monitors network availability and autonomously determines the best communication mode, reducing the cognitive burden and time investment required from the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If network reachability is automatically detected, then communication can be initiated efficiently, but user control over communication selection is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication initiation speedVSAvoiduser control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the level of automation based on network conditions and user preferences. When terrestrial networks are unavailable, the system automatically switches to non-terrestrial communication modes. However, users retain the ability to override automatic selections and manually choose communication pathways when desired, balancing efficiency with user control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250385967A1Methods and user interfaces for initiating communications

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 APPLE INC

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to methods and user interfaces for establishing communications. A computer system displays a user interface object corresponding to a communication with different appearances based on a respective state of a process for sending the communication.