Concurrent Function Timing Interfaces for Fewer User Inputs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for recording the execution duration of functions on electronic devices are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring multiple key presses and wasting user time and device energy, particularly in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

A method and interface that concurrently displays user-interactive graphical objects for initiating functions, measures physiological parameters, and provides a visual representation of execution duration, allowing efficient recording of function times without redundant inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If existing techniques are used to record execution duration of functions, then the execution time is recorded, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming requiring multiple key presses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime to record execution durationVSAvoiduser interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the function initiation interface and the duration recording interface into a single concurrent display. The first user interface simultaneously presents user-interactive graphical objects for initiating functions and visual representations of execution durations, eliminating the need to navigate between separate screens and reducing the number of key presses required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-displays the visual representations of execution durations on the first user interface before the user actually initiates or completes functions. This preliminary presentation of information allows users to see duration data immediately without requiring additional navigation steps or screen transitions after function execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of energy

If existing techniques are used to record execution duration, then the duration is captured, but device energy is wasted through redundant operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice energy consumptionVSAvoidefficiency of recording process
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the function initiation and duration recording into a single interface operation, the patent eliminates redundant processing steps and screen transitions that consume device energy. The concurrent display allows the system to capture and present duration information without requiring separate operational phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically captures and displays execution duration information without requiring users to perform additional actions beyond initiating the function. The duration recording occurs as a self-service operation that happens automatically in the background while the user interacts with the function initiation interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If multiple key presses are required to record execution duration, then the duration is recorded, but user cognitive burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecognitive burden on userVSAvoidtime for user inputs
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the function initiation interface and duration recording interface into a single concurrent display, allowing users to initiate functions and view duration information without switching between screens or performing redundant input sequences, thereby reducing cognitive load and input time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If complex user interface is used for recording duration, then duration tracking is achieved, but device power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of duration recordingVSAvoidbattery power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By combining multiple interface functions into a single concurrent display, the patent reduces the total number of screen transitions and interface operations required, thereby reducing the cumulative power consumption associated with display updates and processing operations while maintaining efficient duration recording.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4327181B1Methods and user interfaces for tracking execution times of certain functions
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 APPLE INC
  • EP4327181B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4327181B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4327181B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to methods and user interfaces for recording the execution duration of functions. In some embodiments, methods and user interfaces for recording the execution duration of functions are described. In some embodiments, methods and user interfaces for recording the execution duration of two or more related functions, wherein execution of the two or more functions can be initiated from a single user interface, are described. In some embodiments, methods and user interfaces for recording the execution duration of functions, wherein the related functions are associated with mindfulness, are described.