Context-Specific UI Platters for Time-Adaptive Information Display
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for providing context-specific user interfaces on portable multifunction devices are cumbersome, inefficient, and consume excessive user time and device energy, particularly in battery-operated devices, due to complex interactions and unnecessary information display.
Innovation Solution
Methods and interfaces that efficiently transition between context-specific information displays on a single screen by detecting user inputs and temporal changes, allowing seamless switching of applications and graphical depictions to reflect changing contexts, thereby reducing interactions and conserving power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a widget dedicated to sunset time is displayed on the screen, then the user can view sunset time information, but the screen real estate is occupied with irrelevant information for most of the day and consumes unnecessary power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic widget behavior where the sunset widget automatically adjusts its display state based on the time of day. The widget transitions from a visible state showing sunset information to a hidden or collapsed state during periods when sunset information is irrelevant (most of the day), and becomes visible again when sunset approaches. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the widget informative when needed and invisible when not needed, thus preserving screen real estate and reducing power consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing techniques are used to provide context-specific user interfaces, then information can be displayed, but the interface becomes complex and time-consuming with multiple key presses required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the interface automatically detects contextual changes (such as time of day, location, or user behavior patterns) and autonomously adjusts the displayed information without requiring user intervention. The system monitors contextual parameters and dynamically reconfigures the interface to show relevant information, eliminating the need for users to perform multiple key presses or navigate complex menus to access context-specific information.
3Loss of information
If multiple user interactions are required to display all desired information, then comprehensive information can be accessed, but user time and device energy are wasted on unnecessary interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-loading and pre-organizing information based on predicted user needs and current context. The system anticipates what information the user will want to see next and prepares it in advance, making it immediately accessible without requiring multiple user interactions. The interface proactively displays comprehensive information in a single view or sequentially presents relevant information before the user even requests it, thus eliminating time-wasting navigation through multiple screens or interactions.
Data Source
AI summary
Context-specific user interfaces, e.g., for use with a portable multifunction device, provide, inter alia, indications of time and, optionally, a variety of additional information. A user interface screen including a current time indicator and a first platter is displayed. The first platter is at a first position, is associated with a first application, and displays a first set of information obtained from the first application. The first set of information relates to a first temporal context of the current day. In response to detecting a user input, the first platter is displayed at a second position and a second platter is displayed at the first position. The second platter is associated with a second application and displays a second set of information obtained from the second application. The second set of information relates to a second temporal context of the current day.