Distance-Adaptive Interface Elements for Faster Device Interactions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for managing interactions between electronic devices, such as smart phones and smart speakers, are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring complex user interfaces and multiple key presses, wasting user time and device energy, particularly in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where a user interface element adjusts its size based on the distance between devices, displaying at a first predetermined size when the distance is greater than a first threshold, a variable size between the threshold distances, and a second predetermined size when closer, reducing the need for manual adjustments and conserving power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing techniques are used for managing device interactions, then device functionality is maintained, but user interface complexity increases and interaction time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface simplicityVSAvoidinteraction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface element dynamically changes its size based on the detected distance between devices. When devices are close together, the UI element appears larger, and when devices are farther apart, the UI element appears smaller. This dynamic adaptation allows the interface to respond to the physical context, reducing the number of interaction steps needed while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If existing techniques are used for managing device interactions, then device functionality is maintained, but cognitive burden on users increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecognitive burdenVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the distance between devices and adjusts the user interface element size without requiring user input. This self-adjusting behavior eliminates the need for users to manually configure interface settings, thereby reducing cognitive burden while maintaining full device functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If existing techniques are used for managing device interactions, then interaction capability is maintained, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidinteraction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface element dynamically changes its size based on the detected distance between devices. When devices are close together, the UI element appears larger, and when devices are farther apart, the UI element appears smaller. This dynamic adaptation allows the interface to respond to the physical context, reducing the number of interaction steps needed while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the display parameter (size) of the user interface element based on the distance parameter between devices. By adjusting this visual parameter dynamically, the system optimizes the balance between interaction efficiency and energy consumption, as fewer interaction steps are required when the UI adapts to the physical distance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12615491B2Interfaces for device interactions

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 APPLE INC

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to managing interactions between devices. In some embodiments, methods and user interfaces for managing interactions between devices are described.