Portable Device Interface Reconfiguration Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional user interfaces for portable devices are inflexible and cumbersome, requiring users to memorize complex key sequences and menu hierarchies, leading to frustration due to their lack of intuitiveness and adaptability.

Innovation Solution

A portable electronic device with an interface reconfiguration mode that allows users to intuitively reposition graphical objects on a touch-sensitive display by detecting predefined user actions, animating icons to simulate floating, and applying equations of motion to facilitate easy reconfiguration of the interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional user interfaces use physical pushbuttons and complex menu systems, then device functionality can be accessed, but user interface flexibility and ease of operation deteriorate due to required memorization of key sequences and menu hierarchies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface flexibilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the user interface configurable and adaptable rather than fixed. Users can customize the display layout, icon positions, and menu structures according to their preferences, allowing the interface to dynamically adjust to individual user needs rather than requiring all users to adapt to a rigid predetermined structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The interface reconfiguration mode enables users to service and customize their own interface without requiring complex configuration procedures. The system provides intuitive indicators and straightforward mechanisms that allow users to independently adjust their interface layout and functionality to suit their preferences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional user interfaces are configured by users, then partial customization is achieved, but the configuration process becomes cumbersome and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface customizationVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback through intuitive indicators that clearly show users which elements can be configured and how to configure them. The interface provides visual and operational feedback during the configuration process, making it clear what actions are available and what changes are being made, thereby simplifying the customization process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical configuration systems with a simplified touch-based or button-based reconfiguration mode. Instead of requiring users to navigate through multiple menu layers and remember configuration sequences, the system provides direct access to configuration functions through intuitive indicators and simplified interaction mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12026352B2Portable electronic device with interface reconfiguration mode

Publication Date: 2024.07.02 APPLE INC

AI summary

A portable electronic device displays a plurality of icons (e.g., graphical objects) in a region in a touch-sensitive display; detects a predefined user action, with respect to the touch-sensitive display, for initiating a predefined user interface reconfiguration process; and varies positions of one or more icons in the plurality of icons in response to detecting the predefined user action. The varying includes varying the positions of the one or more icons about respective average positions.