Lock Management Interfaces with Feature-Adaptive Access Setup

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for managing lock accessories on electronic devices are cumbersome and inefficient, often requiring multiple key presses or keystrokes, wasting user time and device energy, particularly in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

Electronic devices are equipped with methods and interfaces that dynamically adapt to the capabilities of lock accessories, displaying configuration options based on the presence of short-range communication or keypad features, thereby optimizing the configuration process and reducing unnecessary interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing techniques are used to manage lock accessories, then the lock can be configured and accessed, but the process is cumbersome and requires multiple key presses or keystrokes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration process simplicityVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting lock features and pre-configuring appropriate authentication methods. The electronic device proactively sets up credential-based access or code-based access based on the lock's capabilities before user interaction is needed, eliminating the need for multiple manual configuration steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration process serves itself by automatically adapting to the lock's features without requiring extensive user input. The system self-determines which authentication method to implement (credentials via short-range communication or code via keypad) based on detected lock capabilities, reducing the burden on the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If existing techniques are used to manage lock accessories, then the lock can be configured and accessed, but device energy is wasted due to multiple interactions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess management efficiencyVSAvoidbattery power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration actions to establish the most efficient access method in advance. By pre-configuring credential-based access for locks with short-range communication capabilities or code-based access for locks with keypads, the system minimizes the number of interactions needed during actual access, thereby conserving battery power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the authentication parameter based on the lock's features. For locks with short-range communication, it switches to credential-based authentication that requires fewer interactions. For locks with keypads, it uses code-based authentication. This parameter adaptation reduces the frequency of device activations and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing techniques are used to manage lock accessories, then universal compatibility is achieved, but the user interface becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelock compatibilityVSAvoiduser interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface dynamically adapts its complexity based on the detected lock features. The system automatically simplifies the configuration process by displaying only the relevant authentication method options corresponding to the lock's capabilities, rather than presenting a static complex interface with all possible options for every lock type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies local quality by tailoring the user interface presentation to the specific lock being configured. Each lock receives a customized configuration experience based on its features, showing only the applicable authentication methods (credentials for short-range communication locks, codes for keypad locks), rather than a uniform complex interface for all locks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4331214B1User interfaces for managing locks
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 APPLE INC
  • EP4331214B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4331214B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4331214B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces for managing locks. In some examples, an electronic device displays user interfaces for configuring a lock accessory device based on detected features of the lock accessory device, such as a short-range communication user interface for enabling an express mode of the lock accessory device and/or a pin user interface object for enabling a code for accessing the lock accessory device. In some examples, an electronic device displays a user interface corresponding to a respective user of a home automation system that includes statuses indicating whether the respective user has access to a plurality of lock accessory devices of the home automation system.