Lock Access UI Adaptation for Faster Smart Home Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

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

Innovation Solution

Implementing faster and more efficient user interfaces that dynamically adapt to the capabilities of the lock accessory, such as displaying options for short-range communication or keypad entry based on the accessory's features, thereby reducing the need for redundant inputs and conserving power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a complex user interface with multiple key presses is used to manage lock accessories, then the lock can be configured and controlled, but user time and device energy are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of lock configurationVSAvoidtime for setup process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting lock accessory capabilities before the user begins configuration. The electronic device queries the lock accessory to determine which features (keypad, short-range communication, etc.) are available, and pre-configures the user interface accordingly. This eliminates the need for users to navigate through multiple screens or make unnecessary key presses, as the interface is already optimized for the specific lock type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The user interface dynamically adapts its structure and content based on the detected capabilities of the lock accessory. Instead of a static multi-step configuration process, the system generates a dynamic interface that shows only the relevant configuration options for the specific lock type. For example, if the lock has short-range communication capability, the interface displays wireless pairing options; if it has a keypad, the interface shows code entry options. This dynamic adaptation reduces the number of steps users must complete.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a complex user interface with multiple key presses is used to manage lock accessories, then the lock can be configured and controlled, but device energy is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of lock managementVSAvoiddevice energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary capability detection and interface generation before user interaction begins. By automatically determining which lock features are available and pre-configuring the appropriate interface, the system avoids requiring users to trigger multiple screen transitions, wireless communications, and processing cycles that would consume battery power. The energy-intensive operations are performed once during initial setup rather than repeatedly during user interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts and displays only the essential configuration steps relevant to the specific lock accessory type. By removing unnecessary interface elements, screens, and interaction steps that do not apply to the detected lock capabilities, the system reduces the total number of operations the user device must perform and process. This extraction of essential functions minimizes energy consumption while maintaining ease of operation for the specific lock type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a generic user interface is used for all lock accessories, then all lock types can be supported, but the interface is cumbersome and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with lock typesVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a dynamic interface generation approach where the user interface structure is determined at runtime based on the detected lock accessory capabilities. The system maintains versatility by supporting multiple lock types through automatic capability detection, while simultaneously reducing complexity by generating a simplified, customized interface for each specific lock type. The interface dynamically adjusts its complexity to match the actual features present in the connected lock accessory.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary capability detection and interface planning before presenting the user interface. By determining which lock features are available in advance, the system can generate a targeted, simplified interface that only includes relevant configuration options. This preliminary analysis enables the system to maintain broad adaptability across different lock types while presenting a simple, low-complexity interface tailored to the specific lock's capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4723068A2User interfaces for managing locks
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 APPLE INC
  • EP4723068A2 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4723068A2 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4723068A2 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.