Low-Bandwidth Communication UI With Automatic Interface Selection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for low-bandwidth and emergency communication 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

Faster and more efficient methods and interfaces for low-bandwidth and emergency communication are developed, including automatic selection of user interfaces based on proximity detection and network availability, with features to enhance usability and reduce processor and battery power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing techniques for low-bandwidth communication are used, then communication functionality is provided, but user time and device energy are wasted due to cumbersome interfaces requiring multiple key presses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidloss of time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting proximity and network availability conditions, then proactively displays the appropriate simplified communication interface before the user needs to communicate. This eliminates the need for users to manually navigate through multiple menus or press multiple keys to access emergency or low-bandwidth communication features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If existing techniques for low-bandwidth communication are used, then communication functionality is provided, but device energy is wasted due to complex user interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiduse of energy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors proximity and network conditions in advance, so when communication is needed, the simplified interface is already ready to display. This prevents energy waste that would occur if the system had to process multiple user inputs, activate various applications, or navigate through complex menus at the moment of need.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If automatic interface selection based on proximity and network availability is implemented, then ease of operation and battery efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The proximity detection component and user interface component serve multiple functions: they detect both proximity conditions and network availability, then automatically select and display the appropriate communication interface type. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each communication mode, thereby managing device complexity while achieving automatic interface selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4381723B1Low-bandwidth communication user interfaces
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 APPLE INC
  • EP4381723B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4381723B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4381723B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to low-bandwidth and emergency communication user interfaces.