Non-visual time feedback via tactile and audio cues

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for managing time output on electronic devices are often cumbersome and inefficient, requiring complex user interfaces that consume time and energy, and may not be suitable for users who cannot divert their attention to the screen or have visual impairments.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of faster and more efficient non-visual output methods, including tactile and audio cues, that allow users to receive time information without needing to view the screen, using input devices to detect user inputs and trigger appropriate non-visual indications based on predefined criteria.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If visual display methods are used to output time, then time information is clearly presented, but user attention must be diverted to the screen and energy is consumed by the display

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime information deliveryVSAvoiddisplay energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces visual display (optical system) with tactile feedback (mechanical vibration system) and audio output (acoustic system) to convey time information. The haptic motor generates vibration patterns that encode time data, eliminating the need for continuous display activation and reducing energy consumption while maintaining information delivery effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic vibration patterns to convey different time information. Specific vibration frequencies, durations, and intervals encode different time values, allowing the system to transmit time data through rhythmic tactile stimuli rather than continuous visual display, thereby reducing overall energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Measurement precision

If complex user interfaces with multiple key presses are used to access time information, then precise time output is achieved, but user time and cognitive load increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime output precisionVSAvoiduser time consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the system to automatically provide time information through tactile and audio feedback without requiring users to navigate complex menus or perform multiple input actions. The device detects user intent through simple gestures or automatic triggers and delivers time information proactively, eliminating the need for users to invest significant time in interface navigation while maintaining precise time output

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-configures the system to automatically detect and respond to time inquiry gestures, and pre-sets multiple vibration patterns corresponding to different time values. When a user performs a simple gesture, the system immediately retrieves and outputs the appropriate time information through tactile feedback, eliminating the need for users to manually navigate through multiple interface steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If visual display is used for time output, then time information is accessible, but it is not discreet and requires user attention to the screen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime information accessibilityVSAvoiduser attention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces visual display with tactile vibration and audio output mechanisms to convey time information. The haptic motor generates vibration patterns that users can perceive through touch, and speakers provide audio cues, allowing users to obtain time information without looking at the screen, thus maintaining accessibility while eliminating the need for visual attention and providing discreet feedback

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11460925B2User interfaces for non-visual output of time

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 APPLE INC

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to providing time feedback on an electronic device, and in particular to providing non-visual time feedback on the electronic device. Techniques for providing non-visual time feedback include detecting an input and, in response to detecting the input, initiating output of a first type of non-visual indication of a current time or a second type of non-visual indication of the current time based on the set of non-visual time output criteria met by the input. Techniques for providing non-visual time feedback also include, in response to detecting that a current time has reached a first predetermined time of a set of one or more predetermined times, outputting a first non-visual alert or a second non-visual alert based on a type of watch face that the electronic device is configured to display.