Object-Based Device Control via Subject Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for controlling electronic devices are often cumbersome and inefficient, requiring complex and time-consuming user interfaces that waste user time and device energy, especially in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of faster and more efficient methods and interfaces for controlling electronic devices, which detect inputs corresponding to subjects and determine the presence of objects with those subjects to output relevant attributes, thereby reducing cognitive burden and conserving power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing user interface techniques are used to control electronic devices, then device functionality can be accessed, but the interface becomes complex and time-consuming with multiple key presses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interface simplicityVSAvoidtime to control device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting the subject's identity and associated objects before the user completes their input sequence. When a subject interacts with the device, the system proactively identifies relevant objects and prepares appropriate responses or interface elements, eliminating the need for users to navigate through multiple menu levels or press numerous keys to access frequently used functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The interface enables self-service by automatically adapting to the user's context and needs. The system monitors user interactions, identifies patterns, and autonomously adjusts the interface presentation, suggesting relevant commands, or executing anticipated actions without requiring explicit user navigation through complex menu structures, thereby reducing both time and cognitive effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If existing user interface techniques are used to control electronic devices, then device functionality can be accessed, but the process becomes cumbersome and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice control efficiencyVSAvoiduser interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of user intent and context before presenting interface options. By detecting the subject's identity, current state, and associated objects in advance, the system pre-configures the interface to display only relevant controls and information, eliminating unnecessary interface elements and streamlining the control process for higher productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The user interface dynamically adapts its complexity based on the detected context, subject identity, and interaction history. The system transforms the static, uniformly complex interface into a dynamic one that simplifies itself for common tasks while maintaining full functionality when needed, thereby improving productivity without permanently increasing interface complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of energy

If traditional control methods are used, then device operations can be performed, but user time and device energy are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice energy consumptionVSAvoidtime to complete control task
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system executes preliminary detection and determination steps to identify the subject and associated objects before initiating the main control operation. This preliminary action allows the device to prepare response data in advance, reducing the overall execution time and energy consumption by avoiding redundant processing during the actual control task execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The interface implements feedback mechanisms that monitor user interactions and system state in real-time, providing immediate responses that prevent unnecessary processing. By giving users timely feedback about system recognition, object detection, and operation status, the system eliminates wasted time from user uncertainty and reduces energy consumption from repeated or redundant input attempts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250199676A1Object-based controls
Publication Date: 2025.06.19 APPLE INC
  • US20250199676A1 patent drawing
  • US20250199676A1 patent drawing
  • US20250199676A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to controlling devices.