Orientation-Aware Content Sharing Interfaces for Low-Power Device Discovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for electronic devices to efficiently share content with other devices while minimizing user interaction time and reducing processor and battery power consumption, particularly in battery-operated devices, while ensuring secure and reliable data sharing.

Innovation Solution

The electronic devices present an option to share content with another device based on orientation, provide an indication to adjust orientation for reliable sharing, and allow settings modification before sharing, utilizing touch-sensitive interfaces and haptic feedback for user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If content sharing options and settings are presented to users, then sharing functionality and security are improved, but user interaction time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent sharing reliabilityVSAvoiduser interaction time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting the presence of another electronic device through wireless communication before content sharing is initiated. The first electronic device presents sharing options and configuration settings in advance, allowing users to pre-configure sharing parameters such as selection criteria and security settings before the actual content transfer begins, thereby reducing real-time interaction requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the electronic devices to automatically detect each other's presence and initiate the sharing process with minimal user intervention. The devices can autonomously negotiate sharing parameters and execute content transfer based on pre-established protocols, reducing the need for continuous manual configuration and interaction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If orientation detection is performed to enable content sharing, then sharing reliability is improved, but processor power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent sharing reliabilityVSAvoidprocessor power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic action by continuously monitoring device orientation at predetermined intervals rather than performing constant real-time analysis. The processor checks orientation status at scheduled periods to determine whether the device has been rotated to a sharing-friendly angle, reducing computational load while maintaining reliable detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies parameter changes by monitoring orientation angle thresholds and switching between different operational states based on detected orientation. When the device enters a predetermined orientation range suitable for content sharing, the system activates full sharing functionality; otherwise, it maintains a low-power state, thereby reducing overall processor consumption while ensuring reliable sharing when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If wireless communication is used for content sharing, then ease of operation is improved, but security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent sharing easeVSAvoiddata security risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by presenting configuration options and security settings to the user before initiating wireless content sharing. The user receives feedback about the sharing process status, selected devices, and security parameters, allowing them to review and confirm settings. This feedback loop enables users to maintain control over security parameters while enjoying the ease of wireless sharing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary security configuration by presenting sharing options and security settings in advance before content transfer begins. Users can pre-establish security parameters such as authentication methods and data encryption settings, ensuring that security measures are in place before any data is transmitted over the wireless connection, thus maintaining both ease of operation and data security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250224852A1User interfaces for sharing content with other electronic devices

Publication Date: 2025.07.10 APPLE INC

AI summary

In some embodiments, an electronic device presents an option that is selectable to share content with a second electronic device towards which the first electronic device is oriented. In some embodiments, an electronic device presents an indication to change the orientation of the electronic device when the orientation of the electronic device is outside of a range of orientations in which circuitry that identifies another electronic device with which to share content is able to function with desired reliability. In some embodiments, an electronic device presents a sharing user interface within an action user interface of an application. In some embodiments, an electronic device presents one or more options for changing one or more settings associated with an item of content before sharing the content.