Proximity-Triggered Area Control Prompt for Faster Mobile Access

Solution Overview

Problem

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

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method that detects proximity conditions to automatically display a prompt for opening an area control application, allowing users to efficiently control areas through a simplified user interface, 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 an area, then the control functions are available, but the interface is complex and time-consuming requiring multiple key presses or keystrokes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface simplicityVSAvoidtime to control area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting when the device is in proximity to an area and proactively displaying a prompt to open the area control application. This eliminates the need for users to manually search for or navigate to the control interface, reducing the number of steps required to access area control functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system serves itself by automatically initiating the area control interface when proximity conditions are met. The device detects its own location relative to the area and autonomously displays the appropriate control prompt, reducing the cognitive burden on the user and minimizing interaction steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If existing user interface techniques are used to control an area, then the control functions are available, but device energy is wasted due to extended operation time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface efficiencyVSAvoiddevice energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting when the device is in proximity to an area and proactively displaying a prompt to open the area control application. This eliminates the need for users to manually search for or navigate to the control interface, reducing the number of steps required to access area control functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system serves itself by automatically initiating the area control interface when proximity conditions are met. The device detects its own location relative to the area and autonomously displays the appropriate control prompt, reducing the cognitive burden on the user and minimizing interaction steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If proximity detection is implemented to automatically display prompts, then user interaction time is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearea control efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The proximity detection system serves multiple functions: it detects when the device is near an area, determines whether to display the control prompt, and initiates the area control application. By using a single detection mechanism for multiple purposes, the system avoids adding separate complex subsystems while still achieving automated control initiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250110479A1Techniques for controlling an area

Publication Date: 2025.04.03 APPLE INC

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to techniques for controlling an area.