Scene-Based Interface for Faster External Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for managing controllable external 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 development of electronic devices with faster and more efficient methods and interfaces for managing controllable external devices, which include displaying indications of locations, representations of controllable devices, detecting user inputs to select and set states for these devices, and sending instructions to control them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing techniques are used to manage controllable external devices, then device functionality is achieved, but user time and device energy are wasted due to complex and time-consuming user interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-loads and caches device information, state data, and control interface elements before they are needed. When a user wants to control an external device, the interface is already prepared and data is readily available, eliminating loading delays and reducing the time required to manage devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface is segmented into modular components that can be independently loaded and optimized. Critical path elements are prioritized and loaded first, while less frequently used features are loaded on-demand. This segmentation allows the system to minimize initial loading time and energy consumption while maintaining full functionality.
2Ease of operation
If existing techniques are used to manage controllable external devices, then device functionality is achieved, but cognitive burden on users increases due to complex user interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The interface adapts its complexity based on the specific context and user needs. Frequently used controls are simplified and made prominently accessible, while advanced features are hidden or presented only when relevant. This local optimization reduces cognitive burden by presenting only the necessary information and controls at any given moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface dynamically adjusts its structure and content based on user behavior patterns, device state, and contextual information. Common operations are optimized for speed and simplicity, while less common operations maintain full functionality. The interface evolves to match user needs, reducing cognitive burden without sacrificing capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If existing techniques are used to manage controllable external devices, then basic control is achieved, but power consumption increases in battery-operated devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic wake-up cycles and event-driven updates instead of continuous polling. The interface and control system remain in low-power states between updates, activating only when necessary to check device status or transmit control commands. This periodic operation dramatically reduces power consumption while maintaining real-time control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical polling and continuous monitoring systems with event-driven and notification-based architectures. External devices push state changes to the control system rather than requiring continuous active querying, reducing the computational and energetic overhead of device management.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device, with a display, a touch-sensitive surface, one or more processors and memory, displays a first representation of a first controllable external device, where the first controllable external device is situated at a location. The device detects a first user input corresponding to a selection of the first representation of the first controllable external device. The device, after detecting the first user input, adds data identifying the first controllable external device and a first state of the first controllable external device in a scene profile.