Stylus Pose-Aware Palette UI for Lower-Power Interaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face inefficiencies in user interaction, particularly with battery-operated input devices, leading to increased cognitive burden and unnecessary processor and battery power consumption due to redundant inputs.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device detects inputs from an electronic stylus and responds by displaying a palette user interface based on the stylus's pose, allowing for efficient interaction and generating tactile outputs based on input characteristics, thereby reducing redundant inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the electronic device continuously monitors and processes stylus inputs, then user interaction responsiveness is improved, but processor power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction responsivenessVSAvoidprocessor power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic monitoring of stylus inputs rather than continuous processing. The processor checks for stylus inputs at specific intervals or triggers processing only when input characteristics change, reducing power consumption while maintaining responsive interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic device automatically detects and processes stylus inputs without requiring continuous user commands or manual configuration. The system self-adjusts its processing based on detected input characteristics, eliminating the need for redundant user inputs and reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If the device processes all stylus inputs, then input accuracy is improved, but battery power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput accuracyVSAvoidbattery power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system processes only the necessary portions of stylus inputs based on detected characteristics. When inputs are determined to be redundant or unnecessary, the system selectively ignores them rather than processing all inputs, thereby conserving battery power while maintaining accuracy for meaningful inputs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic device changes its processing parameters based on detected input characteristics. When certain parameters indicate redundant inputs, the system adjusts its processing behavior to minimize power consumption while maintaining sufficient accuracy for valid inputs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the device displays all possible user interface options, then user choice flexibility is improved, but cognitive burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser choice flexibilityVSAvoidcognitive burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface is segmented into contextual options based on detected stylus input characteristics. Rather than displaying all possible options, the system presents only relevant options segmented by input type, position, and context, reducing cognitive burden while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The user interface dynamically adapts its content based on real-time stylus input detection. The displayed options change dynamically according to the detected input characteristics, providing flexibility when needed while minimizing cognitive load by showing only contextually relevant options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If the device requires explicit user confirmation for each input, then input accuracy is improved, but interaction time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput accuracyVSAvoidinteraction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary processing of stylus inputs to automatically determine their characteristics and intent before requiring user confirmation. By pre-analyzing input patterns and characteristics, the system can confidently execute inputs without requiring explicit confirmation, reducing interaction time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250298505A1Interactions between an input device and an electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 APPLE INC

AI summary

An electronic device displays a palette user interface in response to receiving one or more inputs from an electronic stylus that is communicatively coupled to an electronic device. In some embodiments, the electronic device displays the palette user interface at a spatial arrangement that is based on a pose of the stylus at the time that the input to initiate display of the palette user interface is received. In some embodiments, the electronic device generates at the electronic stylus a tactile output having one or more tactile output characteristics based on characteristics of the one or more inputs from the electronic stylus. In some embodiments, the palette user interface includes one or more selectable options that when selected, initiate a process to display one or more additional user interfaces for configuring the output that is generated by the device in response to stylus inputs.