Touch Interface for Controllable External Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for managing controllable external devices, such as thermostats and lighting systems, are cumbersome and inefficient, often requiring complex user interfaces that consume time and energy, particularly in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a touch-sensitive display and processors provides a streamlined interface for managing external devices by displaying representations of these devices, allowing users to select and set states through intuitive touch inputs, thereby reducing cognitive burden and conserving energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing techniques are used to manage controllable external devices, then device control functionality is provided, but the user interface becomes complex and time-consuming requiring multiple key presses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface simplicityVSAvoidtime to control device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The interface is segmented into distinct functional layers: a home screen with device representations, a selection interface for choosing devices, and a control interface for adjusting device states. This segmentation allows each layer to handle specific tasks efficiently, reducing the overall complexity and time required for device control operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Device representations are pre-configured and displayed on the home screen with their current states shown. This preliminary action allows users to immediately see and interact with device status without navigating through multiple menus, significantly reducing the time required to access and control external devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If existing techniques are used to manage controllable external devices, then device control functionality is provided, but the user interface requires multiple key presses and keystrokes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of input operationsVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The selection and control functions are merged into a single continuous interaction flow. When a user touches a device representation, the system seamlessly transitions from display mode to control mode without requiring separate navigation steps, thereby reducing the number of input operations needed while maintaining clear functional separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface automatically adapts to user needs by displaying context-relevant controls based on the selected device type and current state. This self-service capability eliminates the need for users to manually navigate through generic menus, reducing both input operations and perceived interface complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If existing techniques are used to manage controllable external devices, then device control functionality is provided, but user time and device energy are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice management efficiencyVSAvoidbattery energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic updates to refresh device state information and interface elements only when necessary, rather than continuous rendering. This approach maintains accurate device status display while significantly reducing processor activity and energy consumption, thereby improving productivity without excessive energy use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts and displays only the essential device information and controls needed for current operations, removing unnecessary interface elements and processing steps. This extraction reduces both the time required for device management and the energy consumed during these operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4134799A1User interface for managing controllable external devices

Publication Date: 2023.02.15 APPLE INC

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AI summary

An electronic device, with a display, a touch-sensitive surface, one or more processors, and memory, displays, on a first user interface screen, an indication of a location. The device displays, on the first user interface screen, a representation of a controllable external device at the location. The device detects a first user input corresponding to selection of the controllable external device, and in response to detecting the first user input, displays a user interface object indicating a plurality of possible states of the controllable external device. While displaying the user interface object indicating the plurality of possible states of the controllable external device, the device detects a second user input corresponding to selection of a designated state of the controllable external device. In response to detecting the second user input, the device sends instructions to set the controllable external device to the designated state.