Touchscreen Device Mode Switching with Time-Location Triggers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for selecting and interacting with different device modes in portable electronic devices are tedious and inefficient, wasting energy, particularly in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing touch-sensitive displays and graphical user interfaces that allow for faster mode switching based on time and location criteria, with visual indications and intuitive mode affordances, enabling efficient mode transitions and interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional methods for selecting and interacting with different device modes are used, then device functionality is maintained, but user interaction becomes tedious and energy is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode selection efficiencyVSAvoidbattery power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures multiple device modes with specific functions and applications grouped together for different contexts (work, home, driving, workout). These modes are prepared in advance and can be quickly activated based on user needs or contextual cues, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing interaction time and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device implements a universal mode selection mechanism that can switch between different operational contexts. Each mode represents a multi-functional configuration that groups related applications and settings, allowing the device to adapt to various usage scenarios through a single selection action rather than individual app management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If conventional methods for selecting and interacting with different device modes are used, then device functionality is maintained, but interaction time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode switching speedVSAvoidtime for mode selection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Device modes are pre-configured with specific functions and applications grouped together for different contexts. This preliminary organization allows instant activation of entire functional sets through single selections, dramatically reducing mode switching time and improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Related applications and functions are merged into unified mode configurations (e.g., work mode combines email, calendar, and productivity apps). This merging allows users to switch between comprehensive functional groups rather than individually managing multiple applications, accelerating mode transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12443339B2Devices, methods, and graphical user interfaces for selecting and interacting with different device modes

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 APPLE INC

AI summary

A method is performed at a mobile device with a display. The method includes displaying a first mode of a plurality of modes of the device. The first mode of the device is active when a first set of time and/or device location criteria are met and the second mode of the device is active when a second set of time and/or device location criteria are met. While the first set of time and/or device location criteria are met and the first mode of the device is active, the mobile device detects a first input that overrides the first mode of the device. In response to detecting the first input, the mobile device activates the second mode of the device. The mobile device detects a second input and, in response to detecting the second input, performs an operation in the second mode of the device.