Selective User Interface Rotation via Sensor and Clip Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of electronic devices face limitations in viewing and interacting with user interfaces when the device orientation is fixed relative to the earth or its attachment, restricting the ability to view information properly, especially when the device is held in unconventional positions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a UI orientation mode that allows users to change the orientation of the user interface independently of the device's orientation using various inputs such as touch inputs, sensor data, or accessory interactions, enabling the UI to be rotated to optimal viewing angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the user interface orientation is determined relative to the earth using accelerometer output, then the displayed interface automatically adapts to device rotation, but the interface becomes upside down or improperly oriented when the device is attached to the user's body in unconventional positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface adaptation to device rotationVSAvoidinterface viewability in unconventional device positions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two orientation modes: accelerometer-based orientation (tied to device rotation) and clip-based orientation (tied to device attachment). This dynamic switching allows the interface to adapt to different usage scenarios, resolving the contradiction between automatic adaptation and viewability in unconventional positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The clip attachment serves as an intermediary reference frame between the device and the user. By detecting the clip's orientation relative to the device, the system can determine the correct UI orientation even when the device is held in unconventional positions, mediating between device rotation and user perspective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the display orientation is fixed relative to the device, then the user interface remains stable and predictable, but the user cannot view information properly when rotating the device to different orientations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface stabilityVSAvoidinterface viewability in different device orientations

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic orientation switching between accelerometer-based mode (which rotates UI with device) and clip-based mode (which maintains fixed UI orientation). This allows the interface to be stable when needed while adapting to different device orientations when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The orientation system serves multiple functions: it can tie UI orientation to device rotation for portable use, or to clip attachment for wearable use. This multi-functionality allows the same system to support both fixed and rotating UI behaviors depending on usage context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the user interface orientation is tied to device rotation via accelerometer, then the interface automatically adjusts to user's viewing angle, but the interface becomes misoriented when the device is attached to the user's arm or body

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface automatic adjustment to viewing angleVSAvoidinterface compatibility with wearable device attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between accelerometer-based orientation detection (for automatic adjustment) and clip-based orientation detection (for wearable compatibility). This dynamic selection enables the interface to automatically adjust in portable mode while remaining compatible with arm attachment in wearable mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The clip attachment acts as an intermediary reference that decouples UI orientation from device rotation. By detecting the clip's position relative to the device, the system can determine correct UI orientation for wearable use, mediating between device rotation and user body orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables users to view and interact with electronic device interfaces in desired orientations, improving usability by allowing the UI to be adjusted based on user preference, regardless of the device's physical orientation relative to gravity or its attachment.

Implementation Method 1

detect accelerometer outputs depicting the orientation of the device relative to the earth's surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9766788B2Selective rotation of a user interface

Publication Date: 2017.09.19 APPLE INC

AI summary

This is directed to rotating an entire user interface of a portable electronic device. In particular, this is directed to defining a UI orientation mode in which a user can direct the device to rotate a UI. When the UI orientation mode is enabled, the electronic device can detect particular inputs, for example based on the outputs of motion sensing components such as an accelerometer and a magnetometer, to determine how to rotate the UI. Once the UI has been rotated to a desired orientation, a user can lock the UI orientation and exit the UI orientation mode.