# How the Apple Watch Uses the Digital Crown to Flip Objects

> A method for rotating virtual objects on a small wearable screen by spinning the physical dial on the side of the device based on how fast you turn it.

- **Patent:** US 10275117
- **Original title:** User interface object manipulations in a user interface
- **Owner:** Apple Inc
- **Granted:** 2019
- **Status:** Active
- **Times cited:** 18
- **Field:** consumer_electronics, software, mechanical

## What it does

This patent describes a way to interact with 3D virtual objects, like a cube or a dial, on a small screen using a physical rotating crown. When you spin the crown, the device tracks the speed of your rotation. If you spin it fast enough to cross a specific speed threshold, the system triggers an animation that continues rotating the object to reveal a new side or data surface. If you spin it slowly, the system treats it as a smaller adjustment and may snap the object back to its original position. This allows users to navigate through complex data on a tiny display without needing to touch the screen itself.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover rotating objects using only touch gestures on the screen.
- Does not cover systems that lack a physical crown or rotating input mechanism.
- Does not cover non-wearable devices, such as smartphones or tablets.
- Does not cover interactions that do not involve a speed-based threshold for triggering the rotation animation.

## The clever bit

The patent effectively uses the physical speed of a mechanical dial to decide whether the user wants to 'flick' to the next page or just make a minor adjustment, solving the problem of precision in a high-density, small-screen environment.

## Real-world examples

1. Apple Watch home screen app navigation
2. Apple Watch list scrolling
3. Selecting menu items on watchOS

## Why it matters

This patent is central to the user experience of the Apple Watch. By defining how the Digital Crown interacts with the software, it established a standard for how users navigate tiny interfaces where fingers would otherwise block the view. It is a key piece of intellectual property that helps Apple maintain its design language across its wearable product line.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does How the Apple Watch Uses the Digital Crown to Flip Objects cover?

A method for rotating virtual objects on a small wearable screen by spinning the physical dial on the side of the device based on how fast you turn it.

### Who owns patent US 10275117?

Apple Inc owns this patent, granted in 2019.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent is expected to expire on April 30, 2039, when the invention enters the public domain.

### What is patent US 10275117 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 18 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

This patent is central to the user experience of the Apple Watch. By defining how the Digital Crown interacts with the software, it established a standard for how users navigate tiny interfaces where fingers would otherwise block the view. It is a key piece of intellectual property that helps Apple maintain its design language across its wearable product line.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover rotating objects using only touch gestures on the screen.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10275117/apple-watch-heart-rate-sensor

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US10275117

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._