Digital content management

Abstract

The invention provides a digital content conditioning system and method. A method includes assigning content output by an electronic device to a first category. The method further includes monitoring a first amount of time when the electronic device is outputting the content. In response to the first amount of time exceeding the first threshold, the method includes prompting a user to switch the electronic device to output different categories of content. After the user is prompted, the method comprises the following steps: monitoring a second amount of time when the electronic equipment continues to output the content; and in response to the second amount of time exceeding a second threshold, taking an action including at least one of: causing the electronic device to output a different category of content; or sending a notification indicating that the electronic device does not output different categories of content.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 403,734, filed on September 03, 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0002] Parental controls are features that allow parents to restrict their children's access to content or limit their children's screen time. These controls can help parents limit their children's ability to view certain content (e.g., age-inappropriate content) or set time limits on device use. The increased use of mobile devices by children has led to an increased need for parental controls on these devices. While these systems limit harmful content consumption, they do little to encourage healthy online content consumption. The present invention describes systems configured to promote social, physical, and emotional health and other capabilities. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention generally relates to encouraging the creation and / or consumption of healthy content, including online content. In one embodiment, a method of managing digital content consumption is disclosed. The method includes: detecting a first content output by an electronic device; and assigning the first content to a first category. The method further includes monitoring a first amount of time during which the electronic device is outputting the first content. The method further includes identifying one or more second categories, where each second category is different from the first category. In response to the first amount of time exceeding a first threshold, the method further includes prompting a user to switch the electronic device to output content associated with the one or more second categories. After prompting the user, the method further includes monitoring a second amount of time during which the electronic device continues to output the first content. In response to the second amount of time exceeding a second threshold, the method includes taking an action. The action includes at least one of the following: causing the electronic device to output a second content, the second content being associated with one of the one or more second categories; or transmitting a notification indicating that the electronic device is not outputting content associated with a second category of the one or more second categories.

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention may include one or more of the following optional features. In some embodiments, detecting first content output by an electronic device includes detecting video content displayed on the screen of the electronic device. The first category may include at least one of education, physical, or entertainment. In some examples, assigning the first content to the first category includes determining the source of the first content. In some examples, assigning the first content to the first category includes applying a trained machine learning model to the first content. Monitoring a first amount of time that the electronic device continues to output the first content may include determining a total amount of time that the electronic device is outputting the first content. The notification may include a list that includes the one or more second categories. In some examples, causing the electronic device to output second content includes causing the electronic device to output content associated with the highest priority category among the one or more second categories. The method may further include assigning a category to each content output by the electronic device and generating a report that includes an indication of the relative time that the electronic device is outputting content of each category. In some examples, the method further includes: after the electronic device begins to output second content, monitoring a third amount of time that the electronic device is outputting the second content.

[0005] In an embodiment, a computer program product is disclosed. The computer program product includes a memory storing programming instructions that are configured to cause a processor to manage digital content consumption. The programming instructions are configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by detecting first content output by an electronic device and assigning the first content to a first category. The programming instructions are further configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by identifying one or more second categories, where each second category is different from the first category. The programming instructions are further configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by monitoring a first amount of time that the electronic device is outputting the first content. The programming instructions are further configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by prompting a user to switch the electronic device to output content associated with the one or more second categories in response to the first amount of time exceeding a first threshold. The programming instructions are further configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by monitoring a second amount of time that the electronic device continues to output the first content after prompting the user. The programming instructions are further configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by taking an action in response to the second amount of time exceeding a second threshold. The action includes at least one of the following: causing the electronic device to output second content, where the second content is associated with one of the one or more second categories; or transmitting a notification indicating that the electronic device is not outputting content associated with a second category among the one or more second categories.

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the programming instructions configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by detecting first content output by an electronic device include programming instructions configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by detecting video content displayed on the screen of the electronic device. The first category may include at least one of education, physical, or entertainment. In some examples, the programming instructions configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by assigning the first content to a first category include programming instructions configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by determining the source of the first content. In some examples, the programming instructions configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by assigning the first content to a first category include programming instructions configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by applying a trained machine learning model to the first content. In some examples, the programming instructions configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by monitoring a first amount of time that the electronic device continues to output the first content include programming instructions configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by determining the total amount of time that the electronic device is outputting the first content. The notification may include a list that includes the one or more second categories.

[0007] In some examples, the programming instructions configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by causing the electronic device to output second content include programming instructions configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by causing the electronic device to output content associated with the highest priority category among one or more second categories. In some examples, the programming instructions are further configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by assigning a category to each content output by the electronic device and generating a report that includes an indication of the relative time that the electronic device is outputting content of each category. In some examples, the programming instructions are further configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by monitoring a third amount of time that the electronic device is outputting the second content after the electronic device begins to output the second content. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The drawings incorporated herein and constituting a part of this specification illustrate various embodiments discussed herein and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0009] Figure 1 A digital content coordination environment is shown.

[0010] Figure 2 A flowchart for an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0011] Figure 3A and Figure 3B An example pie chart is shown.

[0012] Figure 4A and Figure 4B shows an example line graph.

[0013] Figure 5 depicts various embodiments of one or more electronic devices for implementing the various methods and processes described in the present invention. Detailed Description

[0014] In the drawings, the same numbers indicate the same elements throughout. Certain terms are used herein for convenience only and should not be considered as limiting the claims. Various embodiments of the present invention are described below. However, it should be understood that based on this disclosure, the claims are not necessarily limited by the embodiments described herein.

[0015] Increasingly, electronic devices and digital content are replacing traditional media sources, such as printed books and radio stations / televisions. Tools for effectively managing access to digital content can promote learning and can promote the social and emotional well-being of users of electronic devices in such a digital environment. In particular, parents, educators, and others responsible for developing children may wish to encourage balanced content consumption to improve child development outcomes.

[0016] Ideally, content creation and consumption will conform to the evolution of humanity to date and how we would prefer humanity to evolve in the future. Content is a sample of human evolution and a "model" for future generations and their activities. This can be achieved by training parents, caregivers, and service providers for manual assessment and ultimately by artificial intelligence (AI) when the accuracy of AI assessment is reliable. In other words, the evolution of humanity is embedded in digital content and consumption is enhanced to the next generation. Similarly, the developmental needs of children may also evolve as children mature. However, the technological tools for delivering content only focus on delivery without considering the impact that the content may have on the healthy development of children.

[0017] The tools and methods disclosed herein provide a technical framework for promoting healthy development and tracking progress regarding a plan. The progress tracked itself can inform (and help develop) future plans. For example, a 10-minute video of a child covering the age of 3 (12 months between 2 and 4 years old) can show the child performing activities, including sitting about 90% of the time. Based on this information and according to the natural development of the child, the system can recommend increasing the focus on activities in which the child is moving in the 4th year. In another example, the video can show the child performing activities that only move the upper body, and the system can recommend new goals to record more activities that move the lower body, such as riding a bicycle or playing football.

[0018] Reference Figure 1, shows an environment 100 for digital content coordination. Environment 100 includes an electronic device 101 that contains digital content 103 and a user 102. The electronic device 101 outputs the digital content 103 for consumption by the user 102. In some examples, the user 102 is a child for whom a parent or guardian is responsible, and the parent or guardian is responsible for their well-being. A parent may want the child to have a balanced consumption of digital content 103. That is, the parent may want the child to consume various types of content 103 and may want the child not to spend too much time consuming any one particular type of content 103. The systems and methods disclosed in this document promote the social and emotional well-being of children and other digital content consumers in a variety of ways, some of which are described in more detail below.

[0019] Reference Figure 2 , shows a flowchart 200 of an example method for managing digital content consumption. The method can be implemented, for example, by a digital content coordination system. The content coordination system can include an electronic device 101 configured to output digital content 103. In some examples, the system also includes one or more remote servers and / or one or more remote sources of digital content 103.

[0020] In some examples, the digital content 103 includes, for example, video or animation, interactive games, readable text / symbols / characters, or other forms of viewable content 103 that the electronic device 101 displays to the user 102. On a display screen. Alternatively or additionally, the digital content 103 can include music, portions of audiobooks, verbal instructions, or other audio content 103 that is output directly by the electronic device 101 and / or through remote speakers, headphones, etc. that are interfaced with the electronic device 101. In these and other examples of digital content 103, the content 103 is output by the electronic device 101 and is perceived / consumed by the user 102 of the electronic device 101. In some cases, the digital content 103 is stored on the electronic device 101 before being output. Before storing the digital content 103 locally, the electronic device 101 can, for example, receive the digital content 103 from a remote server. In some examples, the electronic device 101 outputs the digital content 103 when it receives the digital content 103, thereby allowing the electronic device 101 to start outputting or streaming the content 103 before receiving the entire content 103.

[0021] At step 202, the method includes detecting that the electronic device 101 is outputting content 103. Step 202 can be implemented by software that runs directly on the electronic device 101 (or is closely associated with the electronic device 101). For example, step 202 can be implemented by an application that has been downloaded to the electronic device 101 for execution. In this example, the application itself can be outputting content 103. That is, the application can be an educational application configured to output educational digital content 103. In other examples, the application itself does not output content 103, but monitors one or more other applications that run on the electronic device 101 and output content 103, such as a web browser. In still other examples, step 202 is at least partially implemented by software running on a remote server. For example, a portion of step 202 can be implemented by a remote server that also provides the digital content 103 to the electronic device 101. That is, the remote server can detect the content 103 being provided to the electronic device 101 for output. In some examples, the remote server provides a gateway between the electronic device 101 and a remote source of the digital content 103. In such a case, the gateway (e.g., an Internet proxy server) detects the content 103 provided by the remote source of the digital content 103.

[0022] At step 204, the method includes assigning a first category to the content 103 being output. As discussed above with respect to step 202, the content 103 can be detected by software running directly on the electronic device 101 (or closely associated with the electronic device 101), or the content 103 can be detected by software running on a remote server. In either case, after the digital content coordination system or software detects the output content 103, the system / software assigns a category to the detected content 103 (or, as discussed later, causes another system to assign the category). In some implementations, the digital content coordination system includes a set of predefined categories. Examples of categories for the content 103 include (but are not limited to) education, physical health, entertainment, etc. In some examples, the content 103 may already be tagged, labeled, named, or otherwise associated with one or more categories. In these cases, assigning a category can include identifying the tag or tags associated with the content 103. The digital content coordination system can determine the most appropriate predefined category to assign based on one or more tags. In some examples, the category can be inferred from the source of the content 103. For example, in the case of a proxy server embodiment, the proxy server can assign a category based on the attributes, characteristics, or features of the remote source of the content 103. These attributes can include the domain name or address of the remote server and can also include information that can be determined from the domain name or address, such as the owner of the domain name and / or website and the type of business the owner is engaged in. Each predefined category can also have associated features or characteristics, such as a relative priority or preference order, and / or a threshold time limit per day, week, or other time period.

[0023] In some examples, the content 103 may not be pre-tagged. In these cases, assigning a first category to the content 103 being output can include analyzing the content 103 to determine the category. For example, the method can include applying a trained machine learning model to the content 103. For example, in the case of video content 103, the machine learning model may have been trained by exposing the model to example videos associated with specific categories until the machine learning model can effectively identify videos associated with each of those specific categories. A similar process can be applied to other types of video content 103, including but not limited to images, audio, etc. When the system detects new content 103 at step 202, the system can then apply the trained machine learning model to the detected content 103. The trained machine learning model can output the most relevant category for the content 103, and the system can then assign that most relevant category to the content 103.

[0024] At step 206A, the method includes monitoring the time at which the electronic device 101 outputs digital content 103. In some examples, step 206A includes monitoring the time from when the content 103 is first detected (e.g., at step 202) until a new content 103 is detected. In some examples, step 206A includes monitoring the time during which the content 103 has been continuously output by the electronic device 101. That is, step 206A can omit monitoring the time during which the output has been paused for any reason. In some examples, step 206A includes monitoring the total or cumulative time during which the content 103 is output. That is, if the user 102 switches back and forth between content 103 (or between types or categories of content 103), the system can pause the current time monitor (e.g., monitoring the content 103 that the user 102 switches away from) and resume the previously paused time monitor (e.g., associated with the content 103 or content category that the user 102 switches to). In each of these cases, the monitored time represents the time during which the user 102 has consumed the content 103.

[0025] At step 208, the method includes comparing the monitored time of step 206A with a limit or threshold. That is, step 208 includes determining whether the time during which the user 102 has consumed the content 103 (or a particular category of content 103) exceeds the threshold. If the threshold has not been met, the method includes (at step 220) allowing the electronic device 101 to continue outputting the content 103 (or a particular category of content 103) by continuing at step 206A. If the threshold has been exceeded, the method continues at step 210.

[0026] At step 210, the method includes selecting content 103 of a second category that is different from the first category. For example, the digital content coordination system can include a predefined list of content categories and associated priorities (among other things). Selecting content 103 of the second category can include selecting the highest priority category that is different from the first category from the list. For example, the predefined list of content categories and associated priorities can include: "Education": 1; "Entertainment": 3; and "Physical": 2. If the first category is "Physical", then the categories different from "Physical" include "Education" and "Entertainment". Among these two categories, "Education" has the highest associated priority because 1 is greater than 3. In some examples, the digital content coordination system includes a preferred order, in which case selecting content 103 of the second category includes selecting the next category in the preferred order. Selecting the second category can also be based on the user 102's previous history of content consumption, or can be determined by an algorithm. As explained in more detail below, with respect to step 212, selecting the second category can be partially based on input from the user 102.

[0027] At step 212, the method includes prompting user 102 to switch to the second category. In a preferred embodiment, the digital content coordination system allows electronic device 101 to continue outputting content 103 of the first category until user 102 switches to content 103 of the second category. That is, the prompt encourages user 102 to switch to the second category, but does not disable or interfere with electronic device 101 at this step. In other embodiments, the digital content coordination system may pause the output until user 102 responds to the prompt. The prompt may be in the form of text (e.g., a pop-up window) that appears on the display of electronic device 101, or in the form of an audible message output by electronic device 101. As mentioned above, the prompt may include potential second category options for user 102 to select from. That is, the prompt may include two or more categories different from the first category, for example, in the form of a drop-down list or other suitable presentation and / or selection format. The digital content coordination system may select and rank two or more categories for presentation based on priority or other algorithms described in relation to step 210.

[0028] At step 214, the method includes determining whether electronic device 101 is outputting content 103 from the second category as evidence that the user has started consuming content 103 from the second category. This step may be similar to steps 202 and / or 204. That is, the digital content coordination system may detect that electronic device 101 is outputting content 103, assign a category to content 103, and then determine whether the assigned category matches the second category (or any of two or more potential second categories). If electronic device 101 is outputting content 103 from the second category (i.e., if user 102 has started consuming content 103 from the second category), the method continues at step 206B. Step 206B includes monitoring the time that electronic device 101 continues to output content 103 of the second category. That is, step 206B is similar to step 206A, but for content 103 of the second category, rather than for content 103 of the first category as in the case of step 206A. The method may also include prompting user 102 to switch to content 103 of the third category after a threshold time period, similar to steps 208 - 212. However, the threshold time period for the second category (e.g., time limit) may be different from that of the first category. As mentioned above, each category may have its own associated time limit, which may be different from the (one or more) time limits of other categories.

[0029] If the electronic device 101 does not output content 103 from the second category (e.g., if the electronic device 101 continues to output content 103 from the first category), the method continues at step 216. At step 216, the method includes monitoring the time period during which the electronic device 101 does not output content 103 from the second category (since the time when the user 102 was prompted to switch to the second category). That is, the digital content coordination system can monitor the time elapsed since the electronic device 101 presented a prompt to the user 102 and the user 102 did not switch to content 103 of the second category. In an alternative embodiment, the digital content coordination system can monitor the total time during which the electronic device 101 continues to output content 103 from the first category since the time when the user 102 was prompted to switch to the second category, e.g., excluding the time when content 103 is paused. At step 216, the method also includes comparing the monitored time with a threshold time period for switching to the second content. That is, step 216 can have similarities with steps 206A and 208. However, the time limit for the user 102 to switch to a different category (after being prompted) can be very different from the threshold time period that limits how long the user 102 can consume content 103 of any one category. This time limit for switching to a different category can be category-specific. That is, the time limit can be a predefined characteristic of the category being switched away from (and / or the category being switched to).

[0030] If the user 102 has switched to the second category within the threshold time period, e.g., if the electronic device 101 does start outputting content 103 from the second category within the threshold time limit for switching to the second category, the method includes allowing the electronic device 101 to continue outputting content 103 of the second category and monitoring the time during which the electronic device 101 outputs content 103. That is, the method proceeds to step 206B. However, if the monitored time since the user 102 was prompted to switch categories is greater than the threshold time for switching, the method continues at step 218. At step 218, the method includes providing a notification that the user 102 has not switched to content 103 from the second category and / or causing the display 104 of the electronic device 101 to start outputting content 103 from the second category. For example, the notification can be an email, text message, or other form of electronic communication to a parent or guardian or someone else responsible for the health of the user 102. In some examples, the digital content coordination system associates one or more notification recipients and their associated contact information with each user 102. For example, the digital content coordination system can allow notification recipients to register their contact information with the account associated with the user 102. The notification can include details such as how long content 103 of the first category has been played, what the second category or potential second category is, and how much time has elapsed since the prompt was presented to the user 102.

[0031] In the case where the method includes causing the electronic device 101 to start outputting content 103 of a second category, the method includes allowing the electronic device 101 to continue outputting content 103 of the second category, and as described above, monitoring the time when the electronic device 101 outputs content 103 and proceeding to step 206B. In some embodiments, when a content change is prompted, the digital content coordination system makes a log or record of the content 103 selected by the user 102. The digital content coordination system can analyze such a log, for example, using machine learning to predict the content 103 that the user 102 may select for any particular category. In the case where the method includes causing the electronic device 101 to start outputting content 103 of a second category, the method may include selecting a particular content 103 to output based on an analysis of the user's past selections for the relevant category. In some embodiments, the digital content coordination system can impose an aggregate limit on a particular time period. That is, the digital content review system can enforce a total content consumption limit for a particular category per day, week, month, or other time period. In such a case, when the aggregate consumption limit has been reached, the digital content coordination system can "lock" the electronic device 101 so that it cannot output content 103 from the locked category until the time period has passed. In such a case, the digital content coordination system can cause the electronic device 101 to start outputting content 103 from a category that is not locked (e.g., even if the locked category is of higher priority).

[0032] In some examples, the method further includes reporting information related to the content 103 output by the electronic device 101 to, for example, a parent or guardian. In some examples, the report can be generated periodically, for example, at the end of each day, week, and / or month. The report can also be generated as needed and / or in response to an event such as exceeding a time threshold. Referring to FIG. 3a, the report can include an indication of the relative time that the electronic device 101 has output content 103 of each category, such as a pie chart 301. The example pie chart 301 of FIG. 3a shows the relative time that the electronic device 101 has output content 103 of the categories "Education", 311 "Entertainment", 312 "Physical", 313, and "Other" (miscellaneous) 314. The report can also include suggestions for improving the balance of the content 103 consumed by the user 102. In some examples, the content 103 can be associated with a main category, for example, used by the method to enforce time limits. The content 103 can also be associated with one or more additional or secondary categories. The report can include the additional categories in the pie chart to provide a more comprehensive indication of the content 103 consumed by the user 102. In addition to the categories of the content 103, the report can include additional information related to the health of the user 102, such as whether the content 103 was developed by the user 102 or a family member, for example, a parent in relation to a story or video related to an event involving the user's family as opposed to general content 103. ReferFigure 3B The report can provide this additional data in the form of a table, graph, or pie chart 302. Figure 3B An example pie chart 302 shows the relative amount of time that the electronic device 101 outputs general content 316 versus self-generated (or family member-generated) content 317 or content 318 of unknown origin. As described above, the electronic device outputs content consumption indicative of the user 102, but is more easily controlled and objectively monitored by the digital content coordination system.

[0033] The report can include additional analysis of user behavior. For example, the digital content coordination system can analyze logs or other records of content selection, the start / stop times of the electronic device 101 that outputs the content 103, the user 102's response to prompts to change content, etc. As a result of the analysis, the digital content coordination system can include recommended content 103 or content categories for improving user well-being in the report. Refer to Figure 4A An example line graph 401 shows the time-ordered values of the time that the electronic device 101 outputs content 103 of one category before switching to another category. This exemplary graph can provide some indication of how engaged the user 102 is. Figure 4B An example histogram 402 shows the relative frequency of the time period between when the user 102 is prompted to switch to different content and when the electronic device 101 begins outputting new content 103. That is, the histogram shows the responsiveness of the user 102 to the prompt. The report can also contain other graphs, charts, tables, etc. that convey information that has been collected and / or recorded by the digital content coordination system and analyzed and / or processed for display.

[0034] The terms “computing device” and “electronic device” are used interchangeably to refer to a device having a processor and a non-transitory, computer-readable medium (i.e., memory). The memory can contain programming instructions in the form of software applications that, when executed by the processor, cause the device to perform one or more processing operations according to the programming instructions. The electronic device can also include additional components, such as a touch-sensitive display device that serves as a user interface, and a camera for capturing images. The electronic device can also contain one or more communication hardware components, such as a transmitter and / or receiver, that will enable the device to send signals to and / or receive signals from other devices via a communication network or via a near-field or short-range communication protocol. If so, the programming instructions can be stored on a remote device and executed on the processor of the computing device, as in a thin client or Internet of Things (IoT) arrangement. The following discusses example components of the electronic device in the context of Figure 5 the context of

[0035] Figure 5Depicts an example of internal hardware that may be included in any electronic component of a system, such as a user's smart phone or a local or remote computing device in the system. Electrical bus 500 serves as an information highway interconnecting the other shown components of the hardware. Processor 505 is the central processing device of the system and is configured to perform the computational and logical operations required to execute programming instructions. As used in this document and the claims, the terms "processor" and "processing device" may refer to any number of processors in a single processor or a group of processors that jointly execute a set of operations, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a remote server, or a combination thereof. Read-only memory (ROM) 510, random access memory (RAM) 515, flash memory, hard disk drives, and other devices capable of storing electronic data constitute examples of memory device 525. The memory device may include a single device or a collection of devices across which data and / or instructions are stored.

[0036] Optional display interface 530 may allow information from bus 500 to be displayed on display device 535 in a visual, graphical, or alphanumeric format. An audio interface and audio output (e.g., speakers) may also be provided. Communication with external devices may occur using various communication devices 540 such as wireless antennas, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, and / or short-range or near-field communication transceivers, each of which may optionally be communicatively connected to other components of the device via one or more communication systems. Communication device 540 may be configured to be communicatively connected to a communication network, such as the Internet, a local area network, or a cellular phone data network.

[0037] The hardware may also include user interface sensors 545 that allow data to be received from input devices 555 such as a keyboard 550, a mouse, a joystick, a touch screen, a touch pad, a remote control, a pointing device, and / or a microphone. Digital image frames may also be received from a camera 520 capable of capturing video and / or still images, such as a high-definition camera incorporated into user electronic device 101.

[0038] An "electronic device" or "computing device" refers to a device that includes a processor and a memory. Each device may have its own processor and / or memory, or the processor and / or memory may be shared with other devices as in a virtual machine or container arrangement. The memory will contain or receive programming instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to perform one or more operations in accordance with the programming instructions.

[0039] The terms "memory", "memory device", "computer-readable medium", "data storage", "data storage facility", etc. each refer to a non-transitory device on which computer-readable data, programming instructions, or both are stored. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the terms "memory", "memory device", "computer-readable medium", "data storage", "data storage facility", etc. are intended to include single device embodiments, embodiments in which multiple memory devices store a set of data or instructions together or jointly, and individual sectors within such devices. A computer program product is a memory device on which programming instructions are stored.

[0040] The terms "processor" and "processing device" refer to hardware components of an electronic device that are configured to execute programming instructions, such as a microprocessor or other logic circuit. A processor and a memory can be elements of a microcontroller, a custom configurable integrated circuit, a programmable system-on-chip, or other electronic devices that can be programmed to perform various functions. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the singular terms "processor" or "processing device" are intended to include both single processing device embodiments and embodiments in which multiple processing devices execute a process together or jointly.

[0041] The features and functions and alternatives disclosed above can be combined into many other different systems or applications. Those skilled in the art can make various currently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements, each of which is also intended to be covered by the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

1. A method for managing digital content consumption, the method comprises: detecting first content output by an electronic device; assigning the first content to a first category; identifying one or more second categories, where each second category is different from the first category; monitoring a first amount of time during which the electronic device is outputting the first content; in response to the first amount of time exceeding a first threshold, prompting a user to switch the electronic device to output content associated with one or more second categories; after prompting the user, monitoring a second amount of time during which the electronic device continues to output the first content; and in response to the second amount of time exceeding a second threshold, taking an action including at least one of the following: causing the electronic device to output second content, the second content being associated with one of the one or more second categories; or transmitting a notification indicating that the electronic device is not outputting content associated with one of the one or more second categories.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein detecting the first content output by the electronic device includes detecting video content being displayed on a screen of the electronic device.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first category includes at least one of education, fitness or entertainment.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein assigning the first content to the first category includes determining a source of the first content.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein assigning the first content to the first category includes applying a trained machine learning model to the first content.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein monitoring the first amount of time during which the electronic device continues to output the first content includes determining a total amount of time during which the electronic device is outputting the first content.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the notification includes a list containing the one or more second categories.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein causing the electronic device to output the second content includes causing the electronic device to output content associated with the highest priority category among the one or more second categories.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprises: assigning a category to each content output by the electronic device; and generating a report, the report including an indication of a relative time during which the electronic device is outputting content of each category.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprises: after the electronic device starts to output the second content, monitoring a third amount of time during which the electronic device is outputting the second content.

11. A computer program product, comprising a memory storing programming instructions configured to cause a processor to manage digital content consumption by: detecting first content output by an electronic device; assigning the first content to a first category; identifying one or more second categories, where each of the second categories is different from the first category; Monitor a first time period during which the electronic device is outputting the first content; In response to the first time period exceeding a first threshold, prompt the user to switch the electronic device to output content associated with one or more of the second categories; After prompting the user, monitor a second time period during which the electronic device continues to output the first content; and In response to the second time period exceeding a second threshold, take an action including at least one of the following: Cause the electronic device to output second content, the second content being associated with one of the one or more second categories; or Transmit a notification indicating that the electronic device is not outputting content associated with one of the one or more second categories.

12. The computer program product according to claim 11, wherein, the programming instructions configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by detecting the first content output by the electronic device include programming instructions configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by detecting video content displayed on the screen of the electronic device.

13. The computer program product according to claim 11, wherein, the first category includes at least one of education, physical, or entertainment.

14. The computer program product according to claim 11, wherein, the programming instructions configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by assigning the first content to the first category include programming instructions configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by determining the source of the first content.

15. The computer program product according to claim 11, wherein, the programming instructions configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by assigning the first content to the first category include programming instructions configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by applying a trained machine learning model to the first content.

16. The computer program product according to claim 11, wherein, the programming instructions configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by monitoring the first time period during which the electronic device continues to output the first content include programming instructions configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by determining the total time period during which the electronic device is outputting the first content.

17. The computer program product according to claim 11, wherein, the notification includes a list containing the one or more second categories.

18. The computer program product according to claim 11, wherein, the programming instructions configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by causing the electronic device to output the second content include programming instructions configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by causing the electronic device to output content associated with the highest priority category among the one or more second categories.

19. The computer program product according to claim 11, wherein, The programming instructions are further configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by: assigning a category to each content output by the electronic device; and generating a report that includes an indication of the relative time that the electronic device is outputting content of each category.

20. The computer program product according to claim 11, wherein, the programming instructions are further configured to cause the processor to manage digital content consumption by monitoring a third amount of time that the electronic device is outputting the second content after the electronic device begins outputting the second content.

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