Method and system for auxiliary display of information for a computing device

Abstract

A method and system for auxiliary display of information for a computing device. An auxiliary display is integrated with a computing system to provide an area where notifications can be peripherally presented off-screen. Whenever a background task sends a notification to the main display of the system, the notification may be redirected to appear instead on the auxiliary display. A user may then glance at the notification appearing on the auxiliary display to be informed of the message without interruption from the current task onscreen. Any type of information may be presented on the auxiliary display including incoming communications, meeting reminders, system alerts, and information from Internet subscription services. The auxiliary display may be placed on the central processor chassis or on the monitor border along with LED indicator lights to provide simple peripheral-vision notification. By pressing a button, a user may obtain additional detailed follow-up information.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present invention is related to the following copending United States Patent Applications filed concurrently herewith, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties: [0002]“Real-Time Communications Architecture and Methods for use with a Personal Computer System,” Attorney Docket No. 3820; [0003]“Record Button on a Computer System,” Attorney Docket No. 3830; [0004]“Method and System for Auxiliary Processing Of Information for a Computing Device,” Attorney Docket No. 3840; [0005]“System and Method for Activating a Computer System;” Attorney Docket No. 3850; [0006]“Computer System with Do Not Disturb System and Method,” Attorney Docket No. 3860; [0007]“Computer Camera System and Method for Reducing Parallax,” Attorney Docket No. 3870; [0008]“Control and Communications Panel for a Computer System,” Attorney Docket No. 3880; and [0009]“Notification Lights, Locations and Rules...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] Briefly, the present invention provides an auxiliary display for a user to simply and rapidly view information concerning peripheral tasks without distraction or the need to switch operating focus from the current task onscreen. To this end, an auxiliary display is integrated with a computing system to provide a consistent place where notifications can be peripherally presented. Whenever a background task or specially controlled foreground task sends data such as a notification to the main display of the system, the notification may be redirected to appear instead on the auxiliary display. The user may then glance at the notification appearing on the auxiliary display to be informed of the message without significant interruption from the current task at hand. During a meeting or other social setting, a computer user may also discreetly glance at the small display without needing to disrupt the meeting by turning to read a notification from a large monitor, turning on the large monitor, or otherwise interacting with what is presently considered a conventional computer system.

Problems solved by technology

Moreover, notifications that force user interaction, while the user is focused on a particular task, are annoying and distracting.

Further, when a user receives a notification during a meeting or other social setting, it can be disruptive for the user to turn to read the notification.

However, users may not necessarily want to turn off notifications during such times, but are not given many options other than to receive them in their current, possibly distracting form, or not receive them at all.

For example, although users may disable some notifications and alerts to avoid interruptions while performing the task at hand, this is often an unsatisfactory solution because it can blind users to information about important information, including information related to the current working environment.

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