Method, apparatus, and electronic device for controlling an application

Abstract

The present application discloses a method, apparatus, and electronic device for controlling an application, belonging to the technical field of terminal devices, including: receiving an input from a user for a first application, determining a first preset usage duration of a first functional module in the first application, where the first preset usage duration is the maximum allowable usage duration of the user using the first functional module within a first time period, and disabling the first functional module when the cumulative duration of the user using the first functional module within the first time period reaches the first preset usage duration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of terminal devices, and particularly relates to a method, device, and electronic device for controlling applications. Background Art

[0002] With the popularization of mobile terminals such as mobile phones, the types and functions of mobile phone applications have become increasingly rich, and people's dependence on mobile phones has also become stronger, even showing a trend of addiction.

[0003] In some scenarios, the usage duration of an application can be restricted. By setting the allowed usage duration of the application, when the cumulative duration of a user using a certain application exceeds the allowed usage duration, the application is locked to restrict the user from continuing to use any function in the application. In this way, the flexibility of application restriction is low and the user experience is poor. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the embodiments of this application is to provide a method, device, and electronic device for controlling applications, which can solve the problem of low flexibility of application restriction and improve the user experience.

[0005] In a first aspect, the embodiments of this application provide a method for controlling an application. The method includes:

[0006] Receiving an input from a user for a first application, and determining a first preset usage duration of a first functional module in the first application, where the first preset usage duration is the maximum allowed usage duration of the user using the first functional module within a first time period. When the cumulative duration of the user using the first functional module within the first time period reaches the first preset usage duration, disable the first functional module.

[0007] In a second aspect, the embodiments of this application provide a device for controlling an application. The device includes:

[0008] A first receiving module, configured to receive an input from a user for a first application. A first determining module, configured to determine a first preset usage duration of a first functional module in the first application, where the first preset usage duration is the maximum allowed usage duration of the user using the first functional module within a first time period. A disabling module, configured to disable the first functional module when the cumulative duration of the user using the first functional module within the first time period reaches the first preset usage duration.

[0009] In a third aspect, the embodiments of this application provide an electronic device. The electronic device includes a processor, a memory, and a program or instruction stored on the memory and executable on the processor. When the program or instruction is executed by the processor, the steps of the method described in the first aspect are implemented.

[0010] Fourthly, an embodiment of the present application provides a readable storage medium, on which a program or instruction is stored, and when the program or instruction is executed by a processor, the steps of the method described in the first aspect are implemented.

[0011] Fifthly, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is used to run a program or instruction to implement the method described in the first aspect.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present application, an input from a user to a first application is received, and a first preset usage duration of a first functional module in the first application is determined, where the first preset usage duration is the maximum allowable usage duration of the user using the first functional module within a first time period. When the cumulative duration of the user using the first functional module within the first time period reaches the first preset usage duration, the first functional module is disabled. Therefore, the embodiment of the present application only restricts the first functional module in the first application. After the first functional module is restricted, the user can still use the remaining functional modules in the first application except the first functional module, and the flexibility of the application restriction is high, improving the user experience. Description of the Drawings

[0013] Figure 1 A flowchart showing the first method for controlling an application provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0014] Figures 2A to 4 A diagram showing the setting page for function restriction provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0015] Figure 5 A flowchart showing the second method for controlling an application provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0016] Figure 6 A flowchart showing the third method for controlling an application provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0017] Figure 7 A flowchart showing the fourth method for controlling an application provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0018] Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram showing a device for controlling an application provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0019] Figure 9 A schematic structural diagram showing an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 10 A schematic hardware structure diagram showing an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed Embodiments

[0021] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments in the present application belong to the scope of protection of the present application.

[0022] Terms such as "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of the present application are used to distinguish similar objects, rather than to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances so that the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first", "second", etc. are generally of the same type, and the number of objects is not limited. For example, the first object can be one or multiple. In addition, "and / or" in the specification and claims means at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally means that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0023] In some scenarios, users are addicted to using applications, which will harm their physical and mental health. To prevent users from being overly addicted to using applications, the usage duration of applications can be restricted. By setting the allowed usage duration of an application, when the cumulative usage duration of a user using a certain application exceeds the allowed usage duration, the application will be locked to restrict the user from continuing to use any function in the application.

[0024] In some cases, users are only addicted to using some function modules of an application. If the application is locked, all function modules of the application will be restricted from use. However, the remaining function modules other than the function modules that the user is addicted to may be needed by the user. If the functions of the entire application are restricted, the remaining function modules that the user needs will also be restricted from use, resulting in low flexibility of application restriction and poor user experience.

[0025] To solve the above technical problems, the embodiments of the present application provide a method for controlling an application. Below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the method for controlling an application provided by the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail through specific embodiments and their application scenarios.

[0026] Figure 1 The flowchart showing the first method for controlling an application provided by the embodiments of the present application can be executed by an electronic device, such as a terminal device. That is to say, the above method for controlling an application can be executed by the hardware or software installed in the terminal device. As Figure 1 shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0027] S100: Receive an input from a user for a first application.

[0028] Specifically, in the first application, the first functional module is a functional module with a limited usage duration set for the user. The input of the user to the first application is the operation of the user clicking to open the first functional module to browse or use the first functional module or the operation of the user setting the first preset usage duration of the first functional module.

[0029] The functional module for the user to set the limited usage duration is specifically as follows: The user clicks on the "Settings Option" to enter the settings page for application function restrictions. On the settings page for application function restrictions, if the option of "Restriction on the Use of Application Functions" is selected, relevant settings for the use restrictions of the functional modules of the application can be made. If the option of "Restriction on the Use of Application Functions" is not selected, the process ends.

[0030] Making relevant settings for the use restrictions of the functional modules of the application includes, but is not limited to: setting an unlock password, setting the functional modules of the application for which usage restrictions are imposed, setting the maximum allowable usage duration of the functional modules subject to usage restrictions, setting to intelligently adjust the maximum allowable usage duration of the functional modules subject to usage restrictions, setting the linkage restrictions for the functional modules of the similar applications of the application for which the functional modules subject to usage restrictions are used, etc.

[0031] Taking the setting of the first functional module of the first application as an example, when setting the unlock password, the user can enter a custom-set password in the corresponding password input interface. When the cumulative usage duration of the user using the first functional module within the first time period reaches the preset first preset usage duration, if the first functional module is locked, the set password can be entered for unlocking, thus facilitating the user to continue using the first functional module and enhancing the user experience.

[0032] When setting the first functional module for which usage restrictions are imposed, after the user selects the option of "Restriction on the Use of Application Functions", an instruction input box and a virtual confirmation button will be displayed at the corresponding position on the mobile phone screen (such as the bottom of the mobile phone screen). The user can manually click on an application (as the first application) and click to jump to the page of at least one functional module (as the first functional module) in the first application, enter "Restricted use of the first functional module of the first application" in the instruction input box, and click the virtual confirmation button.

[0033] For example, taking the first application as APP 1 and the first functional module in APP1 as the TV drama module as an example, as Figure 2A shown, Figure 2A the settings page in it includes, but is not limited to: the option of "Restriction on the Use of Application Functions", the option of "Intelligently Adjust the Maximum Allowable Usage Duration", the option of "Restriction on the Use of Functional Modules of Similar Applications", the option of "Set Password", and the option of "Set the Maximum Allowable Usage Duration".

[0034] It should be noted that the arrangement of the above options on the mobile phone screen is not limited to Figure 2A the way in Figure 2A When the switch button 200 in the start button 20 is located on the left side of the start button 20, the corresponding function is turned off. When the switch button 200 in the start button 20 is located on the right side of the start button 20, the corresponding function is turned on.

[0035] As Figure 2B shown, when the user enables the "usage limit of application functions" option, at least some of the installed APPs on the mobile phone are displayed in the display interface 21 below this option, such as APP 1 to APP 6 installed on the mobile phone. As Figure 2C shown, when the user needs to limit the first function module (such as the TV drama module) in APP 1, the user clicks on APP 1 to jump to the main interface of APP 1, and then selects to jump to the TV drama module of APP1. As Figure 2D shown, on the page of the TV drama module of APP 1, an instruction input box 22 and a confirmation button 23 are displayed at the bottom of the mobile phone. The user enters "restricted use of the TV drama module of APP 1" in the instruction input box 22 and clicks the confirmation button 23.

[0036] When setting the maximum allowable usage duration (the first preset usage duration) of the user using the first function module within the first time period, the first preset usage duration of the first function module of the first application can be input or selected on the setting page. According to the user's usage habits, the first preset usage duration can be set to any duration, and the embodiments of the present application do not make any limitations here. It should be noted that the first preset usage durations of different function modules of the same application can be set to be the same or different, and the embodiments of the present application do not make any limitations here.

[0037] When setting the intelligent adjustment of the maximum allowable usage duration, the user can choose whether to enable the function of "intelligent adjustment of the maximum allowable usage duration". If the user enables the function of "intelligent adjustment of the maximum allowable usage duration", when the cumulative duration of the user using the first function module within the first time period reaches the first preset usage duration, recognize the current user's usage situation of the first function module, and select whether to extend the first preset usage duration according to the user's usage situation of the first function module. If the user does not enable the function of "intelligent adjustment of the maximum allowable usage duration", when the cumulative duration of the user using the first function module within the first time period reaches the first preset usage duration, immediately impose a usage limit on the first function module, that is, disable the first function module.

[0038] When setting the usage limit for similar applications of the first application, the user can choose whether to enable the "usage limit for function modules of similar applications" function. If the user enables the "usage limit for function modules of similar applications" function, usage limits will be imposed on the first function module of the first application and the second function module of the second application, which is a similar application. If the user does not enable the "usage limit for function modules of similar applications" function, no usage limit will be imposed on the second function module of the similar application. When the user enables the "usage limit for function modules of similar applications" function, the user can enter "linked usage limit for the first function module of the first application and the second function module of the second application" in the description input box and click "confirm".

[0039] For example, taking the first application as APP 1, the second application as APP 2, the first function module in APP 1 as the TV drama module, and the second function module in APP 2 also as the TV drama module as an example. After the user enables the "usage limit function for application functions" and the "usage limit for function modules of similar applications" functions, at least some of the installed APPs on the mobile phone are displayed on the interface below the "usage limit for function modules of similar applications" option, such as APP 1 to APP 6. When the user needs to limit the first function module in APP 1, the user clicks and checks the checkbox in the upper left corner of APP 1 and jumps to the main interface of APP 1. Then the user selects the function module that needs to be restricted in the main interface of APP 1, such as the TV drama module of APP 1.

[0040] After APP 1 is selected, the user returns to the page of "usage limit for application functions", as Figure 3 shown. When the user also needs to limit the second function module in APP 2, the user clicks and checks the checkbox 24 in the upper left corner of APP 2, and then jumps to the main interface of APP 2, as Figure 4 shown. Then the user selects the function module that needs to be restricted in the main interface of APP 2, such as the TV drama module of APP 2, and the user clicks to jump to the TV drama module of APP 2. After the TV drama module that needs to be restricted in APP 2 is selected, enter "linked usage limit for the TV drama module of APP 1 and the TV drama module of APP 2" in the description input box 22 at the bottom of the screen, and click the confirm button 23 below the description input box.

[0041] S101: Determine the first preset usage duration of the first function module in the first application.

[0042] Specifically, the first preset usage duration is the maximum allowed usage duration of the user using the first functional module within the first time period, which can be the usage duration allowed by the user's custom settings. The first time period can be from 0:00 to 24:00 of the current day, or any time period of the current day, or a preset number of days.

[0043] S103: When the cumulative duration of the user using the first functional module within the first time period reaches the first preset usage duration, disable the first functional module.

[0044] Specifically, when the cumulative duration of the user using the first functional module within the first time period reaches the first preset duration, restrict the user's use of the first functional module, that is, lock the first functional module (lock the first functional module), thereby disabling the first functional module.

[0045] After the first functional module is disabled, the user can still browse or use the remaining functional modules in the first application.

[0046] Through the technical solution disclosed in the embodiments of the present application, only the first functional module in the first application is restricted. After the first functional module is restricted, the user can still use the remaining functional modules in the first application except the first functional module, and the flexibility of the application restriction is high, improving the user experience.

[0047] In a possible implementation manner, before disabling the first functional module, it further includes: when the cumulative duration has not reached the first preset usage duration, execute the target function provided by the first functional module; when the cumulative duration reaches the first preset usage duration, if the target function is in an execution state, extend the first preset usage duration until the target function is in a stopped state. If the target function is in a stopped state, then disable the first functional module. Wherein, the target function is the one that runs before the cumulative duration of the first functional module reaches the first preset duration.

[0048] Specifically, when the cumulative duration of the first functional module within the first time period has not reached the first preset usage duration, the user can operate on the first functional module, and in response to the operation, execute the target function provided by the first functional module.

[0049] When the cumulative duration reaches the first preset usage duration, if the execution of the target function provided by the first function module has not stopped (is in the execution state), locking the first function module immediately will cause great trouble to the user, resulting in discontinuous use by the user and poor user experience. Therefore, if the user selects to enable the function of "intelligently adjusting the maximum allowable usage duration", when the cumulative duration reaches the first preset usage duration, if the execution of the target function provided by the first function module has not stopped, the first preset usage duration will be extended until the execution of the target function stops (is in the stop state) and then the first function module is locked. When the cumulative duration reaches the first preset usage duration, if the execution of the target function stops, the first function module is locked immediately.

[0050] For example, the user selects to enable the function of "intelligently adjusting the maximum allowable usage duration". Taking the first application as APP 3 and the first function module of APP 3 as the recommended column as an example, the target function provided by the recommended column is the short video function. The user watches short videos in the recommended column of APP 3. When the cumulative duration of the user using the recommended column within the first time period (such as from 0:00 to 24:00 on the same day) reaches the first preset usage duration (such as 2 hours), if the user has not finished browsing the current short video, the maximum allowable usage duration of the recommended column is extended until the user finishes browsing the current short video or switches to the next short video, and then the recommended column module is locked and restricted. At this time, the user can only use the remaining function modules in APP 3.

[0051] Through the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present application, when the cumulative duration of the user using the first function module within the first time period reaches the first preset usage duration, if the target function provided by the first function module has not been completed, the maximum allowable usage duration of the first function module can be extended, so as to allow the user to continue using the first function module, avoid causing trouble to the user, and improve the user experience.

[0052] Furthermore, in a possible implementation manner, before disabling the first function module, it further includes: when the cumulative duration of the user using the first function module within the first time period does not reach the first preset usage duration, execute the target function provided by the first function module. When the cumulative duration of the user using the first function module within the first time period reaches the first preset usage duration, if the execution of the target function has not stopped (is in the execution state) and the remaining execution time of the target function does not exceed the threshold, extend the first preset usage duration until the execution of the target function stops (is in the stop state); if the execution of the target function has not stopped and the remaining execution time of the target function exceeds the threshold, disable the first function module. When the cumulative duration reaches the first preset usage duration, if the execution of the target function stops, disable the first function module.

[0053] Specifically, if the remaining execution time of the target function is too long, it will also lead to the user's addiction to using it. Therefore, only when the remaining execution time of the target function does not exceed a threshold value is it allowed to extend the first preset usage duration. The threshold value can be determined according to the actual situation. For example, the value is within 10 minutes, and the embodiments of the present application do not make any limitations here.

[0054] Figure 5 The flowchart of the second method for controlling an application provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown. This method can be executed by an electronic device, such as a terminal device. That is to say, the above method for controlling an application can be executed by the hardware or software installed in the terminal device. As Figure 5 shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0055] S500: Receive an input from the user for the first application.

[0056] S501: Determine the first preset usage duration of the first function module in the first application.

[0057] S502: Display the remaining available duration of the first function module at the target position corresponding to the first function module.

[0058] Specifically, when the user starts using the first function module with the maximum allowed usage duration set, the remaining available duration can be displayed on the page side of the first function module. For example, the remaining available duration is displayed in the form of a floating ball on the page of the first function module, in the form of a progress bar on the page of the first function module, or in the form of a color depth bar on the page of the first function module.

[0059] In a possible implementation manner, displaying the remaining available duration in the form of a floating ball can be to display a floating ball on the page of the first function module, and the remaining available duration is displayed in the floating ball. For example, when 15 minutes is displayed in the floating ball, it means the remaining available duration is 15 minutes.

[0060] In a possible implementation manner, displaying the remaining available duration in the form of a progress bar can be to display a progress bar on the page of the first function module. Two different colors in the progress bar are used to represent the used duration and the remaining available duration respectively. For example, white represents the used duration, and blue represents the remaining available duration. The shorter the remaining available duration, the shorter the blue part in the progress bar, and the longer the white part in the progress bar.

[0061] In a possible implementation manner, displaying the remaining available duration in the form of a color depth bar specifically means: displaying a color depth bar at the target position of the first function module, and different colors displayed by the color depth bar correspond to different remaining available durations.

[0062] Specifically, a color depth bar is displayed at a target position (which can be the top, bottom, etc. of the page) of the page of the first function module. As the usage duration of the first function module increases, the depth of the color depth bar gradually deepens. When the remaining duration is 0, the color of the color depth bar reaches the deepest, achieving the effect of duration reminder. Among them, color representation can be carried out corresponding to unequal time intervals. The shorter the remaining available duration, the higher the replacement frequency of the color displayed by the color depth bar.

[0063] For example, when the allowed usage duration is 2 hours, if the remaining available duration of the first function module is from 1.5 hours (including 1.5 hours) to 2 hours, the color displayed by the color depth bar is white. If the remaining available duration of the first function module is from 1 hour (including 1 hour) to 1.5 hours, the color displayed by the color depth bar is gray. If the remaining available duration of the first function module is from 0.5 hours (including 0.5 hours) to 1 hour, the color displayed by the color depth bar is blue. If the remaining available duration of the first function module is from 20 minutes (including 20 minutes) to 0.5 hours, the color displayed by the color depth bar is orange. If the remaining available duration of the first function module is from 10 minutes (including 10 minutes) to 20 minutes, the color displayed by the color depth bar is purple. If the remaining available duration of the first function module is from 0 (excluding 0) to 10 minutes, the color displayed by the color depth bar is red. If the remaining available duration of the first function module is 0, the color displayed by the color depth bar is black.

[0064] S503: Disable the first function module when the cumulative duration of the user using the first function module within the first time period reaches the first preset usage duration.

[0065] It should be noted that the implementation manners of S500, S501, and S503 are the same as or similar to those of the above S100 to S103, and they can refer to each other. The embodiments of the present application will not elaborate herein.

[0066] Through the technical solution disclosed in the embodiments of the present application, only the first function module in the first application is restricted. After the first function module is restricted, the user can still use the remaining function modules in the first application except the first function module. The flexibility of the application restriction is high, improving the user experience. In addition, the remaining available duration of the first function module can be displayed at the target position of the first function module to prompt the user, facilitating the user to reasonably arrange the usage time of the first function module, with high flexibility and further improving the user experience.

[0067] Figure 6 The flowchart showing the third method for controlling an application provided by the embodiments of the present application. This method can be executed by an electronic device, such as a terminal device. That is to say, the above method for controlling an application can be executed by the hardware or software installed in the terminal device. As Figure 6As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0068] S600: Receive the input from the user for the first application.

[0069] S601: Determine the first preset usage duration of the first functional module in the first application.

[0070] S602: Receive the input from the user for the second application and determine the second functional module in the second application corresponding to the first functional module.

[0071] Specifically, on the application function restriction page, if the user enables the "usage restriction for functional modules of similar applications" function and sets the first functional module of the first application and the second functional module of the second application in the Figure 3 and Figure 4 way, after the user opens the second functional module in the second application corresponding to the first functional module, the cumulative duration of the second functional module in the second application used by the user within the first time period is counted to perform linkage restriction on the first functional module in the first application and the second functional module in the second application. The second functional module corresponding to the first functional module can be a module with the same function. For example, if the first functional module of APP 1 is the TV drama module, then the second functional module corresponding to the TV drama module in the similar APP 2 of APP 1 is also the TV drama module.

[0072] S603: Add the cumulative duration of the first functional module and the cumulative duration of the second functional module to obtain a superimposed value. When the superimposed value reaches the first preset usage duration, disable the first functional module. Here, the second application is a similar application to the first application. Similar applications refer to applications that implement the same or similar functions. For example, if the functions of APP 1 and APP 2 mainly provide video playback functions, then APP 1 and APP 2 are similar applications.

[0073] Specifically, set the maximum allowable usage duration of the second functional module of the second application and the first functional module of the first application, add the cumulative duration of the specified first functional module of the first application within the first time period and the cumulative duration of the second functional module of the second application within the first time period to obtain a superimposed value. This superimposed value is the total cumulative usage duration of the first functional module and the second functional module within the first time period. When the superimposed value reaches the maximum allowable usage duration, disable the first functional module of the first application and / or the second functional module of the second application.

[0074] If the user enables the intelligent adjustment of the maximum allowed usage duration function, disabling the first function module of the first application and / or the second function module of the second application includes: when the superimposed value does not reach the first preset usage duration, executing the target function provided by the first function module of the first application and / or the function provided by the second function module of the second application. When the superimposed value reaches the first preset usage duration, if the execution of both the target function provided by the first function module of the first application and the function provided by the second function module of the second application stops, disable the first function module of the first application and the second function module of the second application.

[0075] When the superimposed value reaches the first preset usage duration, if the target function provided by the first function module of the first application does not stop (is in the execution state) and the execution of the function provided by the second function module of the second application stops (is in the stopped state), extend the first preset usage duration until the execution of the first function module of the first application stops, and disable the second function module of the second application. When the superimposed value reaches the first preset usage duration, if the target function provided by the first function module of the first application stops and the execution of the function provided by the second function module of the second application does not stop, disable the first function module of the first application and extend the first preset usage duration until the execution of the function provided by the second function module of the second application stops.

[0076] When the superimposed value reaches the first preset usage duration, if neither the target function provided by the first function module of the first application nor the function provided by the second function module of the second application stops, extend the first preset usage duration until both the target function provided by the first function module of the first application and the function provided by the second function module of the second application stop.

[0077] For example, if the user sets the maximum allowed usage duration of the TV drama module in APP 1 and the TV drama module in APP 2 to 2 hours, and the TV drama module in APP 1 has been used for 1 hour and the TV drama module in APP 2 has also been used for 1 hour, then the total usage duration of the TV drama modules in APP 1 and APP 2 is 2 hours, and the total usage duration has reached the maximum allowed usage duration.

[0078] If the execution of both the function provided by the TV drama module in APP 1 and the function provided by the TV drama module in APP 2 stops, impose usage restrictions on the TV drama module in APP 1 and the TV drama module in APP 2 above, that is, disable the TV drama module in APP1 and the TV drama module in APP 2.

[0079] If the executions of the functions provided by the TV drama module in APP 1 and the TV drama module in APP 2 have not stopped, extend the maximum allowed usage duration until the executions of the functions provided by the TV drama module in APP 1 and the TV drama module in APP 2 stop.

[0080] If the function provided by the TV drama module in APP 1 stops and the execution of the function provided by the TV drama module in APP 2 has not stopped, disable the TV drama module in APP 1 and extend the maximum allowed usage duration until the execution of the function provided by the TV drama module in APP 2 stops.

[0081] If the function provided by the TV drama module in APP 1 has not stopped and the execution of the function provided by the TV drama module in APP 2 stops, disable the TV drama module in APP 2 and extend the maximum allowed usage duration until the execution of the function provided by the TV drama module in APP 1 stops.

[0082] It should be noted that the implementation manners of S600, S601, and S603, which are the same as or similar to the above S100 to S103, can be referred to each other, and the embodiments of the present application will not elaborate herein.

[0083] Through the technical solution disclosed in the embodiments of the present application, only the first function module in the first application is restricted. After the first function module is restricted, the user can still use the remaining function modules in the first application except the first function module, and the flexibility of application restriction is high, improving the user experience. In addition, the second function module corresponding to the first function module in the second application can also be restricted in a linked manner, so as to avoid the situation that the user becomes addicted to using the second function module of the second application other than the first function module of the first application, avoiding harm to the user's body and mind, and the flexibility of application restriction is high, further improving the user experience.

[0084] Figure 7 The flowchart showing the fourth method for controlling an application provided by the embodiments of the present application can be executed by an electronic device, such as a terminal device. That is to say, the above method for controlling an application can be executed by the hardware or software installed in the terminal device. As Figure 7 shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0085] S700: Receive the input of the user for the first application.

[0086] S701: Determine the first preset usage duration of the first function module in the first application.

[0087] S703: Disable the first function module when the cumulative duration of the user using the first function module within the first time period reaches the first preset usage duration.

[0088] It should be noted that S700 to S703 and S100 to S103 have the same or similar implementation manners, and they can refer to each other. The embodiments of the present application will not elaborate here.

[0089] S704: Receive the unlocking password input by the user for the first functional module, and turn on the first functional module when the unlocking password is correct.

[0090] Specifically, the unlocking password is a password custom-set by the user on the corresponding input password interface. When the first functional module is disabled, if the user wants to continue using the first functional module, input the corresponding unlocking password, and then the first functional module can be turned on again to continue using the first functional module.

[0091] Through the technical solution disclosed in the embodiments of the present application, only the first functional module in the first application is restricted. After the first functional module is restricted, the user can still use the other functional modules in the first application except the first functional module. The flexibility of application restriction is high, which improves the user experience. In addition, after the first functional module is locked, if the user needs to continue using the first functional module, the corresponding unlocking password can be input for unlocking to meet the user's needs. The flexibility of application restriction is high, which further improves the user experience.

[0092] It should be noted that for the method for controlling an application provided in the embodiments of the present application, the execution subject can be a device for controlling the application, or a control module in the device for controlling the application that executes the method for controlling the application. In the embodiments of the present application, the case where the device for controlling the application executes the method for controlling the application is taken as an example to illustrate the device for controlling the application provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0093] Figure 8 The structural schematic diagram of a device for controlling an application provided in the embodiments of the present application is shown. The device includes: a first receiving module 801, a first determining module 802, and a disabling module 803.

[0094] The first receiving module 801 is configured to receive the input of the user for the first application; the first determining module 802 is configured to determine a first preset usage duration of the first functional module in the first application, where the first preset usage duration is the maximum allowed usage duration of the user using the first functional module within a first time period; the disabling module 803 is configured to disable the first functional module when the cumulative duration of the user using the first functional module within the first time period reaches the first preset usage duration.

[0095] A device for controlling an application disclosed in the embodiments of the present application only restricts the first functional module in the first application. After the first functional module is restricted, the user can still use the other functional modules in the first application except the first functional module. The flexibility of application restriction is high, which improves the user experience.

[0096] In a possible implementation, it further includes:

[0097] An extension module (not shown in the figure), configured to, when the accumulated duration reaches a preset usage duration and the target function provided by the first function module is in an execution state, extend the first preset usage duration until the target function is in a stopped state.

[0098] In a possible implementation, it further includes: a second receiving module, configured to receive an input from a user for a second application; a second determination module (not shown in the figure), configured to determine a second function module corresponding to the first function module in the second application; a disabling module (not shown in the figure), further configured to add up the accumulated duration of the first function module and the accumulated duration of the second function module to obtain a superimposed value; and when the superimposed value reaches the first preset usage duration, disable the first function module and the second function module.

[0099] In a possible implementation, it further includes: a third receiving module (not shown in the figure), configured to receive an unlock password input by the user for the first function module; and an enabling module (not shown in the figure), configured to enable the first function module when the unlock password is correct.

[0100] The device for controlling an application in the embodiments of the present application may be a device, or a component, an integrated circuit, or a chip in a terminal. The device may be a mobile electronic device or a non-mobile electronic device. Exemplarily, the mobile electronic device may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a handheld computer, a vehicle-mounted electronic device, a wearable device, an ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), a netbook, or a personal digital assistant (PDA), etc., and the non-mobile electronic device may be a server, a network attached storage (NAS), a personal computer (PC), a television (TV), a teller machine, or a self-service machine, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations.

[0101] The device for controlling an application in the embodiments of the present application may be a device with an operating system. The operating system may be an Android operating system, an iOS operating system, or other possible operating systems. The embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations.

[0102] The device for controlling an application provided in the embodiments of the present application can implement Figures 1 to 7 each process implemented by the method embodiments, and for the sake of brevity, details are not described herein again.

[0103] Optionally, as Figure 9 shown, an embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic device 900, including a processor 901, a memory 902, a program or instruction stored on the memory 902 and executable on the processor 901, and when the program or instruction is executed by the processor 901, it implements the above Figures 1 to 7 shown processes of the method embodiment of the control application, and can achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, details are not described here again.

[0104] It should be noted that the electronic device in the embodiment of the present application includes the above-mentioned mobile electronic device and non-mobile electronic device.

[0105] Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an electronic device for implementing an embodiment of the present application.

[0106] The electronic device 1000 includes but is not limited to: a radio frequency unit 1001, a network module 1002, an audio output unit 1003, an input unit 1004, a sensor 1005, a display unit 1006, a user input unit 1007, an interface unit 1008, a memory 1009, and a processor 1010 and other components.

[0107] Those skilled in the art can understand that the electronic device 1000 may further include a power supply (such as a battery) for supplying power to each component, and the power supply can be logically connected to the processor 1010 through a power management system, so as to implement functions such as management of charging, discharging, and power consumption management through the power management system. Figure 10 The structure of the electronic device shown in does not limit the electronic device. The electronic device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements, which are not described in detail here.

[0108] The user input unit 1007 is configured to receive an input from the user for the first application, and the processor 1010 is configured to determine a first preset usage duration of a first functional module in the first application, where the first preset usage duration is the maximum allowable usage duration of the user using the first functional module within a first time period; when the cumulative duration of the user using the first functional module within the first time period reaches the first preset usage duration, the first functional module is disabled.

[0109] The processor 1010 is further configured to, when the cumulative duration reaches the first preset usage duration, if the target function provided by the first functional module is in an execution state, extend the first preset usage duration until the target function is in a stopped state.

[0110] The user input unit 1007 is further configured to receive an input from the user for the second application.

[0111] The processor 1010 is further configured to determine a second functional module corresponding to the first functional module in the second application; superimpose the cumulative duration of the first functional module and the cumulative duration of the second functional module to obtain a superimposed value, and disable the first functional module and the second functional module when the superimposed value reaches a first preset usage duration.

[0112] The user input unit 1007 is further configured to receive an unlocking password input by the user for the first functional module. The processor 1010 is further configured to activate the first functional module when the unlocking password is correct.

[0113] Wherein, the radio frequency unit 1001 can be used for receiving and sending signals during information reception and transmission or a call. Specifically, after receiving downlink data from a base station, it is given to the processor 1010 for processing; in addition, uplink data is sent to the base station. Generally, the radio frequency unit 1001 includes but is not limited to an antenna, at least one amplifier, a transceiver, a coupler, a low-noise amplifier, a duplexer, etc. In addition, the radio frequency unit 1001 can also communicate with a network and other devices through a wireless communication system.

[0114] The electronic device provides the user with wireless broadband Internet access through the network module 1002, such as helping the user to send and receive emails, browse web pages, and access streaming media, etc.

[0115] The audio output unit 1003 can convert audio data received by the radio frequency unit 1001 or the network module 1002 or stored in the memory 1009 into an audio signal and output it as sound. The audio output unit 1003 includes a speaker, a buzzer, a receiver, etc.

[0116] It should be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the input unit 1004 may include a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) 10041 and a microphone 10042. The graphics processor 10041 processes image data of a static picture or a video obtained by an image capture device (such as a camera) in a video capture mode or an image capture mode.

[0117] The display unit 1006 may include a display panel 10061, and the display panel 10061 may be configured in the form of, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, etc. The user input unit 1007 includes a touch panel 10071 and other input devices 10072. The touch panel 10071 is also referred to as a touch screen. The touch panel 10071 may include two parts: a touch detection device and a touch controller. The other input devices 10072 may include, but are not limited to, a physical keyboard, function keys (such as volume control keys, power on / off keys, etc.), a trackball, a mouse, and a joystick, which will not be elaborated here. The memory 1009 may be used to store software programs and various data, including but not limited to application programs and operating systems. The processor 1010 may integrate an application processor and a modem processor. Among them, the application processor mainly processes the operating system, user interface, application programs, etc., and the modem processor mainly processes wireless communication. It can be understood that the above-mentioned modem processor may not be integrated into the processor 1010.

[0118] The electronic device 1000 further includes at least one sensor 1005, such as a light sensor, a motion sensor, and other sensors. Specifically, the light sensor includes an ambient light sensor and a proximity sensor. Among them, the ambient light sensor can adjust the brightness of the display panel 10061 according to the brightness of the ambient light, and the proximity sensor can turn off the display panel 10061 and / or the backlight when the electronic device 1000 is moved close to the ear.

[0119] The display unit 1006 is used to display information input by the user or information provided to the user. The display unit 1006 may include a display panel 10061, and the display panel 10061 may be configured in the form of a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), etc.

[0120] The user input unit 1007 can be used to receive input digital or character information, and generate key signal inputs related to the user settings and function controls of the electronic device. Specifically, the user input unit 1007 includes a touch panel 10071 and other input devices 10072. The touch panel 10071, also referred to as a touch screen, can collect touch operations of the user on or near it (such as operations of the user using a finger, a stylus, or any suitable object or accessory on or near the touch panel 10071).

[0121] The touch panel 10071 may include two parts: a touch detection device and a touch controller. Among them, the touch detection device detects the touch position of the user, detects the signal brought by the touch operation, and transmits the signal to the touch controller; the touch controller receives the touch information from the touch detection device, converts it into contact coordinates, and then sends it to the processor 1010, and receives and executes the command sent by the processor 1010. In addition, various types such as resistive, capacitive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave can be used to implement the touch panel 10071. In addition to the touch panel 10071, the user input unit 1007 may further include other input devices 10072. Specifically, the other input devices 10072 may include but are not limited to a physical keyboard, function keys (such as volume control keys, power on / off keys, etc.), a trackball, a mouse, and a joystick, which will not be elaborated here.

[0122] Furthermore, the touch panel 10071 may cover the display panel 10061. When the touch panel 10071 detects a touch operation on or near it, it transmits the touch operation to the processor 1010 to determine the type of touch event. Subsequently, the processor 1010 provides a corresponding visual output on the display panel 10061 according to the type of touch event. Although in Figure 10 the touch panel 10071 and the display panel 10061 are implemented as two independent components to realize the input and output functions of the electronic device, in some embodiments, the touch panel 10071 and the display panel 10061 can be integrated to realize the input and output functions of the electronic device, and the specific implementation here is not limited.

[0123] The interface unit 1008 is an interface for connecting an external device to the electronic device 1000. For example, the external device may include a wired or wireless headset port, an external power supply (or battery charger) port, a wired or wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device with an identification module, an audio input / output (I / O) port, a video I / O port, a headset port, and so on. The interface unit 1008 can be used to receive inputs from external devices (such as data information, power, etc.) and transmit the received inputs to one or more components within the electronic device 1000 or can be used to transmit data between the electronic device 1000 and external devices.

[0124] The memory 1009 can be used to store software programs and various data. The memory 1009 mainly includes a program storage area and a data storage area. Among them, the program storage area can store an operating system, application programs required for at least one function (such as a sound playback function, an image playback function, etc.); the data storage area can store data created according to the use of the mobile phone (such as audio data, phone book, etc.). In addition, the memory 1009 can include a high-speed random access memory, and can also include a non-volatile memory, such as at least one magnetic disk storage device, a flash memory device, or other volatile solid-state storage devices.

[0125] The processor 1010 is the control center of the electronic device, connecting various parts of the entire electronic device through various interfaces and circuits. By running or executing the software programs and / or modules stored in the memory 1009, and calling the data stored in the memory 1009, it executes various functions of the electronic device and processes data, thereby monitoring the electronic device as a whole. The processor 1010 can include one or more processing units; preferably, the processor 1010 can integrate an application processor and a modem processor. Among them, the application processor mainly processes the operating system, user interface, application programs, etc., and the modem processor mainly processes wireless communication. It can be understood that the above-mentioned modem processor may not be integrated into the processor 1010.

[0126] The embodiment of the present application also provides a readable storage medium. A program or instruction is stored on the readable storage medium. When the program or instruction is executed by the processor, it implements each process of the method embodiment of controlling the application, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be elaborated here.

[0127] Among them, the processor is the processor in the electronic device in the above-mentioned embodiment. The readable storage medium includes a computer-readable storage medium, such as a computer read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disc, etc.

[0128] The embodiment of the present application further provides a chip. The chip includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor. The processor is used to run a program or instruction to implement each process of the method embodiment of controlling the application, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be elaborated here.

[0129] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiment of the present application can also be referred to as a system-on-chip, a system chip, a chip system, or a system-on-chip, etc.

[0130] It should be noted that in this text, the terms "include", "comprise" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. Without further limitation, an element defined by the statement "comprising an..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or device comprising that element. In addition, it should be pointed out that the scope of the methods and devices in the embodiments of the present application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions in a substantially simultaneous manner or in the reverse order according to the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in an order different from that described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, the features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0131] From the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by means of software plus a necessary general hardware platform. Of course, they can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation. Based on such an understanding, the technical solution of the present application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a computer software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk) and includes several instructions for causing a terminal (which can be a mobile phone, computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of the present application.

[0132] The embodiments of the present application have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present application is not limited to the above specific embodiments. The above specific embodiments are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those of ordinary skill in the art, under the inspiration of the present application and without departing from the spirit of the present application and the scope protected by the claims, can also make many forms, all of which fall within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an application, characterized in that, The method includes: Receiving an input from a user for a first application, and determining a first preset usage duration of a first functional module in the first application, where the first preset usage duration is the maximum allowed usage duration of the user using the first functional module within a first time period; Disabling the first functional module when the cumulative duration of the user using the first functional module within the first time period reaches the first preset usage duration; Before disabling the first functional module, the method further includes: When the cumulative duration reaches the first preset usage duration, if the target function provided by the first functional module is in an execution state and the remaining execution time of the target function does not exceed a threshold, extending the first preset usage duration until the target function is in a stopped state; The method further includes: Receiving an input from the user for a second application, and determining a second functional module in the second application corresponding to the first functional module; The step of disabling the first functional module when the cumulative duration reaches the first preset usage duration includes: Adding the cumulative duration of the first functional module and the cumulative duration of the second functional module to obtain a superimposed value, and disabling the first functional module and the second functional module when the superimposed value reaches the first preset usage duration.

2. The method for controlling an application according to claim 1, wherein After disabling the first functional module, the method further includes: Receiving an unlock password input by the user for the first functional module; Enabling the first functional module when the unlock password is correct.

3. A device for controlling an application, characterized in that, It includes: A first receiving module, configured to receive an input from a user for a first application; A first determining module, configured to determine a first preset usage duration of a first functional module in the first application, where the first preset usage duration is the maximum allowed usage duration of the user using the first functional module within a first time period; A disabling module, configured to disable the first functional module when the cumulative duration of the user using the first functional module within the first time period reaches the first preset usage duration; An extending module, configured to, when the cumulative duration reaches the first preset usage duration, if the target function provided by the first functional module is in an execution state and the remaining execution time of the target function does not exceed a threshold, extend the first preset usage duration until the target function is in a stopped state; A second receiving module, configured to receive an input from the user for a second application; A second determining module, configured to determine a second functional module in the second application corresponding to the first functional module; The disabling module is further configured to add the cumulative duration of the first functional module and the cumulative duration of the second functional module to obtain a superimposed value; and disable the first functional module and the second functional module when the superimposed value reaches the first preset usage duration.

4. The device for controlling an application according to claim 3, characterized in that, It further includes: A third receiving module, configured to receive an unlock password input by the user for the first functional module; An enabling module, configured to enable the first functional module when the unlock password is correct.

5. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a processor, a memory, and programs or instructions stored on the memory and executable on the processor. When the programs or instructions are executed by the processor, the steps of the method for controlling an application as described in any one of claims 1-2 are implemented.

6. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, Programs or instructions are stored on the readable storage medium. When the programs or instructions are executed by a processor, the steps of the method for controlling an application as described in any one of claims 1-2 are implemented.

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