Saving battery usage on battery powered devices

Abstract

Systems and techniques are provided for controlling access to an electronic device. For example, a process may include obtaining state information associated with an electronic device. The process may include determining that an access restriction condition associated with the electronic device is satisfied based on state information associated with the electronic device. The process may include generating an access restriction event based on a determination that an access restriction condition associated with the electronic device is satisfied. In some cases, status information associated with the electronic device includes a battery power of the electronic device. In some aspects, the process includes determining that an access restriction condition is satisfied, including determining that a battery power of the electronic device is below an access restriction battery threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to systems and techniques for conserving battery power on battery-powered devices. Background Art

[0002] The daily use of smart electronic devices such as mobile phones, smart watches, VR headsets, personal assistant robots and other smart devices is becoming more and more common. In some cases, smart electronic devices can be used by multiple people with limited options for access control or authentication. Unrestricted access can sometimes result in the unavailability of a device when the primary user or owner intends to use the specific electronic device for an important purpose. For example, a secondary user can exhaust the available battery power of a specific electronic device without recharging the battery. Summary of the invention

[0003] A system, apparatus, method, and computer-readable medium for controlling access to an intelligent electronic device are disclosed. According to at least one example, a method for controlling access to an intelligent electronic device is provided. The method includes: obtaining state information associated with the electronic device; determining, based on the state information associated with the electronic device, that an access restriction condition associated with the electronic device is satisfied; and generating an access restriction event based on determining that the access restriction condition associated with the electronic device is satisfied.

[0004] In another example, a device for controlling access to an intelligent electronic device is provided, comprising at least one memory and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory. The at least one processor is configured to: obtain state information associated with the electronic device; determine, based on the state information associated with the electronic device, whether an access restriction condition associated with the electronic device is satisfied; and generate an access restriction event based on determining that the access restriction condition associated with the electronic device is satisfied.

[0005] In another example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: obtain status information associated with an electronic device; determine, based on the status information associated with the electronic device, whether an access restriction condition associated with the electronic device is satisfied; and generate an access restriction event based on determining that the access restriction condition associated with the electronic device is satisfied.

[0006] In another example, a device for controlling access to an intelligent electronic device is provided. The device includes means for the following operations: obtaining state information associated with the electronic device; determining, based on the state information associated with the electronic device, that an access restriction condition associated with the electronic device is satisfied; and generating an access restriction event based on determining that the access restriction condition associated with the electronic device is satisfied.

[0007] In some aspects, one or more of the above-mentioned devices is a vehicle (e.g., a computing device of a vehicle), a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone or so-called "smartphone" or other mobile device), a wearable device, an extended reality (XR) device (e.g., a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, or a mixed reality (MR) device), a personal computer, a laptop computer, a server computer, or other device or a part thereof. In some aspects, the device includes a camera or multiple cameras for capturing one or more images. In some aspects, the device also includes a display for displaying one or more images, notifications, and / or other displayable data. In some aspects, the device may include one or more sensors, which can be used to determine the position and / or posture of the device, the state of the device, and / or for other purposes.

[0008] This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used alone to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings, and each claim.

[0009] The foregoing and other features and embodiments will become more apparent by reference to the following description, claims and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Illustrative embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

[0011] Figure 1 illustrates exemplary primary and secondary electronic devices according to some examples;

[0012] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a main electronic device 200 for controlling access of a secondary electronic device 250 according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating an example process 300 for controlling access to an electronic device according to some examples of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 4A is a diagram illustrating initial pairing of a secondary electronic device with a primary electronic device according to some examples of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 4B is a diagram illustrating associations among a primary user, a primary electronic device, a secondary user, and a secondary electronic device according to some examples of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D is a diagram showing a user interface for establishing access restriction conditions according to some examples of the present disclosure;

[0017] Fig. 6A is a diagram illustrating example access restriction events according to some examples of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 6B is a diagram illustrating another example access restriction event according to some examples of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 6C is a diagram illustrating user authentication according to some examples of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a process for controlling access to an electronic device according to some examples;

[0021] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system for implementing certain aspects described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Some aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure are provided below. Some of these aspects and embodiments can be applied independently, and some of them can be applied in combination, which is obvious to those skilled in the art. In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present application. However, it is apparent that various embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. The accompanying drawings and description are not intended to be restrictive.

[0023] The following description provides only exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure. Instead, the following description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing the exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes may be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application as set forth in the appended claims.

[0024] In some cases, a secondary user of an electronic device (e.g., any user other than a registered primary user) may use the smart electronic device without restriction. As a result, in some cases, the secondary user may deplete the available power for the smart electronic device when the primary user needs access. In one illustrative example, the smart electronic device may be a pair of wireless headphones. In some cases, the secondary user may inadvertently deplete the battery of the wireless headphones immediately before the primary user needs to use the wireless headphones to participate in a conference call. In another illustrative example, the smart electronic device may be an extended reality (XR) device (e.g., a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, or a mixed reality (MR) device) that the primary user needs to use to participate in a virtual meeting.

[0025] A solution is needed that limits the use of smart electronic devices without the consent of the primary user based on predefined conditions. In some cases, granting and / or revoking access may be conditional on the remaining battery power level of the smart electronic device. Figure 1 Example smart electronic devices that can benefit from conditional user access control (e.g., conditional on remaining battery) are shown, such as a mobile device 100, a head mounted device (HMD) 110 (e.g., an XR device), a headset 120, a smart wearable device 130 (e.g., a watch, wristband, glasses, etc.), a smart robot 140, a network connected vehicle 150 (e.g., a vehicle with cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) and / or dedicated short range communication (DSRC) messaging capabilities (such as one or more C-V2X and / or DSRC transceivers)), an unmanned ground vehicle 160, and / or other devices. Additional example smart electronic devices that can benefit from conditional user access control (e.g., conditional on remaining battery) Figure 1 ) may include a digital assistant, a smart speaker, a smart portable device (e.g., a smart vacuum cleaner, a smart beverage container, a smart refrigerator, a smart microwave, etc.), or any other smart device.

[0026] In one illustrative example, if the battery power level is below a predetermined threshold when the secondary user attempts to enable the smart electronic device, the secondary user may be prevented from using the smart electronic device. In one illustrative example, if the attempt to enable the smart electronic device occurs when there is less than a first authenticated battery level threshold (e.g., when the battery power level is less than 50%), the primary user may enable access restrictions (e.g., to limit access to authenticated users only). In some cases, the smart electronic device may remain in a low power and / or standby mode until access is restored (e.g., authentication is received).

[0027] In another illustrative example, when the battery power level of the smart electronic device exceeds a first access restriction battery power threshold, the smart electronic device can be enabled without access restrictions (e.g., authentication requirements). However, in some cases, when the battery power level of the smart electronic device drops below the first access restriction battery power threshold, the smart electronic device may have access restrictions. In some cases, before the smart electronic device can be activated, the smart electronic device may require access authorization (e.g., authentication by the primary user of the smart electronic device). For example, when the smart electronic device is a secondary electronic device, when an attempt to enable the smart electronic device occurs when the battery power of the smart electronic device drops below the first access restriction battery power threshold, the primary electronic device may generate an authentication request. In some cases, once the primary user (e.g., the owner of the primary electronic device and the secondary electronic device) authorizes access (e.g., by performing authentication), the secondary user may be allowed to use the smart electronic device. As another example, the smart electronic device, rather than a separate primary electronic device, may generate an authentication request and receive authentication from the primary user.

[0028] In some cases, the smart electronic device may be configured with a second access restriction battery power threshold for revoking user access. For example, once the battery power of the smart electronic device drops below the second access restriction battery power threshold, the smart electronic device may enter standby or low power mode. In some embodiments, the smart electronic device may generate a notification indicating that the battery power has dropped below the second power threshold. In some cases, the first battery power threshold and the second battery threshold may have the same value (e.g., 40%). In some cases, the first battery power threshold and the second battery threshold may have different values. In some examples, a specific device may only be used again once the primary user authorizes continued use and / or the battery power of a specific device is restored (e.g., by charging).

[0029] In some cases, secondary user authentication can be managed by a primary electronic device (e.g., a smart phone, tablet, etc.). For example, a smart electronic device can be paired with a primary device during an initialization process. In some embodiments, a primary user of the primary device can enable one or more user authentication conditions for the smart electronic device. Example authentication conditions may include one or more conditions, such as the battery level of the smart electronic device, the time of day, the amount of time the smart electronic device has been used since reaching a full charge, or any other condition that can be used to ensure the availability of the smart device at a desired time. In an example embodiment, the primary device may include a user interface for enabling and / or controlling authentication conditions for one or more smart devices.

[0030] Systems and techniques for controlling access to shared smart electronic devices are needed. Systems, apparatus, processes (or methods), and computer-readable media (collectively, "systems and techniques") are described herein for providing access control based on state information associated with a shared smart electronic device. In some cases, access restrictions can be conditionally based on state information received from a smart electronic device. For example, access control (e.g., access restrictions, authentication requirements, etc.) can be conditional on the battery level included in the state information received from the smart electronic device. In some cases, the state information can include battery level, location, time, user identity, and / or any combination thereof.

[0031] Various aspects of the technology described herein are discussed below with respect to the accompanying figures. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a primary electronic device 200 for controlling access to a secondary electronic device 250 according to some examples of the present disclosure. The primary electronic device 200 can be used to control the secondary electronic device 250 using the techniques described herein. The secondary electronic device 250 can include IoT / smart devices such as, but not limited to, smart wearable devices (e.g., smart watches, rings, bracelets, gloves, medical / fitness trackers, wireless headphones, etc.), smart locks, smart bicycles, smart security systems, smart lights, smart hubs, smart cameras, smart refrigerators, smart speakers, smart medical sensors, smart televisions, smart thermostats, robot vacuum cleaners, mobile computing devices (e.g., laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.), video game systems, global positioning system (GPS) devices, smart alarms, smart scanners, connected appliances, smart devices, embedded systems, smart home devices, or any other smart, connected, and / or wireless devices.

[0032] The primary electronic device 200 and the secondary electronic device 250 may be communicatively coupled to allow the primary electronic device 200 to control the secondary electronic device 250, as further described herein. In some examples, the primary electronic device 200 may implement one or more applications, such as, but not limited to, applications for managing and / or controlling access to a computing device (e.g., the secondary electronic device 250), smart home applications, video game applications, robotics applications, autonomous driving or navigation applications, productivity applications, social media applications, communication applications, media applications, e-commerce applications, and / or any other applications.

[0033] In some examples, the main electronic device 200 may include an electronic device configured to use information about the relative posture of the main electronic device 200 and / or the secondary electronic device 250 to provide one or more functions, such as device management and / or control functions, gaming functions, autonomous driving or navigation functions, computer vision functions, robotics functions, XR functions (e.g., tracking, detection, classification, mapping, content rendering, etc.), etc. For example, the main electronic device 200 may be a mobile communication device (e.g., a smart phone, a cellular phone).

[0034] exist Figure 2 In the illustrative example shown, the main electronic device 200 may include one or more image sensors, such as image sensors 202A and 202B (hereinafter collectively referred to as "202"), an inertial measurement unit (IMU) 204, a display 208, one or more computing components 210, a communication interface 220, and an access control engine 230. The main electronic device 200 may optionally include a biometric sensor 206 and / or other sensors for sensing biometric features (e.g., fingerprints, facial features, eye recognition features, voice recognition features, etc.). In some examples, the main electronic device 200 may include one or more other sensors, such as, but not limited to, radar, light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors, pressure sensors (e.g., air pressure sensors and / or any other pressure sensors), gyroscopes, accelerometers, magnetometers, and / or any other sensors. In some examples, the main electronic device 200 may include additional sensors and / or components, such as, for example, light emitting diode (LED) devices, storage devices, caches, communication interfaces, displays, memory devices, etc. The following is about Figure 8 An exemplary architecture and exemplary hardware components that may be implemented by the host electronic device 200 are further described.

[0035] The main electronic device 200 can be a part of a single computing device or multiple computing devices, or implemented by a single computing device or multiple computing devices. In some examples, the main electronic device 200 can be a part of an electronic device (or device), such as a camera system (e.g., a digital camera, an IP camera, a video camera, a security camera, etc.), a phone system (e.g., a smart phone, a cellular phone, a conference system, etc.), a laptop or notebook computer, a tablet computer, a set-top box, a smart TV, a display device, a game console, an XR device (such as an HMD), a drone, a computer in a vehicle, an IoT (Internet of Things) device, a smart wearable device, or any other suitable (multiple) electronic device. In some embodiments, the image sensor 202, the IMU 204, the biometric sensor 206, the display 208, one or more computing components 210, the communication interface 220, and / or the access control engine 230 can be part of the same computing device.

[0036] For example, in some cases, the image sensor 202, IMU 204, biometric sensor 206, and / or one or more computing components 210 may be integrated with or integrated into a camera system, a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, a smart wearable device, an XR device such as an HMD, an IoT device, a gaming system, and / or any other computing device. However, in other embodiments, the image sensor 202, IMU 204, biometric sensor 206, and / or one or more computing components 210 may be part of or implemented by two or more separate computing devices.

[0037] The one or more computing components 210 of the main electronic device 200 may include, for example, but not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU) 212, a graphics processing unit (GPU) 214, a digital signal processor (DSP) 216, and / or an image signal processor (ISP) 218. In some examples, the main electronic device 200 may include other types of processors, such as a computer vision (CV) processor, a neural network processor (NNP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. The main electronic device 200 may use the one or more computing components 210 to perform various computing operations, such as extended reality operations (e.g., tracking, positioning, object detection, classification, pose estimation, mapping, content anchoring, content rendering, etc.), device control operations, image / video processing, graphics rendering, machine learning, data processing, modeling, calculations, and / or any other operations.

[0038] In some cases, the one or more computing components 210 may include other electronic circuits or hardware, computer software, firmware, or any combination thereof to perform any of the various operations described herein. In some examples, the one or more computing components 210 may include more than Figure 2 More or fewer computing components may be used than those shown in FIG. Moreover, CPU 212 , GPU 214 , DSP 216 , and ISP 218 are merely illustrative examples of computing components provided for purposes of explanation.

[0039] Image sensor 202 may include any image and / or video sensor or capture device, such as a digital camera sensor, a video camera sensor, a smartphone camera sensor, an image / video capture device on an electronic device (such as a television or computer), a camera, etc. In some cases, image sensor 202 may be part of a camera or computing device (such as a digital camera, a camcorder, an IP camera, a smartphone, a smart television, a gaming system, etc. In addition, in some cases, image sensor 202 may include multiple image sensors (such as a rear sensor device and a front sensor device), and may be part of a dual camera or other multi-camera assembly (e.g., including two cameras, three cameras, four cameras, or another number of cameras).

[0040] In some examples, each of the image sensors 202a can capture image data and generate frames based on the image data and / or provide the image data or frames to one or more computing components 210 for processing. The frames can include video frames of a video sequence or still images. The frames can include an array of pixels representing a scene. For example, the frames can be red-green-blue (RGB) frames with red, green, and blue color components per pixel; luminance, chrominance-red, chrominance-blue (YCbCr) frames with a luminance component and two chrominance (color) components (chrominance-red and chrominance-blue) per pixel; or any other suitable type of color or monochrome picture.

[0041] In some examples, one or more computing components 210 may process operations based on data from one or more of image sensor 202, IMU 204, biometric sensor 206, communication interface 220, access control engine 230, and / or secondary electronic device 250. For example, in some cases, one or more computing components 210 may perform image processing, gesture detection, gesture recognition, data processing, user access management, user authentication, and / or other operations based on data from image sensor 202, IMU 204, biometric sensor 206, access control engine 230, communication interface 220, access control engine 230, and / or secondary electronic device 250. In some cases, one or more computing components 210 may generate images and / or video frames to be displayed by display 208.

[0042] In some cases, the main electronic device 200 may include a communication interface 220, which may generally govern and manage user input and system output of the main electronic device 200. In some examples, the communication interface 220 may use a wired and / or wireless transceiver to perform or facilitate receiving and / or sending wired or wireless communications. The communication interface 220 may also include one or more global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers or transceivers for determining the location of the main electronic device 200 based on receiving one or more signals from one or more satellites associated with one or more GNSS systems. In one illustrative example, the communication interface 220 may correspond to Figure 8 The communication interface 840 is provided.

[0043] In some cases, the IMU 204 can detect the acceleration, angular rate, and / or orientation of the main electronic device 200 and generate a measurement value based on the detected acceleration. In some cases, the IMU 204 can detect and measure the orientation, linear velocity, and / or angular rate of the main electronic device 200. For example, the IMU 204 can measure the pitch, roll, and yaw of the main electronic device 200. In some examples, the main electronic device 200 can use the measurements obtained by the IMU 204 and / or the image data from one or more of the image sensors 202 to calculate the relative attitude of the main electronic device 200.

[0044] The primary electronic device 200 may optionally implement a biometric sensor 206 to capture biometric data of one or more users to authenticate / verify one or more users based on the biometric data. In some examples, the primary electronic device 200 may use the biometric sensor 206 to capture biometric features from one or more users (e.g., primary users), and use the captured biometric data to control or limit control of the secondary electronic device 250, as further explained herein. For example, the primary electronic device 200 may use biometric data from the biometric sensor 206 to limit control of the secondary electronic device 250 by the primary electronic device 200 based on at least one or more of the battery level of the secondary device, the location of the secondary device, the time (e.g., relative to the planned use of the secondary device by the primary user), the identity of the user of the secondary device (e.g., the secondary user), and / or any combination thereof.

[0045] The user access control engine 230 can be used to control access to the secondary electronic device 250 under specified conditions. For example, the access control engine 230 can be configured to prevent a secondary user from accessing the secondary electronic device 250 when the battery charge is below a first battery threshold level. In some cases, after restricting the secondary user's access and when the battery charge is below the first battery charge, the main electronic device 200 can grant access to the secondary device. In an illustrative example, the main user of the secondary device can authorize the secondary user of the secondary device by performing an authentication (e.g., fingerprint, personal identification number (PIN)), etc. In some cases, the user access control engine 230 can provide a user interface (e.g., through the display 208) for the user of the main electronic device 200 (e.g., the main user) to establish conditions for controlling access to the secondary electronic device 250.

[0046] exist Figure 2 In the illustrative example shown, secondary electronic device 250 includes battery sensor 255. In some cases, the battery sensor can sense the battery charge of one or more batteries (not shown) of secondary electronic device 250. In some implementations, battery sensor 255 can measure the voltage, current, and / or temperature of the one or more batteries. In some aspects, the battery charge can include at least one or more of the voltage, current, and / or temperature of the one or more batteries.

[0047] Output device(s) 260 may include one or more sensors and / or components such as, but not limited to, displays, speakers, microphones, image sensors, LED devices, pressure sensors, IMUs, light emitting devices, and the like.

[0048] exist Figure 2 In the illustrative example of, the secondary electronic device 250 includes a communication interface 265, which can generally govern and manage user input and system output of the secondary electronic device 250. In some examples, the communication interface 265 can use a wired and / or wireless transceiver to perform or facilitate receiving and / or sending wired or wireless communications. The communication interface 265 can also include one or more GNSS receivers or transceivers, which are used to determine the location of the primary electronic device 200 based on receiving one or more signals from one or more satellites associated with one or more GNSS systems. In one illustrative example, the communication interface 265 can correspond to Figure 8 In some cases, secondary electronic device 250 may utilize communication interface 265 to send battery charge data (e.g., from battery sensor 255), location data (e.g., from a GNSS receiver and / or transceiver of communication interface 265), and / or any other system information (e.g., a user identity of a user of the secondary device) to primary electronic device 200.

[0049] Figure 2The components shown in the figure with respect to the primary electronic device 200 and the secondary electronic device 250 are merely illustrative examples provided for the purpose of explanation. In other examples, the primary electronic device 200 and / or the secondary electronic device 250 may include more Figure 2 Although the primary electronic device 200 and the secondary electronic device 250 are shown as including certain components, a person of ordinary skill will understand that the primary electronic device 200 and the secondary electronic device 250 may include more or fewer components than those shown in FIG. Figure 2 For example, in some cases, the primary electronic device 200 and / or the secondary electronic device 250 may also include one or more other memory devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, cache, etc.), one or more network interfaces (e.g., wired and / or wireless communication interfaces, etc.), one or more display devices, caches, storage devices, and / or Figure 2 As another example, the secondary electronic device 250 may include an access control engine (not shown). Figure 8 Illustrative examples of computing devices and / or hardware components that may be implemented with primary electronic device 200 and / or secondary electronic device 250 are described.

[0050] Figure 3 An example process 300 for controlling access to an electronic device is shown. In some cases, the process 300 may be performed by the access control engine 230 of the primary electronic device 200. At block 302, the process 300 may be configured to control access to a secondary device (e.g., Figure 2 The secondary electronic device 250) and the main device (eg, Figure 2 The master electronic device 200 of the present invention is associated with the master user. For example, many smart electronic devices require initial pairing with the master electronic device (eg, smart phone) for initial setup.

[0051] refer to Figure 4A , a block diagram showing an initial pairing (eg, a communication link between a secondary electronic device 410 and a primary electronic device 400) is shown. Figure 4A In the illustrative example of FIG, the primary electronic device 400 is depicted as a mobile phone, and the secondary electronic device 410 is depicted as an HMD. However, any suitable primary electronic device (eg, a computer) may be used. Figure 4A As shown, the primary electronic device 400 may be associated with a primary user (eg, the owner of the primary electronic device 400). During the pairing process, the primary electronic device 400 and the secondary electronic device 410 may establish a communication link (eg, via Figure 2The communication interface 220 and / or the communication interface 265 of the secondary electronic device 410) and the secondary electronic device 410 can be associated with the primary electronic device 400 as a primary electronic device associated with the secondary electronic device. In some cases, the secondary electronic device 410 can be associated with the primary user 402 as a primary user of the electronic device. As used herein, the primary electronic device (e.g., the primary electronic device 400) and / or the primary user (e.g., the primary user 402) associated with the secondary electronic device (e.g., the secondary electronic device 410) can correspond to a device and / or user having unrestricted access to the secondary electronic device 410. Figure 4A As shown, the dotted line between the primary electronic device 400 and the secondary electronic device 410 and the dotted line between the primary user 402 and the secondary electronic device 410 may indicate the primary electronic device and / or primary user association as described above. Figure 4A As shown, upon initial setup, the secondary electronic device 410 may not be associated with any secondary users 404A, 404B.

[0052] refer to Figure 4B , the process 300 can establish a relationship between the primary electronic device 400 and / or the primary user 402 and the additional secondary electronic devices 420, 430. Figure 4B In the illustrated example of FIG. 4 , the secondary electronic device 420 is shown as a second HMD, and the secondary device 430 is depicted as a smart wearable device (eg, a smart watch). Figure 4B As shown by the dashed arrows in FIG. 3 , the process 300 may associate the primary electronic device 400 and / or the primary user 402 as the primary electronic device and / or the primary user of the plurality of secondary electronic devices 410, 420, 430. Figure 4B As further shown by the dashed lines in , the secondary electronic device 410 can be associated with two secondary users 404A, 404B. As used herein, a secondary user can correspond to a device and / or user with limited access to the secondary electronic device 410. As shown, a secondary device can be associated with multiple secondary users (e.g., the secondary electronic device 410), a single secondary user (e.g., an additional secondary electronic device 420), or no secondary users (e.g., an additional secondary electronic device 430).

[0053] Return to Figure 3 At block 304, process 300 includes providing a secondary electronic device (e.g., Figure 4A and Figure 4B In some cases, a primary electronic device (e.g., Figure 4A and Figure 4B The main electronic device 400) and / or the main user (e.g., Figure 4A and Figure 4BThe primary user 402 of the primary electronic device can customize the access restrictions of one or more secondary devices. In some embodiments, the access restrictions can be set through the user interface of the primary electronic device (e.g., in the Figure 2 208).

[0054] In some cases, the access restriction conditions may be maintained on the primary electronic device. For example, in some cases, the secondary electronic device may not be configured to store the access restriction conditions in a memory. In some cases, the access restriction conditions may be sent from the primary electronic device to the secondary electronic device.

[0055] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D A user interface of the primary electronic device 500 is provided for establishing user access restriction conditions for one or more secondary devices (e.g., in Figure 2 208). Figure 5A As shown, user interface 510 may include access control selection 512 for enabling access restrictions using device authentication. In some cases, when access control selection 512 is selected in user interface 510 (as indicated by an ellipse), a second user interface 520 may be displayed on the display of primary electronic device 500.

[0056] exist Figure 5B In the example shown, the second user interface 520 includes a list of VR device settings 522, wearable device settings 524, and robotic device settings 526. In some implementations, the device settings 522, 524, 526 may correspond to secondary devices associated with the primary electronic device 500, as described with respect to block 302 of process 300. In some cases, when the VR device settings 522 are selected (as indicated by the oval), the third user interface 530 may be displayed on the display of the primary electronic device 500. Figure 5C A method for using a VR device (e.g., Figure 1 HMD 110 Figure 4A and Figure 4B An example third user interface for authentication options of the HMD 410).

[0057] exist Figure 5CIn the example shown, the third user interface 530 includes an enforce authentication on / off toggle 532, a first battery threshold option 534, and a second battery threshold option 536. In the example shown, the enforce authentication on / off toggle 532 is shown in the on position, and the third user interface includes a radio button that can be used to select between the first battery threshold option 534 and the second battery threshold option 536. In the example shown, the first battery threshold option 534 provides an option to enforce authentication when the battery power of the VR device is less than 50%. As shown, the second battery threshold option 536 provides an option to enforce authentication when the battery power of the VR device is less than 75%. In some embodiments, the battery threshold levels of the first battery threshold option 534 and the second battery threshold option 536 can indicate that the secondary user can use the VR device without authentication as long as the battery power is above the selected battery threshold level. In some cases, the selected battery threshold option may indicate that once the selected threshold battery level is reached, the secondary device will enter a standby mode (e.g., a low power mode) and will remain in the standby mode until continued use of the primary electronic device 500 and / or primary user authentication on the VR device. In some cases (not shown), the battery threshold level for requiring authentication to use the VR device (e.g., a first battery threshold) and the battery threshold level for placing the secondary device in the standby mode (e.g., a second battery threshold) may be different.

[0058] Figure 5D A fourth user interface 540 is shown including additional options for controlling authentication of secondary devices. Figure 5D In the example of FIG. 5 , authentication settings 544 are provided for a first time user (also referred to herein as User 1), and separate authentication settings 548 are provided for a second time user (also referred to herein as User 2). For example, User 1 and User 2 may correspond to Secondary Users 404A, 404B, and the VR device may correspond to Figure 4B The secondary electronic device 410 and the main electronic device 500 may correspond to Figure 4B The main electronic device 400. In the example shown, the fourth user interface 540 includes a global authentication implementation on / off switch key 541 and individual user authentication implementation switch keys 542 and 546 corresponding to user 1 and user 2, respectively. As shown in the figure, the global authentication implementation on / off switch key 541 and the individual user authentication implementation switch key 542 are set to the on position, while the individual user authentication switch 546 is set to the off position. As shown in the figure, corresponding to the individual user forced authentication switch key 546 being in the off position, the authentication setting 548 of the second user can be disabled. Figure 5DIn the configuration of , the fourth user interface 540 provides the first user with an authentication setting 544 for selecting between a first battery threshold option 534 and a second battery threshold option 536. In some cases, an add new rule option 547 can be used to create additional conditions for controlling access to the VR device (e.g., by implementing authentication). The additional conditions can correspond to system information provided by the secondary device (e.g., by the communication interface 265). For example, the system information can include a battery level, a user identity of the secondary user, a location of the secondary electronic device (e.g., the VR device), or any other system information provided by the secondary electronic device.

[0059] Return to Figure 3 At block 306, process 300 may monitor one or more secondary electronic devices (e.g., Figure 4B For example, each secondary electronic device associated with the main device may transmit system information (e.g., via Figure 2 The communication interface 265) is sent to the main electronic device.

[0060] At block 308, process 300 may determine whether one or more access restriction conditions associated with each of the respective secondary electronic devices are satisfied. In some cases, process 300 may compare system information obtained from each secondary electronic device by process 300 (e.g., battery level, user identity, location) to one or more access restriction conditions (e.g., battery threshold, location restriction, restricted users). The dashed line between blocks 304 and 308 indicates that the comparison at block 308 may be updated to reflect changes to the access restriction conditions (e.g., by FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D In some cases, if process 300 determines that the access restriction condition is not satisfied for a particular secondary device, process 300 may return to block 306.

[0061] In some cases, the access restriction condition may be applied to restrict access to the secondary electronic device when the secondary electronic device 410 is used by a specific secondary user. In some cases, if the secondary electronic device 410 is not paired with the primary electronic device when the access restriction condition is satisfied, the secondary electronic device may be configured to determine that the access restriction condition is satisfied.

[0062] In one illustrative example, when a user of the particular secondary electronic device attempts to use the particular secondary electronic device for the first time, process 300 may determine that the access restriction condition is satisfied. For example, if process 300 determines that the battery charge of the particular secondary electronic device 610 is below the first authentication battery threshold when the secondary user attempts to use the particular secondary electronic device, process 300 may proceed to block 310.

[0063] In some cases, a secondary user may begin using a particular secondary electronic device when the battery level of the particular secondary electronic device is above a first authentication threshold. In some cases, process 300 may determine that an access restriction condition is satisfied when the battery level of the particular secondary electronic device drops below a second authentication battery threshold during use. In some cases, the first authentication threshold may be equal to the second authentication threshold. For example, the first battery authentication threshold and the second authentication threshold may be set to 50%. As a result, if a secondary user attempts to initiate use of a particular secondary electronic device 610 when the battery level is below 50%, and / or if a secondary user initiates use of a particular secondary electronic device 610 when the battery level is above 50%, and the battery level drops below 50% due to use of the particular secondary electronic device 610, process 300 may determine that an access restriction condition is satisfied.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first authentication threshold and the second authentication threshold may be different. For example, the first authentication threshold may be 50%, and the second authentication threshold may be 30%. As a result, if the secondary user initiates use of a particular secondary electronic device 610 when the battery level is below 50%, the process 300 may proceed to box 310. However, if the secondary user initiates use of a particular secondary electronic device 610 when the battery level is above 50%, and the battery level drops below 50% (e.g., the first authentication threshold) due to use of the particular secondary electronic device 610, the process 300 may not determine that the access restriction condition is satisfied. In some cases, if the battery level drops below 30% (e.g., the second authentication threshold) due to use of the secondary device, the process 300 may determine that the access restriction condition is satisfied.

[0065] In some cases, the determination of whether the access restriction condition is satisfied may be based on a combination of conditions. For example, when there is a connection with the primary electronic device (e.g., Figure 4B Two or more secondary electronic devices of the same type (eg, Figure 4B When the secondary electronic devices 410 and 420 in the main electronic device are connected, the access restriction condition of one of the secondary electronic devices is not satisfied unless the two or more secondary electronic devices associated with the main electronic device all have battery levels below the authentication threshold.

[0066] In some examples, if process 300 determines that access restriction conditions are satisfied for a particular secondary electronic device, process 300 may proceed to block 310 .

[0067] At block 310 , process 300 may generate an access restriction event for the particular secondary electronic device that satisfies the access restriction condition determined at block 308 . Fig. 6AAn example access restriction event is shown that includes providing a low battery notification 612 to a particular secondary electronic device 610. Fig. 6A In the illustrated example of FIG. 6 , the particular secondary electronic device 610 is shown as an HMD (e.g., Figure 1 HMD 110). Fig. 6A An example notification 612 is shown that can be provided to a particular secondary electronic device 600. As shown, the notification 612 can be displayed on a display 614 of the particular secondary electronic device 610. In some cases, when a notification threshold battery level for the particular secondary electronic device 610 is met, the process 300 can provide the notification 612 while allowing continued use of the particular secondary electronic device 610.

[0068] Figure 6B An example access restriction event 616 generated by the process 300 is shown that prohibits continued use of the particular secondary electronic device 610 until the process 300 provides authentication to the particular secondary electronic device 610. Figure 6B As shown, the access restriction event 616 may include displaying a notification on the display 614 of the particular secondary electronic device 600. Figure 6B In the illustrative example of , the notification notifies the secondary user that the particular secondary electronic device 610 is in standby mode and requires authentication.

[0069] Return to Figure 3 After process 300 generates an access restriction event, the process may proceed to block 312. At block 312, process 300 may determine whether continued use of the secondary device is authorized. Fig. 6A 612, process 300 may be performed without disabling a particular secondary device (e.g., Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As a result, the process 300 may determine that continued use is authorized and return to block 306.

[0070] In some cases, such as Figure 6B In response to access restriction event 616, process 300 can determine whether process 300 has obtained user authentication of the secondary user to continue using the particular secondary device. Figure 6C An example of a user authentication user interface 630 is shown that can provide user authentication to process 300. Figure 6CIn the illustrated example of , the user authentication is shown as a fingerprint detected by the primary electronic device 600. However, the user authentication may be provided by inputting a PIN, other biometric information (e.g., voice recognition, facial recognition, etc.), and / or any other suitable authentication technology. If the process 300 has not obtained the required user authentication, the process 300 may return to block 310 and continue to restrict access to the particular secondary device until the user authentication is obtained. In some cases, if the process 300 obtains a user authentication event, the process 300 may allow the secondary user to continue using the particular secondary device and return to block 306.

[0071] As described above, the process 300 and related techniques described herein can allow a system to control access to an electronic device that can be shared by multiple users. For example, a primary electronic device and / or a primary user can establish access restrictions for one or more secondary electronic devices. In some cases, each secondary electronic device can be provided with individually controllable access restrictions. In some embodiments, the access restrictions can be personalized for each individual secondary user of a particular secondary electronic device. For example, a primary user can provide unrestricted access to a spouse while providing access restrictions to one or more children. In some cases, access restrictions for individual children can also be controlled individually.

[0072] In the described example, process 300 is described from the perspective of a process performed by a host electronic device. However, in some aspects, process 300 can be considered as two separate processes. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of blocks 302 and 304 of process 300 can be implemented as separate configuration processes. In some embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, at least one or more of blocks 304, 306, 308, 310, or 312 of process 300 can be performed as separate access restriction and monitoring processes.

[0073] In some cases, the secondary electronic device may not be paired with the primary electronic device used to establish the access restriction condition (e.g., at box 304). However, the access restriction condition may still be used to limit access to the secondary electronic device. In some cases, the secondary electronic device may be configured to perform at least a portion of process 300 (e.g., access restriction and monitoring process). For example, the secondary electronic device may be configured to determine whether the access restriction condition is met (e.g., self-monitoring status information associated with the secondary electronic device). In some cases, upon determining that the access restriction condition is met, the secondary electronic device may generate an action restriction event. In some cases, authorization for continued use may need to be provided by the primary user. In some cases, authorization for continued use may be provided from the same primary electronic device used to establish the access restriction condition (e.g., at box 304). In some cases, the primary user may authorize continued use from another smart electronic device different from the primary electronic device.

[0074] In some cases, providing user access restrictions can reduce the chance that a particular secondary electronic device required by a primary user is unavailable due to the secondary user running out of battery. For example, the primary user may need a VR device to attend a virtual meeting at a specific time. In some cases, by limiting secondary users' access to the VR device, the primary user can increase the likelihood that the VR device will have sufficient battery at a specific time.

[0075] In some cases, during initial setup of a secondary electronic device, the secondary electronic device (e.g., Figure 2 The secondary electronic device 250) can communicate with the main device (e.g., Figure 2 The primary electronic device 200 is associated with the primary electronic device 200. In some cases, the primary electronic device can be used to establish access restrictions. In an illustrative example, the primary electronic device may include a user interface for selecting and / or adjusting access restrictions. In some cases, the secondary electronic device may provide system information to the primary electronic device, such as battery power, location, user identification of the secondary user of the secondary electronic device, etc. In some aspects, the primary electronic device may determine whether any access restrictions are met based on the system information received from the secondary electronic device. In some examples, the access restriction event may include a notification. In some examples, the access restriction event may include disabling the secondary electronic device (e.g., putting the secondary electronic device into standby mode). In some cases, when the primary device and / or the primary user authorizes access, the user access of the secondary user may be restored. In an illustrative example, the primary user may authorize access by performing authentication (e.g., fingerprint, access code, etc.). In some cases, if continued use of the secondary electronic device will cause the secondary electronic device to be unavailable to the primary user at a specific required time, the primary user does not need to take any additional actions or coordinate with the secondary user. In some cases, the previously established user access restrictions can ensure that the secondary electronic device will be available.

[0076] Figure 7 700 is a flowchart of a process for controlling access to an electronic device. In some cases, process 700 may be performed by an electronic device (e.g., Figure 4B The secondary electronic devices 410, 420, Fig. 6A and Figure 6B In some cases, process 700 may be performed by a primary electronic device different from the electronic device (e.g., primary electronic device 400, particularly Figure 6C At block 702, process 700 includes obtaining status information associated with an electronic device. In some cases, the status information associated with the electronic device includes a battery charge of the electronic device.

[0077] At block 704, process 700 includes determining that an access restriction condition associated with the electronic device is satisfied based on state information associated with the electronic device. In some examples, determining that the access restriction condition is satisfied includes determining that a battery charge of the electronic device is below an access restriction battery threshold.

[0078] At block 706, process 700 includes generating an access restriction event based on determining that an access restriction condition associated with the electronic device is satisfied. In some examples, generating the access restriction event based on determining that the access restriction condition is satisfied includes at least partially disabling a function of the electronic device. In some examples, disabling the electronic device includes generating a standby request for the electronic device.

[0079] In some cases, process 700 includes generating an authentication request associated with an access-limiting event. In an example, process 700 includes: obtaining an authentication associated with the authentication request; and in response to the authentication, restoring at least a portion of the functionality of the electronic device disabled by the access-limiting event.

[0080] In some cases, process 700 is performed by a primary electronic device, and the electronic device is an electronic device associated with the primary electronic device. In some examples, enabling the electronic device includes sending an authentication from the primary electronic device to the electronic device. In some examples, obtaining an authentication associated with the authentication request includes obtaining a user authentication associated with a primary user of the electronic device.

[0081] In some cases, process 700 includes: determining that the battery charge of the electronic device is above an access restriction battery threshold; allowing access to the electronic device, obtaining additional battery charge associated with the electronic device; determining that the additional battery charge associated with the electronic device is below an additional access restriction battery threshold; and disabling the electronic device based on determining that the additional battery charge is below the additional access restriction battery threshold. In some cases, the access restriction battery threshold and the additional access restriction battery threshold are different. In some examples, the access restriction battery threshold and the additional access restriction battery threshold are equal.

[0082] In some cases, the electronic device is associated with a primary user and a secondary user different from the primary user. In some cases, process 700 is performed by a primary electronic device associated with the primary user, and the electronic device is an electronic device associated with the primary electronic device. In some examples, the state information associated with the electronic device includes at least one of a battery level of the electronic device, a location of the electronic device, a time of day, or an identity of the secondary user.

[0083] In some embodiments, process 700 includes determining whether an access restriction condition is satisfied, including determining at least one of: a battery charge of the electronic device relative to a battery threshold of the electronic device, a location of the electronic device relative to one or more authorized use locations, a time of day relative to a schedule for use of the electronic device; or an identity of a secondary user relative to a restricted user list associated with the electronic device.

[0084] In some examples, a device may include an application or functionality for performing some of the processes described herein (e.g., process 300, process 700, and / or any other process described herein). In some examples, the processes described herein (e.g., process 300, process 700, and / or any other process described herein) may be performed by a computing device or apparatus. In some examples, process 300 and / or process 700 may be performed by a computer having Figure 8 The architecture of computing system 800 is shown as being implemented by a computing device or system.

[0085] The computing device may include any suitable device, such as a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone), a desktop computing device, a tablet computing device, an extended reality (XR) device or system (e.g., a VR headset, an AR headset, AR glasses, or other XR device or system), a wearable device (e.g., a network-connected watch or smartwatch or other wearable device), a server computer or system, a vehicle or a computing device of a vehicle (e.g., an autonomous vehicle), a robotic device, a television, and / or any other computing device having resource capabilities to perform the processes described herein (including processes 300, 700). In some cases, the computing device or apparatus may include various components, such as one or more input devices, one or more output devices, one or more processors, one or more microprocessors, one or more microcomputers, one or more cameras, one or more sensors, and / or (multiple) other components configured to perform the steps of the processes described herein. In some examples, the computing device may include a display, a network interface configured to communicate and / or receive data, any combination thereof, and / or (multiple) other components. The network interface may be configured to communicate and / or receive data based on an Internet Protocol (IP) or other types of data.

[0086] The components of the computing device may be implemented in circuits. For example, the components may include and / or may be implemented using electronic circuits or other electronic hardware, which may include one or more programmable electronic circuits (e.g., microprocessors, graphics processing units (GPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), central processing units (CPUs), and / or other suitable electronic circuits), and / or may include and / or be implemented using computer software, firmware, or any combination thereof to perform the various operations described herein.

[0087] Processes 300, 700 are illustrated as a logical flow diagram, the operations of which represent a series of operations that can be implemented in hardware, computer instructions, or a combination thereof. In the context of computer instructions, an operation represents a computer-executable instruction stored on one or more computer-readable storage media that, when executed by one or more processors, performs the operation. Typically, computer-executable instructions include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific functions or implement specific data types. The order in which the operations are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described operations may be combined in any order and / or in parallel to implement the process.

[0088] In addition, processes 300, 700, and / or other processes described herein may be performed under the control of one or more computer systems configured with executable instructions, and may be implemented as code (e.g., executable instructions, one or more computer programs, or one or more applications) that is executed together on one or more processors, by hardware, or a combination thereof. As described above, the code may be stored on a computer-readable or machine-readable storage medium, for example, in the form of a computer program that includes multiple instructions that may be executed by one or more processors. The computer-readable or machine-readable storage medium may be non-transitory.

[0089] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system for implementing certain aspects of the present technology. In particular, Figure 8 An example of a computing system 800 is shown, which may be any computing device, for example, constituting an internal computing system, a remote computing system, a camera, or any component thereof, wherein the components of the system communicate with each other using a connection 805. The connection 805 may be a physical connection using a bus, or a direct connection into the processor 810, such as in a chipset architecture. The connection 805 may also be a virtual connection, a networked connection, or a logical connection.

[0090] In some embodiments, computing system 800 is a distributed system, where the functionality described in the present disclosure may be distributed across a data center, multiple data centers, a peer-to-peer network, etc. In some embodiments, one or more of the described system components represent a number of such components, each of which performs some or all of the functionality for which the component is described. In some embodiments, a component may be a physical or virtual device.

[0091] The example system 800 includes at least one processing unit (CPU or processor) 810 and connections 805 that couple various system components including system memory 815, such as read-only memory (ROM) 820 and random access memory (RAM) 825, to the processor 810. The computing system 800 may include a cache 812 of high-speed memory directly connected to the processor 810, in close proximity to the processor 810, or integrated as part of the processor 810.

[0092] Processor 810 may include any general purpose processor and hardware or software services, such as services 832, 834, and 836 stored in storage device 830, configured to control processor 810 as well as special purpose processors where the software instructions are incorporated into the actual processor design. Processor 810 may be essentially a completely self-contained computing system that includes multiple cores or processors, buses, memory controllers, caches, etc. Multi-core processors may be symmetric or asymmetric.

[0093] To enable user interaction, the computing system 800 includes an input device 845, which can represent any number of input mechanisms, such as a microphone for voice, a touch-sensitive screen for gesture or graphical input, a keyboard, a mouse, motion input, voice, and the like. The computing system 800 can also include an output device 835, which can be one or more of a plurality of output mechanisms. In some instances, a multimodal system can enable a user to provide multiple types of input / output to communicate with the computing system 800. The computing system 800 can include a communication interface 840, which can generally govern and manage user input and system output. The communication interface can use a wired and / or wireless transceiver to perform or facilitate receiving and / or sending wired or wireless communications, including utilizing an audio jack / plug, a microphone jack / plug, a universal serial bus (USB) port / plug, Ports / plugs, Ethernet ports / plugs, Fiber optic ports / plugs, Proprietary wired ports / plugs, Wireless signal transmission, Low power (BLE) wireless signal transmission, Wireless signal transmission, radio frequency identification (RFID) wireless signal transmission, near field communication (NFC) wireless signal transmission, dedicated short range communication (DSRC) wireless signal transmission, 802.11 Wi-Fi wireless signal transmission, wireless local area network (WLAN) signal transmission, visible light communication (VLC), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), infrared (IR) communication wireless signal transmission, public switched telephone network (PSTN) signal transmission, integrated services digital network (ISDN) signal transmission, 3G / 4G / 5G / LTE cellular data network wireless signal transmission, ad-hoc network signal transmission, radio wave signal transmission, microwave signal transmission, infrared signal transmission, visible light signal transmission, ultraviolet light signal transmission, wireless signal transmission along the electromagnetic spectrum, or some combination thereof. The communication interface 840 may also include one or more global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers or transceivers for determining the location of the computing system 800 based on receiving one or more signals from one or more satellites associated with one or more GNSS systems. GNSS systems include, but are not limited to, the United States-based Global Positioning System (GPS), the Russian-based Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), the Chinese-based BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), and the European-based Galileo GNSS. There is no restriction to operate on any particular hardware arrangement, and thus the basic features herein may be easily replaced with improved hardware or firmware arrangements as they are developed.

[0094] The storage device 830 may be a non-volatile and / or non-temporary and / or computer-readable memory device and may be a hard disk or other type of computer-readable medium that can store data accessible by a computer, such as a magnetic cassette, a flash memory card, a solid-state memory device, a digital versatile disk, a cassette, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, a magnetic stripe / stripe, any other magnetic storage medium, a flash memory, a memristor memory, any other solid-state memory, a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) optical disk, a rewritable compact disk (CD) optical disk, a digital video disk (DVD) optical disk, a Blu-ray disc (BDD) optical disk, a holographic optical disk, another optical medium, a secure digital (SD) card, a micro secure digital (microSD) card, a memory card, a smart card chip, an EMV chip, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a mini / micro / nano / pico SIM card, another integrated circuit (IC) chip / card, a random access memory (RAM), a static RAM (SRAM), a dynamic (DRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a flash EPROM (FLASHEPROM), a cache memory (L1 / L2 / L3 / L4 / L5 / L#), a resistive random access memory (RRAM / ReRAM), a phase change memory (PCM), a spin transfer torque RAM (STT-RAM), another memory chip or box, and / or a combination thereof.

[0095] Storage device 830 may include software services, servers, services, etc., which cause the system to perform functions when the code defining such software is executed by processor 810. In some embodiments, hardware services that perform a particular function may include software components stored in a computer-readable medium associated with the necessary hardware components (such as processor 810, connection 805, output device 835, etc.) to perform that function.

[0096] As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium" includes, but is not limited to, portable or non-portable storage devices, optical storage devices, and various other media capable of storing, containing, or carrying (multiple) instructions and / or data. Computer-readable media may include non-transitory media in which data may be stored and do not include carrier waves and / or temporary electronic signals that are propagated wirelessly or via a wired connection. Examples of non-transitory media may include, but are not limited to, disks or tapes, optical storage media (such as compact disks (CDs) or digital versatile disks (DVDs)), flash memories, memories, or memory devices. Computer-readable media may have codes and / or machine-executable instructions stored thereon, which may represent any combination of programs, functions, subroutines, programs, routines, subroutines, modules, software packages, categories, or instructions, data structures, or program statements. Code segments may be coupled to another code segment or hardware circuit by passing and / or receiving information, data, independent variables, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or sent using any suitable means including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.

[0097] In some embodiments, computer-readable storage devices, media, and memories may include cables or wireless signals containing bit streams, etc. However, when referred to, non-transitory computer-readable storage media explicitly excludes media such as energy, carrier signals, electromagnetic waves, and signals themselves.

[0098] Specific details are provided in the above description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments and examples provided herein. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. For clarity, in some cases, the present technology may be presented as including separate functional blocks, which include functional blocks comprising devices, device components, steps or routines in methods embodied in software or a combination of hardware and software. In addition to those components shown in the drawings and / or described herein, additional components may be used. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the embodiments with unnecessary details. In other instances, known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary details to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

[0099] The above various embodiments may be described as a process or method depicted as a flow chart, flow diagram, data flow diagram, structure diagram or block diagram. Although a flow chart may describe an operation as a sequential process, many operations may be performed in parallel or simultaneously. In addition, the order of the operations may be rearranged. A process terminates when its operations are completed, but may have additional steps not included in the figure. A process may correspond to a method, function, procedure, subroutine, subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination may correspond to the function returning to a calling function or a main function.

[0100] The processes and methods according to the above examples can be implemented using computer executable instructions stored in or otherwise available from computer readable media. Such instructions may include, for example, instructions and data that enable or otherwise configure a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or a processing device to perform a specific function or group of functions. Parts of the computer resources used may be accessed over a network. Computer executable instructions may be, for example, binary files, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, firmware, source code, etc. Examples of computer readable media that can be used to store instructions, information used, and / or information created during the methods according to the described examples include disks or optical disks, flash memory, USB devices provided with non-volatile memory, networked storage devices, etc.

[0101] The device implementing the processes and methods disclosed herein may include hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or any combination thereof, and may adopt any of a variety of form factors. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware, or microcode, the program code or code segments (e.g., computer program products) for performing the necessary tasks may be stored in a computer-readable or machine-readable medium. (Multiple) processors may perform the necessary tasks. Typical examples of form factors include laptop computers, mobile phones (e.g., smart phones or other types of mobile phones), tablet devices or other small form factor personal computers, personal digital assistants, rack-mounted devices, stand-alone devices, etc. The functions described herein may also be embodied in peripheral devices or add-on cards. As another example, such functions may also be implemented between different chips or different processes executed in a single device on a circuit board.

[0102] Instructions, media for communicating such instructions, computing resources for executing them, and other structures for supporting such computing resources are example means for providing the functionality described in this disclosure.

[0103] In the foregoing description, various aspects of the present application are described with reference to their specific embodiments, but those skilled in the art will recognize that the present application is not limited thereto. Therefore, although the illustrative embodiments of the present application have been described in detail herein, it should be understood that the inventive concept can be implemented and adopted differently in other ways, and the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including such variations, except being limited by the prior art. The various features and aspects of the above-mentioned application can be used individually or in combination. In addition, without departing from the broader spirit and scope of this specification, embodiments can be utilized in any number of environments and applications outside the environment and application described herein. Therefore, the description and the accompanying drawings are considered to be illustrative rather than restrictive. For the purpose of illustration, the method is described in a specific order. It should be understood that in an alternative embodiment, the method can be performed in an order different from the described order.

[0104] One of ordinary skill will understand that the less than ("<") and greater than (">") symbols or terms used herein may be replaced by less than or equal to ("≤") and greater than or equal to ("≥") symbols, respectively, without departing from the scope of the present specification.

[0105] Where a component is described as being “configured to” perform certain operations, such configuration may be achieved, for example, by designing electronic circuits or other hardware to perform those operations, by programming programmable electronic circuits (e.g., a microprocessor or other suitable electronic circuits) to perform those operations, or any combination thereof.

[0106] The phrase "coupled to" means that any component is directly or indirectly physically connected to another component, and / or any component is in direct or indirect communication with another component (e.g., connected to another component via a wired or wireless connection, and / or other suitable communication interface).

[0107] Claim language or other language reciting "at least one of" a set and / or "one or more of" a set indicates that one member of a set or multiple members of a set (in any combination) satisfies the claim. For example, claim language reciting "at least one of A and B" or "at least one of A or B" means A, B, or A and B. In another example, claim language reciting "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" means A, B, C, or A and B, or A and C, or B and C, or A and B and C. The language "at least one of" a set and / or "one or more of" a set does not limit the set to the items listed in the set. For example, claim language reciting "at least one of A and B" or "at least one of A or B" may mean A, B, or A and B, and may additionally include items not listed in the set of A and B.

[0108] Various illustrative logic blocks, modules, circuits and algorithm steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, firmware or a combination thereof. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits and steps have been generally described above with respect to their functionality. Whether such functions are implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the entire system. The technician can implement the described functions in different ways for each specific application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing departure from the scope of the application.

[0109] The techniques described herein may also be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, firmware, or any combination thereof. Such techniques may be implemented in any of a variety of devices, such as a general-purpose computer, a wireless communication device handset, or an integrated circuit device with multiple uses (including applications in wireless communication device handsets and other devices). Any features described as modules or components may be implemented together in an integrated logic device, or individually implemented as discrete but interoperable logic devices. If implemented in software, the technique may be implemented at least in part by a computer-readable data storage medium including a program code, which contains instructions for executing one or more of the methods described above when executed. A computer-readable data storage medium may form part of a computer program product, which may include packaging materials. A computer-readable medium may include a memory or data storage medium, such as a random access memory (RAM) (such as a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM)), a read-only memory (ROM), a non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a flash memory, a magnetic or optical data storage medium, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the technology may be implemented at least in part by a computer-readable communication medium that carries or communicates program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed, read, and / or executed by a computer, such as a propagated signal or wave.

[0110] The program code may be executed by a processor, which may include one or more processors, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), general-purpose microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable logic arrays (FPGAs), or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuits. This processor may be configured to perform any of the techniques described in this disclosure. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor; however, in an alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors and a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Therefore, the term "processor" as used herein may refer to any of the foregoing structures, any combination of the foregoing structures, or any other structure or implementation suitable for the apparatus in the technology described herein.

[0111] Illustrative aspects of the disclosure include:

[0112] Aspect 1. A method for controlling access to an electronic device, comprising: obtaining status information associated with the electronic device; determining, based on the status information associated with the electronic device, whether an access restriction condition associated with the electronic device is satisfied; and generating an access restriction event based on determining that the access restriction condition associated with the electronic device is satisfied.

[0113] Aspect 2. A method according to aspect 1, wherein: the status information associated with the electronic device includes the battery power of the electronic device; and determining that the access restriction condition is met includes: determining that the battery power of the electronic device is lower than the access restriction battery threshold.

[0114] Aspect 3. The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 2 further includes: determining that the battery power of the electronic device is higher than an access restriction battery threshold; allowing access to the electronic device; obtaining additional battery power associated with the electronic device; determining that the additional battery power associated with the electronic device is lower than an additional access restriction battery threshold; and disabling the electronic device based on determining that the additional battery power is lower than the additional access restriction battery threshold.

[0115] Aspect 4. The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the access restriction battery threshold and the additional access restriction battery threshold are different.

[0116] Aspect 5. The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the access restriction battery threshold and the additional access restriction battery threshold are equal.

[0117] Aspect 6. A method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein generating an access restriction event based on determining that an access restriction condition is satisfied includes: at least partially disabling a function of the electronic device.

[0118] Aspect 7. The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein disabling the electronic device includes generating a standby request for the electronic device.

[0119] Aspect 8. The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7 further comprises generating an authentication request associated with an access restriction event.

[0120] Aspect 9. The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8 further includes: obtaining an authentication associated with the authentication request; and in response to the authentication, restoring at least a portion of the functionality of the electronic device disabled by the access restriction event.

[0121] Aspect 10. A method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9, wherein the method is performed by a primary electronic device, and the electronic device is a secondary electronic device associated with the primary electronic device, and wherein enabling the secondary electronic device includes sending the authentication from the primary electronic device to the electronic device.

[0122] Aspect 11. The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, wherein obtaining authentication associated with the authentication request comprises: obtaining a user authentication associated with a primary user of the electronic device.

[0123] Aspect 12. The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11 further includes: obtaining an access restriction configuration message at the electronic device, wherein the access restriction configuration message includes at least one or more of an access restriction battery threshold or an additional access restriction battery threshold.

[0124] Aspect 13. The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, wherein the electronic device is associated with a primary user and a secondary user different from the primary user.

[0125] Aspect 14. The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 13, wherein the method is performed by a primary electronic device associated with a primary user, and the electronic device is a secondary electronic device associated with the primary electronic device.

[0126] Aspect 15. A method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 14, wherein the status information associated with the electronic device includes at least one of a battery level of the electronic device, a location of the electronic device, a time of day, or an identity of a secondary user.

[0127] Aspect 16. A method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 15, wherein determining whether an access restriction condition is satisfied includes determining at least one of: a battery charge of the electronic device relative to a battery threshold of the electronic device; a location of the electronic device relative to one or more authorized use locations; a time of day relative to a usage schedule of the electronic device; or an identity of a secondary user relative to a restricted user list associated with the electronic device.

[0128] Aspect 17. The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 16, wherein generating an access restriction event comprises sending an authentication request to the primary electronic device.

[0129] Aspect 18. A device for controlling access to an electronic device, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, at least one processor being configured to: obtain status information associated with the electronic device; determine, based on the status information associated with the electronic device, whether an access restriction condition associated with the electronic device is satisfied; and generate an access restriction event based on determining that the access restriction condition associated with the electronic device is satisfied.

[0130] Aspect 19. An apparatus according to Aspect 18, wherein: the status information associated with the electronic device includes a battery charge of the electronic device; and in order to determine whether the access restriction condition is satisfied, at least one processor is configured to determine whether the battery charge of the electronic device is lower than an access restriction battery threshold.

[0131] Aspect 20. According to an apparatus described in any one of Aspects 18 to 17, at least one processor is configured to: determine that the battery power of the electronic device is higher than an access restriction battery threshold; allow access to the electronic device; obtain additional battery power associated with the electronic device; determine that the additional battery power associated with the electronic device is lower than an additional access restriction battery threshold; and disable the electronic device based on determining that the additional battery power is lower than the additional access restriction battery threshold.

[0132] Aspect 21. An apparatus according to any one of aspects 18 to 20, wherein the access restriction battery threshold and the additional access restriction battery threshold are different.

[0133] Aspect 22. An apparatus according to any one of aspects 18 to 21, wherein the access restriction battery threshold and the additional access restriction battery threshold are equal.

[0134] Aspect 23. An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 18 to 22, wherein, in order to generate an access restriction event based on determining that an access restriction condition is satisfied, at least one processor is configured to at least partially disable a function of the electronic device.

[0135] Aspect 24. The apparatus according to any one of aspects 18 to 23, wherein, in order to disable the electronic device, the at least one processor is configured to generate a standby request for the electronic device.

[0136] Aspect 25. An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 18 to 24, wherein at least one processor is configured to generate an authentication request associated with an access restriction event.

[0137] Aspect 26. An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 18 to 25, wherein at least one processor is configured to: obtain an authentication associated with an authentication request; and in response to the authentication, restore at least a portion of the functionality of the electronic device disabled by the access restriction event.

[0138] Aspect 27. An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 18 to 26, wherein at least one processor is included in a primary electronic device, and the electronic device is a secondary electronic device associated with the primary electronic device, and wherein enabling the secondary electronic device includes sending the authentication from the primary electronic device to the electronic device.

[0139] Aspect 28. An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 18 to 27, wherein, in order to obtain authentication associated with the authentication request, at least one processor is configured to obtain a user authentication associated with a primary user of the electronic device.

[0140] Aspect 29. An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 18 to 27, wherein at least one processor is configured to: obtain an access restriction configuration message at an electronic device, wherein the access restriction configuration message includes at least one or more of an access restriction battery threshold or an additional access restriction battery threshold.

[0141] Aspect 30. An apparatus according to any one of aspects 18 to 29, wherein the electronic device is associated with a primary user and a secondary user different from the primary user.

[0142] Aspect 31. An apparatus according to any one of aspects 18 to 30, wherein the at least one processor is included in a primary electronic device associated with a primary user, and the electronic device is a secondary electronic device associated with the primary electronic device.

[0143] Aspect 32. An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 18 to 31, wherein the status information associated with the electronic device includes at least one of a battery level of the electronic device, a location of the electronic device, a time of day, or an identity of a secondary user.

[0144] Aspect 33. An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 18 to 32, wherein, in order to determine whether an access restriction condition is satisfied, at least one processor is configured to determine at least one of: a battery charge of the electronic device relative to a battery threshold of the electronic device; a location of the electronic device relative to one or more authorized use locations; a time of day relative to a usage schedule of the electronic device; or an identity of a secondary user relative to a restricted user list associated with the electronic device.

[0145] Aspect 34. An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 18 to 33, wherein, in order to generate an access restriction event, at least one processor is configured to send an authentication request to the host electronic device.

[0146] Aspect 35. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which instructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform any of the operations of Aspects 1 to 34.

[0147] Aspect 36. An apparatus comprising means for performing any of the operations of Aspects 1 to 34.

Claims

1. A method for controlling access to an electronic device, comprising: obtaining status information associated with the electronic device; Based on the status information associated with the electronic device, determining that an access restriction condition associated with the electronic device is satisfied; as well as Based on determining that the access restriction condition associated with the electronic device is satisfied, an access restriction event is generated.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The status information associated with the electronic device includes a battery charge of the electronic device; and Determining that the access restriction condition is satisfied includes determining that a battery level of the electronic device is below an access restriction battery threshold.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Generating the access restriction event based on determining that the access restriction condition is satisfied includes at least partially disabling a function of the electronic device.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: Disabling a function of the electronic device includes generating a standby request for the electronic device. The method of claim 3 , further comprising generating an authentication request associated with the access restriction event.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: obtaining a certification associated with the certification request; as well as In response to the authentication, at least a portion of the functionality of the electronic device disabled by the access-restricting event is restored.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The method is performed by a primary electronic device, and the electronic device is a secondary electronic device associated with the primary electronic device, and wherein enabling the secondary electronic device includes sending the authentication from the primary electronic device to the electronic device.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein: Obtaining an authentication associated with the authentication request includes obtaining a user authentication associated with a primary user of the electronic device.

9. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: Determining that the battery level of the electronic device is above the access-restricting battery threshold; allowing access to the electronic device; obtaining an additional battery charge associated with the electronic device; determining that the additional battery charge associated with the electronic device is below an additional access limiting battery threshold; and Based on determining that the additional battery charge is below the additional access limiting battery threshold, a function of the electronic device is disabled.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The access restriction battery threshold and the additional access restriction battery threshold are different.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The access restriction battery threshold and the additional access restriction battery threshold are equal.

12. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: An access restriction configuration message is obtained at the electronic device, wherein the access restriction configuration message includes at least one or more of the access restriction battery threshold or the additional access restriction battery threshold.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic device is associated with a primary user and a secondary user different from the primary user.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The method is performed by a primary electronic device associated with the primary user, and the electronic device is a secondary electronic device associated with the primary electronic device.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The status information associated with the electronic device includes at least one of a battery charge of the electronic device, a location of the electronic device, a time of day, or an identity of the secondary user.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: Determining that the access restriction condition is satisfied includes determining at least one of the following: a battery charge of the electronic device relative to a battery threshold of the electronic device; the location of the electronic device relative to one or more authorized use locations; time of day relative to electronic device use schedule; or The identity of the secondary user relative to a restricted user list associated with the electronic device.

17. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Generating the access restriction event includes sending an authentication request to the host electronic device.

18. An apparatus for controlling access to an electronic device, comprising: Memory; as well as at least one processor coupled to the memory, the at least one processor configured to: obtaining status information associated with the electronic device; Based on the status information associated with the electronic device, determining that an access restriction condition associated with the electronic device is satisfied; as well as Based on determining that the access restriction condition associated with the electronic device is satisfied, an access restriction event is generated.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein: The status information associated with the electronic device includes a battery charge of the electronic device; and To determine that the access restriction condition is satisfied, the at least one processor is configured to determine that a battery level of the electronic device is below an access restriction battery threshold.

20. The device according to claim 18, wherein To generate the access restriction event based on determining that the access restriction condition is satisfied, the at least one processor is configured to at least partially disable a function of the electronic device.

21. The device according to claim 20, wherein: To disable a function of the electronic device, the at least one processor is configured to generate a standby request for the electronic device.

22. The device according to claim 20, wherein: The at least one processor is configured to generate an authentication request associated with the access restriction event.

23. The device according to claim 22, wherein: The at least one processor is configured to: obtaining a certificate associated with the certificate request; and In response to the authentication, at least a portion of the functionality of the electronic device disabled by the access-restricting event is restored.

24. The device according to claim 23, wherein: The at least one processor is included in a primary electronic device, and the electronic device is a secondary electronic device associated with the primary electronic device, and wherein enabling the secondary electronic device includes sending the authentication from the primary electronic device to the electronic device.

25. The device according to claim 23, wherein: To obtain the authentication associated with the authentication request, the at least one processor is configured to obtain a user authentication associated with a primary user of the electronic device.

26. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: Determining that the battery level of the electronic device is above the access-restricting battery threshold; allowing access to the electronic device; obtaining an additional battery charge associated with the electronic device; determining that the additional battery charge associated with the electronic device is below an additional access limiting battery threshold; and Based on determining that the additional battery charge is below the additional access limiting battery threshold, the electronic device is disabled.

27. The device according to claim 26, wherein: The access restriction battery threshold and the additional access restriction battery threshold are different.

28. The device according to claim 26, wherein The access restriction battery threshold and the additional access restriction battery threshold are equal.

29. The device according to claim 26, wherein: The at least one processor is configured to: An access restriction configuration message is obtained at the electronic device, wherein the access restriction configuration message includes at least one or more of the access restriction battery threshold or the additional access restriction battery threshold.

30. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein: The electronic device is associated with a primary user and a secondary user different from the primary user.

31. The device according to claim 30, wherein The at least one processor is included in a primary electronic device associated with the primary user, and the electronic device is a secondary electronic device associated with the primary electronic device.

32. The device according to claim 30, wherein: The status information associated with the electronic device includes at least one of a battery charge of the electronic device, a location of the electronic device, a time of day, or an identity of the secondary user.

33. The device according to claim 32, wherein: To determine that the access restriction condition is satisfied, the at least one processor is configured to determine at least one of the following: The battery level of the electronic device relative to the battery threshold of the electronic device; the location of the electronic device relative to one or more authorized use locations; time of day relative to electronic device use schedule; or The identity of the secondary user relative to a restricted user list associated with the electronic device.

34. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein: To generate the access restriction event, the at least one processor is configured to send an authentication request to the host electronic device.

Images