Controlling access to a set of devices provided with screens

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (1) for controlling the use of screens by a user (2), the system having a set of software modules (21, 22, 23, 24) each installed in a device of a set (10) of devices (11, 12, 13, 14) of the user, the devices comprising screens, and a server (50) connected to the devices by a telecommunication network, wherein: - the devices are initially restricted to a first set of functionalities and have means for determining behavioural information of the user and for transmitting said information to the server (50); - the server is designed to grant an additional functionality according to the behavioural information and to transmit a message (72) to the software module of a chosen device to enable the user to access the additional functionality.

Description

Access control to a set of equipment equipped with a screen FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the control of access to equipment having screens by users. It applies in particular to the therapy of users suffering from disorders linked to the use of equipment having screens, and in particular moderate use, dependence, or addiction to screens, defining a degree of digital lifestyle hygiene.

[0002] The degree of digital lifestyle hygiene is a characterization of the impact of screens on a user's health. This characterization is a continuum that extends from moderate use to problematic use. Problematic screen use can be observed in several cases: - when recreational use of screens has become the only activity of a user during their waking hours, - when the user sacrifices aspects of their social life in favor of recreational use of screens (schooling, professional situation, friendly or family situations), - when the user's health is endangered because of screen use (sedentary lifestyle, sleep, social isolation, depression).

[0003] CONTEXT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Excessive screen use is now recognized as a major problem in our society. Furthermore, the global pandemic that began in 2020 led individuals to self-isolate for several months and intensified both screen-dependent behaviors and the number of scientific and political discussions surrounding this issue.

[0005] In France, the MILDECA (Interministerial Mission for the Fight against Drugs and Addictive Behavior) published a report in 2021 stating that 24% of young French people aged 15-24 report watching videos for more than 4 hours a day and 33% of young people play online games for the same number of hours a day.

[0006] However, excessive use of screens (e.g., smartphones, the internet, online games) has multiple consequences that can be dramatic for the health and cognitive development of adolescents and young adults. Indeed, the difficulty in regulating screen use can lead to serious pathological disorders such as video game addiction.

[0007] Recent findings have shown that regular exposure to television or video games is associated with fewer positive attitudes toward school and lower academic performance. These include Adelantado-Renau et al., “Association Between Screen Media Use and Academic Performance Among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis,” 2019, DOI: 10.1001 / jamapediatrics.2019.3176.

[0008] This can be explained in particular by the fact that excessive screen use is also linked to weaker cognitive skills such as a weak perception of self-regulation, as for example explained in Gökçearslan et al., “Modeling smartphone addiction: The role of smartphone usage, self-regulation, general self-efficacy and cyberloafing in university students” in Computers in Human Behavior, 2016, DOI:10.1016 / j.chb.2016.05.091, or LaRose et al., “Unregulated Internet Usage: Addiction, Habit, or Deficient Self-Regulation?” in Media Psychology, 5(3), 225-25, 2003.

[0009] Wartberg et al., “The relevance of emotion regulation, procrastination, and perceived stress for problematic social media use in a representative sample of children and adolescents” in Computers in Human Behavior, vol. 121, 2021, also links this excessive use to more inattention.

[0010] Furthermore, excessive screen use is associated with poorer sleep quality, according to Chen & Gau, “Sleep problems and internet addiction among children and adolescents: a longitudinal study,” in Journal of Sleep Research, 2016, or Ratan et al., “Smartphone Addiction and Associated Health Outcomes in Adult Populations: A Systematic Review,” in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021, and also with lower self-esteem, greater anxiety, and more depression, as discussed in Prizant-Passal et al., “Social anxiety and internet use–A meta-analysis: What do we know? What are we missing?”, in Computers in Human Behaviors, vol. 62, 2016, or in the aforementioned article by Ratan et al.

[0011] The invention aims to propose a technical means to assist in the therapy of users suffering from psychological disorders linked to the excessive use of screens (computers, mobile phones, games consoles, televisions, etc.).

[0012] These disorders include screen dependence (or addiction) as previously described, but also related or correlated disorders such as a sedentary lifestyle, social isolation, dropping out of school or work, depression, etc.

[0013] EP2574090A1 describes methods and systems for managing mobile device applications according to the state of the art.

[0014] An objective of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for controlling access to all equipment equipped with screens that a single user may have, globally, and not equipment by equipment.

[0015] Furthermore, according to embodiments, the invention aims to offer assistance to users with regard to their addiction, by encouraging them to adopt appropriate behavior with regard to screens, in particular by taking into account specific aspects of their addiction.

[0016] To this end, according to a first aspect, the present invention can be implemented by a system for controlling the use of equipment having a screen by a user, comprising a set of software modules, each embedded in a piece of equipment of a set of equipment of said user having screens, and a server connected to said equipment by a telecommunications network, in which: said equipment is initially restricted, at the start of a first time period, to a first set of functionalities, by means of said software modules and comprises means for determining behavioral information of said user and transmitting said behavioral information to said server;andsaid server is adapted to grant an additional functionality from a second set of functionalities of said equipment based on said behavioral information, and to transmit to the software module of a selected equipment from said set of equipment, a message to allow said user to access said additional functionality.;

[0017] According to preferred embodiments, the invention comprises one or more of the following features which can be used separately or in partial combination with each other or in total combination with each other: said additional functionality is determined according to a degree of digital lifestyle hygiene of said user.the system is provided for the prior definition of activities for said user based on said degree of digital lifestyle of said user, and said behavioral information depends on said activities;said degree of digital lifestyle is established by aggregating measurements from said software modules, said measurements comprising first measurements on the behavior of the applications installed on said equipment, and second measurements on the behavior of said equipment;said software modules are adapted to detect a circumvention of the restriction by said user;the system is adapted to verify the relevance of the content of said behavioral information;said software modules are adapted to verify that they are continuously in operation;said additional functionality is limited to a second time period, substantially shorter than said first time period.said behavioral information includes one element among a movement in the space of said user measured by equipment, a physical activity measured by equipment, the use of communication tools measured by equipment, the viewing of educational content measured by equipment, the taking of a photo measured by equipment, the restitution of educational information, validation by a third party, validation by external equipment; at least one software module among said set is embedded in an electrical outlet supplying equipment of said set of equipment; said software module embedded in said electrical outlet is adapted to detect a connection or a disconnection of said outlet.said chosen equipment is determined by said user through a human-machine interface; said additional functionality is determined by said user through a human-machine interface; said additional functionality is determined based on a characterization of a type of behavioral disorder of said user.

[0018] According to a second aspect, the invention can also be implemented by a method for controlling the use of equipment having a screen by a user, comprising

[0019] - the installation of a set of software modules, each embedded in a piece of equipment of a set of equipment of said user comprising screens, and a server connected to said equipment by a telecommunications network,

[0020] - an initial restriction of said equipment, at the start of a first time period, to a first set of functionalities, by means of said software modules and,

[0021] - said software modules determine behavioral information of said user and transmit said behavioral information to said server;

[0022] - and the granting, by said server, of an additional functionality from a second set of functionalities of said equipment based on said behavioral information, and the transmission to the software module of a selected equipment from said set of equipment, of a message to allow said user to access said additional functionality.

[0023] According to one embodiment, all of the software modules communicate via the telecommunications network with a smart contract in which the initial restriction of said equipment and the degree of digital hygiene of said user are defined, making it possible to unlock each additional functionality, each software module unlocking an additional functionality automatically when the corresponding degree of digital hygiene defined in the smart contract is reached by the user. In the event of the absence or unavailability of the therapist, the user can thus have their functionalities unlocked automatically, by exchange of information between the software modules and the smart contract, which is understood in the context of the present invention as any computer protocol which facilitates, verifies and executes the negotiation or execution of a contract, implemented in particular on a blockchain.

[0024] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0025] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention:

[0026] schematically represents an example of architecture according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0027] is a schematic view of a device for ensuring the connection status;

[0028] is a schematic view of a game console and a device for ensuring the state of use of a game console in a first position;

[0029] is a schematic view of the game console and the device in a second position.

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0031] One of the aims of the invention is to control access to various devices with a screen that a user may possess. The aim is both to prevent excessive behavior on the part of a user suffering from screen addiction or associated disorders, but also to set up remote therapy and guide them towards an improvement in their condition, or even towards a cure.

[0032] Disorders related to screen use include addiction (or dependence), social isolation, dropping out of school or work, a sedentary lifestyle, and depression.

[0033] These problems can occur at home or outside, particularly via smartphone-type mobile phones. Therefore, it is preferentially all of a user's equipment that must be checked.

[0034] Illustrates an architecture according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0035] A user 2 has a fleet of 10 devices with screens and which can therefore, as such, contribute to potential problems linked to the use of user 2's screens.

[0036] Generally speaking, this equipment can be subdivided into two categories: information processing equipment, 13, 14 which allows a software module to be embedded, respectively 23, 24; and other equipment (not shown) which does not allow such software modules to be embedded.

[0037] Among the first type of equipment, we can notably cite mobile telecommunications terminals (of the "smartphone" type), or other terminals equipped with a screen with an interface allowing the installation of an ad-hoc software module such as, for example, digital tablets, computers, connected watches, virtual reality headsets, etc.

[0038] The second type of equipment includes televisions, game consoles, etc. These devices generally do not have interfaces that allow the installation of an ad-hoc software module.

[0039] For this second type of equipment, the invention provides for embedding a software module in an electrical outlet supplying this equipment.

[0040] Such a socket may have a software infrastructure and interfaces for installing software modules.

[0041] Indeed, the development of connected objects, enabling support for the Internet of Things (or "IoT"), has enabled the provision of numerous socket solutions enabling advanced functionalities and / or offering means of incorporating additional functionalities via additional software modules.

[0042] An example of such plugs is those developed by the company SHELLY. The "Shelly Plug" natively offers power consumption measurement functions and interfaces, or APIs (Application Programming Interface) allowing access to the measurements made and exporting them to devices external to the plug.

[0043] The interface of the sockets of the Shelly company is described for example on the link:

[0044] https: / / shelly-api-docs.shelly.cloud / gen1 /

[0045] According to one embodiment, a socket or a power strip, or PDU (Power Distribution Unit), can be used. In such an embodiment, the software modules 21, 22 make it possible to individually manage each of the sockets of the power strip (i.e. to control access to the functionalities of the equipment powered by each socket).

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrical outlet is adapted to collect a particular measurement in the event of physical disconnection of powered equipment, thus allowing detection of the disconnection.

[0047] In particular, the electrical outlet 11, 12 may be adapted to prevent disconnection of equipment without this being detected by means of a respective probe 21, 22. The probe may detect the disconnection state by various types of sensors, such as: electric current sensor, temperature sensor, accelerometric & spatial sensor, distance sensor, microswitch, pressure sensor, proximity sensor, voltage sensor, infrared sensor, shock sensor or motion sensor.

[0048] To do this, one embodiment consists of arranging the electrical outlet so that when the (male) plug of the equipment is physically disconnected from the (female) socket, the latter is no longer powered. For example, the socket box 11, 12 is encapsulated in an over-housing which holds the (male) plug connected by cord to the powered equipment, so that the latter cannot be disconnected without at least partially removing this over-housing. The latter can be arranged so that its removal, even partial, requires also disconnecting the power supply from the socket box 11, 12. Therefore, the absence, even momentary, of power supply can be detected simply by interrogating the software modules 21, 22.

[0049] The challenge is that control of the outlet by a given software module actually controls associated powered equipment.

[0050] This requires ensuring a unique link between a given socket and associated equipment, and therefore preventing a user from connecting a particular piece of equipment to another (possibly uncontrolled) socket or connecting another piece of equipment to the given controlled socket.

[0051] For example, this embodiment makes it possible to prevent a user from disconnecting his console from the controlled socket 11, 12 to connect it to another socket in his home. This would obviously result in the access control losing its rigor and the therapy mechanism losing its effectiveness.

[0052] Thus, embedding software modules in the electrical outlet(s) powering a piece of equipment indirectly allows access to be controlled.

[0053] As an alternative to detecting the power consumption of the powered equipment, another device 101 is schematically illustrated in the form of a clamp, making it possible to ensure the connection status between the male plug and the female plug of a piece of equipment. The device 101 is clamped onto the cable (not shown) of the power cord of the equipment. Indeed, to unplug the male plug from the female plug, the user must exert a force on the male plug. The device 101 is capable of measuring that a disconnection force has been applied along the cord from the male plug. This force necessary for unplugging the equipment causes a direct alert signal (light) on a Light Emitting Diode (LED) 102 and / or a sending of data to servers (not shown).The device 101 comprises in this illustrative and non-limiting embodiment a microprocessor 103, a motion sensor 104 and a connector 105 for receiving a plug 105a connected to a cable 105b, making it possible to transfer data from the device 101 to servers and to power the device 101. Any other means of data transmission can however be envisaged within the framework of the invention (Bluetooth signal, wifi, LoRa, Sigfox, sound signal, sending SMS, vibrations, etc.). The device 101 can, for example, be implemented with an Arduino Nano ® system. When the device 101 is clamped on a power cable of equipment to be monitored, any disconnection of the equipment creates a sudden movement on its power cable detected by the device 101.

[0054] The motion sensor can be any sensor capable of detecting movement at the cord where the clip is attached (tilt ball sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, pressure, piezoelectric, light divergence, vibration).

[0055] It is understood that the method of attaching the device 101 to the cable is not necessarily a clamp. The device 101 can be attached by any other means allowing it to follow the movements of the cable in a solid manner.

[0056] In the case where the motion sensor is an accelerometer, the algorithm for detecting an attempt to disconnect a piece of equipment to be monitored is as follows:- initial state of the position sensor (X1, Y1, Z1)- motion / shock detection- time delay (for example 45 seconds)- reading of the position sensor (Xi, Yi, Zi)- if at least one of the coordinates (Xi, Yi, Zi) differs by more than 10% from the coordinates (X1, Y1, Z1), detect an attempt to disconnect, otherwise false alarm (simple movement of the equipment to be monitored).

[0057] Figures 3 and 4 schematically illustrate another device 203 for ensuring the state of use of a games console or a tablet 201.

[0058] The equipment considered here is a flat equipment, of the games console or tablet type 201, which is equipped with an RFID chip 202 stuck on the rear face of the games console or tablet 201.

[0059] The device 203 is in the form of a base having the shape of an elongated narrow arch, defining a space for receiving the games console or tablet 201.

[0060] The device 203 includes an LED 204, a processor 205, an RFID sensor 206, and is powered by a plug 207 connected to a cord 208, the plug 207 and the cord 208 allowing both the power supply to the device 203 and the transfer of data from / to the device 203.

[0061] In the position of the, the games console or tablet 201 is outside the reception space of the device 203, therefore the RFID chip 202 of the games console or tablet 201 is not detected by the RFID sensor 206: it is then assumed that the games console or tablet 201 is in use.

[0062] In the position of the, the game console or tablet 201 is in the receiving space of the device 203, therefore the RFID chip 202 of the game console or tablet 201 is detected by the RFID sensor 206: the game console or tablet 201 is then not in use.

[0063] When the processor 205 detects the presence of the chip 202 attached to the game console or tablet 201, the processor 205 sends, according to a determined period, for example every minute, to a server (not shown) an incremental quantity of non-use of the game console or tablet in a time-stamped manner (for example using a set of three parameters: { "NonUsageTime": 256, "FirstDetectionTime": "8:45", "FirstDetectionTime": "8:30 p.m."}), except in the case where the user has unlocked time on the game console or tablet 201.

[0064] In addition, when it is necessary to apply usage restrictions to the game console or tablet 201, the light signal of the LED differs in the case where the user can use the game console or tablet and the case where he cannot use it, for example the LED lights up when the user can use the portable game console and the LED 204 turns off when the user cannot use the game console or tablet 201.

[0065] If the user decides to use the game console or tablet 201 when he is not authorized to use the screens, the device 203 sends data to a server in order to implement an alert.

[0066] It is possible to use other transmitters capable of transmitting usage information when the user is not authorized to use the portable game console or tablet (for example: Bluetooth signal, sound signal, Wifi signal, LoRa, Sigfox, sending SMS, vibration).

[0067] Devices 101 and 203 therefore make it possible to know the state of use of equipment powered by a power cord and of games consoles or tablets.

[0068] In the case of information processing equipment 13, 14 having interfaces and means to do so (desktop or laptop computers, digital tablets, “smart” type mobile phones (or “smartphones”), connected watches, virtual reality headsets, etc.), the software modules 23, 24 can be directly deployed. These software modules must be adapted to the type of equipment and in particular to the operating system used.

[0069] Generally, software modules are installed to be launched when a user logs into the device and to run continuously in the background to collect real-time metrics on user activity and control access to device features. When the device does not support multiple sessions, logging in for the user is equivalent to turning on the device.

[0070] For example, on a computer running the Windows operating system, the software module is placed in the directory:

[0071] Users / <nom d’utilisateur> / AppData / Roaming / Microsoft / Windows / Start Menu / Programs / Startup

[0072] in which<nom d’utilisateur> is the user name as registered in the Windows operating system (therefore corresponding to his session).

[0073] So each time you open a session under Windows, the software module will be automatically executed.

[0074] Additionally, the software module can be a program in Python language, and stored in the device as a ".pyw" file. This allows the software module to be considered a service so as not to be detected as software with a visible user interface, and to make it more difficult for the user to detect and close it.

[0075] Similarly, on equipment running the Apple "Mac OS" operating system, the software module can be stored in the directory:

[0076] ~ / Library / LaunchDaemons /

[0077] In this way, the software module is automatically executed when the equipment is started.

[0078] Similarly, the software module can be a program in Python language, and stored in the equipment in the form of a ".pyw" file. This allows the software module to be considered as a service so as not to be detected as software and make it more difficult for the user to detect and close it.

[0079] Additionally, access to features provided by certain websites can be controlled by web browser configuration files. For example, the "host" file allows you to block websites by domain name.

[0080] On a tablet or telecommunications terminal type device, the software module can be a launcher in order to be automatically executed when the device is started.

[0081] This software module (or application) can be declared via the Android intent mechanism to respond to the "home" and "default" actions:

[0082] <category android :name="‘’android.intent.category.DEFAULT’’ / ">

[0083] <category android :name="‘‘android.intent.category.HOME’’ / ">

[0084] The background services mechanism allows you to continuously analyze the equipment and block access to certain resources and features.

[0085] The foreground service mechanism allows the service to be kept running in the background indefinitely.

[0086] The "Usage_stat_service" system service is used to analyze open applications and bring the software module back to the foreground if necessary.

[0087] On equipment running an Apple iOS operating system or an Android operating system, the MDM ("Mobile Device Management") tool can be used to put the equipment into a supervised mode and allow continuous analysis of the phone and block access to certain features.

[0088] According to the invention, the equipment 11, 12, 13, 14 is initially restricted, at the start of a first time period, to a first set of functionalities, by means of the software modules 21, 23, 23, 24.

[0089] The term "restricted" means that only this first set of features is accessible to the user. The equipment therefore adopts, in a way, a degraded operation. This restriction can correspond to only authorizing a predefined list of software applications identified as not problematic for the user on each device, for example: alarm clocks, word processing, management of telephone audio calls, camera, management of video conferences, listening to music, searching for documentation on the internet, etc.

[0090] In some cases, the full functionality of a piece of equipment may be empty. This is particularly the case for some equipment for which an "all or nothing" operation may be adopted. For example, for a game console or a television, one can simply decide whether or not to allow access, without further granularity on the access right. If this type of equipment is controlled by a software module embedded in the electrical outlet that powers it, this "all or nothing" operation corresponds directly to the control of the power supply by this software module.

[0091] The time period can, for example, correspond to a day.

[0092] According to the invention, at the beginning of this (first) time period, the equipment is limited to a first set of functionalities. As we will see, the accessible functionalities can evolve over time, then, at the beginning of the following period, the functionalities are again restricted to this first set of functionalities.

[0093] The first set of features corresponds to equipment features that do not normally cause pathological disorders and / or are necessary for the user for certain reasons (professional in particular).

[0094] These restricted features may correspond to minimum functionalities for each device. For example:

[0095] - smartphone = calls, messages, clock / alarm, camera, photo gallery, music, microphone, calendar, notes, calculator, mapping, file manager

[0096] - tablet = clock / alarm, camera, photo gallery, music, microphone, calendar, notes, calculator, mapping, file manager

[0097] - computer = internet searches (excluding social networks, video streaming, online games), office applications (e.g.: word processing, presentations, spreadsheets), video conferencing

[0098] - video game consoles & televisions = binary access: either everything is cut, or all the features are given away.

[0099] This pre-identified list of non-problematic software applications on each device can be modulated by human or software decisions. For example, the user's therapist can authorize the permanent opening of the "Tous anti covid" application if he or she considers that this does not represent a potentially problematic use. Software can also decide to authorize access to certain other software if these do not represent a potentially problematic use for the user based on his or her usage data.

[0100] Software modules therefore make it possible to control access to the various functionalities of the equipment. To do this, they can: enter authorized or prohibited resources in lists used by certain applications (for example, a list of websites in the "host" file as previously explained), intercept access requests (launch of applications, etc.) and authorize or deny them, etc.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the system is designed to detect an attempt to circumvent the restriction by the user, in order to ensure that the user is permanently in the user journey.

[0102] In particular, the various software modules can be adapted to detect user circumvention of the throttling.

[0103] For example, as previously described, the software modules embedded in the electrical outlet(s) can detect a connection or disconnection of the power supply (made necessary to connect / disconnect equipment). This detection is made possible by the server by the emission of a particular signal by the software modules (when the outlet is powered again for example), or by the absence of transmission for a certain, predefined period, for example after thirty seconds.

[0104] In the case of a device running an iOS MDM system, it is only possible to exit the restricted profile by using a confidential password or by accessing the administrator file and running an adb (Android Debug Bridge) command.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the software modules are adapted to verify that they are continuously in operation. This verification can be implemented in different ways, depending in particular on the type of equipment and operating system.

[0106] In the case of equipment running Android, the software modules can continuously check that the default application ("launcher") corresponds to a software module according to the invention. If the default application is different, it means that an attempt at diversion has been made.

[0107] In the case of equipment running Microsoft Windows or MacOS, it may be possible to have two services that communicate continuously. If a service is closed via the task manager, it means that an attempt has been made to close the service, and the twin service can then deny access to the task manager.

[0108] Furthermore, the equipment is adapted to determine behavioral information of the user and transmit it, via a message 71, to the server 50.

[0109] This behavioral information can be measured by these same software modules. Just as they can control access to a device's features, they can also access various parameters of that device or the applications deployed on it.

[0110] Behavioral information can be stored in a database 30 where the server can retrieve it. This database can be remote and thus accessible and shared for all devices.

[0111] The transmission of behavioral information is carried out via the telecommunications network to which the equipment is connected.

[0112] It is thus possible to decorrelate the rate of feedback of behavioral information and the rate of the server. In particular, the behavioral information can be determined in real time, in near real time, or in a time that depends directly on the nature of this behavioral information, while the server can operate according to a different time rate, or, for example, when it receives a request from the user.

[0113] Behavioral information may, for example, include an element among a movement in space of said user measured by equipment such as a mobile telecommunications terminal, a physical activity measured by equipment, the user of communication tools, the viewing of educational content, etc.

[0114] Behavioral information can be matched with user activities that are associated with "healthy" behavior, i.e., contributing to their fight against their screen use disorder, or at least, not contributing to this disorder.

[0115] Thus, software modules can be adapted to measure and transmit behavioral information that corresponds to certain user activities

[0116] These activities can be defined in advance, during a diagnostic phase.

[0117] In particular, activities may depend on a degree of digital lifestyle hygiene (or degree of screen addiction) and / or a characterization of a user behavioral disorder.

[0118] The degree of digital hygiene represents a quantification of the use of screens (or more precisely of equipment equipped with screens).

[0119] Categorization aims to determine one or more categories of screen-related disorder, such as dependence (or addiction), social isolation, sedentary lifestyle, depression, dropping out of school or work, etc. These different types of disorders are obviously linked since a strong dependence on screens is likely to lead to other pathologies.

[0120] Indeed, the disorder, or pathology, linked to the use of screens can take on particular aspects from one user to another, and this categorization can be used to influence the methodology to be implemented.

[0121] The degree of lifestyle hygiene and the possible characterization of a user behavioral disorder can be determined in different ways.

[0122] In a manner known per se, it may be planned to have users fill out a questionnaire in order to establish a diagnosis enabling these parameters to be determined.

[0123] According to one embodiment of the invention, a degree of digital lifestyle hygiene can be established by aggregating measurements from the software modules embedded in the various information processing equipment, 11, 12, 13, 14.

[0124] These measures may include

[0125] - initial measurements on the behavior of applications installed on said information processing equipment and

[0126] - second measurements on the behavior of said information processing equipment;

[0127] These measurements can be transmitted to a database 30 to be stored there.

[0128] The server 50 can periodically determine an aggregation of these measurements and a degree of digital lifestyle hygiene based on this aggregation.

[0129] In particular, at least one probe 21, 22 may be provided, embedded in the electrical socket(s) 11, 12 and adapted to collect third measurements on the electrical behavior of the equipment(s) powered by these sockets.

[0130] The server is further adapted to determine aggregation based on these third metrics.

[0131] Other ways of determining the degree of digital hygiene and user behavior towards devices with screens are obviously possible.

[0132] Thus, depending on the degree of this disorder, different activities (or "missions") may be requested from the user. Similarly, different activities, or missions, may be requested depending on a characterization of his dependence.

[0133] For example, a user whose screen addiction negatively impacts social relationships (social isolation disorder) may be assigned the task of making phone calls or video conferences with authorized contacts such as a family member or close friend in order to increase socialization.

[0134] A user whose use of screens leads to excessive sedentary behavior may be assigned a geographical location or a number of steps to take.

[0135] Obviously, since the consequences of excessive screen use are cumulative, the missions can be multiple and belong to several categories.

[0136] Software modules can access the various resources, circuits, applications, etc. of the equipment (including GPS, accelerometer, camera, pedometer, microphone, etc.) or any object or tool that can communicate with the equipment, such as a smartwatch or a virtual reality headset.

[0137] They can thus detect and measure the activities carried out by the user, and determine if and when the user has carried out the requested activity, or mission, from objective data in addition to declarative data which can be provided by the user himself or a third party.

[0138] The server 50 can, possibly in collaboration with the database 30, thus determine whether a mission has been completed by the user on one of his devices.

[0139] In addition, the system can be adapted to check the semantic relevance of this behavioral information, i.e. to check that the missions validated by the system actually correspond to the statements. The purpose is thus to detect whether an attempt to circumvent the restriction has been made, in particular by checking whether they actually correspond to a requested mission.

[0140] To do this, different types of algorithms can be deployed.

[0141] For example, if one of the proposed missions is to walk outside a perimeter of 400 meters, and the distance recorded from one measurement to the next (taken every 5 seconds) is greater than 25 m, it can be automatically estimated that the user is using a means of locomotion other than walking, going at a speed greater than 18 km / h. In addition, in a mission where the user is asked to take a photo of a cooked dish, a CNN (convolutional neural network) type image recognition algorithm analyzes whether the dish does not correspond to another scenario (example: taking a photo of a tree) and therefore corresponds to the imposed mission. It can be provided that, in this case of suspicion by the algorithm, the photo is sent to a third party (for example, the therapist or a parent) for human verification.

[0142] Generally speaking, the server can grant at least one additional functionality based on the behavioral information transmitted by the devices 11, 12, 13, 14.

[0143] An activity that can be proposed to the user to unlock digital time can be, for example, in the form of a challenge consisting of calling a loved one (grandmother, aunt, friend). When the smartphone launches this activity, a countdown is started, and after a certain predetermined duration, the smartphone measures whether the phone application is still open and whether the microphone has been activated regularly during this duration of time in order to validate the challenge and unlock digital time.

[0144] Apart from the digital time allocated as a reward when a user carries out an activity measured by the smartphone's sensors, the system and method of the invention also offer the user the opportunity to win other rewards (cosmetic virtual content on other applications and video games appreciated by the user, such as for example themes (in English skins) or discounts for other brands).

[0145] According to one embodiment, the system can offer an evolving therapy: initially, recreational activities or activities deemed problematic for the user (i.e. not included in the first set of functionalities) are blocked until a mission is completed. The user thus unlocks the recreational activities as the missions are completed. The user's status can evolve until accessing the recreational activities without having to complete a specific mission. If the system, or a therapist, notices that the user is not yet independent and falls back into an addictive phase where he no longer does any activity, and has an occupation excessively or exclusively focused on screens, the initial restrictions will be applied again (the recreational activities can be blocked again until a mission is completed).

[0146] In particular, the server can determine whether a mission has been completed based on behavioral information, and then infer what additional recreational functionality to grant.

[0147] This functionality may correspond to the mission accomplished, in the case where several missions have been set, each associated with one (or more) additional functionality(s).

[0148] This additional functionality is chosen from a set of functionalities distinct from the first set corresponding to the restricted operations of the equipment.

[0149] The set of features offered to depend on different parameters, such as a degree of dependency and / or a characterization of the user's dependency.

[0150] Thus, according to embodiments, the additional functionality granted is determined (in particular) according to a degree of dependency and / or a characterization of a type of dependency of said user.

[0151] This additional functionality constitutes a "credit" granted to the user. The user can choose certain terms of use of his credit.

[0152] For example, he can choose a feature from the set of features authorized or offered by the server.

[0153] This set of features may include all or part of the features not belonging to the first set of features, corresponding to the restricted operation of the equipment.

[0154] Notably, these features include gaming apps, access to video game consoles, TVs, video streaming apps, and more.

[0155] This set of features can be presented by means of a human-machine interface: a list is presented and the user has means to select an item from this list which corresponds to the chosen additional functionality.

[0156] Also, it may be provided that the user can choose the equipment on which he wishes to access the additional functionality, to the extent that the same functionality can be accessible on several equipment.

[0157] According to another embodiment, the selection and launch of an additional functionality on a given device constitutes an access request and triggers a query to the server. The latter can then grant or not this access depending on whether the additional functionality belongs to the set of unlocked functionalities. The determination of the additional functionality and the choice of the device are, in this case, implicit

[0158] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the additional functionality is limited to a (second) time period, substantially shorter than the (first) time period previously mentioned.

[0159] This time period may depend on the type of mission completed by the user, a degree of success, etc. For example, different thresholds can be set.

[0160] For example, a mission relating to a movement measured by a number of steps can allow you to unlock an additional functionality for a duration proportional to the number of steps (once a minimum number of steps has been reached, corresponding to the unlocking threshold of the functionality).

[0161] At the same time, advice can also be provided to the user each time they save digital time (i.e. unlock an additional feature): this advice explains to the user the biases that exist in their use of screens, which can potentially be the cause of usage disorders.

[0162] When the server has granted an additional functionality (either by selection on a human-machine interface, or on request from a device, or automatically or by other means), it can transmit to the software module of the chosen device, a message 72 to allow said user to access this additional functionality.

[0163] This message 72 may include different elements, such as in particular an identifier of the additional functionality, and optionally, the (second) time period allocated to access to this additional functionality.

[0164] The software modules are adapted to, upon receipt of this message 72, allow access to the additional functionality identified, during the possibly indicated time period.

[0165] The access authorization mechanism depends on the blocking mechanism implemented and explained previously.

[0166] According to one embodiment, it is possible to provide in the system of the invention that a given user applies higher-order restrictions to himself without the intervention of the user's therapist. However, it is not possible for the user to remove these restrictions.

[0167] When a user is restricted on some of his recreational applications, it often happens that the user increases his use of other unblocked applications and initially not considered recreational, thus following a compensation mechanism. In order to limit the effects of such a compensation mechanism, it is possible to introduce into the system of the invention an algorithm to limit the usage time of the initially unblocked applications, for example following the formula Tf = 0.5 + Average(Ti) + 1.5*Var(Ti), where Tf represents a daily time limit in hours for a given application and Average(Ti), Var(Ti) correspond respectively to the average and the variance of the usage time of the given application during a prior observation phase. It is thus possible to provide in the algorithm that if Tf exceeds a predefined threshold value, the application considered is also blocked.

[0168] In certain situations, it may happen that the user is no longer in contact with his or her therapist. In this case, a smart contract, issued at the beginning of the therapy and defining the therapy and its objectives, allows the user to exit his or her digital therapy without the intervention of the clinician when all the conditions necessary for the end of the therapy defined by the smart contract are validated by the system according to the invention.

[0169] Smart contracts are irrevocable computer programs, most often deployed on a blockchain, that execute a set of pre-defined instructions.

[0170] The advantages of the smart contract are multiple, they allow in fact to:- secure an agreement between two parties (or more) thanks to the transparency and immutability of the chains of blocks;- automate the end of the therapy and eliminate the risks of blocking the devices in the event that the therapist is no longer available.

[0171] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the examples and the embodiment described and shown, but is defined by the claims. It is in particular susceptible of numerous variants accessible to those skilled in the art.< / category> < / category>

Claims

System (1) for controlling the use by a user (2) of the equipment of a set (10) of equipment (11, 12, 13, 14) having a screen, the set (10) comprising information processing equipment (13, 14) incorporating a software module (23, 24) and equipment not capable of incorporating software modules and powered by an electrical outlet incorporating a software module, and a server (50) connected to said equipment by a telecommunications network, in which: said equipment is initially restricted, at the beginning of a first time period, to a first set of functionalities, by means of said software modules and includes means for determining behavioral information of said user and transmitting said behavioral information (71) to said server (50),said server is adapted to provide an additional functionality from a second set of functionalities of said equipment based on said behavioral information, and to transmit to the software module of a selected piece of equipment of said set of equipment, a message (72) to enable said user to access said additional functionality, said additional functionality being determined based on a degree of digital hygiene of said user, the degree of digital hygiene of said user representing an overall quantification of the user's use of the screen-equipped equipment of the set (10) of equipment. System according to claim 1, comprising the prior definition of activities for said user according to said degree of digital lifestyle hygiene of said user, and in which said behavioral information depends on said activities. System according to claim 2, wherein said degree of digital hygiene is established by aggregating measurements from said software modules, said measurements comprising first measurements on the behavior of applications installed on said equipment, and second measurements on the behavior of said equipment. System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said software modules are adapted to detect a circumvention of the throttling by said user. System according to claim 4, adapted to verify the relevance of the content of said behavioral information. System according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said software modules are adapted to verify that they are continuously in operation. System according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said additional functionality is limited to a second time period, substantially shorter than said first time period. System according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said behavioral information includes one element among a movement in space of said user measured by equipment, a physical activity measured by equipment, the use of communication tools measured by equipment, the viewing of educational content measured by equipment, the taking of a photo measured by equipment, the retrieval of educational information, validation by a third party, validation by external equipment. System according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one software module from said set is embedded in an electrical outlet supplying equipment from said set of equipment. System according to claim 9, wherein said software module embedded in said electrical socket is adapted to detect a connection or disconnection of said socket. System according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said selected equipment or additional functionality is determined by said user through a human-machine interface. System according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said additional functionality is determined based on a characterization of a type of behavioral disorder of said user. Method for controlling the use by a user (2) of a set (10) of equipment equipped with a screen, the set (10) comprising information processing equipment (13, 14) incorporating a software module (23, 24) and equipment not capable of incorporating software modules and powered by an electrical outlet incorporating a software module, comprising: the installation of a set of software modules (21, 22, 23, 24), each embedded in a piece of equipment of a set (10) of equipment (11, 12, 13, 14) of said user comprising screens, and of a server (50) connected to said equipment by a telecommunications network, an initial restriction of said equipment, at the beginning of a first time period, to a first set of functionalities,by means of said software modules and said software modules determine behavioral information of said user and transmit said behavioral information (71) to said server (50); and the agreement, by said server, of an additional functionality from a second set of functionalities of said equipment based on said behavioral information, and the transmission to the software module of a selected piece of equipment of said set of equipment, of a message (72) to enable said user to access said additional functionality, said additional functionality being determined based on a degree of digital hygiene of said user, the degree of digital hygiene of said user representing an overall quantification of the user's use of the screen-equipped equipment of the set (10) of equipment. A method according to claim 13, wherein all the software modules communicate via the telecommunications network with a smart contract in which the initial throttling of said equipment and the degree of digital hygiene of said user are defined, allowing each additional functionality to be unlocked, each software module automatically unlocking an additional functionality when the corresponding degree of digital hygiene defined in the smart contract is reached by the user.

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