System and method for controlling an individual's screen time.

Abstract

1. A method for controlling user access to an electronic device, comprising: identifying one or more software applications accessible on an electronic device to which the user's access is to be restricted; setting an allowable period for the user to access the identified one or more software applications; monitoring the user's usage time accessing the identified one or more software applications; determining when the user's usage time accessing the identified one or more software applications exceeds the allowable period for accessing the identified one or more software applications; alerting the user when the user's usage time accessing the identified one or more software applications exceeds the allowable period for accessing the identified one or more software applications and suspending the user's access to the identified one or more software applications on the electronic device; enabling the user to request an extension of the allowable period for accessing the identified one or more software applications; providing the user with a task to perform in response to the request for an extension of the allowable period; evaluating the user's performance on the task; and extending the allowable period for the user to access the identified one or more software applications upon successful completion of the task.

Description

Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority based on Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2020902289, filed prior to July 3, 2020, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a sand apparatus for controlling the amount of screen time (time spent looking at a screen) performed by an individual, and more particularly to a system and method for restricting non-productive screen time activities performed by an individual.

Background Art

[0003] The increasing availability of information technology has dramatically changed the lifestyles of individuals of all ages. Information technology such as computers and smartphones has expanded access to various information and services that were previously difficult to access in a timely manner, thereby making life easier in many aspects. As a result, prosperity has increased for most people, and they can now perform tasks remotely and efficiently more than ever before. The expanded availability of technology has also changed the ways people enjoy themselves and communicate with each other.

[0004] For many people, traditional leisure and entertainment, including outdoor activities and sports, have been abandoned and replaced by online entertainment via computers and smartphones. Such online entertainment can be easily implemented via a smartphone or personal computer device and can take the form of watching movies, interacting with social media platforms, and enjoying electronic games. Unfortunately, for children and teenagers, excessive online activities can pose problems for an individual's social growth or otherwise waste time that could be used for traditional learning activities, sports, and other forms of entertainment.

[0005] Therefore, many parents and guardians of children and adolescents are striving to regulate their screen time to ensure that individuals have time available to perform other tasks that complete their education and life experiences. This necessitates providing systems and methods to monitor individual screen time and ensure that individuals are exposed to a variety of meaningful online experiences.

[0006] The above references and descriptions to prior art proposals or products are not intended to, and should not be interpreted as, stating or acknowledging general common knowledge in the art. In particular, the above discussion of prior art is not related to what is generally or well known to those skilled in the art, but the identification of relevant prior art proposals is only part of the present invention and helps in understanding the inventive step of the present invention. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0007] One or more embodiments of the present invention are as defined in the independent claims. Some optional and / or preferred features of the present invention are defined in the dependent claims. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, Identifying one or more software applications accessible on an electronic device where user access is restricted. Setting an acceptable timeframe for a user to access one or more identified software applications. Monitoring usage time for users accessing one or more identified software applications. To determine when the usage time of a user accessing one or more identified software applications exceeds the permissible period for accessing one or more identified software applications. The system warns the user if the time spent accessing one or more identified software applications exceeds the permissible time for that user to access one or more identified software applications, and interrupts the user's access to one or more identified software applications on the electronic device. Allow users to request an extension of the permitted period for accessing one or more identified software applications. To provide the user with tasks to perform in response to a request for an extension of the acceptable period. To evaluate the user's performance in the above tasks, and Upon successful completion of the above tasks, the user will be granted an extended period of time to access one or more identified software applications. A method is provided that encompasses this and controls user access to electronic devices.

[0008] The step of identifying one or more software applications accessible on an electronic device may include querying the electronic device's operating system to provide a list of all applications accessible on the electronic device.

[0009] A user or their supervisor may identify one or more software applications to which user access is restricted by selecting one or more software applications from a list of all applications accessible on the electronic device.

[0010] The permissible period for a user to access an identified application may be set for each identified application by the administrator supervising the user. The permissible period may be set as discrete time intervals, either predetermined or set by the user or administrator.

[0011] The usage time of a user accessing one or more identified software applications can be monitored by a clock that records the user's cumulative access time to one or more identified software applications.

[0012] The user's recorded cumulative access time can be compared to the allowable period for accessing one or more identified software applications in order to determine when the user's usage time for accessing one or more identified software applications exceeds the allowable period.

[0013] The extension of the permissible period for a user to access one or more identified software applications may be predetermined by the user or an administrator on their behalf.

[0014] Tasks assigned to users in response to requests for extensions of the permissible period may include quizzes or tests performed by the user. These quizzes or tests may be selected by the administrator or the user in accordance with the user's educational requirements.

[0015] A user's performance in a task can be evaluated based on their success level in completing the task at a predetermined level of accuracy. This predetermined level of accuracy can be set by the administrator or the user.

[0016] Therefore, in another aspect of the present invention, An electronic device having an operating system that is accessible to the user and for operating one or more software applications in the foreground of the device for the user's use, and A dedicated software application configured to operate substantially in the background of the operating system of an electronic device, A dedicated software application that monitors the user's access time to one or more predetermined software applications operated by the operating system of an electronic device within the foreground of the device, and interrupts the user's access to the one or more predetermined software applications when the monitored access time exceeds a predetermined allowable access time, When the monitored access time exceeds a predetermined access time, the dedicated software application operates in the foreground of the operating system of the electronic device to provide the user with an option to extend the predetermined allowable access time. A system for controlling the access time of a user to an electronic device is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] The present invention can be better understood from the following non-limiting description of the preferred embodiments. [Figure 1] It is a functional diagram of an exemplary system for controlling access to an electronic device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart showing a method of setting up the system of FIG. 1 on a smartphone. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart showing a method of executing a controlled access system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a screenshot depicting the steps of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. [Figure 5] It is a screenshot depicting the steps of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. [Figure 6] It is a screenshot depicting the steps of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. [Figure 7] It is a screenshot depicting the steps of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. [Figure 8] It is a screenshot depicting the steps of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. [Figure 9] Screenshots depicting the steps (processes) of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. [Figure 10] Screenshots depicting the steps (processes) of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. [Figure 11] Screenshots depicting the steps (processes) of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. [Figure 12] Screenshots depicting the steps (processes) of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. [Figure 13] Screenshots depicting the steps (processes) of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. [Figure 14] Screenshots depicting the steps (processes) of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. [Figure 15] Screenshots depicting the steps (processes) of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Preferred features of the present invention will be described particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the features shown in the drawings and the features described with reference to the drawings should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0019] The present invention will be described below in connection with a system and method for monitoring and controlling a user's screen time access on a smartphone or similar electronic device. It will be understood that the system and method of the present invention can be employed for use with various electronic devices such as gaming machines, computers, laptops, tablets, and the like. The system and method of the present invention will be described in relation to a software application stored on a device to be monitored. However, it will be understood that the system and method of the present invention can be accessed via a remote host server or in the cloud, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0020] Figure 1 shows a functional diagram of an exemplary system 10 that may embody the present invention. System 10 includes a host service 12 configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as described in more detail below. The host service 12 is connected to a number of remote user services 15, 16, 17, and 18 via a network 14 such as the Internet. The host service 12 is configured to facilitate selective engagement between the host service 12 and the remote services 15, 16, 17, and 18, which are customers of the host service 12.

[0021] Remote services 15, 16, 17, and 18 encompass electronic devices that may be used by users of the present invention. An exemplary host service 12 encompasses one or more host servers connected to a network 14 and thus communicating via that network 14 by a wired or wireless communication system in a conventional manner understood by those skilled in the art. The host servers are configured to store various information collected from remote services 15, 16, 17, and 18, and to facilitate the transmission of information between host service 12 and remote services 15, 16, 17, and 18.

[0022] The host server may also house multiple databases 12a necessary for the operation of the method and system of the present invention. The host server may encompass any of the many servers known to those skilled in the art and is intended to be operably connected to the network 14 in order to operably link to computer systems related to remote services 15, 16, 17, 18. The host server may be operated and supplied by a third-party server providing the service, or alternatively, may be provided locally.

[0023] The host server typically includes a central processing unit (CPU) 12b, which includes one or more microprocessors and memory 12c operably connected to the CPU 12b. The memory may include any combination of storage media such as random access memory (RAM) and magnetic hard disk drives 12a. The storage media 12a is used for long-term storage of program components, as well as for storing data relating to customers and their transactions.

[0024] The central processing unit 12b associated with the random access memory 12c is used to contain program instructions and transient data related to the operation of services provided by the host service 12. In particular, memory 12c contains instruction bodies 12d for performing at least part of a method for monitoring the screen usage of each of the remote services 15, 16, 17, and 18. Instructions 12d also include instructions for providing a network user interface that allows a user to remotely access the host service 12 from any client computer running conventional web browser software.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the computer network 14 is the Internet, or a dedicated mobile or cellular network combined with the Internet, such as a GSM, CDMA, UTMS, WCDMA®, or LTE network. Other types of networks are also conceivable, such as intranets, extranets, virtual private networks (VPNs), and non-TCP / IP based networks. Users of remote services 15, 16, 17, and 18 may include individual users with email or similar electronic communication accounts. Each user of remote services 15, 16, 17, and 18 is registered with the host service 12 through a formal registration process that incorporates the relevant information required by the present invention, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0026] Each user of remote services 15, 16, 17, and 18 can receive communications from host service 12 via network 14 and can communicate with host service 12 via network 14. Host service 12 may have dedicated software applications, or "apps," stored on a host server operated by CPU 12b. Users of remote services can obtain copies of the software applications by downloading them directly to remote services 15, 16, 17, and 18 from the host service or through retail sites for commercial software applications.

[0027] Once installed, the host service 12 software application provides an interface that facilitates the communication of information between the host service 12 and user remote services 15, 16, 17, and 18. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the administrator of user remote services 15, 16, 17, and 18, typically the parent or guardian of a child or adolescent who is a user of user remote services 15, 16, 17, and 18, registers with the host service 12. Upon registration, the software application makes available to the service administrator for installation and operation on devices associated with user remote services 15, 16, 17, and 18.

[0028] Devices such as smartphones are typically installed and set up according to the settings desired by the administrator. Once installed, the software applications, once installed on the user remote service 15, 16, 17, or 18, typically operate in background mode, as described in more detail below.

[0029] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of Method 20 illustrating how an administrator can set up the system of the present invention on a smartphone or similar device. As previously discussed, the administrator, typically the parent or guardian of the intended user of the device, downloads a software application from a host service 12 or similar software application provider to the smartphone's operating system prior to implementing Method 20. This provides a means for monitoring and controlling the activities that the user performs on the device in accordance with the present invention.

[0030] In the first step 22, as part of the registration process, the administrator provides the age of the intended user of the device to be monitored so that the host service 12 can determine that the appropriate operating parameters and activities for the intended user have been completed during use. Next, the administrator launches the application on the device to enter the setup mode shown in the screenshot in Figure 4. Once launched, the administrator moves to the screen shown in Figure 5, where in step 24, the settings for the initially desired amount of uninterrupted "screen time" or application usage allowed for the intended user will be required.

[0031] The administrator can select various time increments, for example, in 10-minute increments, according to their personal preferences. Once "Screen Time" or application usage restrictions are selected, the administrator then saves this setting as a rule that will be applied by the software application. In step 26, the administrator can select specific software applications on the device whose access time will be restricted by the rule selected in step 24.

[0032] As part of the setup process, the software application of the present invention queries the device's operating system to provide a list of all software applications present on the device that the device's user can access. This list is provided to the administrator in the manner shown in the screenshot in Figure 6. The administrator can then select each software application for which they wish to restrict access by launching the appropriate box associated with that software application.

[0033] Once selected, the software application saves the list as part of the setup procedure. In step 28, the administrator is directed to the screen page shown in Figure 7 to enable the process to begin. Once the administrator has started the process, they are directed to the screen page shown in Figure 8 to confirm that the software application has started, at which point the administrator can close the page to remove it from the screen. At this point, the software application of the present invention operates as a background service that receives notifications to check for changes to the foreground application running on the device.

[0034] When the system detects that a foreground application running on a device is one of the applications selected by an administrator to restrict access under the rules of the system, the software application of the present invention then starts a timer / clock to measure the duration of user use / access to that software application, according to method 30 in Figure 3.

[0035] In step 32 of Method 30, the software application compares the cumulative time associated with the operation of the selected foreground application, as measured by the system clock, with the limits of the screen time / access time rules set by the administrator. In step 34, if it is determined that the operation time of the foreground application is less than the limit set by the administrator based on the rules, the user can continue to access the foreground application without interruption.

[0036] However, if it is determined that the operating time of the foreground application exceeds the rule limit, the foreground application will be interrupted by the system's software application, and the software application will issue a warning message, which will be displayed on the screen in step 36. Figure 9 shows a screenshot of an example of the warning message displayed to the user.

[0037] In step 36, the user is not only alerted that the screen time / access time allocated to the device has been exhausted, but the message also provides the user with the option to close the foreground application they were using or to request an extension of their access time. If the user decides in step 38 to close the foreground application, the foreground application is closed in step 39, and the system continues to operate as a background service, monitoring the user's usage.

[0038] In this case, the user can continue to use the device, such as making phone calls, but will be prevented from accessing any of the identified software applications. If the user attempts to access any of these software applications selected by the administrator, the application will be prevented from running, and the warning message shown in Figure 9 will be reissued.

[0039] However, if the user decides in step 38 to request an extension of their screen / access time, the system's software application redirects the user to a task page, where the user is asked to perform a task in step 40 in order to qualify for access to additional screen time. The type of task presented to the user in step 40 is typically predetermined by the administrator during the setup procedure. Such tasks typically include requiring the user to perform an educational function and test the user for success in that task.

[0040] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 10-13, the task includes presenting the user with a set of mathematical problems appropriate to the user's age in order to test the user's mathematical problem-solving ability. The mathematical problems may have a time limit for providing answers, the user is given immediate feedback on the success or failure of answering the problem, and the correct answer is provided as needed, as shown in the screenshot in Figure 13. It will be understood that the type of task presented to the user may vary.

[0041] Other applications may include comprehension tests, where the user is provided with text to read and then asked questions based on their understanding of the text. Such tasks may be provided by educational institutions as being age-related to the user, and may be aligned with school curricula or similar institutions to ensure that the tasks are relevant to the user's educational needs. It will be understood that the type of task performed in Step 40 may vary depending on age, gender, demographics, and the individual user's abilities.

[0042] In other applications, tasks may include advertisements, surveys, or questionnaires where users are required to answer questions related to a specific purpose. In a preferred embodiment, the host server may store a variety of different tests based on an educational curriculum so that the task represents school-based competencies considered standard for a child's age. It will also be understood that the host service may store a variety of tests that can be selected by the administrator upon registration with the host server and configured by individual schools or learning systems.

[0043] This allows administrators to select tasks that may enhance users' existing learning experiences, such as quizzes about books users are supposed to study in the classroom, or specific mathematical problems users might encounter. Regardless of the tasks presented to users in Step 40, the goal of that step is to ensure that users perform tasks that have an educational element that contributes to their ongoing wellbeing.

[0044] In step 42, the user is evaluated based on the task set in step 40. If the user fails to complete the task, in step 43, they are notified that the request for additional screen / access time failed. At this point, the interrupted foreground application is closed. An example of such a message is shown in the screenshot in Figure 14.

[0045] Separately, in step 42, if it is determined that the user has successfully completed the task, the message shown in Figure 15 is sent to the user, and the screen time extension is permitted. At this time, the interrupted foreground application is resumed, the user continues to use the foreground application, and the system continues to monitor screen / access time according to step 32.

[0046] This application will be understood to determine in step 42 whether the user succeeded in the task. The score used to determine whether the task was successfully completed can be set by an administrator, other third party, or the user, along with the allowed additional screen time length and the number of extensions per user. The system application may evaluate each task by comparing the result with a set of results stored in the host service.

[0047] The system's software application provides administrators with updates on when new tasks become available, allowing them to review tasks based on user eligibility. If the system determines that a user has failed to complete a task, the user may be given additional opportunities to retry the task or perform a different task in order to obtain an extension of screen time. In some cases, a limited number of attempts may be offered before the user is locked out of the device.

[0048] It will be understood that the system and method of the present invention allows parents and guardians to set rules to control the amount of time a child (or someone) spends on selected apps on a mobile or other computer device (such as an iPad®, Xbox®, PlayStation®, computer, or smart TV). In this system and method, when the permitted screen time expires, the administrator can control the system to require the user to answer or read and answer questions or complete a survey in order to extend the screen time.

[0049] Failure to properly perform such tasks would result in the user being deprived of access to those apps until a predetermined date / time controlled by the administrator / parents. Such a system and method would be understood to ensure that excessive use of the device is limited, even if the device is intended for use solely by the user for the pursuit of leisure, without requiring any demonstration of any ongoing educational and useful activity by the user.

[0050] Such a system would allow parents / guardians to be satisfied with the achievement of at least some educational function beyond mere gameplay or social media use, and access to additional screen time would be seen as a reward for performing such tasks.

[0051] Throughout this specification and the claims, the word “comprise” and its derivatives are intended to have an inclusive, non-exclusive meaning unless the opposite is explicitly stated or the context requires otherwise. That is, unless the opposite is explicitly stated or the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” and its derivatives should be understood to include not only the enumerated components, steps, or features that it directly refers to, but also other components, steps, or features that are not specifically enumerated. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations can be made to the methods of the present invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling user access to an electronic device, An electronic device is controlled by an administrator who identifies one or more software applications on the electronic device that restrict user access, and the permitted period for users to access the identified one or more software applications. Monitoring usage time for users accessing one or more identified software applications. To determine when the usage time of a user accessing one or more identified software applications exceeds the permissible period for accessing one or more identified software applications. The system warns the user if the time spent accessing one or more identified software applications exceeds the permissible time for that user to access one or more identified software applications, and interrupts the user's access to one or more identified software applications on the electronic device. Allow users to request an extension of the permitted period for accessing one or more identified software applications. In response to a request for an extension of the permissible period, the administrator will provide the user with tasks selected for the user in accordance with the user's educational requirements. To evaluate the user's performance in the above tasks, and Upon successful completion of the above tasks, the user will be granted an extended period of time to access one or more identified software applications. A method that encompasses controlling user access to electronic devices.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the permissible period for a user to access an identified application is set for each identified application by an administrator supervising the user.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the permissible period is set in discrete time intervals that are predetermined or set by the user or administrator.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the usage time of a user accessing one or more identified software applications is monitored by a clock that records the cumulative access time of the user to the one or more identified software applications.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the user's recorded cumulative access time is compared with an allowable period for accessing one or more identified software applications.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the extension of the permissible period for a user to access one or more identified software applications is predetermined by the user or an administrator on behalf of the user.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the tasks assigned to the user in response to a request for an extension of the permissible period include quizzes or tests performed by the user.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the user's performance in a task is evaluated by the user's success level in completing the task at a predetermined level of accuracy.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein a predetermined level of accuracy is set by an administrator or user.

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