Screen time management

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a solution for managing screen time consumed by a user. The solution comprises defining: (i) consumable screen time of a user that determines the allowed screen time for a user at a specific time frame; (ii) list or types of time-reducing contents that consumption of these contents reducing the consumable screen time; (iii) list or types of time-increasing contents that engagement with these contents increasing the consumable screen time for the user and a maximum amount of screen time that engagement in these activities can produce; (iv) list or types of activities which are neutral, namely do not affect the time allotment and are always available, regardless of the time allotment consumption status. When the consumable screen time depletes, the access to time-reducing contents is blocked. When the maximum allowed daily limit is reached, the access to time-increasing content is also blocked. Access to neutral content is never blocked. The monitoring of the screen time activity of the user can be done on several devices that are linked to the user and can also be performed for multiple users using the same device, therefore the user is required to be identified in order to use a certain device.

Description

[0001] SCREEN TIME MANAGEMENT

[0002] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure is in the field of screen time management solutions of usage in electronic devices.

[0004] BACKGROUND ART

[0005] References considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below:

[0006] - US 9715582

[0007] - US 11379339

[0008] - US 2022286467

[0009] - US 9129135

[0010] - US 201102863

[0011] - US 10075764

[0012] Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0013] GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0014] The present disclosure provides a solution for managing screen time consumed by a user. This can be relevant when a parent wants to control the screen time that his / her child consumes. The solution comprises defining: (i) consumable screen time of a user that determines the allowed screen time for a user at a specific time frame; (ii) list or types of time-reducing contents that consumption of these contents reducing the consumable screen time; (iii) list or types of time-increasing contents that engagement with these contents increasing the consumable screen time for the user and a maximum amount of screen time that engagement in these activities can produce; (iv) list or types of activities which are neutral, namely do not affect the time allotment and are always available, regardless of the time allotment consumption status. By monitoring the screen time activity of a user, a real-time calculation of the consumable screen time that is left for the user can be performed. Furthermore, the engagement with time -increasing contents is monitored, such engagement results in an increase of the consumable screen time while consuming time-reducing contents reduce the consumable screen time. When the consumable screen time depletes, namely when there is no consumable screen time left for the user, the access to time-reducing contents is blocked. When the maximum allowed daily limit is reached, the access to time-increasing content is also blocked. Access to neutral content is never blocked.

[0015] The monitoring of the screen time activity of the user can be done on several devices that are linked to the user and can also be performed for multiple users using the same device (or devices), therefore the user is required to be identified in order to use a certain device.

[0016] Therefore, an aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for controlling and managing screen time of a user. The user may consume screen time in a plurality of devices. The method takes that into account and controls the screen time of the user regardless of the device he / she is using. The method comprises: determining a consumable, allowed, screen time for the user in a selected time frame. The time frame can be several hours, a day, a week, a month or any periodical duration that is selected including sets or subsets of these frames (for example, creating a different definition for workdays and weekends). defining time-reducing media contents, wherein screen time consumption of said time-reducing media contents results in a reduction of said consumable screen time; monitoring screen consumption time of the user of said time-reducing media contents and updating the remaining consumable screen time; defining time-increasing contents, wherein engagement with said time-increasing contents, such as responding questions correctly, passing tests, watching certain videos or at least a part of certain videos, listening to audio files, performing sport activity, etc., results in an increase of said consumable screen time up to a defined limit; and monitoring engagement profile of the user with said time-increasing contents and updating the remaining consumable screen time. In addition, a neutral ("white list") content can be defined, which does not affect and is not affected by the status of the time consumption. The white list is intended for use for example for various utilities (such as navigation applications) which must always be available, and are not considered to have a positive intrinsic value. Upon depleting, end or terminating the consumable screen time, the access to said time-reducing media content is blocked. The definition of the time-reducing media contents and the time-increasing contents can be made in one of the following ways: manual selection of specific content providers, e.g. specific applications; manual selection of content type, such as educational, language, geographies, sport, mindfulness, etc. wherein each type of content clusters many content providers under it; automatic definition according to the user's personal details, for example a preset definition for a certain age and a specific residential location of the user; automatic definition according to a user's usage profile that is collected on the user and according to the user's personal details, for example if the user is identified with weakness in a certain skill, the definition of the time-increasing contents is performed to improve this skill; an Al-based definition that is configured to identify usage trends, match content types that are used by other users with similar parameters, etc.

[0017] It is to be noted that any combination of the described embodiments with respect to any aspect of this present disclosure is applicable. In other words, any aspect of the present disclosure can be defined by any combination of the described embodiments.

[0018] In some embodiments of the method, said determining comprises manual selection of said consumable screen time.

[0019] In some embodiments of the method, said determining comprises monitoring screen time behavior profile of the user for a selected time period and setting a value based on said screen time behavior profile. The screen time behavior profile is determined for a user from all the devices he / she uses. Therefore, the screen time behavior profile is an aggregation of all screen time consumed by the user in any device. If an addictive behavior is recognized for a specific content or in general, the method further comprises outputting an alert indicating the addictive behavior with suggestions how to manage it, and optionally constituting / supporting an addiction rehabilitation process. As an example, a screen time program can be employed that gradually limits the available screen time, until it reaches a desired level..

[0020] In some embodiments of the method, following a recognition of addictive behavior, the method further comprises employing an addiction rehabilitation process that comprises gradually limiting the consumable screen time of the user until it reaches a desired level. In some embodiments of the method, said screen time behavior profile comprises consumption distribution of time-reducing media contents and time-increasing contents and the distribution of the specific contents in each type of content. In some embodiments of the method, said determining comprises incrementally changing the consumable screen time between consecutive time frames of said selected time frame to approach towards a goal of consumable screen time. The goal is either set by an administrator or according to a predetermined recommended consumable screen time based on the user's profile.

[0021] In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving calendar data that comprises scheduled time windows in which special automatic screen time allowance settings are applied. For example, in these scheduled time windows, there may be higher or unlimited consumable screen time or that some of the time-reducing media contents consume less consumable screen time. Thus, creating certain types of calendar events, or scheduled time windows automatically results in limiting or increasing the user screen time allotment. For example, a "holiday" or "vacation" event may be set to automatically increase the screen time allotment, while "private tutoring" and "piano lesson" may inhibit the user access during these time slots.

[0022] In some embodiments, the method further comprises defining a neutral content that is always available and does not consume consumable screen time. This can be health monitoring applications, navigation applications, weather applications, etc.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving user's input data indicative of characterizations of the user, such as age, location, spoken languages of the user, gender, association with a community of users, education, required skills to be developed, etc.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method further comprises recommending recommended content. Said recommended content is either comprised in said defined time-increasing contents or has a certain degree of similarity to at least one timeincreasing content from the defined time-increasing contents that is above a certain threshold. This constitutes a "positive content marketplace".

[0025] In some embodiments, the method further comprises classifying the user as associated with a group of users having similar characteristics and outputting a report presenting the consumption profile of the user of said time-increasing contents and said time-reducing media contents with respect to an average profile of other users in the group. In some embodiments of the method, the group of the users is defined according to at least one of: their geographical location, demographic characteristics, age, gender, etc.

[0026] In some embodiments, the method further comprises applying personalized timeincreasing weight factors for each of the time-increasing contents, wherein said personalized time-increasing weight factors define the increase of the consumable screen time upon engagement with said time-increasing contents. For example, engaging with content that the user is weak in may give the user a relatively high increase in the consumable screen time and engaging with content that the user is very experienced in may give the user a relatively low increase in the consumable screen time.

[0027] In some embodiments of the method, said defining time -increasing contents comprises allowing to select time-increasing content providers that provide said timeincreasing contents. Namely, an administrator can make the selection of time-increasing contents and time-reducing contents according to his / her judgement. It is to be noted that the definition of said time-increasing content can be carried out automatically based on a certain benchmark that is suitable to the user's profile based on the received user's input data.

[0028] In some embodiments, the method further comprises identifying the user out of several users in one or more devices identified with the user. Namely, devices that the user uses and consumes screen time in them. Therefore, it does not matter which device the user uses, the management and control of his / her screen time is carried out constantly. This means, that the method supports the following scenarios: a single user using a single device, a single user using multiple devices, multiple users using a single device, or multiple users using multiple devices. The identification can be either biometric identification or by personal password or any other known identification method.

[0029] Note that the term "device" may refer to any (but not limited to) the following devices: mobile device, tablet, computer, smart TV, game console, e-reader (such as "kindle"), any device which can be associated with an online account.

[0030] In some embodiments, the method further comprises recording the screen time behavior profile of the user to allow sharing it with content providers for improving engagement with the user.

[0031] In some embodiments, the method may include sharing of user success in consuming positive content, for example, successfully completing a lesson or a quiz. The sharing may be performed in ad-hoc platforms or general available platforms (such as messaging applications). In some embodiments, the recipient of the user success announcement may be given the option to reward the user with additional screen time either by his / her administrator or by other users. In such cases, supporting mechanism to limit bonus time may be applied (such as limiting the support list to certain contacts, a diminishing return, etc.).

[0032] In some embodiments, the method further comprises reciprocating consumable screen time between users. This means that one user can contribute some of its consumable screen time to another user. In this case, typically, there is a limit of screen time that can be exchanged between users. This option may enhance sharing qualities of the user that contributes his / her screen time.

[0033] In some embodiments, the method further comprises analyzing said screen time behavior profde of the user and output a report of the consumption profde of the user of said time-increasing contents and said time-reducing media contents.

[0034] In some embodiments of the method, said report comprises recommendations for managing subscriptions of media content providers, typically paid subscriptions of 3rdparty.

[0035] In some embodiments, the method further comprises generating a general usage profde of various contents (both "positive" and "negative" content) based on the screen time behavior profde. The general usage profde may include (but is not limited to) issues such as usage time, success rate (where applicable), usage chum rate, observed common user characteristics, etc.

[0036] In some embodiments, the method further comprises setting a total screen time threshold within said selected time frame. Namely, regardless of the time that the user is managed to increase by engaging with said time-increasing contents, there is an upper limit for the screen time the user can consume within the selected time frame. Reaching screen time of said total screen threshold resulting in blocking any screen time activity, including time-reducing media contents and time-increasing contents.

[0037] In some embodiments, the method comprises of limiting the user access to the device without blocking the access altogether. This includes any method which hampers the access to the device, such as: gradually decreasing the lighting of the screen, blocking an increasing area of the display, etc. In some embodiments, the method further comprises setting an upper threshold, or at least an allowed range of time ratio between screen time of time-reducing media contents and screen time of time-increasing contents. This embodiment typically includes screen time activity of the time-increasing contents.

[0038] In some embodiments, the method further comprises verifying if the user is below said upper threshold in selected time points within said selected time frame, wherein if the user above said upper threshold, the method further comprises blocking an access to said time-reducing media contents, until the user consumes sufficient time -increasing content even if the user has consumable screen time left.

[0039] In some embodiments, the method further comprises limiting screen time consumption of a specific time-reducing media content, even if there is still consumable screen time left, from said time-reducing media contents. This applies when one of the goals is to rehab the user from consumption of a certain media content.

[0040] In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving in real-time physiological parameters of the user and analyzing said physiological parameters to determine the physiological state of the user while consuming a screen time of a certain media content, thereby correlating the physiological state of the user with the content he / she consumes). If an anomaly from a predetermined baseline of the physiological state of the user is identified, the method further comprises outputting a notification indicative of the effect of said certain media content on the user. The anomaly can indicate the performance of the user while consuming the content. For example, if the content included physical activity, such as jogging, by monitoring the heart rate and comparing it with the number of steps and speed of the user it can be verified that he / she indeed performed the activity. Another physiological parameter that can be monitored is eye gestures while consuming a content to identify whether the user is focused on the content or not. When the user needs to follows the screen when a content is presented to him / her, it is important to monitor that the user is focused on the content and not looking somewhere else. The output is either transmitted to the user or to an administrator.

[0041] In some embodiments, the method further comprises verifying the actual consumption of "active" content (i.e. content which is defined as positive, and requires the active participation of the user, such as a lesson which includes a test). This may include (but is not limited to): usage of the device (or other devices) sensor motions, usage of the device (or other devices) cameras, usage of any other sensor available on the device or other paired devices (such as heart rate sensor and other physiological sensors). This comprises of an analysis of the user behavior as monitored by the sensors, and correlation with the expected / required behavior. Some examples for that may be verifying the user active participation in a lesson / test in contrast to (for example) randomly pressing the screen by studying response time and success rate; verifying correlation between observed activity (movement) and heart rate (for example, to verify that the user is running and not riding a vehicle).

[0042] In some embodiments, the method further comprises verifying the actual consumption of "passive" content (i.e. content which is defined as positive, but does not require the active participation of the user, such as educational videos). This may include (but is not limited to): usage of the device (or other devices) sensor motions, usage of the device (or other devices) cameras, usage of any other sensor available on the device or other paired devices (such as heart rate sensor and other physiological sensors). This comprises of an analysis of the user behavior as monitored by the sensors, and correlation with the expected / required behavior. One such example, is the usage of the device camerato monitor the user eyes movement, verifying that the user is observing the passive content.

[0043] In some embodiments of the method, said monitoring engagement profile of the user with said time -increasing contents comprises verifying actual consumption of said time -increasing contents by monitoring at least one physiological parameter of the user during the consumption of said time-increasing contents, said at least one physiological parameter comprises at least one of: heart rate, eye gestures, eye gazing direction, eye movement profile.

[0044] In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing access to a dedicated (limited) browser, to allow limited access to web-based content. Using the dedicated browsers, the user will be limited to browsing a specific URL (or a subset of URLs). This shall include the limiting of links access, external content on the webpage, and any other required limitations to ensure that the user is using the browser only within the set parameters.

[0045] In some embodiments, the method may employ filters and providers examination, to determine and distinguish between "positive" and "negative" content providers. This may include for example, distinguishing between "positive" and "negative" YouTube content based on the "channel" on which the content is published. The "positive" content may be either tagged as a time -increasing content or allowed time-reducing content and the "negative" content may be either tagged as an allowed time-reducing content or not allowed content that can never be consumed by the user.

[0046] In some embodiments, the method further comprises retrieving the location of the user, for example, by the GPS of the device the user uses. The method further comprises defining for each of the time-reducing media contents (i) allowed geographical locations, in which access to a respective time-reducing media content is allowed, and (ii) notallowed geographical locations, in which access to a respective time-reducing media content is blocked, or (iii) a combination thereof. For example, this mechanism may be applied to restrict access to games while the user is at school.

[0047] In some embodiments, the method further comprises of fully limiting the access to various phone applications, up to and including any communication applications. The setting of this limitation turns the user's phone into a device allowed for use during educational activities, and in particular during tests. Examples of potential uses include: various calculators, smart dictionary applications, access to specific documents (i.e. allowed test materials) such as a bible application, etc.

[0048] In some embodiments, the method further comprises presenting on various devices used by the user the remaining consumable screen time, the time increased by engaging with time -increasing contents or the combination thereof. This may include (but is not limited to) wearable devices (such as smart watches).

[0049] In some embodiments of the method, said presenting comprises constantly presenting or periodically outputting screen time notification.

[0050] In some embodiments of the method, engagement with said time-increasing contents results in accumulation of user score, that can be manifested by points, virtual coins, or any other realization of score. The user score is usable to purchase tangible products, virtual products, or new content.

[0051] In some embodiments of the method, an "Events" or "Daily Challenge" mechanism may be employed. Participation in these events / challenges will award the user additional rewards. The results of the participation in these events / challenges may be shared between users, and or used to generate (for example) a "Leader Board" which will be posted upon the conclusion of the event / challenge. These events / challenges may be targeted to a specific content, in which case it will be sent only to applicable users.

[0052] In some embodiments, the method further comprises adding the user to one or more managed groups, wherein each managed group has a group manager that is capable to controllably block or allow access to selected time-reducing media contents, selected time -increasing contents, or a combination thereof of selected users or all users in the respective managed group.

[0053] In some embodiments of the method, the group manager is given the capability of controllably blocking or allowing access to selected time-reducing media contents, selected time-increasing contents, or a combination thereof of selected users or all users in the respective managed group only within defined time windows. For example, if the group manager is a teacher, the time windows in which the teacher can control the content of the user are only within the school time. In times outside of these time windows, the group manager cannot control what type of contents the user can or cannot consume.

[0054] In some embodiments of the method, a managed group can be altered between an active group mode, in which the group manager has the capability to controllably or selectively block or allow access to selected time-reducing media contents, selected timeincreasing contents, or a combination thereof of selected users or all users in the respective managed group, and a non-active group mode, in which the group manager does not have any of these capabilities. The decision to switch between the modes can be made based on time (e.g. specific hours during the day), based on the location of the user, or by any manual action made by an administrator. As an example, a teacher may be defined as a group admin during school hours, while the user is within the school premises.

[0055] In some embodiments of the method, said group manager is capable to controllably or selectively block any screen usage of selected users or all users in the respective managed group.

[0056] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system for controlling and managing screen time of a user. The system comprises: at least one processing circuitry configured for (i) determining a consumable, allowed, screen time for the user in a selected time frame. The term processing circuitry should be understood as a processor or a processing unit, either distributed in the cloud or centralized that can support the processing and the operation of the system. The time frame can be several hours, a day, a week, a month or any periodical duration that is desired; (ii) defining time-reducing media contents, wherein screen time consumption of said time-reducing media contents results in a reduction of said consumable screen time; (iii) monitoring screen consumption time of the user of said time-reducing media contents and updating the remaining consumable screen time; (iv) defining time-increasing contents, wherein engagement with said time -increasing contents, such as responding questions correctly, passing tests, watching certain videos or at least a part of certain videos, listening to audio files, performing sport activity, etc., results in an increase of said consumable screen time; (v) monitoring engagement profile of the user with said time -increasing contents and updating the remaining consumable screen time. Upon depletion / termination / ending of consumable screen time, at least one processing circuitry is configured to block the access to said time-reducing media content. The definition of the time-reducing media contents and the time-increasing contents can be made in one of the following ways: manual selection of specific content providers, e.g. specific applications; manual selection of content type, such as educational, language, geographies, sport, mindfulness, wherein each type of content clusters many content providers under it; automatic definition according to the user's personal details, for example a preset definition for a certain age and a specific residential location of the user; automatic definition according to a user's usage profile that is collected on the user and according to the user's personal details, for example if the user is identified with weakness in a certain skill, the definition of the timeincreasing contents is performed to improve this skill; an Al-based definition that is configured to identify usage trends, match content types that are used by other users with similar parameters, etc. It is to be noted, that additional category of "white listed" content exists, denoting applications and content which does not contribute or diminish the allotted screen time. Application and content on the white list is always available, regardless of the remaining available screen time, such as navigation applications.

[0057] In some embodiments of the system, said determining comprises monitoring screen time behavior profile of the user for a selected time period and setting a value based on said screen time behavior profile. The screen time behavior profile is determined for a user from all the devices he / she uses. Therefore, the screen time behavior profile is an aggregation of all screen time consumed by the use in any device. If an addictive behavior is recognized for a specific content or in general, the at least one processing circuitry is further configured for outputting an alert indicating the addictive behavior with suggestions how to manage it, e.g. by a screen time program for the next days or weeks that limits the screen time of the user gradually.

[0058] In some embodiments of the system, said screen time behavior profile comprises consumption distribution of time-reducing media contents and time-increasing contents and the distribution of the specific contents in each type of content.

[0059] In some embodiments of the system, said determining comprises incrementally changing the consumable screen time between consecutive time frames of said selected time frame to approach towards a goal of consumable screen time. The goal is either set by an administrator or according to a predetermined recommended consumable screen time based on the user's profile.

[0060] In some embodiments of the system, the processing circuitry is further configured for defining a neutral content that is always available and does not consume consumable screen time. This can be health monitoring applications, navigation applications, weather applications, etc.

[0061] In some embodiments of the system, the at least one processing circuitry is configured for receiving user's input data indicative of characterizations of the user. Said determining is based on said user's input data, such as age, education, required skills to be developed, etc.

[0062] In some embodiments of the system, the at least one processing circuitry is configured for recommending recommended content, wherein said recommended content is either comprised in said defined time -increasing contents or has a certain degree of similarity to at least one time -increasing content from the defined time-increasing contents that is above a certain threshold.

[0063] In some embodiments of the system, the processing circuitry is further configured for classifying the user as associated with a group of users having similar characteristics and outputting a report presenting the consumption profile of the user of said timeincreasing contents and said time-reducing media contents with respect to an average profile of other users in the group.

[0064] In some embodiments of the system, the group of the users is defined according to at least one of: their geographical location, demographic characteristics, age, gender, etc. In some embodiments of the system, the at least one processing circuitry is configured for applying personalized time-increasing weight factors for each of the timeincreasing contents, wherein said personalized time-increasing weight factors define the increase of the consumable screen time upon engagement with said time-increasing contents. For example, engaging with content that the user is weak in may give the user a relatively high increase in the consumable screen time and engaging with content that the user is very experienced in may give the user a relatively low increase in the consumable screen time.

[0065] In some embodiments of the system, said defining time-increasing contents comprises allowing to select time-increasing content providers that provide said timeincreasing contents. Namely, an administrator can make the selection of time-increasing contents and time-reducing contents according to his / her judgement. It is to be noted that the definition of said time-increasing content can be carried out automatically based on a certain benchmark that is suitable to the user's profile based on the received user's input data.

[0066] In some embodiments of the system, the at least one processing circuitry is configured to receive calendar data that comprises scheduled time windows in which special automatic screen time allowance settings are applied. For example, in these scheduled time windows, there may be higher or unlimited consumable screen time or that some of the time-reducing media contents consume less consumable screen time. Thus, creating certain types of calendar events, or scheduled time windows automatically results in limiting or increasing the user screen time allotment. For example, a "holiday" or "vacation" event may be set to automatically increase the screen time allotment, while "private tutoring" and "piano lesson" may inhibit the user access during these time slots.

[0067] In some embodiments of the system, the at least one processing circuitry is configured for identifying the user out of several users in one or more devices identified with the user, namely, devices that the user uses and consumes screen time in them. Therefore, it does not matter which device the user uses, the management and control of his / her screen time is carried out constantly. This means, that the system supports the following scenarios: a single user using a single device, a single user using multiple devices, multiple users using a single device, or multiple users using multiple devices. The identification can be either biometric identification or by personal password or any other known identification method. In some embodiments of the system, the at least one processing circuitry is configured for recording the screen time behavior profile of the user to allow sharing it with content providers for improving engagement with the user.

[0068] In some embodiments of the system, the processing circuitry is configured for sharing of user success in consuming positive content, for example, successfully completing a lesson or a quiz. The sharing may be performed in ad-hoc platforms or general available platforms (such as messaging applications). In some embodiments, the recipient of the user success announcement may be given the option to reward the user with additional screen time either by his / her administrator or by other users. In such cases, supporting mechanism to limit bonus time may be applied (such as limiting the support list to certain contacts, a diminishing return, etc.).

[0069] In some embodiments of the system, the processing circuitry further comprises allowing reciprocating consumable screen time between users. This means that one user can contribute some of its consumable screen time to another user. In this case, typically, there is a limit of screen time that can be exchanged between users. This option may enhance sharing qualities of the user that contributes his / her screen time.

[0070] In some embodiments of the system, the at least one processing circuitry is configured for analyzing said screen time behavior profile of the user and output a report of the consumption profile of the user of said time-increasing contents and said timereducing media contents.

[0071] In some embodiments of the system, said report comprises recommendation for managing subscriptions of media content providers.

[0072] In some embodiments of the system, the processing circuitry is further configured for generating a general usage profile of various contents (both "positive" and "negative" content) based on the screen time behavior profile. The general usage profile may include (but is not limited to) issues such as usage time, success rate (where applicable), usage chum rate, observed common user characteristics, etc.

[0073] In some embodiments of the system, the at least one processing circuitry is configured for setting a total screen time threshold within said selected time frame Namely, regardless of the time that the user is managed to increase by engaging with said time -increasing contents, there is an upper limit for the screen time the user can consume within the selected time frame. Reaching screen time of said total screen threshold results in blocking any screen time activity, including time-reducing media contents and timeincreasing contents.

[0074] In some embodiments of the system, the at least one processing circuitry is configured for setting an upper threshold, or at least an allowed range of time ratio between screen time of time-reducing media contents and screen time of time-increasing contents. This embodiment typically includes only screen time activity of the timeincreasing contents.

[0075] In some embodiments of the system, the at least one processing circuitry is configured for verifying if the user is below said upper threshold in selected time points within said selected time frame, wherein if the user above said upper threshold, the at least one processing circuitry is further configured for blocking an access to said timereducing media contents, until the user consumes sufficient time -increasing content even if the user has consumable screen time left.

[0076] In some embodiments of the system, the at least one processing circuitry is configured for limiting screen time consumption of a specific time-reducing media content from said time-reducing media contents, even if there is still consumable screen time left. This applies when one of the goals is to rehab the user from consumption of a certain media content.

[0077] In some embodiments of the system, the at least one processing circuitry is configured for receiving in real-time physiological parameters of the user and analyzing said physiological parameters to determine the physiological state of the user while consuming a screen time of a certain media content, thereby correlating the physiological state of the user with the content he / she consumes. If an anomaly from a predetermined baseline of the physiological state of the user is identified, the at least one processor is further configured for outputting a notification indicative of the effect of said certain media content on the user.

[0078] In some embodiments, the system further comprises one or more physiological sensors configured for sensing said physiological parameters. The sensors may be PPG, ECG, blood pressure sensor, respiration rate sensor, etc.

[0079] In some embodiments of the system, the processing circuitry is further configured for verifying the actual consumption of "active" content (i.e. content which is defined as positive, and requires the active participation of the user, such as a lesson which includes a test). This may include (but is not limited to): usage of the device (or other devices) sensor motions, usage of the device (or other devices) cameras, usage of any other sensor available on the device or other paired devices (such as heart rate sensor and other physiological sensors). The verifying of the actual consumption of "active" content comprises of an analysis of the user behavior as monitored by the sensors, and correlation with the expected / required behavior. Some examples for that may be verifying the user active participation in a lesson / test in contrast to (for example) randomly pressing the screen by studying response time and success rate; verifying correlation between observed activity (movement) and heart rate (for example, to verify that the user is running and not riding a vehicle).

[0080] In some embodiments of the system, the processing circuitry is further configured for verifying the actual consumption of "passive" content (i.e. content which is defined as positive, but does not require the active participation of the user, such as educational videos). This may include (but is not limited to): usage of the device (or other devices) sensor motions, usage of the device (or other devices) cameras, usage of any other sensor available on the device or other paired devices (such as heart rate sensor and other physiological sensors). The verifying of the actual consumption of the "passive" content comprises of an analysis of the user behavior as monitored by the sensors, and correlation with the expected / required behavior. One such example, is the usage of the device camerato monitor the user eyes movement, verifying that the user is observing the passive content.

[0081] In some embodiments of the system, the processing circuitry is further configured for providing access to a dedicated (limited) browser, to allow limited access to webbased content. Using the dedicated browsers, the user will be limited to browsing a specific URL (or a subset of URLs). This shall include the limiting of links access, external content on the webpage, and any other required limitations to ensure that the user is using the browser only within the set parameters.

[0082] In some embodiments of the system, the processing circuitry is further configured for employing filters and providers examination, to determine and distinguish between "positive" and "negative" content providers. This may include for example, distinguishing between "positive" and "negative" YouTube content based on the "channel" on which the content is published. The "positive" content may be either tagged as a time-increasing content or allowed time-reducing content and the "negative" content may be either tagged as an allowed time-reducing content or not allowed content that can never be consumed by the user.

[0083] In some embodiments of the system, the at least one processing circuitry is configured for retrieving the location of the user, for example, by the GPS of the device the user uses. The processing circuitry is further configured for defining for each of the time-reducing media contents (i) allowed geographical locations, in which access to a respective time-reducing media content is allowed, and (ii) not-allowed geographical locations, in which access to a respective time-reducing media content is blocked, or (iii) a combination thereof.

[0084] In some embodiments of the system, the at least one processing circuitry is configured for outputting an output presentable on a screen used by the user the remaining consumable screen time, the time increased by engaging with time-increasing contents or the combination thereof.

[0085] In some embodiments of the system, said presenting comprises constantly presenting or periodically outputting screen time notification.

[0086] In some embodiments of the system, engagement with said time-increasing contents results in accumulation of user score. The user score may be in the form of points, virtual coins, or any other realization of score . Said user score is usable to purchase tangible products, virtual products, or new content.

[0087] In some embodiments of the system, the at least one processing circuitry is configured for adding the user to one or more managed groups, wherein each managed group has a group manager that is capable to controllably or selectively block or allow access to selected time-reducing media contents, selected time-increasing contents, or a combination thereof of selected users or all users in the respective managed group.

[0088] In some embodiments of the system, a managed group can be altered between an active group mode, in which the group manager comprises the capability to controllably or selectively block or allow access to selected time-reducing media contents, selected time -increasing contents, or a combination thereof of selected users or all users in the respective managed group, and a non-active group mode, in which the group manager does not have any of these capabilities. The switch between the modes can be made based on time (e.g. specific hours during the day), based on the location of the user, or by any manual action made by an administrator. In some embodiments of the system, said group manager is capable to controllably or selectively block any screen usage of selected users or all users in the respective managed group.

[0089] In some embodiments of the system, said monitoring engagement profile of the user with said time -increasing contents comprises verifying actual consumption of said time -increasing contents by monitoring at least one physiological parameter of the user during the consumption of said time-increasing contents, said at least one physiological parameter comprises at least one of: heart rate, eye gestures, eye gazing direction, eye movement profile.

[0090] In some embodiments, the system further comprises an imaging unit configured to perform said monitoring at least one physiological parameter of the user during the consumption of said time -increasing contents comprises.

[0091] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system for verifying the actual consumption of active content (any content requiring the active participation of the user), by comparing user actions with expected behavior. This includes both intrinsic data (such as user response time, success rate, text analysis, response structure, etc.) as well as data gathered from the device (or paired devices) sensors (such as movement and acceleration sensors, device cameras, physiological information such as heart rate, etc). This includes the system and algorithms for analyzing and comparing the user behavior with the expected behavior, resulting in an assessment of the actual user participation (for example, correlating increased heart rate with movement and acceleration sensors, to verify that the user is running).

[0092] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system for verifying the actual consumption of passive content (any content not requiring the active participation of the user, for example an educational video), by comparing user actions with expected behavior. This includes both intrinsic data (such as user input) as well as data gathered from the device (or paired devices) sensors (such as movement and acceleration sensors, device cameras, physiological information such as heart rate, etc). This includes the system and algorithms for analyzing and comparing the user behavior with the expected behavior, resulting in an assessment of the actual user participation (for example, monitoring the user eye movement to verify that the user is looking at the device and only the device). In some embodiments of the above systems, the system is configured to identify addictive behavior, including the system and algorithm for analyzing user data.

[0093] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0094] In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0095] Figs. 1A-1C are flow diagrams of non-limiting examples of different embodiments of the method according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0096] Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration exemplifying an optional system architecture according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0097] Figs. 3A-3B are self-explanatory schematic illustrations of a non-limiting example of the interface of a platform of a system that performs the method of the present disclosure.

[0098] Figs. 4A-4B are schematic illustrations of an optional interface of the platform that shows all the linked devices and all linked users to a specific user.

[0099] Figs. 5A-5B are schematic illustrations of a non-limiting example of a report on a user.

[0100] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0101] The following figures are provided to exemplify embodiments and realization of the invention of the present disclosure.

[0102] Figs 1A-1C are flow diagrams of non-limiting examples of different embodiments of the method according to an aspect of the present disclosure. Reference is first being made to the method described in Fig. 1A. The method comprises determining a consumable screen time 102 for a user. A user is an individual that may consume screen time in one or more different devices. The method is intended to monitor the screen time that the user consumes, regardless of the device he / she is using. In order to do that, the method may include a personal identification that identifies the user. This can be done by biometric means, e.g. fingerprint, face recognition or by entering the device a personalized credentials identifying the specific user. The determination of the consumable screen time can be made automatically or manually. The automatic determination of the consumable screen time is based on the user's characteristics that are received, such as age, defined goals, period in the year (a vacation, school time), etc., or it can be determined based on pre-monitoring of screen time behavior profile of the user for a selected time period to adjust a rational consumable screen time of the user based on it. The screen time behavior profile comprises all the contents that were consumed by the user in the selected period of time, including the total amount of screen time, the average screen time for a selected period (e.g. a day, a week or a month), the ratio between time-reducing contents and time-increasing contents (this relates either to specifically defined contents for the user or a default definition of classification of time-reducing contents and time -increasing contents), etc. The consumable screen time may be updated periodically to meet a consumable screen time goal or any other goal that is defined according to a selected program for the user. The manual determination is performed by a manual selection of an administrator that controls the parameters of the user. For each user, the method comprises defining time-reducing contents 104 and time -increasing contents 106. Typically, the time-reducing contents are media contents, such as certain viewing apps, social media apps, etc. The time-increasing content may be media content, such as skill improvement apps or physical activity that is monitored by a device. The engagement of the user with time-increasing contents may be by completing lessons, tests, skill improving tasks, performing physical activity, etc. The method further comprises monitoring screen time consumption of the user 108 of the time-reducing contents. The monitoring includes counting the time the user spent viewing the timereducing contents. The method further comprises monitoring engagement profile of the user with time-increasing contents 110. Engagement with time-increasing content results in an increase of the consumable screen time of the user. Therefore, while consuming time-reducing content reduces the consumable screen time of the user, engagement with selected content that is defined as a time-increasing content results in an increase of the consumable screen time, allowing the user to consume more time-reducing content. The method may further comprise setting an upper limit of the consumable screen time in a selected time period (e.g. a day or a week). Namely, regardless of any further engagement of the user with time-increasing content, if the consumption of screen time reached this upper limit, the access to time-reducing contents is blocked.

[0103] When the balance of the consumable screen time ends, namely when the bank of consumable screen time depletes, the method further comprises blocking access to timereducing content 112 so that the user cannot consume any more time-reducing content.

[0104] Reference is now being made to Fig. IB, which exemplify a method that differs from the method described in Fig. 1A by further comprises recommending recommended content to the user 114 and retrieving the location of the user and applying location-based rules on content 116.

[0105] Recommending recommended content to the user 114 comprises providing the user optional access to recommended contents that is either comprised in the defined timeincreasing contents or has a certain degree of similarity to at least one defined timeincreasing content from the defined time-increasing contents that is above a certain threshold of similarity. The different contents may be defined with a certain degree of similarity between them, either based on the specific content that they suggest or based on big data that correlates between two contents based on users' usage profiles.

[0106] Retrieving the location of the user and applying location-based rules on content 116 comprises receiving location data of the user, either based on GPS data or IP data or any other relevant data that indicates the location of the user. Based on the location of the user, certain rules may be applied such as blocking certain contents from being used, regardless of the consumable screen time that is left, allowing certain contents that are only allowed in a specific area, or a combination of both. For example, if the user is identified to be in school, access to social media content may be blocked and allowed only in certain locations, such as at home or some other defined locations.

[0107] The screen time behavior profile of the user may be analyzed to determine the screen time consumption profile of the user of the different contents. The method may further comprise outputting a report that visually presents the screen time consumption profile of the user. Several insights may also be presented in the report, such as the usage profile of subscription-based contents with recommendations of adaptation or management of such subscriptions based on the screen time consumption profile. For example, if the user does not use sufficiently a specific subscription-based content, the report can include a suggestion to cancel the subscription. Reference is now being made to Fig. 1C, which exemplifies a method that differs from that of Fig. 1A by further comprising receiving in real-time physiological parameters of the user and analyzing said physiological parameters 118 and adding the user to one or more managed groups 120. Receiving in real-time physiological parameters of the user and analyzing said physiological parameters 118 comprises identifying a correlation between an abnormal signature of at least one physiological parameter and the consumption of a specific content. For example, if a specific content puts a lot of stress on the user that is manifested in an abnormal change of one physiological parameter, e.g. heart rate, heart rate variability, respiration rate, blood pressure, etc., the method identifies it and output an alert to the user or to an administrator in charge of the user that indicates this correlation. The alert may be accompanied with a recommendation of future consumption of this content, whether to avoid it or gradually reduce its usage.

[0108] When a user is added to one or more managed groups 120, there is a group manager in each group that is capable to controllably or selectively block or allow access to selected time-reducing media contents, selected time-increasing contents, or a combination thereof of selected users or all users in the respective managed group. The group manager can apply location-based rules or day time-based rules on each content or a group of contents. The group can be activated based on time-based rules and locationbased rules. For example, a specific group can be configured to be activated only during school hours or only when the user is identified to be in the school area. While the group is activated, the manager is capable of controlling the access to contents for the user, and when the group is not activated, the manager cannot control the access of the user to any content.

[0109] It should be noted that the method steps defined with respect to Figs. 1A-1C are not limited to the order of their presentation and their order can be altered.

[0110] Reference is now being made to Fig. 2, which is a schematic illustration exemplifying an optional system architecture. The system comprises a cloud-based server, e.g. a processor that can be centralized or distributed in various locations. The central server receives activity of users, regardless of the device they are using. As exemplified in the figure user 3 replaced user 2 in a specific device and the activity of user 2 is now registered by the system. The consumable screen time is constantly updated for each user and being monitored by the server, namely whether the user performs activities that consume the consumable screen time or increase it. The central server communicates with an administrator center that is accessible to administrators that can update goals and permissions to the users under them and can receive statistics of screen time behavior profde of the users under them. The central server further communicates with content providers that provide available content to the users in response to requests of content. The central server may operate based on Al models that automatically generate recommendations and set goals to the users.

[0111] Figs. 3A-3B are self-explanatory schematic illustrations of a non-limiting example of the interface of a platform of a system that performs the method of the present disclosure. This example is provided with an arbitrary app name of UpWize. Figs. 4A-4B are schematic illustrations of an optional interface of the platform that shows all the linked devices and all linked users to a specific user.

[0112] Figs. 5A-5B are schematic illustrations of a non-limiting example of a report on a user. The report may include presentation of a ratio between consumption of timereducing content and time-increasing content, the total screen time consumption of a user in a selected time period and recommendations for the future.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method for controlling and managing screen time of a user, comprising: determining a consumable screen time for the user in a selected time frame; defining time-reducing media contents, wherein screen time consumption of said time-reducing media contents results in a reduction of said consumable screen time; monitoring screen consumption time of the user of said time-reducing media contents and updating the remaining consumable screen time; defining time-increasing contents, wherein engagement with said time-increasing contents results in an increase of said consumable screen time; monitoring engagement profile of the user with said time -increasing contents and updating the remaining consumable screen time; wherein upon ending the consumable screen time, the access to said time-reducing media content is blocked.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said determining comprises manual selection of said consumable screen time.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein said determining comprises monitoring screen time behavior profile of the user for a selected time period and setting a value based on said screen time behavior profile.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein said screen time behavior profile comprises consumption distribution of time-reducing media contents and time -increasing contents.

5. The method of claim 3 or 4, comprising analyzing said screen time behavior profile to identify addictive behavior and outputting an alert indicating the addictive behavior.

6. The method of any one of claims 1-5, comprising defining a neutral content that is always available and does not consume consumable screen time.

7. The method of any one of claims 1-6, wherein said determining comprises incrementally changing the consumable screen time between consecutive time frames of said selected time frame to approach towards a goal of consumable screen time.

8. The method of any one of claims 1-7, comprising receiving user's input data indicative of characterizations of the user.

9. The method of any one of claims 1-8, comprising recommending recommended content, wherein said recommended content is either comprised in said defined time-increasing contents or has a certain degree of similarity to at least one time-increasing content from the defined time-increasing contents that is above a certain threshold.

10. The method of any one of claims 1-9, comprising classifying the user as associated with a group of users having similar characteristics and outputting a report presenting the consumption profile of the user of said time -increasing contents and said time-reducing media contents with respect to an average profile of other users in the group.

11. The method of any one of claims 1-10, comprising applying personalized timeincreasing weight factors for each of the time-increasing contents, wherein said personalized time-increasing weight factors define the increase of the consumable screen time upon engagement with said time-increasing contents.

12. The method of any one of claims 1-11, wherein said defining time-increasing contents comprises allowing to select time-increasing content providers that provide said time-increasing contents.

13. The method of any one of claims 1-12, comprising identifying the user out of several users in one or more devices identified with the user.

14. The method of any one of claims 1-13, comprising recording the screen time behavior profile of the user.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising analyzing said screen time behavior profile of the user and output a report of the consumption profile of the user of said time increasing contents and said time-reducing media contents.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein said report comprises recommendation for managing subscriptions of media content providers.

17. The method of any one of claims 1-16, comprising setting a total screen time threshold within said selected time frame; wherein reaching screen time of said total screen threshold resulting in blocking any screen time activity.

18. The method of any one of claims 1-17, comprising setting an upper threshold of time ratio between screen time of time-reducing media contents and screen time of time increasing contents.

19. The method of claim 18, comprising verifying if the user is below said upper threshold in selected time points within said selected time frame, wherein if the user above said upper threshold, the method further comprises blocking an access to said timereducing media contents.

20. The method of any one of claims 1-19, comprising limiting screen time consumption of a specific time-reducing media content from said time-reducing media contents.

21. The method of any one of claims 1-20, comprising receiving in real-time physiological parameters of the user and analyzing said physiological parameters to determine the physiological state of the user while consuming a screen time of a certain media content; wherein if an anomaly from a predetermined baseline of the physiological state of the user is identified, the method further comprising outputting a notification indicative of the effect of said certain media content on the user.

22. The method of any one of claims 1-21, comprising retrieving the location of the user; wherein the method further comprising defining for each of the time-reducing media contents (i) allowed geographical locations, in which access to a respective time-reducing media content is allowed, and (ii) not-allowed geographical locations, in which access to a respective time-reducing media content is blocked, or (iii) a combination thereof.

23. The method of any one of claims 1-22, comprising presenting on a screen used by the user the remaining consumable screen time, the time increased by engaging with timeincreasing contents or the combination thereof.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein said presenting comprises constantly presenting or periodically outputting screen time notification.

25. The method of any one of claims 1-24, wherein engagement with said timeincreasing contents results in accumulation of user score, wherein said user score is usable to purchase tangible products, virtual products or new content.

26. The method of any one of claims 1-25, comprising adding the user to one or more managed groups, wherein each managed group has a group manager that is capable to controllably or selectively block or allow access to selected time-reducing media contents, selected time-increasing contents, or a combination thereof of selected users or all users in the respective managed group.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein said group manager is capable to controllably or selectively block any screen usage of selected users or all users in the respective managed group.

28. The method of any one of claims 1-27, wherein said monitoring engagement profile of the user with said time-increasing contents comprises verifying actual consumption of said time-increasing contents by monitoring at least one physiologicalparameter of the user during the consumption of said time-increasing contents, said at least one physiological parameter comprises at least one of: heart rate, eye gestures, eye gazing direction, eye movement profde.

29. A system for controlling and managing screen time of a user, comprising: at least one processing circuitry configured for determining a consumable screen time for the user in a selected time frame; defining time-reducing media contents, wherein screen time consumption of said time-reducing media contents results in a reduction of said consumable screen time; monitoring screen consumption time of the user of said time-reducing media contents and updating the remaining consumable screen time; defining time-increasing contents, wherein engagement with said time-increasing contents results in an increase of said consumable screen time; monitoring engagement profile of the user with said time-increasing contents and updating the remaining consumable screen time; wherein upon ending of consumable screen time, the at least one processing circuitry is configured to block the access to said time-reducing media content.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein said determining comprises monitoring screen time behavior profile of the user for a selected time period and setting a value based on said screen time behavior profile.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein said screen time behavior profile comprises consumption distribution of time-reducing media contents and time -increasing contents.

32. The system of claim 30 or 31, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured for analyzing said screen time behavior profile to identify addictive behavior and outputting an alert indicating the addictive behavior.

33. The system of any one of claims 29-32, wherein said determining comprises incrementally changing the consumable screen time between consecutive time frames of said selected time frame to approach towards a goal of consumable screen time.

34. The system of any one of claims 29-33, wherein the at least one processing circuitry is configured for receiving user's input data indicative of characterizations of the user; wherein said determining is based on said user's input data.

35. The system of any one of claims 29-34, wherein the at least one processing circuitry is configured for recommending recommended content, wherein said recommended content is either comprised in said defined time -increasing contents or has a certain degree of similarity to at least one time-increasing content from the defined time increasing contents that is above a certain threshold.

36. The system of any one of claims 29-35, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured for classifying the user as associated with a group of users having similar characteristics and outputting a report presenting the consumption profile of the user of said time-increasing contents and said time-reducing media contents with respect to an average profile of other users in the group.

37. The system of any one of claims 29-36, wherein the at least one processing circuitry is configured for applying personalized time-increasing weight factors for each of the time-increasing contents, wherein said personalized time-increasing weight factors define the increase of the consumable screen time upon engagement with said timeincreasing contents.

38. The system of any one of claims 29-37, wherein said defining time-increasing contents comprises allowing to select time-increasing content providers that provide said time-increasing contents.

39. The system of any one of claims 29-37, wherein the at least one processing circuitry is configured for identifying the user out of several users in one or more devices identified with the user.

40. The system of any one of claims 29-38, wherein the at least one processing circuitry is configured for recording the screen time behavior profile of the user.

41. The system of claim 39, wherein the at least one processing circuitry is configured for analyzing said screen time behavior profile of the user and output a report of the consumption profile of the user of said time -increasing contents and said time-reducing media contents; wherein said report comprises recommendation for managing subscriptions of media content providers.

42. The system of any one of claims 29-41, wherein the at least one processing circuitry is configured for setting a total screen time threshold within said selected time frame; wherein reaching screen time of said total screen threshold results in blocking any screen time activity.

43. The system of any one of claims 29-42, wherein the at least one processing circuitry is configured for setting an upper threshold of time ratio between screen time of time-reducing media contents and screen time of time -increasing contents.

44. The system of claim 43, wherein the at least one processing circuitry is configured for verifying if the user is below said upper threshold in selected time points within said selected time frame, wherein if the user above said upper threshold, the at least one processing circuitry is further configured for blocking an access to said time-reducing media contents.

45. The system of any one of claims 29-44, wherein the at least one processing circuitry is configured for limiting screen time consumption of a specific time-reducing media content from said time-reducing media contents.

46. The system of any one of claims 29-45, wherein the at least one processing circuitry is configured for receiving in real-time physiological parameters of the user and analyzing said physiological parameters to determine the physiological state of the user while consuming a screen time of a certain media content; wherein if an anomaly from a predetermined baseline of the physiological state of the user is identified, the at least one processor is further configured for outputting a notification indicative of the effect of said certain media content on the user; wherein the system further comprises one or more physiological sensors configured for sensing said physiological parameters.

47. The system of any one of claims 29-46, wherein the at least one processing circuitry is configured for retrieving the location of the user; wherein the processing circuitry is further configured for defining for each of the time-reducing media contents (i) allowed geographical locations, in which access to a respective time-reducing media content is allowed, and (ii) not-allowed geographical locations, in which access to a respective time-reducing media content is blocked, or (iii) a combination thereof.

48. The system of any one of claims 29-47, wherein the at least one processing circuitry is configured for outputting an output presentable on a screen used by the user the remaining consumable screen time, the time increased by engaging with timeincreasing contents or the combination thereof.

49. The system of any one of claims 29-48, wherein engagement with said timeincreasing contents results in accumulation of user score, wherein said user score is usable to purchase tangible products, virtual products or new content.

50. The system of any one of claims 29-49, wherein the at least one processing circuitry is configured for adding the user to one or more managed groups, wherein each managed group has a group manager that is capable to controllably or selectively block or allow access to selected time-reducing media contents, selected time -increasing contents, or a combination thereof of selected users or all users in the respective managed group; wherein said group manager is capable to controllably or selectively block any screen usage of selected users or all users in the respective managed group.

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