Always-On Display Usage Visualization for Screen Time Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing device usage mitigation tools are ineffective in reducing screen time as they require user interaction to access usage statistics and limitations, making it unlikely for users to change their behavior when the device is in sleep or locked mode.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for visualizing electronic device access history on an always-on display while the device is in sleep mode, collecting access events, deriving statistics, and displaying them in a visual representation to discourage further usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If device usage mitigation tools require user interaction to access usage statistics, then the tools can provide detailed usage information, but users are unlikely to change their behavior when the device is in sleep or locked mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent displays usage statistics on the lock screen before the user even accesses the device, performing the information delivery action in advance. This preliminary display of usage data occurs automatically when the device is locked, eliminating the need for users to navigate through multiple screens to view their usage patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock screen serves as an intermediary interface between the usage tracking system and the user. Instead of requiring direct interaction with deep menu systems, the lock screen mediates by presenting usage statistics in a visible, accessible format that users encounter immediately upon locking or picking up the device.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the display is turned off in sleep mode to save battery power, then energy consumption is reduced, but usage statistics cannot be displayed to alert users
Solution Approach 1:
Usage statistics are calculated and prepared in advance during device operation, and the lock screen is configured in advance to display this pre-computed information automatically when the device locks, eliminating the need for real-time computation during sleep mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock screen automatically displays usage statistics without requiring user activation or additional power-intensive processing. The system serves itself by utilizing the existing lock screen functionality to present usage data, rather than requiring a separate power-consuming display mode.
3Loss of information
If users are shown usage statistics only after unlocking the device, then comprehensive usage data can be displayed, but users will continue using the device without being alerted to their usage patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the critical action of displaying usage information before the user completes the unlocking sequence. By showing statistics on the lock screen first, the system ensures users are alerted to their usage patterns before they gain full access to applications that could increase usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by displaying usage statistics that counteract the user's intended behavior to use the device. The lock screen presentation of usage data creates a psychological deterrent before the user can launch applications, working against the natural tendency to pick up and use the device.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for optimizing electronic device usage by visualizing access history on a display of the electronic device while the device is in sleep mode are provided. The electronic device usage alert method includes collecting electronic device access history on an electronic device, obtaining electronic device access statistics from the electronic device access history, generating a visual representation of the electronic device access statistics, and displaying the visual representation on an always on display (AOD) of the electronic device. The AOD is active only when the electronic device is asleep. Reducing usage of electronic devices or certain applications have many advantages including mitigating the user addiction of electronic devices or applications.