App Shortcut Time Controls for Targeted Usage Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling application usage on electronic devices are not targeted and require complex user operations, making them inefficient for managing individual applications.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device identifies applications that exceed usage thresholds through running records and types, displaying timeout indicators and providing a shortcut menu with a control to set delay times, enabling intelligent and user-friendly time-limited use management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control is made for a single APP through application management center or setting center, then targeted control of individual applications is achieved, but complex setting operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of timeout applications based on running records and application types before user interaction. The preset mark is pre-displayed on application icons, and the shortcut menu with delay time setting control is prepared in advance, eliminating the need for users to navigate through complex setting centers or application management centers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the time-limited use control function from the complex application management center and setting center systems. By placing the delay time setting control directly in the shortcut menu of the main interface, it separates the essential control function from the cumbersome navigation structure, allowing users to access time control without entering deep menu hierarchies.
2Ease of operation
If conventional service time limiting is applied to entire device, then control is simplified, but targeted control of single APP is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by displaying preset marks only on application icons that have timeout settings, rather than uniformly affecting all applications or requiring global device-wide control. The shortcut menu and delay time setting are localized to specific application contexts, allowing targeted control of individual apps while maintaining simplicity through visual differentiation.
3Loss of information
If timeout applications are identified and marked on main interface, then user can visually distinguish controlled applications, but additional interface elements are added
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual marking (preset marks) on application icons to indicate timeout status. This visual differentiation allows users to quickly identify which applications have time limits without requiring additional complex interface elements or separate display areas, maintaining interface simplicity while improving information visibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling time-limited use of an application is provided. The electronic device displays a first main interface including a first icon of a first application and a second icon of a second application, where a preset mark is displayed at a preset position for the second icon; and the second application is an application that needs to be controlled for use while the first application does not; a shortcut menu of the second application is displayed on the first main interface in response to a first operation on the second icon, and the shortcut menu includes a first control; a second interface is displayed in response to a click operation on the first control; a first delay time set by a user on the second interface is received, and a first prompt message is sent when the first delay time arrives.