Bedtime Mode Operation for Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices lack an effective mode of operation that minimizes distractions during bedtime, failing to suspend alerts and wireless communications efficiently, which can disrupt sleep.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a BEDTIME mode that suspends alerts, disables wireless communications, and adjusts the display illumination to a low level, featuring a prominent clock display to promote sleep-conducive conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If alerts and wireless communications are suspended during bedtime mode, then sleep quality is improved, but device functionality is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistractions during sleepVSAvoiddevice functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device implements a dynamic operational mode that automatically transitions between normal operation and bedtime mode based on time of day or user input. This allows the device to adapt its functionality - suspending alerts and wireless communications during bedtime hours while maintaining full functionality during daytime, thus resolving the contradiction between reducing sleep distractions and maintaining device versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If display illumination is reduced to promote sleep, then sleep quality is improved, but visibility of display information is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight disruption during sleepVSAvoiddisplay brightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The device applies local quality by selectively controlling display illumination - reducing brightness only in the display area during bedtime mode while maintaining other device functions at normal levels. This targeted approach minimizes light disruption to sleep without completely eliminating display functionality, allowing users to still view time or essential information with minimal light emission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If a prominent clock display is provided in bedtime mode, then ease of operation is improved, but energy consumption is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclock visibilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses periodic action by updating the clock display at intervals rather than continuously refreshing, and by using energy-efficient display technologies. The prominent clock face is maintained with minimal energy consumption through techniques such as updating only when time changes or using low-power LED/LCD displays, thus providing excellent clock visibility while minimizing power drain during bedtime mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2626753B1Electronic device and method providing improved bedtime mode of operation
Publication Date: 2014.11.19 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2626753B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2626753B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2626753B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An improved electronic device and method provide an improved clock feature that includes a BEDTIME mode that is initiated by execution of a BEDTIME mode routine. The BEDTIME mode comprises a number of features that are conducive to sleep by performing operations that minimize distractions to a user, and all such operations are initiated by execution of the BEDTIME mode routine.