Electronic Device Application Launch via User Presence Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The inconvenience and time-consuming process of locating and launching desired applications on electronic devices, especially when multiple applications need to be accessed frequently, leads to a suboptimal user experience.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method on electronic devices to detect user presence through motion, disconnection from a docking station, or other indicators, allowing for automatic launching of applications associated with detected events, such as notification alerts or daily routines, thereby reducing the need for manual navigation and conserving resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple applications are installed on the electronic device, then the functionality and versatility of the device is improved, but the time and effort required to locate and launch the desired application increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication selectionVSAvoidtime to locate and launch application
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting user presence before the user actually needs to launch an application. When user presence is detected (through motion sensors, docking station disconnection, or other indicators), the system proactively launches the associated application in advance, eliminating the need for the user to manually navigate and launch the application when they arrive at the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system serves itself by automatically detecting when an application should be launched based on pre-configured events and user presence indicators. The system monitors for events (such as notification alerts) and automatically launches the associated application without requiring user intervention, thereby saving the user time and effort while maintaining full application functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If applications are launched automatically based on detected events, then the user experience is improved and time is saved, but power consumption and computational resource usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser experienceVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors for user presence indicators (motion detection, docking station status, etc.) and uses this feedback to determine when to launch applications. This feedback mechanism ensures that applications are only launched when the user is actually present and likely to use them, avoiding unnecessary launches that would waste power and computational resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes its operational parameters based on detected conditions. When user presence is detected through specific parameters (motion sensors, docking station disconnection events), the system transitions to an active state and launches the associated application. When user presence is not detected, the system remains in a low-power state, thereby optimizing power consumption while maintaining good user experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the system continuously monitors for user presence and events, then the accuracy of application launch timing is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses universal monitoring mechanisms that can detect multiple types of user presence indicators through a single integrated framework. The same monitoring infrastructure detects various events (motion, docking station disconnection, notification alerts) and triggers appropriate application launches, thereby achieving high timing accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3594805B1System and methods for launching an application on an electronic device
Publication Date: 2021.05.12 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP3594805B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3594805B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3594805B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and system are provided for operating an electronic device to launch an application. The method includes detecting an event associated with the application and, when an indicator of user presence is detected within a predetermined period of time after the event, launching the application. The method may further include loading the application in the background upon detecting the event if the application has not been loaded, wherein launching the application includes bringing the application to the foreground. The method may further include, when an indicator of user presence is not detected within the predetermined period of time after the event, closing the application loaded in the background.