Portable Device Notification Restriction Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of smart phones can lead to distractions and decreased concentration due to notifications and multitasking, resulting in adverse effects on work and productivity.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for restricting the use of portable devices by implementing a concentration improvement mode that allows users to select applications for restriction, set a restriction time, deactivate selected icons, and block notification messages, as well as a multitasking restriction mode that blocks user inputs and notifications outside of the execution screen area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If notification messages and pop-ups are displayed to provide information to users, then information delivery is improved, but user concentration and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts notification messages and pop-ups from the main display area during concentration improvement mode, separating them from the primary task interface. Notifications are either hidden completely or moved to a separate notification area that does not interrupt the user's focus on the main application, thus delivering information without compromising concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system preliminarily identifies and blocks potential distractions before they can interrupt the user. By detecting the activation of concentration improvement mode, the system proactively prevents notification pop-ups and multitasking interfaces from appearing, eliminating the need for users to repeatedly check and dismiss interruptions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple applications can run simultaneously for multitasking, then operational versatility is improved, but distraction and loss of focus increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device operation into distinct modes: normal mode where multitasking is fully available, and concentration improvement mode where only a single application is active. This segmentation allows the system to provide both versatility when needed and focused operation when concentration is prioritized, switching between states based on user selection.
3Ease of operation
If application icons remain accessible for quick launching, then ease of operation is improved, but unintended application activation and distraction occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the accessibility state of application icons based on the current mode. During concentration improvement mode, icons corresponding to restricted applications are deactivated or hidden in specific areas, while maintaining normal accessibility for allowed applications. This localized control prevents unintended activation of distracting applications while preserving ease of operation for necessary ones.
Data Source
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AI summary
A portable device, comprising: a touch screen; a storage unit configured to store instructions; and at least one controller. The controller is configured to execute the instructions to: receive, via the touch screen, a first user input for selecting a first application from among a plurality of applications installed in the portable device; receive, via the touch screen, a second user input for setting a time period during which a restriction is to be applied to the selected first application; in response to a first notification relating to the first application occurring outside the set time period, output, via the touch screen, a first graphical indication indicating an occurrence of the first notification; and in response to a second notification relating to the first application occurring during the set time period: store the second notification without outputting a second graphical indication indicating an occurrence of the second notification before the set time period is expired; identify whether the set time period is expired; and in response to the set time period being expired, output, via the touch screen, the second graphical indication based on the second notification.