Context-Aware Screen Time Control for Battery and Well-Being

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Solution Overview

Problem

Smart devices face negative impacts on user well-being and battery life due to varying usage contexts and limited energy storage, with existing methods failing to optimize operation effectively.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and device that detect user interaction time, operation mode, and situational parameters to infer a state value, comparing it to a target state, and adjust device operation to optimize well-being and battery life by recommending mode changes or restricting screen time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the device operates in energy-intensive modes to provide full functionality, then user well-being and operational capability are improved, but battery life deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on real-time context analysis. The system transitions between different operational states (full functionality, reduced functionality, sleep mode) by evaluating situational parameters such as user activity, location, and time of day, thereby optimizing battery life while maintaining usability when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (screen brightness, processor speed, network connectivity, sensor activation) based on inferred user needs and contextual information. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the device reduces energy consumption during periods when full functionality is not required, thus extending battery life

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If screen time is extended to provide comprehensive user experience, then user engagement and functionality are improved, but negative impact on well-being increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser engagementVSAvoidnegative impact on well-being
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors user interaction patterns, screen time duration, and contextual parameters, then provides feedback through notifications or automatic adjustments. When screen time exceeds beneficial thresholds or context indicates potential harm, the system alerts the user or automatically limits usage, creating a closed-loop control that balances engagement with well-being

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The device proactively analyzes contextual parameters and predicts potential negative impacts before they occur. By inferring user state from situational data (location, time, activity patterns), the system prevents excessive or harmful usage patterns before they negatively affect well-being, rather than merely reacting after damage occurs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the device monitors and analyzes multiple situational parameters to optimize operation, then operational optimization is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational optimizationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses a unified contextual analysis framework that handles multiple parameters (location, time, activity, user state) through a single inference engine. This multi-functional approach allows the same system components to serve multiple optimization goals (battery life, well-being, performance) simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity despite the variety of parameters monitored

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

Data Source

PatentEP4297375B1Method and system for optimizing screen time according to situational context
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 KOA HEALTH DIGITAL SOLUTIONS S L U
  • EP4297375B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4297375B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4297375B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and system for optimizing screen time use for achieving a desired target state, e.g. a defined battery fill level at the end of the day. A method according to the invention comprises: detecting a length of time a user interacts with the device, in particular a screen time, detecting a first operation mode of the device in that the device is operated during the time the user interacts with the device, detecting at least one situational parameter of the user; inferring a state value of the user and / or device based on the monitored time length and the detected operation mode of the device and the at least one situational parameter of the user, comparing the inferred state value of the user and / or device to a target state and evaluating whether the state value matches the target state or falls into a tolerance range surrounding the target state, and if the evaluation result indicates that the state value does not match the target state or does not fall into the tolerance range surrounding the target state, taking at least one action relating to the operation of the device.