System and method for timed profile changes on a mobile device

• US 20040203656A1
• Filed: 11/27/2002
• Published: 10/14/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/27/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Koch, Zeke, Brown, Christopher R., Maguire, Justin M. III, Andrew, Felix G.T.I.
• Granted Patent: US 6,990,333 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/414.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72448 with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72451 according to schedules, e.g. using calendar applications

Abstract

Described is a method and system for providing timed profile changes to a mobile device. The mobile device initiates a timed profile change in response to the user or an event associated with the mobile device. The mobile device monitors the profile period and provides a user with information regarding the length of the profile period remaining, as well as other information. When the period of the selected timed profile expires, the mobile device returns to a previous profile associated with the mobile device.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for providing timed profile changes for a user on a mobile device, wherein the mobile device includes a user interface, the method comprising:

providing a timed profile for use on the mobile device, wherein activation of the timed profile alters the user interface of the mobile device;

associating a period with the timed profile, wherein the period corresponds to a selected interval of time;

selecting to activate the timed profile in response to input provided to the mobile device; and

returning the mobile device to a previous profile when the period of the timed profile is completed.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the input provided to the mobile device is a manual input provided by the user that corresponds to a selection by the user to activate the timed profile.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the user is prompted to change the period associated with the timed profile prior to activating the time profile.

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the user is prompted to extend the period associated with the timed profile at prompt time that corresponds to a selected interval of time prior to end of the period.

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the input provided to the mobile device is a detected input that corresponds to a detection mechanism arranged to detect external stimuli.

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, wherein the timed profile is selected to be activated in response to the detected input with minimal user input.

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the input provided to the mobile device corresponds to an associated scheduled entry provided to a scheduler program associated with the mobile device.

8. The computer-implemented method of claim 7, wherein the timed profile is automatically activated in response to an event.

9. The computer-implemented method of claim 7, wherein the period associated with the timed profile corresponds to the duration of the event.

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein returning the mobile device to a previous profile corresponds to returning the mobile device to a standard profile associated with the mobile device, wherein the standard profile is active for intervals of time that the timed profile is inactive.

11. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein returning the mobile device to a previous profile corresponds to returning the mobile device to another timed profile associated with the mobile device.

12. A method for providing timed profile changes for a user on a mobile device, wherein the mobile device includes a user interface, the method comprising:

selecting a timed profile from a list of timed profiles provided on the mobile device;

entering a profile period associated with the selected timed profile when the selected timed profile is activated;

altering the user interface of the mobile device to correspond to the selected timed profile;

monitoring the profile period to determine a duration of the profile period remaining; and

changing the user interface to correspond to a previous profile when the profile period is complete.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the user selects the timed profile from a list of timed profiles.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the user is prompted to change a duration of the profile period prior to entering the profile period.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the mobile device selects the timed profile from a list of timed profiles to correspond to an event associated with the mobile device.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the user is notified of the imminent entry to the profile period prior to the occurrence of the event.

17. The method of claim 12, further comprising prompting the user to extend the profile period at a prompt time, wherein the prompt time corresponds to a selected interval of time prior to completion the profile period.

18. A mobile device arranged to be operated by a user, comprising:

a processor;

a user interface;

a memory into which a plurality of computer-executable instructions are loaded, the computer-executable instructions performing a method comprising;

selecting a timed profile from a list of timed profiles provided on the mobile device;

entering a profile period associated with the selected timed profile when the selected timed profile is activated;

altering the user interface of the mobile device to correspond to the selected timed profile;

monitoring the profile period to determine a duration of the profile period remaining;

prompting the user to extend the profile period at a prompt time, wherein the prompt time corresponds to a selected interval of time prior to completion the profile period; and

changing the user interface to correspond to a previous profile when the profile period is complete.

19. The mobile device of claim 18, wherein the user selects the timed profile from a list of timed profiles.

20. The mobile device of claim 19, wherein the user is prompted to change a duration of the profile period prior to entering the profile period.

21. The mobile device of claim 18, wherein the mobile device selects the timed profile from a list of timed profiles to correspond to an event associated with the mobile device.

22. The mobile device of claim 21, wherein the user is notified of the imminent entry to the profile period prior to the occurrence of the event.

23. The mobile device of claim 18, wherein changing the user interface to correspond to a previous profile corresponds to returning the mobile device to a standard profile associated with the mobile device, wherein the standard profile is active for intervals of time that the timed profile is inactive.

24. The mobile device of claim 18, wherein changing the user interface to correspond to a previous profile corresponds to returning the mobile device to another timed profile associated with the mobile device.