Patent ID: 6466232
Filing Date: 2002-10-15
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method for a computer to present information to a user on one of a plurality of available output devices, the method comprising:(a) monitoring the user to collect information about a current state of the user; (b) modeling a current user condition based on the collected information by, determining a current level of privacy desired by the user, the level of privacy indicating a group of people allowed to perceive information presented by the computer; determining a current scope of audience desired by the user, the scope of audience indicating how many people are intended to perceive information presented by the computer; or determining a current cognitive load of the user, the cognitive load indicating ability of the user to devote attention to the computer; (c) receiving output information to be presented to the user; and (d) presenting the output information in a manner consistent with the modeled current user condition by, selecting one of the plurality of output devices such that information presentation capabilities of the selected output device support the determined current desired level of privacy, the determined current desired scope of audience, and the determined current cognitive load; and presenting the output information to the user on the selected output device, and wherein step (d) is deferred when the output information cannot be presented on any of the available output devices in a manner consistent with the modeled current user condition, so that the presentation of information by the computer satisfies the modeled current user condition.