Patent ID: 7047452
Filing Date: 2006-05-16
Classification: A63F,G06F

Abstract:
1. A method, in a data processing system, of detecting excessive use of the data processing system comprising the steps of: determining an activity value indicative of a total time of use, by a user, of the system defined according to a pre-set criterion during a pre-set measuring period; comparing the activity value with a threshold value, wherein the threshold value identifies a maximum amount of total time of activity of the data processing system permissible during the pre-set measuring period; storing, in response to a user discontinuing use of the data processing system, a current value of the activity value along with a timestamp in a storage device associated with the data processing system; in response to a user continuing use of the data processing system, determining, based on the timestamp, whether a current time is within a pre-set measuring period associated with the timestamp; starting incrementing of the activity value from its current value stored in the storage device, if the current time is within the pre-set measuring period associated with the timestamp; and warning the user of the data processing system when the activity value reaches the threshold value.