Device operation in a reduced operational mode

A computing device may operate in various modes, which may include a full operational mode and a reduced operational mode. When operating in the reduced operational mode, the computing device may reduce power, reduce radiation output, and/or power off various components to achieve operation in accordance with an operational policy. While operating in the reduced operational mode, the computing device may restrict user access to or adjustment of the impacted components thereby preventing the user from restoring the computing device to the full operational mode, at least temporarily. In some aspects, the device may initiate or terminate the reduced operational mode in response to a signal from a beacon, parameters from a monitored environment, or in response to user commands. In various aspects, the device may provide messaging to inform the user about the modes of operation.

BACKGROUND

Computing devices have become ubiquitous in almost every environment. Mobile telephones, laptop computers, and tablet computers are commonly used for work and pleasure and often accompany people in many daily activities. People often travel with computers and mobile phones, bring these devices to school, and use these devices in public places. Interacting with these devices has become part of daily routines and accepted social norms.

However, in some situations, the use of computing devices may be restricted or otherwise not permitted for various reasons. For example, the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) guidelines restrict use of computing devices by passengers during takeoff and landing of commercial aircraft. In some academic environments, use of communicating devices may be restricted at times, such as during an examination.

Other environments may limit use of some functionality of a computing device. For example, a museum may allow use of a mobile phone for text messaging and email, but may restrict use of the device for voice calls and photography.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

This disclosure is directed to controlling operation of a computing device to selectively initiate a reduced operational mode that conforms to a predetermined operational policy or standard of operation. As described herein, the computing device may operate in various modes, which may include a full operational mode and at least one reduced operational mode. When operating in a reduced operational mode, the computing device may disable, reduce power, reduce radiation output, or power off various components to achieve operation of the computing device in accordance with the operational policy. For example, the computing device may reduce power or power off processors, reduce power to a display, disable or power off radios (e.g., Wi-Fi, 3G, GPS, etc.), disable a camera, and so forth. While in the reduced operational mode, the computing device may restrict user access to or adjustment of the impacted components thereby preventing the user from restoring the computing device to the full operational mode, at least temporarily. When a computing device is configured to operate in the reduced operational mode, the computing device may be permitted to operate in accordance with an operational policy while other computing devices that do not have the reduced functionality mode may be restricted from use due to the operational policy.

The computing device may initiate the reduced operational mode in response to a signal from a beacon, parameters from a monitored environment, or in response to user commands. The computing device may return to the full operational mode after receipt of another signal, a change in the parameters, additional user input, a lapse of time, or other possible actions.

In some instances, the computing device may provide messaging about the operation in the reduced operational mode, such as which components are affected by the reduced operational mode. A compliance indicator may be activated during the reduced operational mode to communicate compliance with the operational policy.

Illustrative Environment

FIG. 1shows illustrative computing devices100(or simply “devices”) that may operate in various modes of operation, including a full operational mode and one or more reduced operational modes. In the illustrated implementation, the devices100are represented by various computing devices that each includes a power source and an output mechanism, such as a display. A non-exhaustive list of the devices100may include a notebook computer, a music player, a mobile telephone (including smartphones), a tablet computer, an electronic book (eBook) reader device, and a monitor (with or without a television tuner), and so forth. However, many other types of devices may be configured to operate in various modes, which may include a reduced operational mode as discussed herein.

As illustrated, the devices100include various components102. In some embodiments, the components102include memory104and one or more central processing unit(s) (CPU)106. The CPU(s)106interact with the memory104to execute instructions and facilitate operation of the device100. The memory104, meanwhile, may be used to store data108, such as data files, audio and/or video media, electronic books (eBooks), or the like. In some embodiments, the data108may include an index file110to enable selection of components involved in the reduced operational mode as discussed inFIGS. 8 and 9. The memory104may also include software programs or other executable modules112that may be executed by the CPU(s)106. Examples of such programs or modules include indexing modules for indexing data, reader programs, control modules (e.g., power management), network connection software, an operating system, sensor algorithms, and so forth. The memory104may include volatile memory (such as RAM), nonvolatile memory, removable memory, and/or non-removable memory, implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Also, the CPU(s)106may include onboard memory in addition to or instead of the memory104. Some examples of storage media that may be included in the memory104and/or CPU(s)106include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, compact disk (CD-ROM), digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the devices100. Any such computer-readable media may be part of the devices100.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, the memory104may include an operational mode application114that may be used to select, either via a remote command or a local command, operational modes that include at least a full operational mode and a reduced operational mode. The operational mode application114may selectively activate, deactivate, increase/reduce power, increase/reduce radiation output, or otherwise control various ones of the components102to implement the operational modes, such as the reduced operational mode. For example, in some instances, the operational mode application114may reduce power or turn off a portion of the CPU(s)106, such as one or more cores of a multi-core CPU.

The memory104may also store component drivers116that include instructions that, when executed by the CPU(s), are used to control the various components102. For example, the component drivers116are programs that can be used to control the operation, power consumption, and various operational states of each of the components102. Typically, each component has its own corresponding component driver.

The components may also include graphics processor unit(s) (GPU)118, radio(s)120, display(s)122, input/output devices124, and/or camera(s)126. The GPU(s)118may be used to perform graphical processing operations or other general purpose operations, such as load balancing with the CPU(s)106. The radio(s)120may include any type of wireless communication device that includes a receiver, transmitter, and/or a transceiver. For example, the radio(s) may include one or more of a Wi-Fi radio, a mobile communications radio (3G, 4G, etc.), a Bluetooth® radio, a global positioning system (GPS) radio, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader or other types of radios. The display(s)122may include liquid crystal displays, electronic ink displays, or other types of displays capable of displaying text, images, and/or video. The input/output device(s)124may include, without limitation, audio, speakers, a microphone, storage drives such as CD/DVD/Blue Ray®, flash memory, compact storage, a wired network adapter, and so forth. The camera126may include one or more still image or video cameras. In addition, the devices100may include a power source128to provide power to operation the various components102.

Various processes, instructions, methods and techniques described herein may be considered in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. for performing particular tasks or implementing particular abstract data types. These program modules can be implemented as software modules that execute on the CPU(s)106, as hardware, and/or as firmware. Typically, the functionality of the program modules may be combined or distributed as desired in various embodiments. An implementation of these modules and techniques may be stored on or transmitted across some form of computer-readable media.

FIG. 2illustrates a radiation chart200that shows representative levels of radiation202emitted from one of the computing devices100(device100) during operation in various operational modes, including a reduced operational mode. The radiation may be measured by a radiation measurement device, which may be exposed to the device100. The radiation may be electro-magnetic (E-M) radiation or other types of radiation. In some embodiments, the radiation measurement device may be used in conjunction with the device100to determine compliance with an operational mode for a particular environment or zone.

The radiation chart200includes a plot of radiation (R)204over time (t)206. Various operational states (or modes) are shown in the chart200by the illustrative levels of radiation202for an example operation of the device100between times t1and tn. The radiation202may be intentional or incidental radiation that is emitted from operation of the various components102of the device100.

At time t1, the device100may be in a low power mode or powered off. In this state, the device100may generate a level of radiation of approximately R0, which is represented by an illustrative low power segment208on the chart200. The radiation level of R0may be greater than zero radiation because some of the components102may still require power consumption and/or otherwise emit small levels of radiation from the device100even when components are powered off.

At time t2, the device100may resume a full operational mode that may include a level of radiation of approximately RF, which is represented by an illustrative full power segment210on the chart200. The radiation level of RFmay vary based on use of various ones of the components102during operation between times t2and t3. For example, during the operation, the device100may vary the power of the CPU(s)106and GPU(s)118, activate or deactivate input/output devices, adjust display settings, perform transmission or receipt of data via the radio(s), or perform other functions using the various components102, thereby producing different levels of radiation.

In accordance with various embodiments, the level of radiation RFmay be greater than a threshold level of radiation212denoted by RT. The threshold level of radiation RT212may be a predetermined amount of radiation that is acceptable for a particular operational environment based on an operational policy. For example, a level of RTmay be a threshold level of radiation allowed during takeoff and landing of commercial aircraft, during operation in a hospital environment, in a laboratory, or in other environments that may desire to limit an amount of radiation emitted by the device100.

At time t3, the device100may initiate a reduced operational mode that may include a level of radiation of approximately RR, which is represented by an illustrative reduced power segment214on the chart200. The reduced operational mode may be initiated by the operational mode application114, which may receive a signal (e.g., from a beacon, etc.) or command (e.g., from a user, administrator, the device100, etc.) to initiate the reduced operational mode. The operational mode application114may reduce power to and/or deactivate one or more of the components102to achieve the reduced power radiation RR. For example, the operational mode application114may power off one or more of the radio(s)120, the GPU(s)118, cores of the CPU(s)106, or other components to reduce the radiation from RFto RR. As shown in the chart200, the reduced level of radiation RRis less that the threshold level of radiation RT, which may allow operation of the device100in an environment which imposes restrictions on radiation output of computing devices.

At time t4, the device100may resume a full operational mode that may include a level of radiation of approximately RF, which is represented by an illustrative full power segment216on the chart200. For example, the operational mode application114may resume the full operational mode following a second signal from a beacon, a predetermined duration of time, a user input (e.g., access code, etc.) or by other means. The operational mode application114may restore full power to and/or reactivate one or more of the components102to achieve the full operational mode that includes a corresponding full power level of radiation RF. For example, the operational mode application114may power on one of the radios120, the GPU(s)118, or other devices that were powered off during the reduced operational mode represented by the segment214in the chart200.

FIG. 3shows an illustrative environment300where a beacon302communicates with various computing devices to controllably initiate a reduced operational mode for the devices within a predetermined zone304. As shown in the environment300, the beacon302may transmit a signal that may be received by devices306that are within the predetermined zone304. The predetermined zone may be controlled by the power of the signal from the beacon, by insulating walls, or by other features that prevent over extending transmission of the signals past the predetermined zone304.

In some embodiments, the beacon302may be a dedicated controller that may transmit a first signal to initiate the reduced operational mode via the operational mode application114. Later, the beacon302may send a second signal that may discontinue the reduced operational mode via the operational mode application114, and thereby may allow the device to resume the full operational mode. In various embodiments, the beacon302may transmit a continual signal, which when received by the operational mode application114, may act to set operation in the reduced operational mode. When the signal is no longer transmitted, then the operational mode application114may resume the full operational mode. In some embodiments, the beacon302may not be a dedicated device, but rather may be a transmitter used in a particular environment. For example, the beacon302may be a transmitter in a commercial aircraft that is used to transmit a location of the aircraft for collision avoidance while an aircraft is near or at an airport or another type of transmitter used in a particular environment. In various embodiments, the beacon may transmit signals in specific frequencies which are detectable by the device100. For example, the aircraft communications may be transmitted over a specific frequency, which may be detectable by the device100when tuned to the proper frequency. The device100may be updated, via software enhancements, etc., to identify specific frequencies or other variations of the beacons.

As further illustrated in the environment300, some devices308may be located outside of the predetermined zone304, and thus not subject to receipt of the signal from the beacon. The devices308may continue to operate in a full operational mode under operation by the operational mode application114even when the devices306are forced to operate in the reduced operational mode by the operational mode application114. For example, the devices308may be located within an airport terminal while the devices306are located within an aircraft that is at a gate on the tarmac of an airport.

Illustrative Operation

FIG. 4shows an illustrative process400to change modes of operation of the computing devices100. The process400is illustrated as a collection of blocks in a logical flow graph, which represent a sequence of operations that can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The collection of blocks is organized under respective entities that may perform the various operations described in the blocks. In the context of software, the blocks represent computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, perform the recited operations. Generally, computer-executable instructions include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types. The order in which the operations are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described blocks can be combined in any order and/or in parallel to implement the process. Other processes described throughout this disclosure, in addition to process400, shall be interpreted accordingly.

The process400includes operations that may be performed by one or more of the devices100. The process400is described below as being implemented by the operational mode application114. However, the process400may also be implemented by other modules, applications, or combinations that are run by the devices100. Further, the process400describes various operations that may be represented by the segments210,214and216that are described with reference toFIG. 2.

At402, the operational mode application114may receive a first signal. The first signal may be a signal that is received by the device100, such as a radio signal received by one of the radio(s)120. In various embodiments, the beacon302of the environment300may transmit a signal that is received by one of the radios120and then communicated to the operational mode application114. For example, the beacon may be on an aircraft, in a concert hall or classroom, or in another location that may have an operational policy for computing devices. In some embodiments, the first signal may be a user input of a command, and thus originate at the device100rather than from an external radio transmitter. For example, a flight attendant may ask passengers to activate this feature on their devices. In various embodiments, the first signal may be sensed information from the device100, which may be collected via one of the components102. In some instances, the sensed information may be a location that is discoverable via a GPS receiver, triangulation using a mobile communications radio, an RFID reader, or another one of the components102. For example, the device100may sense the signal in a classroom, a museum, etc., and then disable one or more of the components102.

At404, the operational mode application114may switch operation of the device100from the full operational mode to the reduced operational mode based at least in part on the receipt of the first signal. For example, as shown at time t3inFIG. 2, the operational mode application114may reduce power to one or more of the component102via the component drivers116so that these components begin operation in a low power mode or are turned off, thereby reducing an overall emission of radiation from the device100and/or restricting use of these components. In some embodiments, the operational mode application114may reduce radiation output of the components or otherwise alter operation of the components. For example, a camera may be capable of recording still imagery and video. In some instances, an altered operation of the camera may disable use of video recording while allowing use of still imagery recording by the camera.

At406, the operational mode application114may receive a second signal. The second signal may be received by the device100using a same or different component as used to receive the first signal in the operation402. In some embodiments, the second signal may be received from a same source as the first signal (e.g., the beacon302) or may be a user input of another command, and thus originate at the device100. In various embodiments, the second signal may be an absence or termination of the first signal when the first signal is a continuing signal. In some embodiments, the second signal may be sensed information from the device100, which may be collected via one of the components102. For example, the second signal may be a new location that is discoverable via the GPS receiver or another one of the components102.

At408, the operational mode application114may resume the full operational mode based at least in part on receipt of the second signal. The operational mode application114may restore power to the components102that experienced a reduction of power at the operation404.

FIG. 5shows an illustrative process500to initiate a reduced operational mode in response to receipt of a wireless signal from a beacon. For example, the process500may operate in the environment300shown inFIG. 3. The process500is described below as being implemented by the operational mode application114that is run by the device100and describes various operations that may be represented by the segments210,214and216that are described with reference toFIG. 2.

At502, the device may receive a wireless signal from a beacon, such as the beacon302. The wireless signal may be received via one of the radio(s)120, such as a Wi-Fi radio, a mobile communications radio (3G, 4G, etc.), a Bluetooth® radio, or another type of radio.

At504, the operational mode application114may switch to the reduced operational mode from another mode of operation of the device100in response to the received wireless signal.

At506, the operational mode application114may provide messaging to indicate use or implementation of the reduced operational mode. For example, the message may be include text, audio, and/or an image that indicates to the user of the device100that the device is now operating in the reduced operational mode, which is shown in an illustrative user interface inFIG. 11. In addition, the message may indicate what components, if any, are operating at reduced power or have been turned off.

At508, the operational mode application114may activate a compliance indicator. The compliance indicator may provide a continuous indication while the device100operations in the reduced operational mode. For example, the compliance indicator may be a light or graphic that is activated when the device is operating in the reduced operational mode, which may provide an indication to the user and other people, such as flight attendants, proctors, or other interested people.

At510, the operational mode application114may receive a second wireless signal from a beacon, which may be the beacon302or a different beacon.

At512, the operational mode application114may restore operation of the device in the full operational mode based at least in part on the receipt of the second signal.

At514, the operational mode application114may provide messaging to indicate operation in the full operational mode. In some embodiments, the messaging may be similar to the messaging from the operation506. In various embodiments, the messaging may be intended to notify others of the restoring of operation of the device to the full operational mode. For example, when the restoring to the full operation is possible via a user command, other people may desire to know when the device operation is restored to the full operational mode. Thus, the device100may temporarily emit a loud sound, flash a light, or provide another message that may be received by others when the device returns to the full operational mode, thereby notifying others of the change in the operational state. This feature may enable others, such as flight attendants, proctors, or other interested people to quickly determine compliance with applicable operational polices that relate to the various modes of operation of the device controlled by the operational mode application114.

At516, the operational mode application114may deactivate the compliance indicator to communicate that the device has returned to operation in the full operational mode.

FIG. 6shows an illustrative process600to monitor an environment for an indicator and selectively initiate a reduced operational mode based on a presence or absence of the indicator. The process600describes control of the operation of the device100by the operational mode application114using a loop process that places the device in the reduced operational mode when an indicator is present, such as a continuous signal, data that falls within predetermined thresholds, or other types of information that may be monitored. The signal may be present in a restricted-use zone and not present when outside of the restricted-use zone.

At602, the operational mode application114may monitor an environment for occurrence of an indicator that, when located or present, initiates or maintains operation of the device100in the reduced operational mode. The indicator may be presence of a signal, such as a radio signal from a transmitter or transceiver. In some instances, the signal may be a constant or substantially constant signal. For example, periodic radio communications from an aircraft radio may act as the indicator. In some embodiments, a location of the device, as determined by one or more of the components102(e.g., GPS receiver, etc.) may identify the indicator, such as a location of the device at an airport or another restricted-use zone or location. In various embodiments, a presence (or absence) of a particular level of radiation may act as an indicator when detected by the device100. For example, radiation that is emitted in a hospital, laboratory, etc. may act as the indicator and may be used to disable or reduce a radiation output of the device while the indicator is present.

At604, the operational mode application114determines whether the indicator is present. When the indicator is present at604(i.e., the “yes” branch), the operational mode application114may instruct the device100to operate in a reduced operational mode at606. In accordance with various embodiments, the operational mode application114may initiate operation of the device100in the reduced operational mode after observance of the indicator at602via the decision operation604. At608, the operational mode application114may present a message and/or compliance indicator, such as those discussed above in the operations506and508of the process500.

When the indicator is not present at604(i.e., the “no” branch), the operational mode application114may allow the device100to operate in a full operational mode at610. For example, after the indicator is not sensed at602for a predetermined amount of time, which may account for any allowable omission of the indicator (e.g., radio transmissions in aircraft, etc.), then the operational mode application114may restore the full operational mode. At612, the operational mode application114may deactivate the compliance indicator and/or provide messaging to indicate the restoring of the full operational mode.

FIG. 7shows an illustrative process700to select components and then turn power off or reduce power to the selected components to initiate the reduced operational mode. The process700provides illustrative techniques to enable the operational mode application114to transition from the full operational mode to the reduced operations mode or vice versa.

At702, the operational mode application114may initiate transition to the reduced operational mode, which may be achieved by powering off and/or reducing power of one or more of the components102of the device100.

At704, a decision operation may select one or more possible operations706to reduce power or power off one or more of the components102. Following a route “A”, at706(1), the operational mode application114may power off one or more of the radio(s)706. Following a route “B”, at706(2), the operational mode application114may power off or limit power to the GPU(s)118and/or CPU(s)106. Following a route “C”, at706(N), the operational mode application114may limit an intensity of the display122by reducing power to the display. The operations706(1)-(N) are not exhaustive, and other operations may be selected by the operational mode application114to transition the device100from the full operational mode to the reduced operational mode as described in the preceding description. For example, the operational mode application114may also disable, reduce power, or power off other ones of the various components102such as the camera(s)126or input/output device(s)124.

At712, following selection and implementation of one or more of the operations at706, the operational mode application114may initiate the reduced operational mode. In order to return to the full operational mode, the operational mode application114may restore power to the components selected via the decision operation704.

FIG. 8shows an illustrative process800to enable user selection of components that experience reduced power during the reduced operational mode. The process800may use the index file110that may be included in the data108as discussed with reference to the environment100. The index file110may associate a radiation output with an operational state of at least a portion of the components102. When the operational mode application114is used to power down various components to achieve an operation of the device that emits less than a threshold amount of radiation (e.g., less than RTas shown inFIG. 2), then the index file110may be used to assist in user selection of the components via the process800until the expected radiation output falls below the threshold based on data in the index file. An example of the index file110is provided in Table 1. The values of the expected radiation output may be generated by testing operation of the device while measuring the radiation output.

At802, the operational mode application114may determine a threshold operational state802that is to be achieved for operation of the device in a restricted area, such as in an aircraft or laboratory. The threshold value may be stored in the operational mode application114or provided by another source, such as the beacon discussed in the process500.

At804, the operational mode application114may retrieve the index file110. The index file110may be associated with the device or a model of the device such that the values in the index file represent empirical data for the device or a similar device.

At806, the operational mode application114may present options of components to the user that, when selected and powered down (e.g., off or reduced power), may achieve a reduction in the radiation output corresponding to the values in the index file110. Some components may include various options, such as to completely power off, to power at 50%, to power at another level (when applicable), to reduce radiation output below a threshold, etc. By reducing the radiation output of one or more components, the device may achieve operation at or below a threshold value of radiation output. In some embodiments, some components may not be selectable by the user, such as components that are mandatory to reduce radiation output, have to be disabled due to an operational policy, etc.

At808, the operational mode application114may receive user selection of one or more components that are presented at the operation806. For example, a user may select to reduce the power of a monitor by 50% and turn off a 3G radio transmitter, each having associated expected radiation output values.

At810, the operational mode application114may determine whether user selections that are received at the operation808enable the device to achieve operation below the threshold emission value. When the threshold is not reached, (following the “no” route) the user may be prompted to select additional or different components at the operation806. When the threshold is reached, (following the “yes” route) the operational mode application114may switch the operational state of the device to the reduced operational state based at least in part on the received selections from the operation808.

FIG. 9shows an illustrative user interface (UI)900that lists components that are selectable by a user to set operation of the device in the reduced operational mode. The device100, as shown inFIG. 9, includes a display902that may be used to generate a selection page904. The selection page904may include a message906to instruct a user to select one or more components in a list of components908, which when selected using corresponding selectors910, results in a deactivation, reduced power, or powered off state of the selected component. After selection of the component(s), the selected component(s) may experience a reduced power state (e.g., disabled, reduced power, no power, reduced radiation output, etc.) to achieve the reduced operational mode. The selection page904may include a command912to activate or apply the selections to achieve a threshold914, which may be communicated to the user. When the user does not select enough components or the selected components do not achieve the threshold914, the user may be prompted to select additional components or different components via another instance of the message906. After another user selection and re-execution of the command912, the selected component may again be compared to the threshold in accordance with the process800described above until the threshold is achieved by the selection. Some components916may be automatically selected by the operational mode application114and thus not eligible for user selection (e.g., no selection box in UI, grayed out, etc.).

FIG. 10shows an illustrative process1000to classify a signal and select components for a reduced operational mode based on the classification of the signal. By classifying signals, the operational mode application114may determine which of the components102are to experience a reduction of power, radiation output, or other alteration of operation.

At1002, the operational mode application114may receive a signal, which may be a wireless signal, a measured level of radiation, or other types of signals.

At1004, the operational mode application114may classify the signal based on characteristics of the signal, such as an amount of radiation, frequency of signal, etc. The classification may be used to map to an index file that stores information for each classification (e.g., the index file110, etc.). For example, each classification may be mapped to a threshold radiation level, a restriction of particular components (e.g., disable transmitters, etc.), and so forth, and thus influence operation of the components in the reduced operational mode. The signals may be classified using number, letters, or other classification techniques.

At1006, the operational mode application114may select components to disable, reduce power to, reduce radiation output, or otherwise alter the operation of in accordance with the classification of the signal. For example, the index file may provide a value for the threshold radiation level or a list of components that are to be disabled based on the classification.

At1008, the operational mode application114may initiate the reduced operational mode by altering operation (e.g., reducing power, reducing radiation output, restricting features, etc.) of the selected components from the operation1006.

In an example, various signals having different classifications may be emitted during a flight. A first signal may include a classification that, when mapped to the index file, restricts use of components to comply with a takeoff protocol, a second signal may include a classification that, when mapped, permits use of some components and restricts use of others to comply with an in-flight protocol, and so forth. Thus, classification of signals may be used to cycle the operational mode of the device100through various modes corresponding to a particular classification of a signal used to initiate the operational mode.

Example Implementations

The following examples are provided to further illustrate operation of the operational mode application114in accordance with the various processes400,500,600, and700described above.

In a first example, the operational mode application114may operate in an aircraft mode to enable use of the device100during otherwise restricted times, such as during takeoff and landing procedures. In this particular example, the device100is implemented as an electronic book (eBook) reader device although other devices could also be used in this example.

Returning to the process500, the wireless signal may be received from a beacon under control of the aircraft, which when received by the device at502, may cause the operational mode application114to switch to the reduced operational mode at504. In this example, a beacon may be activated at the beginning of takeoff procedures, such as after the main cabin door is closed. The eBook reader device may turn off a mobile communications radio, such as a 3G radio, under control of the operational mode application114. After the eBook reader device enters the reduced operational mode, radiation emitted from the device may be less than a predetermined threshold amount that is established by the FAA, which may enable use of the device in accordance with FFA rules.

To ensure that the device is complying with aircraft protocol, flight attendants may randomly verify that the devices100are actually operating in the reduced operational mode (e.g., with the mobile telecommunications radio off). The compliance indicator, which is activated at508may provide this indication to the flight attendants that the device is in the reduced operational mode. In addition, the user may receive a message at506that informs her that the mobile communications radio has been disabled during the flight or a portion of the flight.

In some embodiments, the flight attendants may use a detection device (e.g., the radiation measurement device, etc.), as described with reference toFIG. 2, to determine whether devices are compliant with aircraft protocol (or other policies or rules), such as by using the detection device to identify devices that are not operating in the desired operational mode (e.g., still have powered transmitters, etc.). In various embodiments, the detection device may be integrated in an accessory, such as a cover for the device100, and indicate the mode of the operation of the device via a compliance indicator and/or message (light, color, sound, etc.).

When the aircraft arrives at a destination or during another point in time, the flight crew may use the beacon to transmit a second signal, which may restore operation of the eBook to the full operational mode at512.

In some instances, the reduced operational mode may include turning off all wireless communications. In this scenario, the operational mode application114may receive an indicator other than a wireless signal to enable restoring the operation of the device to the full operational mode. The operational mode application114may restore the operation to the full operational mode after a predetermined delay (e.g., 30 minutes, based on the length of flight possibly including an extra allowance, etc. In some instance, the user may unlock the operational mode application114by inputting a code provided by the flight crew. In yet another instance, the user may freely instruct the operational mode application114to restore the full operational mode, but such restoring may include a loud sound at514, which may alert the flight crew if the person restores the full operational mode during the restricted period.

In a variation of the first example, the eBook may determine the device is in a restricted space (e.g., in a classroom, a school, a museum, in an airplane, etc.) using sensor data such as GPS data. The operational mode application114may then initiate the reduced operational mode until the eBook determines the device is no longer in the restricted space.

In a second example, the operational mode application114may operate in an exam mode to enable use of the device100during an exam. In this particular example, the device100is implemented as tablet computer although other devices could also be used in this example. The tablet may operate in accordance with the process600. At the beginning of the exam, the proctor may turn a beacon on, which emits a signal during the exam. The signal may be continuous or pulsed during intervals. The operational mode application114may identify the beacon as the indicator at604and begin operation in the reduced operational mode at606. The operational mode application114may disable the radios120, specific ones of the programs/modules112, or other ones of the components102of the device100. When the exam is complete, the proctor may deactivate the beacon, which may terminate the indicator. When the operational mode application114determines that the indicator is no longer present at604, the operational mode application114may restore the full operational mode of the tablet.

In a third example, the operational mode application114may operate in a museum mode to enable use of the device100during a visit to a gallery in a museum. In this particular example, the device100is implemented as mobile telephone although other devices could also be used in this example. The mobile telephone may operate in accordance with the process600. At606, when the operational mode application114initiates the reduced operational mode, the operational mode application114may disable input/output devices (e.g., a microphone to prevent voice communications, etc.) and the camera126. This may allow the person to use other functionality that may be permitted by the museum, such as use of text messaging, speakers for an audio tour, or a web browser. Similarly, a concert mode may also disable cameras, restrict use of a camera for only still imagery (prevent use of video recording) and other appropriate components.

Illustrative Messaging

FIG. 11shows an illustrative UI1100that includes a compliance indicator associated with operation of the device in the reduced operational mode. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a compliance indicator1102may be a visual cue that indicates that the device100is operating in the reduced operational mode. For example, the compliance indicator1102may be activated at the operation508in the process500. Thus, the presence or lack of presence of the compliance indicator1102can be used to determine the operational mode of the device100. The compliance indicator1102may be implemented as an icon, picture, font style, background color, device housing appearance or any other representation on the display902or on other locations of the device100, such as in a housing1104or an accessory. For example, an accessory for the device100may be used to show the compliance indicator, such as an accessory cover that includes data connectivity with the device100(e.g., via a data port, wireless communication, etc.). In some embodiments, the compliance indicator1102may be displayed by an application, such as an eBook reading application or a browser, among other possible applications, when the device is operating in the reduced operational mode. By displaying the compliance indicator1102on the display as a rendered image, a device may be retrofitted with the operational mode application114, such as via a downloadable application, and may include the compliance indicator1102without a change to existing hardware.

FIG. 12shows an illustrative UI1200that includes a message about the reduced operational mode. A message1202may be presented in the display902after initiation (or possibly termination) of the reduced operational mode, such as at the operation506in the process500. The message may include an explanation1204. In some instances, the message may include a selector1206that enables the user to determine additional details, such as the components that are affected by the reduced operational mode.

CONCLUSION