Abstract:
Based on an observation of user behaviors, users change functionalities of electronic devices whenever users shift their activities. For example, when a user is going to sleep, said user may turn off TV and lights, set alarm, and set vibration for smart phone. All said changes to the functionalities are related to a shift in user-activity to “sleep” and may require clicks, pinches, swipes or else to buttons, touch screens, and other user interface tools, which are all too complex for many users. This invention provides systems and methods to reduce the complexity in user interface practice. When this invention detects a new user-activity, it automatically applies required changes to functionalities, which are predefined as a mode of operation for the detected user-activity. Thus user interface practice and user experience of this invention is simple, intuitive and better suited for recent complexity in functionality.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    “Not Applicable” 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    “Not Applicable” 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX 
       [0003]    “Not Applicable” 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Currently typical user interface for mobile devices and computers in general is focused around apps (applications), more specifically app icons and functional buttons. User interface in simplified terms is “clicking app icons and buttons”. For example, when user wants to listen to music, user clicks an audio app and clicks some buttons to select playlist and play music. Such user interface, “clicking app icons and buttons” has been the most dominant computing practice since the introduction of Macintosh 128K in 1984 with graphical user interface and mouse. 
         [0005]    Although many new user interface techniques have been introduced since 1984, such as a major breakthrough with touch screen and touch gesture recognition with Apple iPhone in 1996, the fundamentals of “clicking app icons and buttons” have not been changed. Now there are taps, swipes, pinches, and all, but these new interface techniques are fundamentally easier ways of “clicking app icons and buttons”. Furthermore, typical user interface for electronic devices in general includes a power switch and functional buttons. User interface in simplified terms is “clicking power switches and buttons”. Therefore, both user interface fundamentals for mobile device and electronic devices in general are similar in a way that in simplified terms they are both “clicking activation and functional buttons”. 
         [0006]    Recent movement towards smart electronic devices is adding computing capabilities and network connectivity to almost all electronic devices, and thus extending functionalities beyond the devices themselves towards collective capabilities of all devices within the network. For example, smart phones now are often connected to home appliances, home automation systems, automotive vehicle electronics, or any other type of electronic devices connected to network. Such movement has added ever more functionalities but with more complexity with the user interface. The systems and methods to connect to and control other electronic devices differ in most cases, require more icons, switches, and buttons, thus add complexity, and degrade the value of interconnectivity and control. 
         [0007]    Current user interface can be described as “functional” user interface. User is constantly changing the functionality of mobile device or electronic devices by “clicking activation and functional buttons” to user&#39;s needs. However, the complexity of functionality within a single electronic device or networked electronic devices all together reveals the limitation of mere “functional” user interface. Speech and/or gesture recognition is gaining technological advances plus popularity for its easy user interface, yet again to augment “clicking switches and buttons”. 
         [0008]    Historically, more functionality has brought more complexity and usual solution has been new user interface. Now is the time for a new user interface beyond “clicking app icons and buttons” or “clicking power switches and buttons”. This invention is to reengineer systems and methods for user interface so that mobile experience or electronic device experience in general is better suited for recent complexity in functionality. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0009]    Complexity of functionality in mobile devices and modern electronic devices in general awaits a new user interface to resolve the issue. Resolving complexity issues requires simplifying and simplifying involves common denominators. This invention adopts context, more specifically user context, as the common denominator to simplify the complexity of functionality in electronic devices. 
         [0010]    Context in definition is the surroundings, circumstances, environment, background or settings that determine, specify, or clarify the meaning of an event or other occurrence. In modern science, user context is often referred to as context awareness or location awareness. User&#39;s whereabouts has been the most common user context since the proliferation of mobile devices. 
         [0011]    This invention defines user context with user&#39;s activity and/or user&#39;s intention to an activity. (From now onward, user&#39;s activity and/or user&#39;s intention to an activity is shortened to user&#39;s activity.) This invention identifies user&#39;s activity as the common denominator to simplify the complexity of functionality in electronic devices. Such identification assumes that changes to user&#39;s activity accompany functional changes to electronic devices. For example, when user is cooking, user may want to use smart phone hands-free, turn off all lights except dining room, and play classic music. But when user is watching TV, user may want to use vibration mode instead of ring tone, dim living room lights, and stop audio. User wants functional changes to electronic devices or different behaviors of electronic devices when user shifts activities. 
         [0012]    In other words, complex functional changes to electronic devices are due to a single change in user&#39;s activity. Such one-to-many relationship between activity and functions of electronic devices is the key to simplification of complexity. This one-to-many relationship between activity and functions of electronic devices is defined in “mode of operation”. Each mode of operation includes functional changes of electronic devices required to changes in user&#39;s activity. Thus, each activity has respective mode of operation, which is defined in this invention as activity-centric contextual mode of operation for electronic devices. 
         [0013]    In order to use user&#39;s activity as user context, defined as activity-centric context in this invention, the principle of 5W1H (When, Where, Who, What, Why, How) from linguistic grammar is used to gather information and get the complete story on user-activity. Thus, details for user-activity may include, but not limited to, time (When), place (Where), user group (Who), object (What), intention (Why), and other contextual information (How), which may be defined in data structure. Standardized data structure may be required to gather, save, access, and communicate user-activity as information within and amongst electronic devices. 
         [0014]    As user-activity is defined as activity-centric context with the principle of 5W1H, respective functional changes of electronic devices are defined as mode of operation, which is called in this invention as “activity-centric contextual mode of operation”. Mode of operation may include, but not limited to, functions and settings for software as well as for hardware. For example, mode of operation for smart phone may include playlist and volume for audio app, or ring tone setting for the smart phone itself. Mode of operation for smart-home lighting control system may include dimming settings. Thus, when user shifts user-activity from “cooking” to “watching TV”, smart phone automatically sets to vibration mode and stops the audio app while smart-home lighting control system automatically dims the dining room lights, as said changes to functions and settings are predefined in the contextual mode of operation for “watching TV” user-activity. 
         [0015]    User only needs to predefine how electronic devices need to function for each user-activity as contextual mode of operation. Then, whenever user engages to a predefined new user-activity, the electronic devices will change to predefined functions and settings. Therefore, this invention simplifies user&#39;s mobile experience and all electronic devices in general. User can control smart phones, wearable devices, home appliances, home automation devices, automotive vehicle electronics, and etc by a simple user interaction, changing user-activity. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  illustrative scenario of current user experience with electronic devices 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  one-to-many relationship among user-activities, electronic devices, and functions and settings of electronic devices for user-activity “jog” from scenario  100  of  FIG. 1   
           [0018]      FIG. 3  one-to-many relationship among user-activities, electronic devices, and functions and settings of electronic devices for user-activity “sleep” from scenario  100  of  FIG. 1   
           [0019]      FIG. 4  illustrative diagram of exemplary electronic device
         402  input component     404  output component     406  control module     408  graphic module     410  network     412  memory     414  storage device     416  communication module     418  contextual mode of operation control module       
 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  illustrative diagram of plurality of exemplary electronic devices identical to electronic device  400  in various embodiments 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  illustrative diagram of potential user-activity detection options 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  illustrative data structure for user-activity 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  illustrative data structure for contextual modes of operation 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  illustrative relationship diagram for user-activity and contextual modes of operation 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  illustrative scenario of user experience with activity-centric contextual mode of operation 
           [0035]      FIG. 11  illustrative architectural diagram for a smart phone with current practice 
           [0036]      FIG. 12  illustrative architectural diagram for a smart phone of this invention 
           [0037]      FIG. 13A  illustrative flow chart in accordance with one embodiment of the invention (part 1 of 2) 
           [0038]      FIG. 13B  illustrative flow chart in accordance with one embodiment of the invention (part 2 of 2) 
           [0039]      FIG. 14  illustrative home screenshot of this invention 
           [0040]      FIG. 15  illustrative first screenshot of this invention 
           [0041]      FIG. 16  illustrative screenshot of new user-activity editing screen 
           [0042]      FIG. 17  illustrative screenshot of automatic detection editing screen 
           [0043]      FIG. 18  illustrative screenshot of application activation editing screen 
           [0044]      FIG. 19  illustrative screenshot of sensor input editing screen 
           [0045]      FIG. 20  illustrative screenshot of Bluetooth input editing screen 
           [0046]      FIG. 21  illustrative screenshot of activity-centric contextual mode of operation editing screen 
           [0047]      FIG. 22  illustrative screenshot of application activation editing screen 
           [0048]      FIG. 23  illustrative screenshot of primary device settings editing screen 
           [0049]      FIG. 24  illustrative screenshot of peripheral device editing screen 
           [0050]      FIG. 25  illustrative screenshot of peripheral device settings editing screen 
           [0051]      FIG. 26  illustrative screenshot of new user-activity start confirmation screen 
           [0052]      FIG. 27  illustrative screenshot of settings editing screen 
           [0053]      FIG. 28  illustrative screenshot of new user-activity detection confirmation screen 
           [0054]      FIG. 29  illustrative screenshot of new user-activity notification confirmation screen 
           [0055]      FIG. 30  illustrative screenshot of no contextual mode alert screen 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0056]    Systems and methods for supporting activity-centric contextual modes of operation for one or more electronic devices are provided and described with reference to  FIGS. 1-30 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 1  shows an illustrative scenario  100  of current user experience with electronic devices when user engages jog and sleep activity. Scenario  100  may begin with user&#39;s intention to a new activity as first step  102  “user decides to go for a jog”. With next steps  104  and  106 , said user starts exercise-tracking app and selects “jog” from a list of exercise types in the exercise-tracking app. With steps  108 ,  110 , and  112 , said user selects music playlist appropriate for jogging, changes ring/silent switch from silent to ring in order to hear incoming call via headset while jogging, and selects volume level appropriate for jogging. With steps  114 , said user turns off all lights before exiting home. Said user is now all ready to start jogging. Said user hits start button in the exercise-tracking app as in step  116  and jogs as in step  118 . With step  120 , said user hits finish button in the exercise-tracing app after jogging and saves jog exercise-tracking information. With steps  122 ,  124 ,  126 , and  128 , said user turns on lights entering home, turns on heater, enjoys hot shower, and turns off heater when showers done. 
         [0058]    Steps from  102  to  128  are related to user&#39;s jog activity and throughout the steps user interacts with 3 different electronic devices, smart phone, heater control system, and lighting control system. User&#39;s interaction with said 3 different electronic devices is to change functions and settings of said 3 different electronic devices to suit user&#39;s jog activity. 
         [0059]    Steps from  130  to  136  show changes to user&#39;s activity in which after hot shower said user decides to go to sleep and changes functions and settings of electronic devices in order to suit user&#39;s new activity, “sleep”. For user-activity “sleep”, user turns on audio, selects music playlist appropriate before sleep, and sets audio-off timer for 30 minutes in step  132 . In step  134  and  136 , user sets lights-off timer for 30 minutes and goes to sleep. From step  130  to step  136 , user interacts with 2 electronic devices, lighting control system and audio. 
         [0060]    Illustrative user scenario  100  is an example of current user experience with electronic devices, which involves 2 user-activities (jog and sleep), 4 different electronic devices (smart phone, heater control system, lights control system, and audio), and numerous changes to functions and settings of said 4 electronic devices. Between shifts in user&#39;s activities, user constantly needs to activate/deactivate electronic devices and change functions and settings of said electronic devices to suit user&#39;s new activity. As more electronic devices become smarter and networked in future, user may enjoy with ever more functionalities but need to constantly change functions and settings between shifts in user&#39;s activities which results in added complexity to user interface. 
         [0061]    This invention proposes a solution to tackle the complexity within the user interface. In order to resolve the complexity, this invention uses user-activity as a common denominator to sort complex functions and settings of electronic devices and to group only required functions and settings of electronic devices with user&#39;s current activity.  FIGS. 2 and 3  show illustrative relationship diagrams  200  and  300  among user-activity, electronic devices, and functions and settings for user-activity “jog” and “sleep” respectively, from illustrative user scenario  100 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , user-activity “jog”  202  involves 3 different electronic devices (smart phone  204 , lighting control system  214 , and heater control system  218 ), and 6 different changes to functions and settings ( 206 ,  208 ,  210 ,  212 ,  216 , and  220 ) of said electronic devices.  FIG. 3  shows user-activity “sleep”  302  with 2 different electronic devices (lighting control system  214  and audio  306 ), and 2 different changes to functions and settings ( 304  and  308 ) of said electronic devices. 
         [0062]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the one-to-many relationship among user-activities, electronic devices, and functions and settings of electronic devices is the key to this invention. This invention is using this one-to-many relationship to resolve the complexity and to simplify the user experience. When user-activity “jog” is detected, 6 different changes to functions and settings ( 206 ,  208 ,  210 ,  212 ,  216 , and  220 ) can be automatically applied to the electronic devices  204 ,  214 , and  218 . When user-activity “sleep” is detected, 2 different changes to functions and settings ( 304  and  308 ) can be automatically applied to the electronic devices  214  and  306 . 
         [0063]    This invention identifies the fact that user changes functions and settings of electronic devices because user wants different behaviors from electronic devices for different user-activities, as described in illustrative scenario  100 . Therefore, shift in user-activity is the root cause of multiple changes to functions and settings of electronic devices. This invention provides systems and methods that detects user-activity and automatically apply changes to functions and settings of electronic devices as predefined for said user-activity. The predefined changes to functions and settings of electronic devices are called “modes of operation” in this invention. Different user-activity has different modes of operation for electronic devices. Since this invention defines user-activity as user context, “modes of operation” for respective user-activity are thus defined as “activity-centric contextual modes of operation” in this invention. Activity-centric contextual modes of operation contain information on the mode or the state of electronic devices to which electronic devices change functions and settings when user shifts activity. Changing functions and setting may involve disabling, enabling or restricting access to one or more functionalities, applications, or assets of the electronic devices. 
         [0064]    The functionalities may include, but are not limited to, any input functionalities (e.g., microphone), any output functionalities (e.g., audio level), any communication functionalities (e.g., Bluetooth), any graphics functionalities (e.g., display brightness), or any combination of the aforementioned types of functionalities. For example, a contextual mode of operation for “secret meeting” activity may disable microphone to prevent recording conversation and disable camera to prevent taking pictures. 
         [0065]    A contextual mode of operation may alter the priority or the availability of one or more assets accessible to user of electronic devices. Asset may include, but are not limited to, any media assets (e.g., songs, videos), any electronic communication assets (e.g., e-mails, text messages, contact information), any other various assets (e.g., “favorite” links for internet browser), or any combination of the aforementioned types of assets. For example, a contextual mode of operation for “at-home” activity may disable work related or corporate confidential e-mails, contacts or favorite links. 
         [0066]      FIG. 4  shows an embodiment of electronic device  400  that may be compatible with one or more activity-centric contextual modes of operation. Electronic device  400  can include, but not limited to any device or group of devices, such as music players, video players, game players, personal computers, printers, smart phones, tablet devices, phablet devices, smart watches, other wearable devices, digital personal assistants, other wireless communication devices, cameras, home appliances, home automation devices, electronic devices of transportation vehicle, interactive user interface devices such as kiosks, and combinations thereof. In some cases, electronic devices  400  may perform a single function (e.g., a device dedicated to vacuum floor) or, in other cases, electronic device  400  may perform multiple functions (e.g., device that vacuum floor and play music). 
         [0067]    Electronic device  400  may be any portable, hand-held, wearable, implanted in human flesh, or other embodiments that allows user to use the device wherever said user travels. Alternatively, electronic device  400  may not be portable at all, but may instead be generally stationary, such as smart TVs or HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning). Moreover, electronic device  400  may not be portable or stationary, but instead be mobile, such as electronic devices of transportation vehicles (car navigation system, vehicle dynamics control system or control system for airplane seats). 
         [0068]    Electronic device  400  may include, among other components, input component  402 , output component  404 , control module  406 , graphics module  408 , bus  410 , memory  412 , storage device  414 , communication module  416 , and activity-centric contextual mode of operation control module  418 . Input component  402  may include touch interface, GPS sensor, microphone, camera, neural sensors, or other means of detecting human activity and intention to an activity. Output components  404  may include display, speaker, or other means of presenting information or media to user. Electronic device  400  may include operating system or applications. Said operating system or said applications running on control module  406  may control functions and settings of electronic device  400 . Said operating system or application may be stored in memory  412  or storage device  414 . Graphics module  408  may include systems, software, and other means of presenting visual information or media to user. Electronic device  400  may communicate with one or more other electronic devices by using any means of communicating information with communication module  416 . Communication module  416  may be operative to interface with the communications network using any suitable communications protocol including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, NFC, infrared, cellular, any other communication protocol, or any combinations thereof. Activity-centric contextual mode of operation control module  418  may be implemented in software in some embodiments, or be implemented in hardware, firmware, or any combination of software, hardware, firmware in other embodiments. Activity-centric contextual mode of operation control module  418  may use information from other components of electronic device  400  (e.g., input component  402 , control module  406 , communication module  416 ) to detect a new user-activity. For example, GPS information from GPS sensor of input component  402  may be used to detect “study” user-activity with GPS information at a library. Communication module  416  may receive “house cleaning” user-activity from a vacuum cleaner. 
         [0069]    Systems and methods for activity-centric contextual modes of operation may include a single electronic device in identical embodiment as electronic device  400 , a single electronic device in other embodiments, or plurality of electronic devices in either identical or different embodiments as electronic device  400 .  FIG. 5  shows an illustrative diagram  500  of plurality of exemplary electronic devices in various embodiments that may be compatible with activity-centric contextual modes of operation. In the example of  FIG. 5 , smart phone  502 , wearable device  506 , home appliance  508 , home automation  510 , electronic device of transportation vehicle  512 , and interactive electronic device for retail  514  are shown as various embodiments of electronic device  400 , all connected via network  504 . Network  504  may be wireless or wired using communication protocol including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, transmission control protocol/internet protocol (“TCP/IP”), global system for mobile communication (“GSM”), code division multiple access (“CDMA”), any other communication protocol, or any combination thereof. Electronic devices in  FIG. 5  may communicate with each other to share information about contextual modes of operation and/or current user-activity. Any of electronic devices in  FIG. 5  may detect new user-activity and communicate the information about the user-activity or respective contextual mode of operation to other electronic devices within the network  504 . In the example of  FIG. 5 , smart phone  502  is called primary electronic device while all other embodiments are called secondary or peripheral electronic device. Any embodiment of electronic device in this invention may be primary electronic device or secondary/peripheral electronic device. For ease of understanding when describing contextual modes of operation for plurality of electronic devices, electronic device that user primarily interacts is called primary electronic device while the rest of non-primary electronic devices within network are called secondary/peripheral electronic devices. 
         [0070]    This invention provides systems and methods that detect user-activity as user context. Detecting user-activity may include user&#39;s explicit input or implicit assumption. In other words, user may manually input user&#39;s activity or electronic devices may infer user-activity by analyzing information available. An illustrative diagram  600  of potential options to detecting user-activities is shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0071]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , user-activity detection  602  may take place either manually as in case  604  or automatically as in case  612 . Manual detection may include, but not limited to, cases where user selects a user-activity from a list of user-activities as in case  606 , user tags NFC, QR code, RFID, or other means of tagging that is predefined as a user-activity as in case  608 , or user activates an app which is predefined as a user-activity as in case  610 . Manual detection involves user&#39;s direct action towards user&#39;s intention to a user-activity. In controversy, automatic detection infers user-activity from implicit information available. Automatic detection may include, but not limited to, cases where user&#39;s location information implies a user-activity as in case  614 , current time implies a user-activity as in case  616 , using a certain electronic device implies a user-activity as in case  618 , or proximity with a certain user implies a user-activity as in case  620 . 
         [0072]    Any means of user&#39;s explicit manual input may include, but not limited to, internal inputs using input components of said electronic device itself (e.g., touch screen input of user&#39;s smart phone) or external inputs using input components of other electronic devices that are connected to said electronic device via network (e.g., wearable device input such as smart watch connected to user&#39;s smart phone). 
         [0073]    Any means of automatic detection may include, but not limited to, location-based sensors, any means of tagging, calendar entry, or other detection circuitries (e.g., “work” activity with GPS within office premise, “coffee break” activity with Starbucks Wi-Fi connection, “shopping” activity with an NFC tagged in a shopping mall, “meeting” activity with calendar entry for meeting, “wake-up” activity with alarm clock entry or “driving” activity with in-car Bluetooth connection). As technologies mature in future, motion analysis, neural analysis and other means of detecting user-activity or intention to user-activity may be used for automatic detection of user-activity. 
         [0074]    User-activity detection  602  may take place any time within the lifecycle of said new user-activity. For example, a new user-activity may be detected in advance, in transition, in progress, at the end, or afterwards of said new user-activity. 
         [0075]    When a new user-activity is detected, a comprehensive user context is identified using the principle of 5W1H (When, Where, Who, What, Why, How) from linguistic grammar to gather information and get the complete story on user-activity. Therefore, when systems and methods of this invention detect user-activity, this invention may also detect and record, but not limited to, time (When), place (Where), user group (Who), object (What), intention (Why), and other contextual information (How) associated with detected user-activity. 
         [0076]    Using the principle of 5W1H to identify user-activity as user context is a substantial innovation from current practice to identify user context. Since smart phones have been introduced, location awareness has been the most prevalent information as user context. However, as breadth and functionalities of electronic devices grow, identifying user context with only location information has had limitations. Different technologies, such as accelerometer, gesture recognition and video analytics, have been developed to identify user context beyond location awareness but said different technologies have lacked a framework to define “comprehensive” user context as a whole. Using the principle of 5W1H as a framework to define user-activity as user context allows this invention to gather information and get the complete story of user&#39;s current context, as the principle does in linguistic grammar. 
         [0077]    In order to detect time (When from 5W1H) of user-activity, timer or clock function of electronic devices may be used to measure relative or absolute time information of user-activity. To detect place or location (Where from 5W1H) of user-activity, location awareness technologies, such as, but not limited to, GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC tags, or combinations thereof, may be used. User group information (Who from 5W1H) may use, but not limited to, user identification information stored in electronic devices, NFC tags, RFID chips, barcode, facial recognition, finger print detection, iris recognition, or other biometric identification technologies to detect a user or a group of users associated with user-activity. Object information (What of 5W1H) may include, but not limited to, information about any objects associated with user-activity, such as what user is carrying while user-activity “jogging” or what user is eating while user-activity “dining”. User intention (Why of 5W1H) may include user&#39;s explicit input to identify intention or inferred assumption from implicit information. When user is engaged in user-activity “shower”, user may input “after jog” as intention or electronic device may assume “after jog” intention from previous user-activity “jog”. How from 5W1H may include multitudes of other contextual information on user or environment associated with user-activity, such as, but not limited to, user&#39;s mood or weather. Systems and methods with this invention may include all or part of these 5W1H depending on requirements for user context awareness. 
         [0078]    The profile or definition associated with a user-activity may take a standardized format as in data structure  700  of  FIG. 7 , to save and access in memory or storage and to facilitate portability and compatibility of the information with a wide range of electronic devices. Data structure may include, but not limited to, user-activity ID  702 , user-activity name  704 , user-activity description  706 , start time  708 , end time  710 , location in latitude and longitude  712 , user group  714 , associated object  716 , intention  718 , other contextual information  720 . Data structure  700  may be stored on electronic device  400  ( FIG. 4 ), for example, in memory  412  ( FIG. 4 ) or storage device  414  ( FIG. 4 ). Alternatively or additionally, part or all of data structure  700  may be located on some external system or other device and may be communicated to electronic device  400 . 
         [0079]    When a new user-activity is detected along with 5W1H data as user context, changes to functions and settings of electronic devices for the detected user-activity are applied. The changes to functions and settings of electronic devices are defined as “activity-centric contextual modes of operation” in this invention. “Activity-centric contextual modes of operation” represent modes of operation for a given user-activity as user context. Activity-centric contextual modes of operation are predefined for each user-activity so that when a new user-activity is detected, respective contextual modes of operation are accessed from memory  412  or storage device  414  and applied to electronic devices.  FIG. 8  shows an illustrative data structure  800  for potential activity-centric contextual modes of operation from scenario  100  of  FIG. 1  that may be used to save and access in memory  412  or storage device  414 , and to communicate amongst electronic devices of this invention. In some embodiments, in addition to specifying the valid activity-centric contextual modes of operation for the user-activity, the profile or definition may also include references to assets (e.g., songs, videos, emails, etc) or applications to be downloaded or synchronized to the electronic device  400  when applying said activity-centric contextual modes of operation. 
         [0080]    Data structure for contextual mode of operation may include, but not limited to, mode ID  802 , user-activity ID  804 , device ID  806 , electronic device  808 , mode name  810 , mode description  812 , mode owner  814 , public versus private mode identifier  816 , device functions and settings  818  that need to change, and mode priority  820 . Mode ID  802  has corresponding user-activity ID  804  so that when new user-activity of corresponding user-activity ID is detected, the contextual mode of operation with corresponding mode ID  802  may be applied to electronic device with corresponding device ID  806 . For example as in row  822  of  FIG. 8 , when new user-activity with user-activity ID SPZ002 is detected, activity-centric contextual mode of operation with mode ID STP021 is applied to smart phone device with device ID 734066. Mode name  810  and mode description  812  may define the name and description of activity-centric contextual modes. Mode owner  814  and public versus private mode identifier  816  may define the editors of contextual modes and distinguish whether the modes may be shared for public usage. Device functions and settings  818  may define the changes to functions and settings of electronic device  808 . The changes may include disabling, enabling or restricting access to one or more functionalities, applications, or assets of the electronic device  808 . Mode priority  820  defines relative priority against other modes. 
         [0081]    Rows  822 ,  824 ,  826 ,  828 ,  830  in  FIG. 8  show exemplary activity-centric contextual modes of operation for scenario  100  of  FIG. 1 . In scenario  100 , user needs to change functions and settings of smart phone for user-activity “jog”. In this invention the changes required to device functions and settings of smart phone for user-activity “jog” are predefined and automatically applied to smart phone when user-activity “jog” is detected. As defined in row  822 , if user-activity “jog” with user-activity ID SPZ002 is detected, device functions and settings are automatically applied as defined in column  818  of row  822 . The changes are activating exercise tracking application (Track_App), set music playlist to “jog” (Playlist_Jog), and set ring tone on (Ring_On). Each row defines one activity-centric contextual mode of operation for each electronic device for corresponding user-activity. Therefore, in this illustrative example, there are 3 electronic devices involved for user-activity “jog and thus 3 corresponding activity-centric contextual modes of operation as in rows  822 ,  824 , and  826 . In the same manner, 2 corresponding activity-centric contextual modes of operation for “sleep” user-activity as in rows  828  and  830  are applied when “sleep” user-activity is detected. 
         [0082]    Custom, user-defined activity-centric contextual mode of operation for a user-activity may be defined in some embodiments. Mode owner information  814  defines the original editor of the mode. Private/public identifier  816  defines whether an activity-centric contextual mode of operation is for private-use or for public-use. User may define all or part of information for activity-centric contextual mode of operation and said mode may be “published” to network server so that other users may use the custom activity-centric contextual mode of operation, or vise versa. 
         [0083]      FIG. 9  shows an illustrative relationship diagram  900  for user-activity and contextual modes of operation for “jog” activity example from scenario  100  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 9  shows that user-activity “jog” as defined in row  722  from  FIG. 7  has 3 different activity-centric contextual modes of operation as defined in row  822 ,  824 , and  826  from  FIG. 8 . Therefore, when user-activity “jog” as defined in row  722  is detected activity-centric contextual modes of operation as defined in row  822 ,  824 , and  826  are applied to corresponding electronic devices. 
         [0084]      FIG. 10  shows an illustrative scenario  1000  of user experience with activity-centric contextual modes of operation. Scenario  1000  describes a potential user experience with electronic devices when user engages jog and sleep activity, same activities as scenario  100  of  FIG. 1 . Scenario  1000  may begin with user&#39;s intention to a new activity as first step  1002  “User decides to go for a jog”. Next, user selects new user-activity “jog” from primary device (smart phone) as in step  1004 , instead of starting exercise-tracking app and selecting “jog” from a list of exercise types in the exercise-tracking app as in step  104  and  106  of  FIG. 1 . This is the difference in user interface between this invention and current practice. In this invention user&#39;s main interaction is selecting user-activity while in current practice user&#39;s main interaction is with apps. Once user&#39;s activity is detected, activity-centric contextual modes of operation are automatically applied as in steps  1006 ,  1008 ,  1014 ,  1020 ,  1022 , and  1026 . Primary device (smart phone)&#39;s activity-centric contextual modes of operation for user-activity “jog” is to activate exercise tracking app, to select music playlist predefined for jogging, to change ring/silent setting from silent to ring, and to change volume setting to predefined volume as in steps  1006  and  1008 . As in step  1010 , primary device (smart phone) sends new user-activity to secondary/peripheral electronic devices via network so that the secondary/peripheral electronic devices can apply their activity-centric contextual modes of operation for user-activity “jog”. As user exits home, user may hit start button in the exercise-tracking app as in step  1012 . As a secondary/peripheral electronic device, lighting controller&#39;s activity-centric contextual mode of operation is to turn off as user starts jogging as in step  1014  and to turn back on when user finishes jogging as in step  1020 . After step  1016  of jogging, user may hit finish button in the exercise-tracing app and save jog exercise-tracking information as in step  1018 . As another secondary/peripheral electronic device, heater&#39;s activity-centric contextual mode of operation is to activate as user finishes jog as in step  1022 , wait until user is done with step  1024  of enjoying shower, and deactivate after a predefined time as in step  1026 . 
         [0085]    In the same notion as user-activity “jog”, when user decides to go to sleep as in step  1028 , user only needs to select new user-activity “sleep” from primary device (smart phone) as in step  1030 , and primary device (smart phone) sends new user-activity to secondary/peripheral devices via network as in step  1032 . Consequently as secondary/peripheral electronic devices, audio and lighting controller automatically play predefined playlist and turn themselves off after predefined time delay as in steps  1034  and  1036 . Finally, user may go to sleep as in step  1038 . 
         [0086]    In this scenario  1000  with activity-centric contextual modes of operation, user does not need to hassle with complexity of functionalities. User&#39;s main interactions are selecting “jog” and “sleep” from user-activity list as in steps  1004  and  1030  respectively. Once activity-centric contextual mode of operation controller detects user-activity “jog” and “sleep”, primary and secondary/peripheral electronic devices automatically apply activity-centric contextual modes of operation for “jog” and “sleep” user-activity respectively. Compared to scenario  1000  of this invention, current practice scenario  100  has more user interaction with apps, functions, and settings of electronic devices. In scenario  100 , user keeps activating/deactivating and changing individual functions and settings of electronic devices as user changes activity. In scenario  1000  of this invention, user&#39;s interaction is minimal and intuitive. User simply selects user-activity and almost all of required changes are applied automatically as predefined. 
         [0087]    This invention changes user interaction from individual functions and settings to selecting user-activity.  FIG. 11  shows an illustrative architectural diagram  1100  for a smart phone with current practice. Current architecture in  FIG. 11  may include 4 basic layers, hardware layer  1102 , operating system layer  1104 , applications layer with applications  1106 / 1108 / 1110 , and user interface layer  1118 . For example, when user changes activity and need to change functions  1112 ,  1114 , and  1116  of applications  1106 ,  1108 , and  1110 , said user does so directly via user interface layer  1118 . Thus, user interface is directly linked to functionalities of applications. 
         [0088]      FIG. 12  shows an illustrative architectural diagram  1200  for a smart phone of this invention. New architecture with this invention may include 5 basic layers, hardware layer  1202 , operating system layer  1204 , applications layer with applications  1206 / 1208 / 1210 , activity-centric contextual mode of operation control layer  1218 , and user interface layer  1222 . In this example, when user changes activity and need to change functions  1212 ,  1214 , and  1216  of applications  1206 ,  1208 , and  1210 , said user only needs to select activity  1220  and activity-centric contextual mode of operation control layer  1218  automatically applies activity-centric contextual mode of operation for user-activity  1220 , which is to change functions  1212 ,  1214 , and  1216  of applications  1206 ,  1208 , and  1210 . Thus, user interface is linked to activity-centric contextual mode of operation and indirectly linked to functionalities of applications, unlike current practice shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0089]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  show an illustrative flow chart  1300  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, as part 1 and part 2 respectively. Flow chart  1300  provides an exemplary process of using this invention. As in step  1302 , user may define respective activity-centric contextual modes of operation for a user-activity and criteria for automatic detection. Activity-centric contextual modes of operation may be defined by editing within electronic devices. Activity-centric contextual modes of operation may also be defined by receiving and further editing predefined activity-centric contextual modes of operation from another electronic devices or from network storage using any communication mechanism available to the electronic devices. When editing is done, said activity-centric contextual modes of operation may be saved to electronic device, to a network storage, or combination of both. Within step  1302 , user may also define automatic detection criteria for respective user-activity along which is used to automatically detect a new user-activity as in step  1310 . 
         [0090]    Once activity-centric contextual modes of operation and automatic detection criteria are defined in step  1302 , electronic device awaits for a new user-activity detection as in step  1306  while in stand-by as in step  1304 . User-activity may be detected in various ways as shown in steps  1308 ,  1310 , and  1312 . As in step  1308 , user may manually select a user-activity from a predefined list of user-activity. User&#39;s manual selection of a new user-activity is an explicit user expression to a new user-activity or user&#39;s intention to user-activity. As in step  1310 , electronic devices of this invention may automatically detect a new user-activity by monitoring the criteria defined in step  1302 . When predefined criteria defined in step  1302  are met, electronic device may confirm a new user-activity with user as in step  1320 . 
         [0091]    As in step  1312 , secondary/peripheral electronic devices may notify a new user-activity and the user-activity may be scanned in memory  412  or storage  414  to check if predefined activity-centric contextual mode of operation exists as in step  1314 . If predefined activity-centric contextual mode of operation does not exist in memory  412  or storage  414 , user may edit a new contextual mode of operation as in step  1318 . 
         [0092]    Once activity-centric contextual mode of operation for new user-activity is accessed from memory  412  or storage device  414  as in step  1316 , or newly defined as in step  1318 , user confirmation step  1320  is executed before shifting to new user-activity. After user confirmation step  1320 , current activity-centric contextual mode of operation is backed up for possible later use to memory  412 , to storage device  414 , to network storage, or combinations thereof as in step  1322 . As in step  1324 , the activity-centric contextual mode of operation is applied to the electronic device. That is predefined changes to functionalities of said electronic device are applied. Finally, “confirmed” new user-activity is notified to other electronic devices as in step  1326  and the electronic device resumes to stand-by step  1304 . 
         [0093]      FIG. 14  to  FIG. 30  shows illustrative screenshots for an embodiment of this invention with a smart phone example. The screenshots may be used along with scenario  1300  from  FIGS. 13A and 13B  to understand the process of using the invention as well as making the invention. The screenshots provide details with which person of ordinary skill in operating system programming of electronic devices could make and use the invention without extensive experimentation. Although lack of public application programming interface (API) for controlling functionalities of electronic devices prevent public programmers to make prototype of this invention, operating system programmers within manufacturer of electronic devices could make this invention with descriptions in this specification. 
         [0094]      FIG. 14  shows an illustrative home screenshot  1400  of this invention. In this embodiment, home screen has “Activity” icon  1402 , which may segue to the first screen of this invention as in  FIG. 15  when touched. In some other embodiments, electronic device may have other means of activating activity-centric contextual mode of operation, such as separate physical button or holding down an existing button for certain amount of time.  FIG. 15  shows an illustrative first screenshot of this invention with page title  1502 , “add new user-activity” button  1504 , table with existing user-activities, user-activity selection slider  1506 , and settings button  1508 . 
         [0095]      FIG. 15  to  FIG. 25  shows screenshots of an embodiment to explain how activity-centric contextual mode of operation and criteria for automatic detection are defined as in step  1302  of  FIG. 13 . Touching “add new user-activity” button  1504  may segue to new user-activity editing screen  1600  of  FIG. 16 . New user-activity editing screen  1600  has user-activity name editing cell  1606 , user-activity description editing cell  1608 , “add new automatic detection criteria” button  1610 , current automatic detection criteria cell  1612 , “add new activity-centric contextual mode of operation” button  1614 , and current activity-centric contextual mode of operation cell  1616 . When editing cells  1606  and  1608  are touched, keyboards may pop up for text editing. Touching “cancel” button  1602  will take user back to the first screen  1500 . When user is done editing a new user-activity, automatic detection criteria, and activity-centric contextual mode of operation, user may press “done” button  1604 , which will save said new user-activity, automatic detection criteria, and activity-centric contextual mode of operation, and segue back to the first screen  1500 . 
         [0096]    User may add new automatic detection criteria via “add new automatic detection criteria” button  1610 , which may be used to define conditions where an embodiment of this invention may automatically detect a new user-activity as in step  1310  of  FIG. 13 . An illustrative screenshot of automatic detection editing screen  1700  of  FIG. 17  shows examples of automatic detection criteria in this embodiment. This embodiment has three different ways of detecting a new user-activity automatically. This embodiment may auto-detect a new user-activity by pre-defined application activation  1704 , pre-defined sensor input  1706 , and/or pre-defined calendar entry  1708 . In this example of screenshot  1700 , activating navigation application or sensing a pre-defined Bluetooth as exemplified in cells  1714  and  1718  may automatically detect a new user-activity “Driving” as exemplified in cell  1606 . Auto-detecting user-activity “Driving” via calendar entry is not allowed in this example as shown with disabled switch  1720 . Touching “cancel” button  1702  will take user back to the new user-activity editing screen  1600  of  FIG. 16 . When user is done editing new automatic detection criteria, user may press “done” button  1710 , which will save said new automatic detection criteria and segue back to the new user-activity editing screen  1600 . 
         [0097]    As shown in application activation cell  1714  as example, activating navigation application will trigger automatic detection of user-activity “driving”. User may add more applications to application activation cell  1714  through “add application activation” button  1712 , which segue to an illustrative screenshot of application activation editing screen  1800  of  FIG. 18  where user may select more applications.  FIG. 18  shows how to add applications to automatic detection criteria. In this example, two available applications of exercise tracker and navigation are shown but navigation application cell  1806  is only selected as check marked with marker  1808 . When selection is done, user may press “done” button  1804  to save the selection and segue back to screen  1700 . When user wants to cancel any selection and segue back to screen  1700 , user may press “cancel” button  1802 . 
         [0098]    As shown in sensor input cell  1718  as example, predefined Bluetooth input will trigger automatic detection of user-activity “driving”. User may add sensor inputs to automatic detection criteria through “add sensor input” button  1716 , which segue to an illustrative screenshot of sensor input editing screen  1900  of  FIG. 19 .  FIG. 19  shows how to add sensor inputs to automatic detection criteria. In this example, cell  1906  shows that Bluetooth network “MY_CAR” of user&#39;s car is discovered and added to criteria. Arrow button  1908  may segue to an illustrative screenshot of Bluetooth input editing screen  2000  of  FIG. 20  where discovered Bluetooth networks are displayed. In this example, user selects Bluetooth network “MY_CAR” as shown in cell  2006 . Information button  2008  may provide detailed information about Bluetooth network of corresponding cell. When Bluetooth network selection is done for automatic detection criteria, user may press “done” button  2004  to save the selection and segue back to screen  1900 . When user wants to cancel any selection and segue back to screen  1900 , user may press “cancel” button  2002 . Other sensor inputs, such as but not limited to NFC, QR code, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, other tagging technologies, other network technologies, or combinations thereof, may also be used as automatic detection criteria. When selection is done for all sensor inputs, user may press “done” button  1904  to save the selection and segue back to screen  1700 . When user wants to cancel any selection and segue back to screen  1700 , user may press “cancel” button  1902 . 
         [0099]    Current activity-centric contextual mode of operation cell  1616  shows exemplary activity-centric contextual modes of operation for user-activity “driving”. Navigation application, primary device settings, and garage gate control are defined in the exemplary activity-centric contextual modes of operation for user-activity “driving”. Thus, when exemplary user-activity “driving” is detected, predefined changes to functionalities are applied to navigation application, primary device settings, and garage gate control automatically as shown in cell  1616 . 
         [0100]    In order to edit activity-centric contextual modes of operation, user may use “add activity-centric contextual mode of operation” button  1614  of  FIG. 16 . “Add activity-centric contextual mode of operation” button may segue to an illustrative screenshot of activity-centric contextual mode of operation editing screen  2100  of  FIG. 21  where user may edit and add activity-centric contextual modes of operation for corresponding user-activity. In the exemplary embodiment of smart phone, changes to functionalities of electronic devices may include applications to be automatically activated as shown in  2106 , smart phone device setting to be changed as shown in  2110 , and secondary/peripheral devices settings to be changed as shown in  2114 . 
         [0101]    In the example shown in screen  2100 , navigation application is defined as one of activity-centric contextual modes of operation. Therefore, when user-activity “driving” is detected, navigation application is automatically activated. To add more applications to be activated for user-activity “driving”, “add application” button  2108  may be used. “Add application” button  2108  may segue to an illustrative screenshot of application activation editing screen  2200  of  FIG. 22  where all available applications are displayed. In this example of  FIG. 22 , exercise tracker and navigation are the available applications and navigation application is selected as check marked with marker  2206 . When selection is done, user may press “done” button  2204  to save the selection and segue back to screen  2100 . When user wants to cancel any selection and segue back to screen  2100 , user may press “cancel” button  2202 . 
         [0102]    Activity-centric contextual modes of operation may also define primary device settings as shown in  2110  so that when exemplary user-activity “driving” is detected, predefined primary device settings are applied. In the example, pressing arrow button  2112  may segue to an illustrative screenshot of primary device settings editing screen  2300  of  FIG. 23  where user may change primary device settings in order to suit exemplary user-activity “driving”. As shown in screen  2300 , primary device settings for activity-centric contextual modes of operation may include, but not limited to, Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth network, cellular data usage, device sound, and device privacy. When primary device settings are defined for activity-centric contextual mode of operation, user may press “done” button  2304  to save the selection and segue back to screen  2100 . When user wants to cancel any selection and segue back to screen  2100 , user may press “cancel” button  2302 . 
         [0103]    Activity-centric contextual modes of operation may also include secondary/peripheral devices so that when exemplary user-activity “driving” is detected, predefined settings are applied to secondary/peripheral devices. In the example of user-activity “driving”, garage gate control system is selected as a secondary/peripheral device to be activated when user-activity “driving” is detected as shown in  FIG. 21 . To define additional secondary/peripheral devices settings for user-activity “driving”, “add peripheral device” button  2116  of  FIG. 21  may be used. “Add peripheral device” button  2116  may segue to an illustrative screenshot of peripheral device editing screen  2400  of  FIG. 24  where user may edit and add secondary/peripheral device as activity-centric contextual modes of operation. In this example of  FIG. 24 , garage gate control system is selected as secondary/peripheral device to be added to activity-centric contextual modes of operation for “driving” activity. “Detail information” arrow  2406  may be used to access and edit settings for secondary/peripheral devices, garage control system in this example. “Detail information” arrow  2406  may segue to an illustrative screenshot of peripheral device settings editing screen  2500  of  FIG. 25 , where user may edit functions and settings of garage gate control system to suit user-activity “driving”. In the example, garage gate control system may synchronize with navigation app in user&#39;s primary device smart phone to open or shut garage gate. In the example, garage gate may open when navigation application is activated within user&#39;s home premise or when home as destination is reached. Screen  2400  may show other secondary/peripheral devices available in premise or within network (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, etc), as shown with examples (vacuum cleaner, smart TV, and lighting control system) in  FIG. 24 . 
         [0104]      FIG. 16  to  FIG. 25  shows how activity-centric contextual modes of operation are defined as in step  1302  of  FIG. 13 . Once activity-centric contextual modes of operations are defined for corresponding user-activities, electronic device may be in stand-by mode as in step  1304  of  FIG. 13 , waiting to detect a new user-activity by user&#39;s manual input as in step  1308 , by automatic detection as in step  1310 , or by notification by other electronic devices as in step  1312 . 
         [0105]      FIG. 26  shows how new user-activity is detected by user&#39;s manual input as in step  1308 . User may press slider button  1506  from first screen  1500  of this invention to manually select a new user-activity, in this example user-activity “jog”, which segue to new user-activity start confirmation screen  2600  of  FIG. 26 . Screen  2600  of this invention assesses and displays pre-defined activity-centric contextual modes of operation and automatic detection criteria for user-activity “jog” as in step  1316 . User may use button  2604  to make changes to automatic detection criteria and button  2606  to make changes to activity-centric contextual modes of operation. Button  2604  may segue to automatic detection editing screen, identical to screen  1700  of  FIG. 17 , and allow user to make changes to automatic detection criteria, following identical steps as in step  1302 . Button  2606  may segue to activity-centric contextual mode of operation editing screen, identical to screen  2100  of  FIG. 21 , and allow user to make changes to activity-centric contextual modes of operation, following identical steps as in step  1302 . When user has confirmed automatic detection criteria and activity-centric contextual modes of operation, user may press “start activity” button  2608  to confirm new user-activity as in step  1320  of  FIG. 13B , or press “activity” button to cancel changes and segue back to first screen  1500  of  FIG. 15 . 
         [0106]      FIG. 28  shows an illustrative screenshot of new user-activity detection confirmation screen  2800 . When pre-defined automatic detection criteria are met as in step  1310  of  FIG. 13A , electronic device of this invention may display new user-activity detection confirmation screen  2800  of  FIG. 28  as in step  1316 . New user-activity detection confirmation screen  2800  shows new user-activity alert  2802 , user-activity description  2804 , activity-centric contextual mode of operation information  2806 , cancel button  2808 , and accept button  2810 . User may ignore automatic detection alert and be sent back to previous screen by using cancel button  2808 , or accept automatic detection alert and start detected user-activity by using accept button  2810  as in step  1320  of  FIG. 13B . 
         [0107]      FIG. 29  and  FIG. 20  show an illustrative screenshot of new user-activity notification confirmation screen and an illustrative screenshot of no contextual mode alert screen respectively. When secondary/peripheral electronic devices notify a new user-activity as in step  1312  of  FIG. 13A , electronic device of this invention may display new user-activity notification confirmation screen  2900  of  FIG. 29  if the notified user-activity exists in primary electronic device as in step  1316  or no contextual mode alert screen  3000  of  FIG. 30  if the notified user-activity does not exist in primary electronic device as in step  1318 . 
         [0108]    If the notified user-activity exits in primary electronic device, primary electronic device may show new user-activity notification alert  2902 , user-activity description  2904 , activity-centric contextual mode of operation information  2906 , cancel button  2908 , and accept button  2910 . User may ignore notification alert and be sent back to previous screen by using cancel button  2908 , or accept notification alert and start notified user-activity by using accept button  2910  as in step  1320  of  FIG. 13B . 
         [0109]    If the notified user-activity does not exit in primary electronic device, primary electronic device may show new user-activity notification alert  3002  with message that there is no activity-centric contextual mode of operation available for the notified user-activity in the primary electronic device. Primary electronic device may also display contextual mode edit button  3004  and cancel button  3006 . Contextual mode edit button  3004  may segue to new user-activity editing screen, identical to  1600  of  FIG. 16  for new user-activity editing. User may ignore notification alert and press cancel button  3006  to be sent back to previous screen. 
         [0110]    First screen  1500  of this invention may have settings button  1508  which may segue to illustrative settings editing screen  2700  of  FIG. 27 . As exemplary settings show in screen  2700 , settings of this invention may include, but not limited to, automatic detection switch which able/disable automatic detection, user confirmation switch which able/disable user confirmation, calendar entry switch which able/disable user-activity to calendar entry, and notification switch which able/disable new user-activity notification from secondary/peripheral devices. 
       CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATION, AND SCOPE 
       [0111]    Electronic devices have become smarter and now use sensors to monitor environment in order to operate differently for different environmental conditions. This invention identifies user&#39;s activity and/or user&#39;s intention to an activity as the key environmental condition. Thus, electronic devices with this invention detect user&#39;s activity and/or user&#39;s intention to an activity, and operate differently for different user-activity and/or user&#39;s intention to different activity. User-activities are defined using the principle of 5W1H (When, Where, Who, What, Why, How) from linguistic grammar to describe full details of user-activity. For each user-activity, there are one or more respective activity-centric contextual modes of operation, which define how said electronic devices operate respectively and differently for different user-activities. This invention also provides how activity-centric contextual modes of operation should be implemented to plurality of electronic devices within network. Therefore, when one electronic device detects a new user-activity, said electronic device may notify said new user-activity to other electronic devices within network and plurality of electronic devices within network may shift to respective contextual modes of operation for said new user-activity. 
         [0112]    Electronic devices are now flooding with functionalities. Complexity in functionality and thus difficulty in user experience weakens full potential of the electronic devices. For example, although smart phones have changed everyday lives of people with ever-extensive functionalities, many still struggle to exploit their mere potentials and even find more difficult to use than conventional flip phones. This invention defines systems and methods that simplify user interaction with electronic devices. Once activity-centric contextual modes of operation are defined for different user-activities, electronic devices of this invention may change their functionalities automatically when a new user-activity is detected. Therefore, user&#39;s interaction with said electronic devices may become as simple as selecting a new user-activity, or even simpler when the electronic devices detect a new user-activity automatically. As technologies, such as motion analysis and voice recognition, mature in future, home automation system of this invention may recognize user&#39;s intention for jogging by analyzing user&#39;s motion wearing running shoes and ask user “John, are you ready for jogging?” for confirmation and said user&#39;s mere interaction may become saying “yes” or “no” for the reply. 
         [0113]    While detailed description of this invention contains embodiments with smart phone as the primary electronic device, these embodiments should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as a typical exemplification of embodiments since smart phone stands for the major user interface device within current electronic devices. Thus, this invention may have embodiments with smart watch with voice recognition as the primary electronic device. In this case, user may “talk to” smart watch what his/her intention is for a new user-activity, and secondary/peripheral electronic devices of this invention will change functionalities to predefined activity-centric contextual modes of operation. Accordingly, the scope should be determined not by the embodiment(s) illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.