Abstract:
An application for mobile devices that enables a server device to control multiple client devices with numerous features and capabilities relevant to both server and client devices, such as learning gamification and safety controls. Running on popular operating systems, this application is compatible with other mobile applications and provides a mechanism for the server device to override internal controls on one or more client devices with ability to configure access controls based on gamification features using parameters that include but not limited to applications, programs, goals, and rewards. This application includes safety and security control features that enables the server device to remotely monitor and control one or more client devices.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    With the proliferation of technology making mobile devices relatively inexpensive to own and affordable for parents, employers, organizations, and others to provide one or more client devices to their dependents, employees, contractors, or others. By enabling a server device with the ability to closely monitor and control usage of one or more client devices while encouraging and rewarding each user (dependent, employee, contractor, or other) for performing certain activities and tasks, along with reinforcement and rewards for achieving such criteria while performing the activities and tasks. 
         [0002]    The Learning Gamification and Safety Control Application delivers parents, managers and others with peace of mind regarding their children, employees′, or others&#39; safety and security while utilizing a mobile device to browse the Internet, and access applications and content. With feature-rich user access and usage controls, parents and managers benefit from a user-friendly administrative interface while users operate their devices seamlessly. The Learning Gamification and Safety Control Application provides a mechanism for managing and mitigating foreseeable risks while using a mobile computing device and provides important safety and communication tools. 
         [0003]    Dependents, employees, contractors, and others are often provided with a mobile device for entertainment or because their parent or employer wants quick access to call their dependent, employee or contractor. Resulting from the wide range of mobile device applications, holders of mobile devices often lose focus, poorly manage their time, and lose productivity due to playing games, watching videos, and searching the Internet, among other things. Examples include forgotten appointments, failure to communicate with others, failure to meet deadlines, failure to adequately prepare for important events or exams. This solution provides parents, employers, organizations, and others with the ability to effectively deploy one or more mobile devices with the Learning Gamification and Safety Control Application to enable a server device to configure, monitor, and control one or more client device features, applications, and content. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Dependents, employees and contractors operating a client device will benefit from the task-oriented features that will help improve learning; shared calendar and integrated timer that strengthens time management and concentration; advanced communications preferences with group policies for prioritizing and managing interactions and interruptions; enhanced security capabilities with device tracking for quicker response and one-touch device locator; safety dashboard for overseeing and preventing inappropriate content and usage; alert and notification engine to automatically communicate with either server or one or more client mobile devices based on system-defined and user-defined criteria. XXXXX INCOMPLETE XXXXX 
         [0005]    In embodiments, a server device and one or more client devices include but not limited to mobile phones, tablets, and handheld or mobile computing devices with communications capabilities, ideal for members of one or more groups that may include but are not limited to family members, employees of a business, or members of an organization. 
         [0006]    In embodiments, a server device includes a user interface for monitoring and managing each of one or more client devices. The server device provides an interface for establishing and configuring access and control for each of one or more client devices. 
         [0007]    In embodiments, a client device includes a controller for managing, monitoring, and configuring user access to each application, feature, and content installed on the associated client device. Each client device is controlled by one or more authorized and associated server devices. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    Embodiments of Learning Gamification and Safety Control Application are described within and with reference to the following Figures. These same Figures are referenced throughout to such details that include but are not limited to features and components, capabilities, functionality and processes; 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates the features available with the Learning Gamification and Safety Control. Application based on either the Server Device or Client Devices. These features include common features available to both Server Device and Client Device, along with features enabled by the Learning Gamification and Safety Control Portal; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  illustrates the concept of hub and spoke mobile device computing with the Server Device controlling one or more Client Devices and groups of Client Devices. The Server Device communicates with the Client Devices using a Learning Gamification and Safety Control Portal accessible via wireless communications and the Internet; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  illustrates examples of user scenarios for Learning Gamification and Safety Control. Application; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  illustrates the functionality of the Learning Gamification Program. The Learning. Gamification Program enables users to setup one or more Goals that, upon being established, allow the user to setup Requirements with one or more Expectations that result in one or more Rewards; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  illustrates the Learning Gamification Program Examples. These examples include but are not limited to those shown; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  illustrates the Learning Gamification Program Data Model. This model illustrates the critical field attributes necessary to configure one or more Goals with Requirements, Expectations, Scores and Times, associated to one or more Rewards with Results, Limits, Scores, and Times; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  illustrates an example of how the Server Device controls and manages related features and capabilities installed on one or more Client Devices; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  illustrates an example of how the Server Device controls and manages related features and capabilities installed on a Group of one or more Client Devices, whereas the number of Groups and number of Client Devices are unlimited by the Learning Gamification and Safety Control Application; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  illustrates the high-level architecture for the Server Device and Client Device utilizing Wired or Wireless Communications to access the Internet and Learning Gamification and Safety Control Portal. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    Overview 
         [0019]    The Learning Gamification and Safety Control Application features and components are described herein. In some embodiments, processes and techniques involving server and one or more client devices are described to share features and content. A server device may be configured to control one or more client devices. Based on parameters set by the server device, sharing of features and content may be enabled and accessible, enabled and restricted, or disabled to one or more associated client devices. 
         [0020]    In addition, the common features for server and client devices with the Learning Gamification and Safety Control Application installed include direct two-way communications between the devices; group calendars; group task lists; one or more group policy alerts and notifications that may be associated to a task, meeting, email, appointment, timer or other activity; emergency mode with features that include user-defined programmable personal identification numbers (PINs) with preset actions and processes; contact manager application for the server device user to manage contacts on one or more client devices; audio and video telephone; text and SMS messaging. 
         [0021]    In addition, when the Learning Gamification and Safety Control Application is installed on both server and one or more client devices, the server device will authenticate, configure, manage, and control the features, components, applications, and content accessible or non-accessible, enabled or disabled on each of one or more client devices. The server device with the Learning Gamification and Safety Control Application installed features, components, and applications on the client mobile device, such as but not limited to tasks, timers, application controller, URL controller, usage reporting, usage controller, administrator desktop, key and screen logger, remote application manager, mobile device manager, camera controller, screen shot generator, remote wipe, and network manager. 
         [0022]    In addition, when the Learning Gamification and Safety Control Application is installed on both server and one or more client devices, the client devices will authenticate, provision, and grant full access into MI installed features, components, applications, and content to the server device while maintaining the communications services provided to each mobile device by their respective telephone service providers. 
         [0023]    In addition, with the Learning Gamification and Safety Control Application, the features and components may employ a subscription service that provides a limited use license to access value-added services and features that seamlessly integrate and enhance the applications. Such value-added services and features include but are not limited to content sniffer that searches and quarantines inappropriate content (examples include images, videos, music, texts, social media, email, games, chat, etc.; payment processing for collecting subscription and licensing fees from customers; mobile device activation for validating license and subscription; account management for maintaining contact information and other relevant details; targeted advertising by customer segment. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  illustrates the features available with the Learning Gamification and Safety Control Application on the Server Device  1002  or Client Devices  1004 . These features include Common Features  1006  available to both Server Device  1002  and Client Device  1004 , along with the Learning Gamification and Safety Control Portal Features  1008 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  further illustrates the Server Device Features  1098  include but not limited to: Create or Update Task  1060 ; Create or Update Timer  1128 ; Enable or Disable Applications  1086 ; Remote Application Install and Removal Tool  1130 ; Setup Websites, URLs and Domains  1088 ; Setup Applications and Features  1132 ; Administrator&#39;s Desktop  1134 ; Usage Controls &amp; Viewer  1136 ; Enable or Disable Client Devices  1054 ; Remote Audio, Video, and Camera Controls and Viewer  1138 ; Remote Content Sniffer  1140 ; Remote Data, Application, and Device Erase  1142 ; User and Usage Reporting  1096 ; Key and Screen Logs  1144 ; Stealth Mode Controls and Viewer  1146 ; Content Controls and Viewer  1148 ; Learning Gamification Controls and Viewer  1150 ; Safety Controls and Viewer  1152 ; and Communications Controls  1154 . The Server Device  1002  will control the features available and accessible on one or more Client Devices  1004 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  further illustrates the Client Device Features  1200  include but are not limited to: Perform Tasks and Activities  1078 ; Access Allowed Features  1070 ; Access Allowed Applications  1068 ; Access Allowed Content  1076 ; Access Allowed Websites, URLs, and Domains  1100 ; Usage and Content Tracker  1102 ; User Preferences  1082 ; Audio, Video, and Camera Hijacker  1168 ; Manage Networks  1104 ; Print  1106 ; Key and Screen Logger  1108 ; Screen Shot Generator  1110 ; Application, Content, and Device Eraser  1112 ; Alerts and Notifications  1114 ; Stealth Mode  1116 ; Emergency Mode  1118 ; Content Sniffer  1120 ; Unrestricted Applications and Features  1122 ; Learning Gamification Program  1124 ; Existing Device System Applications and Features  1126 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  further illustrates the Common Features  1006  for Server Device  1002  and Client Devices  1004  include but are not limited to: Group Calendar  1156 ; Email Management  1158 ; Rewards Management  1160 ; Alert and Notification Engine  1166 ; Safety Features  1074 ; Content Management  1170 ; Task Management  1172 ; Contact Management  1174 ; Communications Management  1176 ; Application and Feature Management  1180 ; Learning Gamification Management  1182 ; and Wireless Access Management  1184 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  further illustrates the Learning Gamification and Safety Control Portal  1008  features include but are not limited to: Activate or Deactivate Server(s) and/or Client(s)  1186 ; Licensing  1188 ; Subscription Services  1190 ; Payment Processing  1192 ; Account Management  1194 ; and User Management  1196 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 2  illustrates the Association Types for Server-Client Devices. The concept of hub and spoke mobile device computing with the Server Device  1002  controlling one or more Client Devices  1004  and/or one or more Groups  1010  of Client Devices  1004 . The Server Device  1002  communicates with the Client Devices  1004  and Groups  1010  of Client Devices  1002  using the Learning Gamification and Safety Control Portal  1008  accessible via wired or wireless communications  1098  and the Internet  1012 . This diagram illustrates the concept that one or more Server Devices  1002  control one or more Client Devices  1004  and Groups  1010  of Client Devices  1004 . There is no limit on the number of Server Devices  1002 , Client Devices  1004 , or Groups  1010  of Client Devices  1004  that associate together. A Server Device  1002  may not control another Server Device  1002 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 3  illustrates Examples of User Scenarios for the Learning Gamification and Safety Control Application  1222 . Examples of the types of users of Server Devices  1002  and Client Devices  1004  include but not limited to: Parents  1202  with Children  1212 ; Employers and Managers  1204  with Employees or Contractors  1214 ; Organization Leaders  1206  with Contributors or Volunteers  1216 ; Teachers and Instructors  1208  with Students and Trainees  1218 ; and Exam Proctors and Examiners  1210  with Examinees  1220 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 4  illustrates the Learning Gamification Program  1124 . The Learning Gamification Program  1124  shows how a Server Device  1002  user may setup one or more Goals  1014  to earn one or rime Rewards  1016 . Goals  1014  are established using one or more Requirements  1020  with one or more Expectations  1022  that result in one or more Rewards  1016 . The program is designed following a flexible architecture that allows the user to specify Requirements  1020  that comprises a Task  1030 , Application  1034 , Program  1224 , and Other Requirement  1044 . Requirement Tasks  1030  include Activities, Emails, Meetings, Appointments, or other actions or records that can be maintained using existing legacy applications, such as but not limited to: calendar  1156 ,  1072 ; alarm clock, phone, camera, messaging, mail, audio and video player, or other existing device system applications and features  1126  designed to operate seamlessly with the mobile computing device. Application  1034  includes each of one or more non-system applications installed on the mobile computing device. Program  1224  represents the ability for one or more Learning Gamification Programs  1124  to be subordinate to another Learning Gamification Program  1224 , where completing one or more Learning Gamification Programs  1224  is required to successfully complete another Learning Gamification Program  1224  that packages all the subordinate programs into a higher-level program. Other  1044  includes any action that is completed without using the Client Device  1004 . Expectation  1022  includes but not limited to one or more Limit or Score  1032 , Duration  1036 , Other  1046 , and Number of Occurrences  1226  associated with a Goal  1014 . When One Occurrence  1018  of the Learning Gamification Program  1224  occurs, where one or more Requirements  1020  and one or more Expectations  1022  are completed, one or more Rewards  1016  may be granted to the Client Device  1004  user. One or more Rewards  1016  are associated to one or more Goals  1014  and defined with one or more Results  1024  associated to one or more Benefits  1026 . A Result  1024  includes but is not limited to accessing one or more Applications  1228  and Features  1232 , Other  1236  (a user-defined field), and Points per Occurrence  1240 , associated to one or more Benefits  1026  that include but not limited to ability to set a Limit per Occurrence  1230 , Expiration  1234 , Duration  1238 , and Level or Score  1242 . Rewards  1016  include short-term Rewards  1016 , such as accessing games and applications on the Client Device  1004  or exercising to lose weight, and long-term Rewards  1016 , such as exercising to earn a savory dessert, or completing an online certification program to qualify for a promotion. 
         [0032]      FIG. 5  illustrates the Learning Gamification Program Examples. A variety of Examples  1028  with narratives are shown about how the Learning Gamification Program  1124  may be utilized. These Examples  1028  include but are not limited to those shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 6  illustrates the Learning Gamification Program Data Model. This model illustrates the critical field attributes necessary to configure one or more Goals  1014  with Requirements  1020 , Expectations  1022 , Expectation Scores  1040  and Expectation Times  1042 , associated to one or more Rewards  1016  with Results  1024 , Benefits  1026 , Benefit Scores  1050 , and Benefit Times  1052 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 6  further illustrates the Requirements  1020  include one or more of the following, but not limited to a Task  1030  or Activity, Application  1034 , Program  1224 , or Other  1044 . Based on the selected Requirement  1020 , the applicable Expectations  1022  will be dynamically visible, such as but not limited to Duration  1036 , Other  1046 , Number of Occurrences  1226 , Limit or Score  1032 , and Goal Status  1038 . The user may set one or more Expectations  1022  to each Requirement  1020 . Based on the selected Expectations  1022 , the applicable Expectation Score  1040  and Expectation Time  1042  fields will be dynamically visible for the user to enter values. The Goal Status  1038  field will be automatically populated. 
         [0035]      FIG. 6  further illustrates the Rewards  1016  include one or more of the following, but not limited to a Task  1030  or Activity, Application  1034 , Program  1224 , or Other  1044 . Based on the selected Result  1024 , the applicable Benefits  1026  will be dynamically visible, such as but not limited to Duration  1238 , Expiration  1234 , Limit per Occurrence  1230 , and Level or Score  1242 , and Reward Status  1048 . The user may set one or more Benefits  1026  to each Result  1024 . Based on the selected Benefits  1026 , the applicable Benefit Score  1050  and Benefit Time  1052  fields will be dynamically visible for the user to enter values. The Reward Status  1048  field will be automatically populated. 
         [0036]      FIG. 7  illustrates an example of Server Device Controls and Client Device Capabilities. This diagram shows how the Server Device  1002  controls and manages related features and capabilities installed on a Group  1010  of one or more Client Devices  1004 , whereas the number of Groups  1010  and number of Client Devices  1004  are unlimited by the Learning Gamification and Safety Control Application. The Server Device  1002  controls and manages related features and capabilities installed on one or more Groups  1010  of one or more Client Devices  1004 . Similar to  FIG. 6 , the Server Device  1002  will establish the association to one or more Groups  1010  of one or more Client Devices  1004  and provide a user interface for managing the capabilities and features accessible to each Group  1010  of one or more Client Devices  1004 . The Server Device  1002  manages one or more Groups  1010  of Client Devices  1004  with configurations that include but are not limited to: Manage Devices  1054 ; Manage Groups  1056 ; Manage Users  1058 ; Tasks and Activities  1060 ; Learning Gamification Programs  1062 ,  1150 ; Rewards Programs  1064 ; and Server Preferences  1066 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 7  further illustrates that each Client Device  1004  within a Group  1010  of Client Devices  1004  will individually authenticate and associate to the Server Device  1002  and provide a user interface for utilizing the enabled and allowed capabilities and features. The Client Device  1004  enabled and allowed capabilities and features include but not limited to: Applications  1068 ; Device Features  1070 ; Calendar  1072 ; Safety Features  1074 ; Content  1076 ; Tasks and Activities  1078 ; Learning Gamification Programs  1062 ,  1080 ; and User Preferences  1082 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 8  illustrates an example of Server Device Controls and Client Device Capabilities. This diagram shows how the Server Device  1002  controls and manages related features and capabilities installed on one or more Client Devices  1004 , or Groups  1010  of Client Devices  1004 . The Server Device  1002  will establish the association to one or more Client Devices  1004  and provide a user interface for managing the capabilities and features accessible to the Client Devices  1004 . The Server Device  1002  allows the user to Manage a Client Device  1054 ,  1004  with configurations that include but not limited to: User Settings  1084 ; Allowed Applications  1068 ,  1086 ; Allowed Websites, URLs, and Domains  1088 ; Allowed Content  1076 ,  1090 ; Safety Controls  1092 ; Learning Gamification Controls  1094 ; and Reporting and Logs  1096 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 8  further illustrates the Client Devices  1004  will authenticate and associate to the Server. 
         [0040]    Device  1002  and provide a user interface for utilizing the enabled and allowed capabilities and features. The Client Device  1004  enabled and allowed capabilities and features include but are not limited to: Applications  1068 ; Device Features  1070 ; Calendar  1072 ; Safety Features  1074 ; Tasks and Activities  1078 ; Learning Gamification Program  1080 ,  1124 ; and User Preferences  1082 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 9  illustrates the High-Level Architecture.  FIG. 9  illustrates how the Server Device  1002  and Client Device  1004  utilize Wired and Wireless Communications  1098  to access the Internet  1012  and Learning Gamification and Safety Control Portal  1008 . The Server Device  1002  communicates with the Client Devices  1004  using the existing wireless communications hardware and software installed on the computing device to send and receive various instructions, commands, applications, and content to one or more Client Devices  1004  or Groups  1010  of Client Devices  1004 . Utilizing the Wired and Wireless Communications  1098  to access the Internet  1012 , the Server Device  1002  and Client Devices  1004  automatically update with the relevant applications, content, features, and capabilities installed and configured as enabled and/or allowed by the Server Device  1002 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 9  further illustrates that the Server Device  1002  interacts with the Client Device(s)  1004  or Groups  1010  of Client Devices  1004 , whether individually or in a Group  1010 , and Learning Gamification and Safety Control Portal  1008  using the Wired and Wireless Communications  1098  features and capabilities to transmit data that includes but not limited to: Configurations; Settings for Applications, Features, and Content; Tasks and Activities  1060 ,  1078 ; Safety and Monitoring Controls and Settings, Learning Gamification Controls and Settings  1094 ; and Approved Requests; Allowed Applications, Features, and Content; Safety and Monitoring Applications; and Learning Gamification Application. 
         [0043]      FIG. 9  further illustrates that the Client Devices  1004  interacts with the Server Device  1002  and Learning Gamification and Safety Control Portal  1008  using the Wired and Wireless Communications  1098  features and capabilities to transmit data that includes but not limited to: Content Requests  1090 ,  1076 ; Application Requests  1086 ,  1068 ; Device Features  1070  (includes but not limited to phone calling, text and SMS messaging, video calling, image and video viewers, contact manager, calendar, video player and other device features pre-installed by the device manufacturer and intended for the specific device); Safety Features  1074  (includes but not limited to Emergency Mode  1118 , device locator, parental controls, user and usage reporting; camera, flashlight, and other device features pre-installed by the device manufacturer and intended for the specific device)  1070 ; Reports and Logs  1096 ; Safety Controls  1092 ; Client Content and Data  1076 ,  1090 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 9  further illustrates that the Wired and Wireless Communications  1098  features and capabilities provide the Server Device  1002 , Client Devices  1004  and Groups  1010  of Client Devices  1004  with access to the Internet  1012  and the Learning Gamification and Safety Control Portal  1008 . The Wired and Wireless Communications  1098  include capabilities to answer incoming and complete outgoing audio and video phone calls, transmit data, and respond to and create outgoing messages using a mobile service provider. 
         [0045]      FIG. 9  further illustrates the Learning Gamification and Safety Control Portal  1008  provides the Server Device  1002 , Client Devices  1004  and Groups  1010  of Client Devices  1004  with features and capabilities that operate using data that includes but not limited to: Requested Content; Requested Applications; Administrator Console; Account Management; Error Reporting; Data Storage; Device Backup; Authentication; Pushed Content, Acceptable Content; Acceptable Applications; and Device Settings.