Patent Publication Number: US-2016227317-A1

Title: Method and system for mobile device transition to distraction-free operation

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Examples described herein relate to a system and method for mobile device transition to distraction-free operation. 
     BACKGROUND 
     An electronic personal display is a mobile computing device that displays information to a user. While an electronic personal display may be capable of many of the functions of a personal computer, a user can typically interact directly with an electronic personal display without the use of a keyboard that is separate from, or coupled to, but distinct from the electronic personal display itself. Some examples of electronic personal displays include mobile digital devices/tablet computers and electronic readers (e-readers) such (e.g., Apple iPad®, Microsoft® Surface™, Samsung Galaxy Tab® and the like), handheld multimedia smartphones (e.g., Apple iPhone®, Samsung Galaxy S®, and the like), and handheld electronic readers (e.g., Amazon Kindle®, Barnes and Noble Nook®, Kobo Aura HD, Kobo Aura H2O, Kobo GLO and the like). 
     Some electronic personal display devices are purpose built devices designed to perform especially well at displaying digitally stored content for reading or viewing thereon. For example, a purpose build device may include a display that reduces glare, performs well in high lighting conditions, and/or mimics the look of text as presented via actual discrete pages of paper. While such purpose built devices may excel at displaying content for a user to read, they may also perform other functions, such as displaying images, emitting audio, recording audio, and web surfing, among others. 
     Electronic personal displays are among numerous kinds of consumer devices that can receive services and utilize resources across a network service. Such devices can operate applications or provide other functionality that links a device to a particular account of a specific service. For example, the electronic reader (e-reader) devices typically link to an online bookstore, and media playback devices often include applications that enable the user to access an online media electronic library (or e-library). In this context, the user accounts can enable the user to receive the full benefit and functionality of the device. 
     As mobile computing devices having functionality for e-reading proliferate, users find it beneficial to be able to operate such devices in many varied surroundings to continue reading their favorite e-book, such as for example, at the beach, at poolside, and other situations in which the presence of device hard buttons with device housing crevices attendant thereto, such as buttons for powering the device off and on, may potentially allow entry of undesired debris or liquids. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments and, together with the Description of Embodiments, serve to explain principles discussed below. The drawings referred to in this brief description of the drawings should not be understood as being drawn to scale unless specifically noted. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a computing device configured for operation in transitioning between audible notification states based on ambient lighting differentials between device surfaces, in an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic architecture of a computing device configured for operation in transitioning between audible notification states based on ambient lighting differentials between device surfaces, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an example embodiment operation for a computing device transitioning between alternate audible notification states of the device based on ambient lighting differentials between device surfaces. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a method for operating a computing device to transition between alternate audible notification states based on ambient lighting differentials between device surfaces, according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     “E-books” are a form of electronic publication content stored in digital format in a computer non-transitory memory, viewable on a computing device having display functionality. An e-book can correspond to, or mimic, the paginated format of a printed publication for viewing, such as provided by printed literary works (e.g., novels) and periodicals (e.g., magazines, comic books, journals, etc.). Optionally, some e-books may have chapter designations, as well as content that corresponds to graphics or images (e.g., such as in the case of magazines or comic books). Multi-function devices, such as cellular-telephony or messaging devices, can utilize specialized applications (e.g., specialized e-reading application software) to view e-books in a format that mimics the paginated printed publication. Still further, some devices (sometimes labeled as “e-readers”) can display digitally-stored content in a more reading-centric manner, while also providing, via a user input interface, the ability to manipulate that content for viewing, such as via discrete pages arranged sequentially (that is, pagination) corresponding to an intended or natural reading progression, or flow, of the content therein. 
     An “e-reading device”, variously referred to herein as an electronic personal display or mobile computing device, can refer to any computing device that can display or otherwise render an e-book. By way of example, an e-reading device can include a mobile computing device on which an e-reading application can be executed to render content that includes e-books (e.g., comic books, magazines, etc.). Such mobile computing devices can include, for example, a multi-functional computing device for cellular telephony/messaging (e.g., feature phone or smart phone), a tablet computer device, an ultra-mobile computing device, or a wearable computing device with a form factor of a wearable accessory device (e.g., smart watch or bracelet, glass-wear integrated with a computing device, etc.). As another example, an e-reading device can include an e-reader device, such as a purpose-built device that is optimized for an e-reading experience (e.g., with e-Ink displays). 
     While engaged in an immersive e-reading experience, a combination of factors such as ambient lighting brightness, reflection and glare from the display screen while viewing displayed content may significantly affect reading comfort and enjoyment of the user&#39;s reading experience. A user should ideally be able to read comfortably for extended periods of time on the device display screen, to provide a digital reading experience that is comparable to the natural convenience of reading a physical paper book. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an e-reading device  110 , in one embodiment configured for operation including distraction-free mode logic  120  for transitioning to an alternate audible alert or audible notification state. In the example of  FIG. 1 , e-reading device  110  comprises an electronic personal display device, also referred to herein as e-reading device  110  or mobile e-reading device  110  which may be a mobile communication device. 
     The e-reading device  110  can correspond to any electronic personal display device on which applications and application resources (e.g., e-books, media files, documents) can be rendered and consumed. For example, the e-reading device  110  can correspond to a tablet or a telephony/messaging device (e.g., smart phone). In one implementation, for example, e-reading device  110  can run an e-reader application that links the device to a network service and enables e-books provided through the service to be downloaded and stored, for consumption by way of e-reading. In another implementation, the e-reading device  110  can run a media playback or streaming application that receives files or streaming data from the network service. By way of example, the e-reading device  110  can be equipped with hardware and software to optimize certain application activities, such as reading electronic content (e.g., e-books). For example, the e-reading device  110  can have a tablet-like form factor, although variations are possible. In some cases, display  116  of e-reading device  110  may be a liquid crystal display or may be an e-ink display or bi-stable display. 
     In additional detail, the network service can include a content store server and a user account electronic library (e-library) storing e-books or digital content items. In some embodiments, the content store server and user account e-library may be implemented via server computing devices, as well as a server cloud computing system. The content store server may be an online store for purchasing of digital content items for download therefrom onto a resident memory of an e-reading device  110  and/or the user account e-library which associates the e-reading device  110  with a user having an account. The user account can also be associated with ownership of, and/or accessibility to, one or more e-books and digital content items stored in content store server. 
     Further with reference to an example depiction of  FIG. 1 , the display  116  may be touch-sensitive, to process touch inputs including gestures (e.g., swipes). For example, the display screen may be integrated with one or more touch sensors to provide a touch-sensing region on their respective display surfaces. For some embodiments, the one or more touch sensors may include capacitive sensors that can sense or detect a human body&#39;s capacitance as input. In the example of  FIG. 1 , the touch-sensing region coincides with a substantial surface area, if not all, of the display  116 . 
     In some embodiments, the e-reading device  110  includes features for providing functionality related to displaying paginated content, including paginated content comprising an e-magazine or e-comic book. The e-reading device  110  can include page transitioning logic, which enables the user to transition through paginated content. The e-reading device  110  can display pages of e-books, e-magazines and e-comics, and enable the user to transition from one page state to another. In particular, an e-book can provide content that is rendered sequentially in pages, and the e-book can display page states in the form of single pages, multiple pages or portions thereof. Accordingly, a given page state can coincide with, for example, a single page, or two or more pages displayed at once. The page transitioning logic can operate to enable the user to transition from a given page state to another page state In the specific example embodiment where a given page state coincides with a single page, for instance, each page state corresponding to one page of the digitally constructed, ordered sequence of pages paginated to comprise, in one embodiment, an e-book. In some implementations, the page transitioning logic enables single page transitions, chapter transitions, or cluster transitions (multiple pages at one time). 
     According to some embodiments, the e-reading device  110  includes display sensor logic to detect and interpret user input or user input commands made through interaction with the touch sensors of display  116 . By way of example, display sensor logic can detect a user making contact with the touch-sensing region of the display  116 , otherwise referred to herein as a touch event. More specifically, display sensor logic can detect a touch event also referred to herein as a tap, an initial tap held in contact at display  116  for longer than some pre-defined threshold duration of time (otherwise known as a “long press” or a “long touch”), multiple taps performed either sequentially or generally simultaneously, swiping gesture actions made through user interaction with the touch sensing region of the display  116  or any combination of these gesture actions. Although referred to herein as a “touch” or a tap, it should be appreciated that in some design implementations, sufficient proximity to the screen surface, just short of actual physical contact, may register a “contact” or a “touch event”. Furthermore, display sensor logic can interpret such interactions in a variety of ways. For example, each such interaction may be interpreted as a particular type of user input associated with a respective input command, execution of which may trigger a change in state at touchscreen display  116 . 
     Still with reference to  FIG. 1 , a light-sensing arrangement for sensing a level of ambient lighting, in one embodiment, includes a front housing surface optical window  111 , which in an alternate embodiment example may also be such as an optical window for an on-device camera lens, integrated into a device front housing surface of e-reader device  110 . The front housing surface optical window  111 , typically made of a material that substantially transmits visible light, such as poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC) or the like, may alternatively be integrated into display elements of display  116  during a manufacturing process, such as via injection-molding. Front housing surface optical window  111  may be in optical communication via a light guide arrangement with one or more light-sensitive components, including a light-emitting diode, phototransistor or photo-resistor, resident on a printed circuit board having electronic hardware components of e-reader device  110 . In another embodiment of the ambient light-sensing arrangement, a liquid crystal display embodiment of display  116  may be lighted by an electroluminescent panel fitted behind it, serving as the light-sensitive component that detects ambient lighting levels. In the above example embodiments of the ambient light sensor, indications of ambient lighting are sensed, together with changes in the ambient lighting brightness levels. 
     Ambient lighting differential logic module  119  operates, in an embodiment, to determine a brightness level differential based on ambient lighting brightness levels as sensed via front housing surface optical window  111  and rear housing surface optical window  112  of e-reading device  110 . 
     Distraction-free mode logic module  120 , in an embodiment, operates to transition e-reading device  110  between different audible alert states. Distraction-free mode logic module  120  includes logic providing, in part, to accomplish transitioning to a different device audible alter setting, including a quelling of sound output, such as to reduce distractions during a meeting or for privacy reasons, based on a magnitude of the brightness level differential provided by ambient lighting differential logic module  119  of e-reading device  110 . 
     Distraction-free mode logic module  120  and ambient lighting differential logic module  119  can be implemented as software logic modules comprising instructions stored in a memory of e-reading device  110 . One or more embodiments of distraction-free mode logic module  120  and ambient lighting differential logic module  119  described herein may be implemented using programmatic modules or components. A programmatic module or component may include a program, a subroutine, a portion of a program, or a software or a hardware component capable of performing one or more stated tasks or functions in conjunction with one or more processors. As used herein, a module or component can exist on a hardware component independently of other modules or components. Alternatively, a module or component can be a shared element or process of other modules, programs and hardware components. 
     Furthermore, the one or more embodiments of distraction-free mode logic module  120  and ambient lighting differential logic module  119  described herein may be implemented through instructions that are executable by one or more processors. These instructions may be stored on a computer-readable non-transitory medium. In particular, the numerous computing and communication devices shown with embodiments of the invention include processor(s) and various forms of computer memory, including volatile and non-volatile forms, storing data and instructions. Examples of computer-readable mediums include permanent memory storage devices, such as hard drives on personal computers or servers. Other examples of computer storage mediums include portable storage units, flash or solid-state memory (such as included on many cell phones and consumer electronic devices) and magnetic memory. Computers, terminals, network enabled devices (e.g., mobile devices such as cell phones and wearable computers) are all examples of machines and devices that utilize processors, memory, and instructions stored on computer-readable mediums. Additionally, embodiments may be implemented in the form of computer-programs, or a computer usable storage medium capable of storing such a program. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 2 , illustrated is a schematic architecture of mobile e-reading device  110 , such as a tablet or e-reader, configured for transitioning operation between different devices audible notification states based on ambient lighting brightness differential as sensed from different surfaces of mobile e-reading device  110 , according to an embodiment. 
     E-reading device  110  further includes processor  210 , and a memory  250  storing instructions and logic pertaining at least to distraction-free mode logic module  120 . 
     Processor  210  can implement functionality using the logic and instructions stored in memory  250 . Additionally, in some implementations, processor  210  communicates with the network service. More specifically, the e-reading device  110  can access the network service to receive various kinds of resources (e.g., digital content items such as e-books, configuration files, account information), as well as to provide information (e.g., user account information, service requests etc.). For example, e-reading device  110  can receive application resources, such as e-books or media files, that the user elects to purchase or otherwise download via a network service. The application resources, including e-books having content organized as a series of digitally constructed pages, that are downloaded onto the e-reading device  110  can be stored in memory  250 . 
     In some implementations, display  116  can correspond to, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or light emitting diode (LED) display that illuminates in order to provide content generated from processor  210 . In some implementations, display  116  can be touch-sensitive. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of the touch sensor components may be integrated with display  116 . In other embodiments, the touch sensor components may be provided (e.g., as a layer) above or below display  116  such that individual touch sensor components track different regions of display  116 . Display  116  can correspond to an electronic paper type display, such as an c-ink or bi-stable display that mimic conventional paper in the manner in which content is displayed. Typically, e-ink displays are more suited to e-reading under extreme ambient lighting conditions, such as very bright daylight or in near-darkness at bedtime, resulting is less eye strain as compared to reading, for example, on an LCD display screen. Examples of such electronic paper display technologies include electrophoretic displays, electro-wetting displays, and electro-fluidic displays. Display  116  can also be touch-sensitive, having a set of touch sensor components integrated therewith, providing touch screen capability. 
     Processor  210  can receive input from various sources, including touch sensor components at display  116 , keystroke input  209  such as from a virtual or rendered keyboard, ambient light sensing arrangements  219  and  220  configured to detect ambient lighting brightness levels from respective first and second surfaces of e-reading device  110 , and other input mechanisms  299  (e.g., buttons, mouse, microphone, etc.). With reference to examples described herein, processor  210  can respond to input detected at the touch sensor components. In some embodiments, processor  210  responds to inputs from the touch sensor components in order to facilitate or enhance e-book activities such as generating e-book content on displays  116 , performing page transitions of the displayed e-book content, powering off the e-reading device  110  and/or displays  116 , activating a screen saver, launching or closing an application, and/or otherwise altering a state of display  116  in relation to a power state of e-reading device  110 . 
     Ambient light sensors  219 ,  220  may include a light-emitting diode, phototransistor or photo-resistor, resident on a printed circuit board having electronic hardware components of e-reader device  110  in optical communication with front housing surface optical window  111  of e-reading device  110 . In another embodiment of the ambient light-sensors  219 ,  220 , a liquid crystal display embodiment of display  116  may be lighted by an electro-luminescent panel fitted behind it, serving as the light-sensitive component that detects ambient lighting levels. In the above example embodiments of the ambient light sensors  219 ,  220 , indications of ambient lighting levels may be sensed, and also changes in the ambient lighting brightness levels detected at a surface of e-reading device  110  upon which front housing surface optical window  111  or display  116  of the ambient lighting sensor arrangement may be variously disposed. 
     In some embodiments, memory  250  may store display sensor logic that monitors for user interactions detected through the touch sensor components, and further processes the user interactions as a particular input or type of input. In an alternative embodiment, display sensor logic module may be integrated with the touch sensor components. For example, the touch sensor components can be provided as a modular component that includes integrated circuits or other hardware logic, and such resources can provide some or all of display sensor logic. In variations, some or all of display sensor logic may be implemented with processor  210  (which utilizes instructions stored in memory  250 ), or with an alternative processing resource. 
     E-reading device  110  further includes wireless connectivity subsystem  213 , comprising a wireless communication receiver, a transmitter, and associated components, such as one or more embedded or internal antenna elements, local oscillators, and a processing module such as a digital signal processor (DSP) (not shown). As will be apparent to those skilled in the field of communications, the particular design of wireless connectivity subsystem  213  depends on the communication network in which e-reading device  110  is intended to operate, such as in accordance with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC) communication protocols, and the like. 
     E-reading device  110  further includes one or more audio speaker(s)  260  emitting audio sound output, such a mobile telephone ringtones or other audible notification alerts as pre-set or as selected via a user settings customization menu of e-reading device  110 . In a quelled state of audible output, processor  210  may control audio speaker(s)  260  to generate no audio output; in an alternate audio output state, processor  210  may control audio speaker(s)  260  to generate another audio output different from an originally operative audible output at mobile e-reading device  110 . 
     Ambient lighting differential logic module  119  can be implemented as a software module comprising instructions stored in memory  250  of mobile e-reading device  110 . Ambient lighting differential logic module  119  may store one or more predetermined or pre-settable threshold amount(s) ambient light differential(s) with regard to ambient lighting levels sensed at different surfaces, such as a top surface, a rear surface, and an edge surface, of e-reading device  110 . 
     Distraction-free mode logic module  120  can be implemented as a software module comprising instructions stored in memory  250  of e-reading device  110 . Distraction-free mode logic module  120 , in an embodiment, operates to transition e-reading device  110  between different audible alert states, including but not limited to: a telephone ringtone, an email received notification, a messaging receipt notification, a device-integrated alarm clock notification or alert, and the like. Distraction-free mode logic module  120  includes logic providing, in part, to accomplish transitioning to a different audible notification or audible alert state, such as for minimizing or eliminating distractions via device quelling by muting of all sounds and stopping of vibrations and alerts, when a magnitude of the brightness level differential provided by ambient lighting differential logic module  119  exceeds the pre-determined threshold differential amount(s). 
     Next in reference to  FIG. 3 , depicted in view  300  is an example embodiment of e-reading device  110 , having front housing surface optical window Ill located on a front housing surface and rear housing surface optical window  112  located at a rear housing surface. Next, if e-reading device  110  is rotated and placed in a front-face-downwards position upon a solid, non-transparent surface once a user opts to stop using, or e-reading content, on the device display  116 , during normal daylight conditions for example, the ambient light intensity level received via front housing surface optical window  11  will be much less than that received via now-upwards-facing rear housing surface optical window  112  on the rear surface. Ambient lighting differential logic module  119  therefore determines a greater differential in ambient lighting levels than a comparatively smaller differential that exists when e-reading device  110  is held in mid-air for e-reading or other usage, when optical windows  111  and  112  are both unobstructed in receiving substantially the same ambient lighting brightness levels, as neither of their respective device surfaces are darkened or blocked. 
     Upon a determination that a threshold value for ambient lighting differential has been exceeded, which in one embodiment may comprise a 50 percent differential between brightness levels sensed via ambient lighting sensors  219 ,  220  on respective surfaces of e-reading device  110 , distraction-free mode logic  120  effects a change in audible notifications states by accessing device audio settings, which may include quelling all forms of e-reading device  110  audible notifications provided via audio speakers  260 . In an alternate embodiment, the audible notification may be a first mobile telephone ringtone, transitioning into operation in the alternate audio state via a second ringtone different from the first ringtone when the user places the device in a face- or display screen-downwards position upon a solid, non-transparent surface which now blocks lighting on particular device face-downward surface including ambient lighting sensors thereon. 
     Still with reference to  FIG. 3 , it is contemplated that any one of optical windows  111 ,  112  may instead be located on edge surfaces  330  or  331  if e-reading device  110 , on edge surfaces located respectively oppositely thereto (not shown). 
     In a further embodiment, ambient lighting differential logic module  119  may be in communication with a time of day clock function or application within e-reading device  110 , and operate to invoke different predetermined threshold amounts of ambient lighting brightness differentials in accordance with the time of day; for example, using a larger value for the threshold differential at daytime, and a smaller differential at nighttime when ambient lighting conditions are comparatively dimmer. 
     Following the transition to the alternate audio state, it is contemplated that a reverse procedure may be effected with e-reading device  110  as configured herein, such as by a user picking up the device in prelude to usage, a substantial decrease in the ambient lighting brightness differential from the previously-darkened-out front surface may be sensed via the respective ambient lighting brightness sensor, whereupon the device may be transitioned from the alternate audio state, such as a quelled state, back to the initial states of audible notifications, by way of the user proceeding to leave a meeting and resume normal activity, for example. 
     Next with reference to  FIG. 4 , illustrated is a method for transitioning operation between audio output states, or audible notification states, depending on a substantial differential in ambient brightness lighting levels as determined at different surfaces of the device, according to an embodiment. In describing the example of  FIG. 4 , reference will be made to components such as described with regard to  FIGS. 1 through 3  for purposes of illustrating components for performing a step or sub-step as described. 
     At step  401 , receiving, via the first and second ambient lighting sensors  219 ,  220  a first and a second ambient lighting levels from respective ones of a front housing surface optical window  111  and a rear housing surface optical window  112  of the e-reading device  110 . 
     At step  402 , determining a brightness differential between the first and second ambient lighting levels. 
     At step  403 , transitioning at least one audible notification from an audio output source  260  of the e-reading device  110  to an alternate audio state if the brightness differential exceeds a predetermined threshold differential amount. In an embodiment, the alternate audio state may be quiet or a quelled state, having no speaker volume output. In an alternate embodiment, the at least one audible notification may be a first mobile telephone ringtone, transitioning into operation in the alternate audio state via a second ringtone different from the first ringtone. 
     Although illustrative embodiments have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, variations to specific embodiments and details are contemplated and encompassed by this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of embodiments described herein be defined by claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, it is contemplated that a particular feature described, either individually or as part of an embodiment, can be combined with other individually described features, or parts of other embodiments. Thus, absence of describing combinations should not preclude the inventor(s) from claiming rights to such combinations.