Mobile Device Mode Enablement/Disablement Responsive To Sensing A Physiological Parameter

What is this patent about?

’756 is related to the field of adaptive enablement of device functions, particularly in mobile devices. The background acknowledges the increasing reliance on mobile devices for various functions, but notes a lack of adaptability based on context. Current devices typically offer a fixed set of functions regardless of location, time, or user state. The patent aims to address this rigidity by enabling or disabling device modes based on sensed parameters and proximity criteria.

The underlying idea behind ’756 is to dynamically adjust the functionality of a device, such as a smartphone, based on its sensed environment and the user's physiological state. The device uses its onboard sensors to measure parameters like velocity, temperature, heart rate, or location. If these parameters meet certain predefined criteria, the device can enable specific functions while disabling others, creating a context-aware user experience.

The claims of ’756 focus on a smartphone sensing a parameter using its device-based sensor , determining a value for that parameter, and then, if the value satisfies a threshold, enabling some functions and disabling others. The sensed parameter can be related to the device itself, its environment, or the user. Furthermore, the claims cover requesting and receiving authorization from another device to enable a financial transaction function, which is then used when the device is near an entity and the sensed parameter meets the threshold.

In practice, this could work by a smartphone monitoring the user's heart rate. If the heart rate exceeds a certain threshold (indicating stress or excitement), the phone might disable social media notifications to reduce distractions. Simultaneously, it could enable a quick-access function for ordering a ride or contacting emergency services. The financial transaction aspect could involve the phone requesting authorization from a user's bank to make a payment when the phone is near a point-of-sale system and the user's location and heart rate meet certain criteria.

This approach differentiates itself from prior solutions by integrating physiological and environmental data directly into the device's function management. Instead of relying solely on location or user input, the device proactively adapts its behavior based on a combination of factors. This allows for a more personalized and responsive user experience, where the device anticipates the user's needs and adjusts its functionality accordingly, potentially improving safety, productivity, or convenience. The dynamic function management based on sensed parameters is a key differentiator.