A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OBTAINING A DEVICE MANAGEMENT CONFIGURATION BASED ON DISTRIBUTED USER EXPERIENCE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of controlling a display device.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In the recent times, electronic devices, for example, televisions, computers, laptops, mobile phones, handheld devices and telecommunication devices are becoming increasingly popular as the electronic devices are enabled with multiple applications. Further, the electronic devices are also enabled with touch functionality for providing input by a user. Due to the presence of the multiple applications, embedded in the electronic device, device management becomes important. The device management includes providing device configurations, for example, but is not limited to, displaying specific icons, creating shortcuts for one or more software programs, providing one or more configurations settings, providing one or more user interface settings, taskbars, menubars and the like. The electronic device requires to be configured such that a sub set of applications, required by the user are readily available in contrast to the user manually selecting the applications that are required at a particular instant of time. The device management enables, the user, to readily access or execute the required applications.

[0003] Conventional technique aims at providing the device configuration based on a context of the user, user profile, and frequency of use. The context of the user is determined using one or more means, for example, a Global Positioning System (GPS) is used for determining a location of the user. Further, the sub set of applications, for example, icons for accessing one or more software applications, web pages, toolbars and the like, are readily provided to the user based on the context determined. Further, the sub set of applications are also provided based on the frequency of use of the applications. In one example, if MS word application is frequently used, then the technique is configured to create and further provide a shortcut path for enabling the MS word application instantly when the user uses the electronic device. Furthermore, the user profile is used to maintain one or more preferences of the user. The preference scan be referred to as applications preferred and executed by the user at various contexts. The sub set of applications for readily accessing the one or more software applications, the web pages, the toolbars and the like is provided based on the one or more preferences of the user. However, the technique requires further manual configurations since the device configuration that are provided merely based on context and frequency of use is not accurate. Hence, the user is required to spend some time to perform manual settings to obtain required device configuration.

[0004] In the light of the foregoing discussion there is a need for a system and a method for providing enhanced device management configuration based on a distributed user experience.

SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure described herein provide system for obtaining a device management configuration based on distributed user experience.

[0006] An example of a method of obtaining a device management configuration based on distributed user experience includes receiving an input from a first user. The input including activation of a recommendation mode, by the first user, the activation of the recommendation mode being used to obtain the device management configuration. The method also includes determining one or more preferences of the first user based on a first user context. The method further includes identifying multiple users associated with a corresponding device settings. The corresponding device settings being obtained based on at least one or more preferences associated with each of the multiple users and a context associated with each of the multiple users. Further, the method includes ranking the multiple users based on a level of similarity between at least one of the one or more preferences associated with each of the multiple users, the context associated with each of the multiple users, the one or more preferences of the first user and the first user context. Moreover, the method includes determining a second set of users, from the multiple users, based on the ranking. The method also includes fetching one or more device settings corresponding to the second set of users. The method further includes performing a security check for the one or more device settings corresponding to the second set of users. Further, the method includes recommending, to the first user, the one or more device settings corresponding to the second set of users.

[0007] An example of a system for obtaining a device management configuration includes a user interface module for receiving an input from a first user. The system also includes a context module for determining various contexts associated with the first user. The system further includes a network module configured to perform at least one of fetching a network information associated with the first user and identifying multiple users from various sources, wherein at least one or more preferences associated with each of the multiple users and a context associated with each of the multiple users are similar to one or more preferences of the first user and a first user context. Further, the system includes a ranking module for ranking, the multiple users, based on a similarity level existing between at least one of the one or more preferences associated with each of the multiple users, the context associated with each of the multiple users, the one or more preferences of the first user and the first user context. Moreover, the system includes a recommendation module for recommending one or more device settings, to the first user, corresponding to a second set of users. The second set of users is being selected based on the similarity level. The system also includes a communication interface for establishing communication.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0008] The accompanying figure, similar reference numerals may refer to identical or functionally similar elements. These reference numerals are used in the detailed description to illustrate various embodiments and to explain various aspects and advantages of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an environment, in accordance with which various embodiments can be implemented;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system for obtaining a device management configuration based on distributed user experience, in accordance with one embodiment; and

[0011] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of obtaining a device management configuration based on distributed user experience, in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] It should be observed the method steps and system components have been represented by conventional symbols in the figure, showing only specific details which are relevant for an understanding of the present disclosure. Further, details may be readily apparent to person ordinarily skilled in the art may not have been disclosed. In the present disclosure, relational terms such as first and second, and the like, may be used to distinguish one entity from another entity, without necessarily implying any actual relationship or order between such entities.

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure described herein provide system and method of obtaining a device management configuration based on distributed user experience.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an environment 100 for obtaining a device management configuration based on distributed user experience, in accordance with one embodiment. The system 100 includes multiple electronic devices, for example, an electronic device 1 105a, an electronic device 2 105b, an electronic device 3 105c, an electronic device 4 105d. The system 100 also includes a cloud network 110. Examples of the electronic devices include, but are not limited to, computers, laptops, mobile phones, handheld devices personal digital assistants (PDA) and telecommunication devices. Examples of the cloud network 110 include, but are not limited to, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN) and wireless networks.

[0015] The electronic devices are operable to perform multiple applications. A user of an electronic device may use one application or a set of applications of the multiple applications frequently. Hence, device settings are required to be configured such that the application or the set of applications that are frequently used, by the user, are readily accessible to the user. Examples of the device settings include, but are not limited to, a user interface settings, a device configuration setting, an application program setting and a shortcut for one or more application softwares. The device settings for the electronic device can be provided, to the user, based on a context of the user. Examples of the context include, but are not limited to, location, time, environment of the user, weather, part of the day and the like. Further, the device settings can also be provided, to the user, based on one or more preferences of the user. Examples of the preferences include, but are not limited to, using a particular software application during a specific part of the day and the like. The device settings can further be provided based on duration of using the one or more software applications or one or more user interface parameters by the user. In one example, the user may prefer to work upon one set of applications frequently at office and prefer to use another set of applications frequently at home. Hence, the electronic device is configured to provide one device settings such that the set of applications can be instantly accessible, by the user, when located at office and provide another device setting such that the set of applications can be instantly accessible, by the user, when located at home. The electronic device is configured to alter the device settings based on, for example, but not limited to, the context of the user and the preference of the user.

[0016] In one embodiment, the device settings are provided, to the user of the electronic device, based on context associated with multiple users and one or more preferences associated with the multiple users. The multiple users may be derived from a network, for example, but not limited to, a social network or a professional network, of the user of the electronic device through the cloud network 110. A set of users, of the multiple users, with context and preferences similar to the user of the electronic device are selected form the network of the user of the electronic device. Further, the set of users selected are ranked based on a similarity level of the context and the preferences. The similarity level indicates a degree of similarity existing between the context of the set of users and the context of the user of the electronic device. The similarity level indicates a degree of similarity existing between the preferences of the set of users and the preferences of the user of the electronic device. Upon ranking, one or more users, from the set of users, holding highest rank are selected. Further, device settings associated with the one or more users holding the highest rank is recommended to the user of the electronic device. The user of the electronic device can accept the recommended device settings for obtaining one or more user interface parameters, for executing one or more software applications instantly, thereby preventing manual configuration of the electronic device to obtain required device settings. A system including a plurality of modules for obtaining device settings based on distributed user experience is explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system 200 for obtaining a device management configuration based on distributed user experience, in accordance with one embodiment. The system 200 includes a user interface module 205, a context module 210, a network module 215, a ranking module 220, a recommendation module 225, a security module 230 and a device setting module 235.

[0018] The user interface module 205 enables a user, for example, a first user, of an electronic device to perform one or more user interactions with the electronic device. Examples of the user interactions include, but are not limited to, icons, tool bars, one or more menu bars and multiple user interface components, used by the user. The user interface module 205 further includes a user profile module. The user profile module is used to maintain profile information of the user of the electronic device. The profile information includes, for example, but not limited to, browsing history of the user, professional information, frequently used softwares, for example, gaming applications and multiple commercial activity performed by the user. The profile information of the user of the electronic device may be static or dynamic in nature. Further, the user profile module maintains individual profile information based on each context of the user. The user interface module 205 employs the profile information of the user to determine, for example, but not limited to, a user interface parameters, one or more application programs and one or more application softwares frequently used by the user.

[0019] The context module 210 is used to determine a context of the user of the electronic device in real time. Examples of the context include, but are not limited to, location, time, environment of the user, weather, part of the day and the like. The context module 210 further includes a sensor module including multiple sensors. Examples of the sensors include, but are not limited to, Global Positioning System (GPS), light sensors, noise sensors and the like. The context module 210 maintains, in one example, but not limited to, location information, time, environment of the user and the like, derived from the sensor module. The context of the user determined by the context module 210 is used to determine the user interface parameters, application programs and application softwares used by the user at various contexts.

[0020] In one example, a GPS included in the context module 210 can be used for identifying a location of the user of the electronic device. Further, based on the location, the context of the user can be determined. Further, based on the context determined, frequently used user interface parameters, the application programs or the application softwares are determined and corresponding device settings can be provided to the user.

[0021] In another example, light sensors included in the context module 210 are used for determining ambience of light associated with the user of the electronic device. Further, the ambience of light determined can be used for providing corresponding device settings, for example, altering brightness of a display screen of the electronic device of the user based on the ambience of light associated with the user.

[0022] Further, the context module 210 is also used to maintain one or more activities performed, by the user, on a networking site. The one or more activities are used to determine multiple users having preferences similar to the preference of the user.

[0023] The network module 215 is used to fetch networking information of the user from one or more networking sites, for example, social networks such as Facebook, Orkut and the like. The networking information includes, for example, the one or more activities associated with the user, content posted by the user and the like. The network module 215 fetches the networking information for identifying the multiple users included in the social network of the user. Further, the network module 215 identifies multiple users present in various networks, for example, the social networks, of the user. The multiple users, identified by the network module 215, possess preferences similar to the preferences of the user. Further, the multiple users, identified by the network module 215, also possess context similar to the context of the user. Further, the network module 215 is operable to aggregate the multiple users present in the various networks of the user.

[0024] The ranking module 220 is configured to rank the multiple users based on similarity between the preferences of the multiple users and preferences of the user. The ranking module 220 is also operable to rank the multiple users based on similarity between the context of the multiple users and the context of the user. Further, the ranking module selects one or more users, for example, a second set of users, from the multiple users, based on a similarity level existing between the second set of users and the user of the electronic device. The similarity level represents a degree of similarity existing between the preferences of the second set of users and the preferences of the user of the electronic device. Further, the similarity level represents a degree of similarity existing between a context of the second set of users and the context of the user of the electronic device. The ranking module 220 is also operable to select a set of users from the multiple users based on the level of similarity existing between the set of users and the user of the electronic device.

[0025] The recommendation module 225 is configured to recommend one or more device settings, corresponding to the second set of users, to the user of the electronic device. The recommendation module 225 derives the device settings, of the second set of users, prior to recommending the device settings, of the second set of users, to the user of the electronic device. The device settings of the second set of users enables configuration of the electronic device such that user interface parameters, application programs, device configurations and application softwares used, by the second set of users, are readily accessible. The recommendation module 225 recommends the device settings, of the second set of users, in order to enable, the user of the electronic device, to instantly access the user interface parameters, the application programs, the device configurations and the application softwares based on the context and preferences of the user of the electronic device. In one example, the device settings recommended by the recommendation module 225 creates shortcuts for one or more software application on a desktop of the user. Further, the recommendation module 225 is operable to provide device settings, of the second set of users, to the device setting module 235.

[0026] The security module 230 is operable to perform security checks for the device settings, of the second set of users, recommended by the recommendation module 225 to prevent security threats. The security module 230 uses various security features, for example, sandboxing and encryption, to implement the security checks.

[0027] The device setting module 235 is operable to maintain the device settings of the user of the electronic device. The device setting module 235 employs the device settings recommended by the recommendation module 225 for maintaining the device settings of the user such that the user interface parameters, the application programs, the device configurations and the application softwares, based on the context and the preferences of the user, are readily accessible to the user. Hence, the device setting module 235 prevents the user to perform manual configuration of the electronic device to obtain required device settings.

[0028] The system 200 further includes a communication interface for establishing communication between a plurality of modules.

[0029] In one embodiment, the system 200 can be embedded in the electronic device.

[0030] In another embodiment, the system 200 can be uploaded in a cloud network, for example, the cloud network 110 or a server present in the cloud network.

[0031] A method of obtaining a device management configuration based on distributed user experience is explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 3.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of obtaining a device management configuration based on distributed user experience, in accordance with one embodiment.

[0033] The method starts at step 305. At step 310 an input is received from a user, for example, a first user. The input includes activation of a recommendation mode, by a user, for obtaining recommendations for one or more device settings. The activation can be performed using one or more input devices, for example, menu buttons, keyboard, mouse, pointers and the like. The activation of the recommendation mode, for obtaining the recommendations for the device settings, enables the user to create a shortcut for one or more user interface (Ul) parameters, software applications, device configurations and various other device applications such that they are instantly accessible by the user.

[0034] At step 315 one or more preferences of the user is determined. The preferences are determined based on a context of the user. Examples, of the context include, but are not limited to, location, time, environment of the user, weather, part of the day and the like. A context module, for example, the context module 210 is used to determine the context of the user. A user profile is used for storing the preferences based on the context.

[0035] In one example, the context of the user can include an official environment. The context module, using sensors, determines that the user is located at office. Hence multiple applications, for example, but not limited to, MS-Word, an invoicing software, preferred by the user while located at the office are included in the user profile. Similarly, in another example, the context can include the user being located at home. Therefore, one or more applications, for example, but not limited to, media players, gaming softwares or Ul parameters preferred by the user while located at home are included in another user profile. Hence, individual user profiles may be maintained for storing preferences based on each context of the user.

[0036] At step 320 multiple users with corresponding device settings are identified. The multiple users are identified from multiple sources. Examples of the multiple sources include, but are not limited to, a network, for example, a social network or a professional network, of the user. The corresponding device settings are obtained based on preferences associated with each of the multiple users. The corresponding device settings are also obtained based on a context associated with each of the multiple users. The corresponding device settings, in one example, is used for creating a shortcut for one or more user interface (Ul) parameters, software applications, device configurations and various other device applications such that they are instantly accessible by each of the multiple users.

[0037] At step 325 the multiple users identified from the multiple sources are ranked based on a similarity level existing between the preferences associated with each of the multiple users and the preferences of the user. Further, the multiple users are also ranked based on a similarity level existing between the contexts associated with each of the multiple users and the context of the user. A ranking module, for example, the ranking module 220 is used to rank the multiple users.

[0038] At step 330 one or more users, for example, a second set of users, of the multiple users having a highest rank is determined. The second set of users may be determined statically or dynamically. Various machine learning techniques can be used for determining the second set of users dynamically. Further, the highest rank is provided in response to possessing an increased similarity level between the context associated with the second set of users and the context of the first user. Further, the highest rank is also provided for possessing an increased similarity level between the preferences associated with the second set of users and the preferences of the first user. One or more comparing algorithms can be used for determining the similarity levels. Further, more than one user, having the highest rank, can also be determined.

[0039] At step 335 one or more device settings corresponding to the second set of users having the highest rank is fetched. The device settings corresponding to the second set of users includes, for example, but not limited to, a user interface setting, a device configuration setting, an application program setting and a shortcut for one or more application softwares, based on various preferences and contexts of the second set of users.

[0040] At step 340 a security check is performed for the device settings, corresponding to the second set of users, fetched at step 335. The security check is performed to prevent security threats while recommending the device settings of the second set of users to the first user. Various algorithms can be used for performing the security check. A security module, for example, the security module 230 is used for performing the security check. Further, if the security check for the device settings of the second set of users fails, then the device settings is restrained from being recommended to the first user.

[0041] At step 345 the device settings of the second set of users are recommended to the first user since the contexts and preferences of the second set of users is similar to the contexts and preferences of the first user. Recommending the device settings prevents the first user from performing manual configuration to obtain the device settings. Further, recommending the device settings also enables the first user to obtain the device settings instantly and enables the user to readily access and execute one or more applications. The method stops at step 350.

[0042] Advantageously, the present disclosure enables a method and a system for obtaining device settings that include user interface settings, device configuration settings, application program settings and shortcuts for one or more application softwares, from various users having similar preference and contexts as that of a user of an electronic device since the method assumes users having similar preference and contexts may use similar device settings. By recommending the device settings of similar users, the user of the electronic device is prevented from performing manual settings, thereby enabling the user to save time. Further, the method of the present disclosure enables recommending the device settings based on the context and preference of the user. Further, the recommendations are altered corresponding to the context of the user. Furthermore, the device settings are recommended for a particular duration and can be altered with time. Moreover, in cases where large configuration and user interface (Ul) settings are required, by the electronic device, the method readily provides shortcuts, device configurations and Ul settings, thereby preventing the user to perform manual settings, thereby saving time.

[0043] In the preceding specification, the present disclosure and its advantages have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, it will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and changes can be made, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded as illustrative examples of the present disclosure, rather than in restrictive sense. All such possible modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present disclosure.

I/We claim:

1 A method of obtaining a device management configuration based on distributed user experience, the method comprising:

receiving an input from a first user, the input comprising activation of a recommendation mode, by the first user, the activation of the recommendation mode being used to obtain the device management configuration;

determining one or more preferences of the first user based on a first user context;

identifying a plurality of users associated with a corresponding device settings, the corresponding device settings being obtained based on at least one or more preferences associated with each of the plurality of users and a context associated with each of the plurality of users;

ranking the plurality of users based on a level of similarity between at least one of the one or more preferences associated with each of the plurality of users, the context associated with each of the plurality of users, the one or more preferences of the first user and the first user context;

determining a second set of users, from the plurality of users, based on the ranking;

fetching one or more device settings corresponding to the second set of users;

performing a security check for the one or more device settings corresponding to the second set of users; and

recommending, to the first user, the one or more device settings corresponding to the second set of users.

2 The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first user and each of the plurality of users are associated with a corresponding user profile, the user profile being built based on at least one of the one or more preferences associated with each of the plurality of users and the context associated with each of the plurality of users.

3 The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of users is identified from a plurality of sources.

4 The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more device settings comprises at least one of a user interface setting, a device configuration setting, an application program setting and a shortcut for one or more application softwares.

5 A system for obtaining a device management configuration, the system comprising:

a user interface module for receiving an input from a first user;

a context module for determining a plurality of contexts associated with the first user;

a network module configured to perform at least one of fetching a network information associated with the first user and identifying a plurality of users from a plurality of sources, wherein at least one or more preferences associated with each of

8 The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein context module further comprises a sensor module, the sensor module comprising a plurality of sensors to determine the plurality of contexts associated with the first user in real time.

9 The system as claimed in claim 5 further comprising:

a security module for performing a security check for the one or more device settings corresponding to the second set of users; and

a device setting manager for managing a device setting corresponding to the first user.