TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to methods and system for improving network performance and in particular relates to methods and systems for managing application data usage.

BACKGROUND
[0002] With the increasing penetration of smart phones, easy availability and access to network infrastructure, and reduced prices of mobile data services, use of internet data has proliferated over years and is continuing to increase. As such, users are now able to access a wide range of services over applications, which are downloaded and installed on the smart phones. Examples of such applications include chat applications, mail applications, browser applications, messaging applications, e-commerce applications, social media applications, data based media applications, location-based service (LBS) applications, and search applications. In addition, the users are now able to connect with other users and share data such as images, videos, and music through various applications such as chat application and voice over IP (VOIP) applications. Moreover, quality of data being shared or accessed has improved dramatically. For example, present videos being shared or accessed are in high definition format. However, such an extensive usage has led to dramatic increase in consumption of network bandwidth. Consequently, network overload problems have increased resulting in poor user experience and increase in mobile data expenses over the period of data plan.
[0003] Various solutions are available that allow a user to manage the data usage among different applications and save data expenses. In one solution, in a networked environment, a central server monitors network or data access of client computers based on predefined rules indicating permission to data access. However, such solution necessities client-server architecture which cannot cater to individual needs. In addition, such solution requires an administration/supervisor to control the data access, thereby denying a simple control to individual users.
[0004] In another solution, the smart phones are manufactured/configured with data restriction features. In one another solution, applications providing data restriction features are downloaded and installed on the smart phones. In both solutions, the user selects applications installed on the smart phones and accordingly data access to the selected application is completely restricted. Thus, both foreground activities such as transmitting & receiving messages in chat sessions and background activities such as checking with an external server for updates are completely restricted. Further, the user can provide a threshold value of data usage in terms of percentage of total mobile data plan limit or a specific value of mobile data usage. When the data usage reaches the threshold value, the selected applications are automatically and completed blocked/ restricted from accessing network.
[0005] However, in such solutions, the user has to navigate through the data restricting feature or application each time to select/deselect applications for managing the data usage. In addition, the selected applications are completely restricted from accessing network and the non-selected applications are completely allowed to access the network. Such management of data usage does not cater to individual user needs, thereby resulting in poor management of data usage.
[0006] In yet another solution, a network performance of a current foreground application is increased by allocating of entire network bandwidth to the current foreground application only. However, such solution is directed towards enhancing network performance or increasing network bandwidth for a single application only. Consequently, the other applications are deprived of the network bandwidth. Further, these solutions do not provide flexibility to users to manage the data usage according to individual needs. Thus, there exists a need for a solution to enable a user for managing application data usage in a quick and effective manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In accordance with the purposes of the invention, the present invention as embodied and broadly described herein, enables users for managing application data usage. Accordingly, a user-interface depicting a single-input data saving mode is provided on an electronic device. Upon receiving a selection of the single-input data saving mode on the user-interface from a user, the single-input data saving mode is enabled. Upon enabling, a first set of applications from a plurality of applications available in the electronic device are identified based on a predefined list. Upon identifying, a complete data usage for the first set of applications is allowed and a data usage for second set of applications from the plurality of applications is restricted.
[0008] Further, upon determining the electronic device is in a screen-off state, the second set of applications is forcibly terminated. However, one or more applications from the second set of applications that are currently running audio service in background mode of the electronic device are not terminated.
[0009] The advantages of the invention include, but are not limited to, providing a single-input data saving mode rather than a feature. As implied, the data saving mode can be enabled via a single input on the user-interface. Thus, increasing the simplicity and accessibility of data saving benefit for users.
[0010] Further, complete data access is allowed to applications selected by user, thereby catering to individual needs. Furthermore, data access to non-selected applications is restricted. Thus, preventing complete data restriction to selected applications and complete data access to non-selected applications. As such, a flexibility to select applications as per need and requirement for which complete data access is allowed. Thus, resulting in better management of data usage by each application.
[0011] Further, applications currently running audio service in a background mode of the electronic device are not forcibly terminated upon detecting scree-off state of the electronic device. Thus, providing a great user-experience while managing the data-usage.
[0012] These aspects and advantages will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:
[0013] To further clarify advantages and aspects of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings, which are listed below for quick reference.
[0014] Figures 1a to 1c illustrate exemplary methods for managing data usage by an electronic device, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
[0015] Figure 2 illustrates exemplary electronic device for managing data usage, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
[0016] Figures 3-6 illustrate exemplary screen shots depicting the implementation of the method as illustrated in Figure 1a-1c, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0017] Figures 7-10 illustrate exemplary sequence diagrams depicting the implementation of the method as illustrated in Figure 1a-1c, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0018] Figure 11 illustrates a typical hardware configuration of a computing device, which is representative of a hardware environment for practicing the present invention.
[0019] It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the invention. Furthermore, the one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated below, the present invention may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary design and implementation illustrated and described herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.
[0021] The term “some” as used herein is defined as “none, or one, or more than one, or all.” Accordingly, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would all fall under the definition of “some.” The term “some embodiments” may refer to no embodiments or to one embodiment or to several embodiments or to all embodiments. Accordingly, the term “some embodiments” is defined as meaning “no embodiment, or one embodiment, or more than one embodiment, or all embodiments.”
[0022] The terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and does not limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their equivalents.
[0023] More specifically, any terms used herein such as but not limited to “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and grammatical variants thereof do NOT specify an exact limitation or restriction and certainly do NOT exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated, and furthermore must NOT be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated with the limiting language “MUST comprise” or “NEEDS TO include.”
[0024] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, either way it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do NOT preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language such as “there NEEDS to be one or more . . . ” or “one or more element is REQUIRED.”
[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all terms, and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having an ordinary skill in the art.
[0026] Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements presented in the attached claims. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of illuminating one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the attached claims fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility and non-obviousness.
[0027] Use of the phrases and/or terms such as but not limited to “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or variants thereof do NOT necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or alternatively in the context of more than one embodiment, or further alternatively in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.
[0028] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should NOT be necessarily taken as limiting factors to the attached claims. The attached claims and their legal equivalents can be realized in the context of embodiments other than the ones used as illustrative examples in the description below.
[0029] Figures 1a to 1c illustrate exemplary method (100) for managing data usage by a electronic device, according to one embodiment. Referring to Figure 1a, in said embodiment, the method (100) comprises: providing (101) a user-interface depicting a single-input data saving mode; receiving (102) a selection of the single-input data saving mode on the user-interface from a user, the selection enabling the single-input data saving mode; identifying (103) a first set of applications from a plurality of applications available in the electronic device based on a predefined list; and allowing (104) a complete data usage for the first set of applications and restricting data usage for second set of applications from the plurality of applications.
[0030] Further, the first set of applications is a non-null set.
[0031] Further, the first set of applications includes one or more system applications associated with the electronic device or one or more user-selected applications installed on the electronic device.
[0032] Further, the second set of applications excludes one or more system applications associated with the electronic device.
[0033] Further, allowing the complete data usages includes allowing foreground data usage and background data usage.
[0034] Further, restricting data usages includes allowing foreground data usage and restricting background data usage for the second set of applications running in foreground mode of the electronic device.
[0035] Further, restricting data usages includes restricting foreground data usage and background data usage for the second set of applications running in background mode of the electronic device.
[0036] Further, the method (100) comprises receiving selection of one or more applications from the user corresponding to the first set of applications.
[0037] Referring to Figure 1b, the method (100) further comprises: determining (105) the electronic device is in a screen-off state, the screens-off state being a state in which a backlight in the electronic device is turned off; and forcibly terminating (106) the second set of applications from the plurality of applications upon determining a predetermined time has elapsed since determining the screen-off state.
[0038] Further, the second set of applications in step (106) excludes one or more applications currently running audio service in background mode of the electronic device (200).
[0039] Referring to Figure 1c, the method (100) further comprises: receiving (107) a user-input to launch an application on the electronic device; determining (108) the application is excluded from the first set of applications; and requesting (109) a further user-input to launch the application based on the determination.
[0040] As illustrated in Figure 2, the present invention further provides an electronic device (200) implementing the previously mentioned method as illustrated in Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment. Examples of the electronic device (200) include smart phone, laptop, tablet, smart or Internet Protocol television (IPTV), printer, and Personal Digital Assistance (PDA). In such embodiment, the electronic device (200) includes display unit (201) adapted to depict a single-input data saving mode in a user-interface. The electronic device (200) further includes a receiving unit (202) adapted to receive a selection of the single-input data saving mode on the user-interface from a user, the selection enabling the single-input data saving mode. The electronic device (200) further includes an analysing unit (203) adapted to identify a first set of applications from a plurality of applications available in the electronic device (200) based on a predefined list, upon enablement of the single-input data saving mode. The electronic device (200) further includes a data controlling unit (204) adapted to allow a complete data usage for the first set of applications and restricting a data usage for second set of applications from the plurality of applications.
[0041] Further, the analysing unit (203) is adapted to determine the electronic device (200) is in a screen-off state, the screen-off state being a state in which a backlight in the electronic device (200) is turned off. In response to determination of the screen-off state, the data controlling unit (204) is further adapted to determine a predetermined time has elapsed since determining the screen-off state. In response to determination of elapsed predetermined time, the data controlling unit (204) is further adapted to forcibly terminate the second set of applications from the plurality of applications.
[0042] It would be understood that the electronic device (200), the display unit (201), and the receiving unit (202) may include various software components or modules as necessary for implementing the invention. Further, the analysing unit (203) and the data controlling unit (204) can be implemented as hardware modules or software modules or a combination of hardware and software modules to manage the data usage upon enabling the single-input data saving mode. Furthermore, the analysing unit (203) and the data controlling unit (204) can be implemented as a single unit performing all the functions.
[0043] For the ease of understanding, the forthcoming descriptions of Figures 3-7 illustrate the example manifestations/screenshots depicting the implementation of various aspects of the present invention by the electronic device (200). However, it may be strictly understood that the forthcoming examples shall not be construed as being limitations towards the present invention and the present invention may be extended to cover analogous manifestations through other type of like mechanisms.
[0044] In accordance with the present invention, the electronic device (200) includes a single-input data saving mode. Upon completing initial configuration set up of the electronic device (200), the single-input data saving mode is available on the electronic device (200). The single-input data saving mode enables the electronic device (200) to manage data usage by allowing complete data usage to selected applications from one or more applications available in the electronic device (200). As would be understood, the term ‘data usage’ means an amount of data communicated between the electronic device and a network (not shown in the figure), and may refer to the amount of data communicated using a particular network interface (not shown in the figure) of the electronic device or a total amount of data communicated via all network interfaces (not shown in the figure) of the electronic device.
[0045] Further, the single-input data saving mode can be accessed via a user-interface provided on the electronic device (200). Thus, a user of the electronic device (200) provides a single user-input to access the single-input data saving mode on the user-interface. Examples of the user-input includes touch based gesture input, non-touch based gesture input, input from an input device communicatively coupled to the electronic device (200).
[0046] In one aspect of the present invention, the user-interface is provided as quick access panel. The quick access panel provides quick access to various applications and/or functionalities available in the electronic device (200). In an example, the single-input data saving mode is available as an icon on the quick access panel. Accordingly, Figure 3 illustrates a screenshot (300) of the electronic device (200) depicting a user-interface (301) in the form of a quick access panel. The user-interface (301) depicts the single-input data saving mode icon (302) along with one or more icons corresponding to various applications and/or functionalities such as volume icon, Bluetooth icon, location icon, and brightness feature. In an example, the electronic device (200) is a smart phone. Therefore, the display unit (201) of the electronic device (200) further includes icons corresponding to contacts, menu, browser, and phone.
[0047] In another aspect of the present invention, the user-interface corresponds to a page of an application available on the electronic device (200). In an example, the single-input data saving mode is available as a page of the application. Accordingly, Figure 4(a) illustrates a screenshot (400) of the electronic device (200) depicting a first user-interface (401) corresponding to an Application Manager, represented as App M. The application manager can be accessed on the electronic device (200) in a plurality of methods, as known in the art. The application M is an application for managing power source, storage, memory usage, and security of other applications or features available on the electronic device (200). The first user-interface (401) depicts one or more icons corresponding to power source, storage, memory usage, and security of other applications. Similarly, Figure 4(b) illustrates the electronic device (200) depicting a second user-interface (402) corresponding to the Application M. The second user-interface (402) depicts the single-input data saving mode (403). In one example, the application M is preloaded in the electronic device (200). In another example, the application M is downloaded on the electronic device (200) via network.
[0048] Accordingly, the receiving unit (202) receives a user-input corresponding to accessing the single-input data saving mode from the user-interface (301 or 402). Upon receiving the user-input, the analysing unit (203) provides a user-interface corresponding to the single-input data saving mode on the display unit (202) for configuring the single-input data saving mode.
[0049] Now referring to Figure 5(a), there is illustrated a screenshot (500) of the electronic device (200) depicting a first user-interface (501) corresponding to the single-input data saving mode. The first user-interface (501) includes notification area (502) depicting information about data usage of the electronic device (200). The information includes a period for monitoring data usage of the electronic device (200), total data used by the electronic device (200) in the period, data saved by the electronic device (200) in the period.
[0050] Further, the first user-interface (501) includes a plurality of user-selectable tasks (503) enabling the user to configure the single-input data saving mode. Accordingly, a first user-selectable task (503-1) enables/disables the single-input data saving mode. In an example, the first user-selectable task (503-1) is depicted as toggle button.
[0051] A second user-selectable task (503-2) enables/disables data compression feature when the single-input data saving mode is enabled. In an example, the second user-selectable task (503-2) is depicted as toggle button. Upon enabling data compression feature, the data controlling unit (204) compresses data being transmitted over the network, thereby further reducing data usage of the electronic device (200).
[0052] A third user-selectable task (503-3) enables the user to select one or more applications from a plurality of applications available on the electronic device (200) such that complete data usage is allowed for the selected applications. The applications are designed to provide various services/functionality to the user by accessing data via the network. Examples of the applications include, but not limited to, chat applications, mail applications, browser applications, messaging applications, e-commerce applications, social media applications, data based media applications, location-based service (LBS) applications, print/scan/fax applications, and search applications. Such applications can be either downloaded onto the electronic device (200) or preloaded in the electronic device (200).
[0053] Further, in one aspect of the present invention, the user can select a predetermined number of applications. In an example, the third user-selectable task (503-3) is depicted as an icon on the first user-interface (501) such that a number of such icons is equal to the predetermined number of applications. The user can access the third user-selectable task (503-3) by providing a user-input. Examples of the user-input include touch based gesture input, non-touch based gesture input, input from an input device communicatively coupled to the electronic device (200).
[0054] Accordingly, the receiving unit (202) receives the user-input corresponding to accessing the third user-selectable task (503-3) from the user-interface (501). Upon receiving the user-input, the analysing unit (203) provides a user-interface corresponding to the third user-selectable task (503-3) on the display unit (202) for selecting one or more applications.
[0055] Accordingly, Figure 5(b) illustrates a screenshot (500) of the electronic device (200) depicting a second user-interface (504) corresponding to selection of applications. The second user-interface (504) depicts a list (505) the plurality of applications currently accessing data via network on the electronic device (200). For ease of reference and sake of brevity, seven applications are depicted as App1, App2, App3, App4, App5, App6, and App7. It would be understood that more than seven applications can be depicted on the second user-interface (504) that can be accessed via scrolling mechanism available on the second user-interface (504).
[0056] The second user-interface (504) further depicts the applications App1, App2, App3, App4, App5, App6, and App7 by way of an icon representing the application, a text indicating a name of the application, a text indicating a current/total data usage/consumption of the application, and a status bar indicating a current/total data usage/consumption of the application. In addition, the second user-interface (504) depicts a text corresponding to total data usage/consumption of the all the applications App1, App2, App3, App4, App5, App6, and App7. Additionally, the second user-interface (504) provides various options for arranging the applications. Examples of such options include sorting by data and sorting by application. The options can be depicted on the second user-interface (504) via icons, text, and other indicators, as known in the art.
[0057] Further, the receiving unit (202) receives a user-input to select one or more applications from the list (505) by providing a user-input. Examples of the user-input include touch based gesture input, non-touch based gesture input, input from an input device communicatively coupled to the electronic device (200). Upon receiving the user-input, the analysing unit (203) adds the selected application in a priority list indicative of allowance of complete data usage for the selected application. The analysing unit (203) further saves the priority list in a memory (not shown in the figure) of the electronic device (200). Upon adding the selected application, the analysing unit (203) depicts the selected application on the first user-interface (501).
[0058] Accordingly, referring to Figure 5(a) again, the first user-interface (501) depicts two applications App1 and App2 that have been prior added to the priority list. In an example, the applications App1 and App2 are overlaid on the third user-selectable task (503-3) icon. In addition, the first user-interface (501) depicts information corresponding to number of applications available on the electronic device (200) and number of applications selected by the user.
[0059] Now, referring to Figure 5(c), the first user-interface (501) depicts application App4 selected by the user in the second user-interface (504) (illustrated in the figure 5(b) using a dashed rectangle). Thus, the first user-interface (501) depicts three applications App1, App2, and App4 added to the priority list. In an example, the application App4 is overlaid on the third user-selectable task (503-3) icon. In addition, the first user-interface (501) depicts updated information corresponding to addition of the application to the priority list. Upon completion of configuration of the single-input data saving mode, the data controlling unit (204) controls the data usage of the selected applications and the remaining applications. Accordingly, the data controlling unit (204) allows complete data usage for the selected applications and restricts data usage for the remaining applications from the list (505) of the applications.
[0060] In operation, the receiving unit (202) receives a user-input corresponding to selection and enabling the single-input data saving mode from the user-interface (301 or 402 or 501). Examples of the user-input include touch based gesture input, non-touch based gesture input, input from an input device communicatively coupled to the electronic device (200). In an example, the user-input for accessing the single-input data saving mode and the user-input for selecting and enabling the single-input data saving mode may be different on the same user-interface. In another example, the user-input for accessing the single-input data saving mode and the user-input for selecting and enabling the single-input data saving mode may be same on different user-interfaces.
[0061] Further, upon enabling the single-input data saving mode, the analysing unit (203) retrieves the priority list from the memory of the electronic device (200) and identifies the applications present in the priority list. As described earlier, the priority list is a predefined list indicative of mapping of one or more applications with permission for data usage. The priority list includes one or more user-selected applications, as described earlier, or one or more system applications. As described earlier in reference to Figure 5(b), the user-selected application is an application selected in the second user-interface (504) from the list (505) of applications. The system applications, on the other hand, perform functions, preferably without user-interaction, necessary for working of the electronic device (200) or applications available in the list (505) of applications. Such system applications are predefined and preloaded in the electronic device (200) at the time of manufacturing the electronic device (200). Examples of such system applications includes applications associated with an operating system of the electronic device (200) and app stores. Thus, the one or more system applications are prior added in the priority list even before the user selects an application from the list (505) of applications. In one aspect of the invention, the priority list may include at least one system application. In another aspect of the invention, the priority list may include at least one user-selected application. In yet another aspect of the invention, the priority list may include at least one system application and at least one user-selected application.
[0062] Upon identifying the applications from the priority list, the data controlling unit (204) allows complete data usage for the selected applications and the one or more system applications by allowing foreground data usage and background data usage. In an example, the selected application is a chat application. Accordingly, the data controlling unit (204) allows the chat application to perform both the foreground activities and the background activities by accessing the data via the network. Examples of foreground activities include, but not limited to, transmitting & receiving messages in active chat session. Examples of background activities include, but not limited to, transmitting & receiving messages in inactive chat session, checking location determination unit (not shown in the figure) of the electronic device (200), and checking an external server for allocation updates, location updates, contact updates, last access updates corresponding to each contact.
[0063] The data controlling unit (204) further restricts data usage for the remaining applications from the list (505) of the applications. However, the data controlling unit (204) does not restrict data usage for the one or more system applications. Accordingly, the analysing unit (203) identifies applications that are currently running in foreground mode of the electronic device (200), i.e., the application is being used by the user of the electronic device (200). Upon identifying such foreground running applications, the data controlling unit (204) allows foreground data usage and restricts background usage for the identified applications. In an example, the selected application is a chat application. Accordingly, the data controlling unit (204) allows the chat application to perform only the foreground activities such as transmitting & receiving messages in active chat session. However, the data controlling unit (204) restricts the background activities such as transmitting & receiving messages in inactive chat session and checking an external server for allocation updates, contact updates, last access updates corresponding to each contact, from accessing the data via the network. The data controlling unit (204) does not restrict background activities which include location updates.
[0064] Further, the analysing unit (203) identifies applications that are currently running in background mode of the electronic device (200), i.e., the application is not being used by the user of the electronic device (200). Upon identifying such background running applications, the data controlling unit (204) restricts both foreground data usage and background usage for the identified applications. In an example, the selected application is a chat application. Accordingly, the data controlling unit (204) restricts both the foreground activities and the background activities from accessing the data via the network. Furthermore, if upon controlling the data usage for the applications, the user adds another application to the priority list, the data controlling unit (204) allows the data usage in accordance with the above embodiment.
[0065] Further, in one aspect of the invention, the user may launch an application available on the electronic device (200). Accordingly, the receiving unit (202) receives the user-input corresponding to launching an application. Upon receiving the user-input, the analysing unit (203) determines if the application is included in the priority list. If the application is included in the priority list, the data controlling unit (204) allows complete data usage to the application, as described earlier.
[0066] However, upon determining the application is excluded from the priority list, i.e., the application is not listed in the priority list; the analysing unit (203) requests a further user-input to launch the application. In one aspect of the invention, the analysing unit (203) provides a notification message to the user on the display unit (201) indicating the application is excluded from the priority list. Further, the analysing unit (203) requests for the further user-input to launch the application.
[0067] Accordingly, Figure 6 illustrates a screenshot (600) of the electronic device (200) depicting a notification message (601) on the display unit (201). Examples of the notification message (601) include a flash message and a pop-up message. The notification message (601) includes a text message (602) indicating the single-input data saving mode is enabled and launching of the application will consume data. The notification message (601) further includes a user-task (603) for enabling the user to launch the application or cancel the launching of the application. Upon receiving the user-input corresponding to launch the application, the analysing unit (203) enables launching of the application and the data controlling unit (204) restricts the data usage of the application by allowing only foreground data usage as described earlier.
[0068] Figure 7 depicts a sequence diagram (700) illustrating an exemplary method implemented by the single-input data saving mode to control/manage the data usage of applications added in the priority list, as described above. Accordingly, the analysing unit (203) and the data controlling unit (204) communicates with various modules that include plurality of policies/rules for controlling access to and prioritizing use of network resources available to the electronic device (200). In accordance with the present invention, the modules include network policy manager (701), package manager (702), and lpnet manager service (703). For the sake of brevity, the analysing unit (203) and the data controlling unit (204) are represented as DS (704)
[0069] At step 7S1, a settings module (705) receives the user-input corresponding to enabling the single-input data saving mode, as described above.
[0070] At step 7S2, upon being enabled, in one aspect of the invention, the DS (704) initially restricts background data usage of all the applications available on the electronic device (200), excluding the one or more system applications. Accordingly, the DS (704) sends corresponding request to the network policy manager (701). In an example, the DS (704) sends an application program interface (api) setUIDPolicy() with parameters UID and POLICY_REJECT_METERED_BACKGROUND to the network policy manager (701).
[0071] At step 7S3, the DS (704) identifies the applications from the priority list. Accordingly, the DS (704) queries the package manager (702). In an example, the applications in the priority list are associated with the parameters android.permission.INTERNET and CATEGORY_LAUNCHER. As such, the DS (704) sends a query to the package manager (702) for applications having aforementioned attributes by sending queryIntentActivities() api and checkPermission() api.
[0072] Further, the DS (704) saves the information of the applications from the priority list. In an example, the DS (704) saves the information using Shared Preferences api.
[0073] At step 7S4, the DS (704) allows complete data usage to all the applications present in the priority list. Accordingly, the DS (704) sends corresponding request to the network policy manager (701). In an example, the DS (704) sends setUIDPolicy() api to the network policy manager (701) in a loop for all the applications present in the priority list with UID and POLICY_NONE parameters. Further, the DS (704) restricts the data usage of remaining applications excluding the one or more system applications as described above.
[0074] At step 7S5, the DS (704) determines if a new application is added to the priority list. Upon determining, the DS (704) allows complete data usage to the newly added application. Accordingly, the DS (704) sends corresponding request to the lpnetmanager service (703). In an example, the DS (704) sends unFreezeApps() api for the newly added application to the lpnetmanager service (703).
[0075] Further, the user can deselect the applications from the priority applications. Referring to Figure 5(a), the receiving unit (202) receives a user-input corresponding to deselecting the applications via the third user-selectable task (503-3) on the first user-interface (501). Examples of the user-input include touch based gesture input, non-touch based gesture input, input from an input device communicatively coupled to the electronic device (200). In an example, the user-input for accessing the single-input data saving mode and the user-input for deselecting the applications may be different from the user-input for selecting the application. In another example, the user-input for deselecting the applications may be same as the user-input for selecting the application.
[0076] Accordingly, referring to Figure 5(b), upon receiving the user-input, the analysing unit (203) provides the second user-interface (504). The second-interface (504) indicates the applications added to the priority list in the list (505) of the applications. In an example, the second user-interface (504) changes a colour of the applications added to the priority list. In another example, the second user-interface (504) provides a particular indicator against the applications added to the priority list. Accordingly, to deselect the applications added in the priority list, the user selects the one or more applications already indicated as added to the priority list. Upon receiving the user-input, the analysing unit (203) removes the one or more application from the priority list and saves the updated priority list in the memory. Additionally, the analysing unit (203) removes the one or more application from the first-user interface (501) such that the first-user interface (501) only depicts the applications added in the priority list. Further, upon removing the application from the priority list, the data controlling unit (204) restricts the data usage of the one or more removed applications as described earlier.
[0077] Figure 8 depicts a sequence diagram (800) illustrating an exemplary method implemented by the single-input data saving mode to control/manage the data usage of one or more applications removed from the priority list, as described above. Referring to Figure 7, upon removing the application from the priority list, the DS (704) saves the information of the one or more removed applications. In an example, the DS (704) saves the information using Shared Preferences api.
[0078] At step 8S1, the DS (704) restricts background data usage to the one or more removed applications. Accordingly, the DS (704) sends corresponding request to the network policy manager (701). In an example, the DS (704) sends setUIDPolicy() api to the network policy manager (701) in a loop for one or more removed applications with UID and POLICY_REJECT_METERED_BACKGROUND parameters.
[0079] At step 8S2, the DS (704) determines if a new application is added to the priority list. Upon determining, the DS (704) allows complete data usage to the newly added application. Accordingly, the DS (704) sends corresponding request to the lpnetmanager service (703). In an example, the DS (704) sends unFreezeApps() api for the newly added application to the lpnetmanager service (703).
[0080] Further, in accordance with the present invention, when the single-input data saving mode is enabled, the analysing unit (203) determines if the electronic device (200) is in a screen-on state or a screen-off state. The screen-on state is a state in which a backlight in the electronic device (200) is turned and the screens-off state is a state in which the backlight in the electronic device (200) is turned off on. Upon determining, the electronic device (200) is in the screen-on state, the data controlling unit (204) controls the data usage of the applications as described earlier.
[0081] Conversely, upon determining, the electronic device (200) is in the screen-off state, the data controlling unit (204) determines a predetermined time has elapsed since determining the screen-off state. In an example, the data controlling unit (204) starts a timer to count elapse of the predetermined time. Upon elapse of the predetermined time, the data controlling unit (204) forcibly terminates the remaining applications in the list (505) of the applications and allows complete data usage only to the applications including the system applications listed in the priority list. Thus, the data controlling unit restricts complete data usage of the remaining applications and closes the remaining applications. In an example, the remaining application is game application, which is excluded from the priority list and is currently running in background. As such, the data controlling unit (204) restricts background activities such as checking an external server for game updates, score updates, contact updates or the like, and also restricts foreground data activities by placing the game application in a hibernation state. However, upon determining the screen-off state, the data controlling unit (204) terminates the game application such that, the user launches the game application again to play the game.
[0082] Further, upon elapse of the predetermined time, the data controlling unit (204) restricts data usage of to the applications including the system applications listed in the priority list. Accordingly, the data controlling unit (204) allows foreground data usage and restricts background usage for the applications, as described earlier.
[0083] Figure 9 depicts a sequence diagram (900) illustrating an exemplary method implemented by the single-input data saving mode to control/manage the data usage upon detecting screen-off state, as described above. Upon detecting the screen-off state, the DS (704) starts a timer to determine elapse of the predetermined time.
[0084] At step 9S1, upon detecting elapse of the predetermined time, the DS (704) the DS (704) restricts background data usage of the applications including the system applications listed in the priority list. Accordingly, the DS (704) sends corresponding request to the network policy manager (701). In an example, the DS (704) sends an application program interface (api) setUIDPolicy() with parameters UID and POLICY_REJECT_METERED_BACKGROUND to the network policy manager (701).
[0085] At step 9S2, the DS (704) forcibly terminates the remaining applications in the list (505) of the applications. Accordingly, the DS (704) sends corresponding request to the lpnetmanager service (703). In an example, the DS (704) sends FreezeApps() api for the remaining application to the lpnetmanager service (703).
[0086] Further, in one aspect of the invention, upon determining the elapse of predetermined time, the analysing unit (204) determines if an application from the remaining applications is currently running an audio service. Further, the analysing unit (204) determines if the application is now currently running in background mode. Examples of such audio service include streaming media, voice call on telephony network, and voice call on data network. Examples of such application include, but not limited to, network based media application, chat application providing call service, and phone application.
[0087] Upon determining, the application is currently running the audio service in background mode, the data controlling unit (204) prevents forcible termination of the application and allows background data usage of the application.
[0088] Further, the analysing unit (203) periodically polls the application to determine if the application has terminated the audio service. Upon determining the audio service is terminated, the data controlling unit (204) forcibly terminates the application, as described earlier.
[0089] Figure 10 depicts a sequence diagram (1000) illustrating an exemplary method implemented by the single-input data saving mode to control/manage the data usage upon detecting screen-off state and detecting an application, from the remaining applications, is currently running an audio service as described above. Accordingly, the DS (704) communicates with audio module (1001) rendering the audio service and process observer (1002). Upon detecting the screen-off state, the DS (604) starts a timer to determine elapse of the predetermined time and identifies the application running audio service.
[0090] At step 10S1, upon detecting elapse of the predetermined time, the DS (704) determines if the application currently running the audio server is switched from the foreground mode of the electronic device (200) to the background mode of the electronic device (200). Accordingly, the process observer (1002) sends appropriate message in response to a query from the DS (704). In an example, the process observer (1002) sends onForegroundActivitiesChanged() api to the DS (704).
[0091] At step 10S2, the DS (704) determines if the application is currently running the audio service in background mode. Accordingly, the DS (704) sends corresponding request to the audio module (1001). In an example, the DS (704) sends an isUsingAudio() api to the audio module (1001) with package name as a parameter.
[0092] At step 10S3, the audio module (1001) sends confirmation regarding the currently running the audio service in background mode. Accordingly, the audio module (1001) sends corresponding response message to the DS (704). In an example, the audio module (1001) sends a response message indicating ‘True’ to the DS (704).
[0093] At step 10S4, the DS (704) allows background data usage to application currently running the audio service. Accordingly, the DS (704) sends corresponding request to the network policy manager (701). In an example, the DS (704) sends setUIDPolicy() api to the network policy manager (701) for the application with UID and POLICY_NONE parameters.
[0094] At step 10S5, the DS (704) polls the audio module (1001) to determine if the application has terminated the audio service in background mode. Accordingly, the DS (704) sends corresponding request to the audio module (1001), as described at step 10S2.
[0095] At step 10S6, the audio module (1001) sends confirmation regarding the termination of the audio service in background mode. Accordingly, the audio module (1001) sends corresponding response message to the DS (704). In an example, the audio module (1001) sends a response message indicating ‘False’ to the DS (704).
[0096] At step 10S7, the DS (704) restricts background data usage of the application. Accordingly, the DS (704) sends corresponding request to the network policy manager (701). In an example, the DS (704) sends an application program interface (api) setUIDPolicy() with parameters UID and POLICY_REJECT_METERED_BACKGROUND to the network policy manager (701).
EXEMPLARY HARDWARE CONFIGURATION
[0097] Figure 11 illustrates a typical hardware configuration of an electronic device 1100, which is representative of a hardware environment for implementing the present invention. As would be understood, the electronic device 200, as described above, includes the hardware configuration as described below.
[0098] In a networked deployment, the electronic device 1100 may operate in the capacity of a server or as a client user computer in a server-client user network environment, or as a peer computer system in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The electronic device 1100 can also be implemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as, a tablet, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a palmtop computer, a laptop, a smart phone, a notebook, and a communication device.
[0099] The electronic device 1100 may include a processor 1101 e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both. The processor 1101 may be a component in a variety of systems. For example, the processor 1101 may be part of a standard personal computer or a workstation. The processor 1101 may be one or more general processors, digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, servers, networks, digital circuits, analog circuits, combinations thereof, or other now known or later developed devices for analysing and processing data. The processor 1101 may implement a software program, such as code generated manually (i.e., programmed).
[00100] The electronic device 1100 may include a memory 1102 communicating with the processor 1101 via a bus 1103. The memory 1102 may be a main memory, a static memory, or a dynamic memory. The memory 1102 may include, but is not limited to computer readable storage media such as various types of volatile and non-volatile storage media, including but not limited to random access memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable read-only memory, flash memory, magnetic tape or disk, optical media and the like. The memory 1102 may be an external storage device or database for storing data. Examples include a hard drive, compact disc ("CD"), digital video disc ("DVD"), memory card, memory stick, floppy disc, universal serial bus ("USB") memory device, or any other device operative to store data. The memory 1102 is operable to store instructions executable by the processor 1101. The functions, acts or tasks illustrated in the figures or described may be performed by the programmed processor 1101 executing the instructions stored in the memory 1102. The functions, acts or tasks are independent of the particular type of instructions set, storage media, processor or processing strategy and may be performed by software, hardware, integrated circuits, firm-ware, micro-code and the like, operating alone or in combination. Likewise, processing strategies may include multiprocessing, multitasking, parallel processing and the like.
[00101] The electronic device 1100 may further include a display unit 1104, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flat panel display, a solid state display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), or other now known or later developed display device for outputting determined information.
[00102] Additionally, the electronic device 1100 may include an input device 1105 configured to allow a user to interact with any of the components of system 1100. The input device 1105 may be a number pad, a keyboard, a stylus, an electronic pen, or a cursor control device, such as a mouse, or a joystick, touch screen display, remote control or any other device operative to interact with the electronic device 1100.
[00103] The electronic device 1100 may also include a disk or optical drive unit 1106. The drive unit 1106 may include a computer-readable medium 1107 in which one or more sets of instructions 1108, e.g. software, can be embedded. In addition, the instructions 1108 may be separately stored in the processor 1101 and the memory 1102.
[00104] The electronic device 1100 may further be in communication with other device over a network 1109 to communicate voice, video, audio, images, or any other data over the network 1109. Further, the data and/or the instructions 1108 may be transmitted or received over the network 1109 via a communication port or interface 1110 or using the bus 1103. The communication port or interface 1110 may be a part of the processor 1101 or may be a separate component. The communication port 1110 may be created in software or may be a physical connection in hardware. The communication port 910 may be configured to connect with the network 1109, external media, the display 1104, or any other components in system 1100 or combinations thereof. The connection with the network 1109 may be a physical connection, such as a wired Ethernet connection or may be established wirelessly as discussed later. Likewise, the additional connections with other components of the system 1100 may be physical connections or may be established wirelessly. The network 1109 may alternatively be directly connected to the bus 1103.
[00105] The network 1109 may include wired networks, wireless networks, Ethernet AVB networks, or combinations thereof. The wireless network may be a cellular telephone network, an 802.11, 802.16, 802.20, 802.1Q or WiMax network. Further, the network 1109 may be a public network, such as the Internet, a private network, such as an intranet, or combinations thereof, and may utilize a variety of networking protocols now available or later developed including, but not limited to TCP/IP based networking protocols.
[00106] In an alternative example, dedicated hardware implementations, such as application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement various parts of the electronic device 1100.
[00107] Applications can broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. One or more examples described may implement functions using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, the present system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations.
[00108] The electronic device 1100 may be implemented by software programs executable by the processor 1101. Further, in a non-limited example, implementations can include distributed processing, component/object distributed processing, and parallel processing. Alternatively, virtual computer system processing can be constructed to implement various parts of the system.
[00109] The electronic device 1100 is not limited to operation with any particular standards and protocols. For example, standards for Internet and other packet switched network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) may be used. Such standards are periodically superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocols having the same or similar functions as those disclosed are considered equivalents thereof.
[00110] The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.
[00111] While certain present preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Clearly, the invention may be otherwise variously embodied, and practiced within the scope of the following claims.

Claims:
We claim:
1. A method for managing data usage by an electronic device (200), the method comprising:
- providing (101) a user-interface depicting a single-input data saving mode;
- receiving (102) a selection of the single-input data saving mode on the user-interface from a user, the selection enabling the single-input data saving mode;
- identifying (103) a first set of applications from a plurality of applications installed in the electronic device (200) based on a predefined list; and
- allowing (104) a complete data usage for the first set of applications and restricting a data usage for a second set of applications from the plurality of applications.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first set of applications is a non-null set.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first set of applications includes:
(a) one or more system applications associated with the electronic device (200); or
(b) one or more user-selected applications installed on the electronic device (200).

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein allowing the complete data usage includes allowing foreground data usage and background data usage.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein restricting data usage includes allowing foreground data usage and restricting background data usage for the second set of applications running in foreground mode of the electronic device (200).

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein restricting data usage includes restricting foreground data usage and background data usage for the second set of applications running in background mode of the electronic device (200).

7. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:
- determining (105) the electronic device (200) is in a screen-off state, the screen-off state being a state in which a backlight in the electronic device (200) is turned off; and
- forcibly (106) terminating the second set of applications from the plurality of applications upon determining that a predetermined time has elapsed since determining the screen-off state.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second set of applications excludes one or more applications currently running audio service in background mode of the electronic device (200).

9. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:
- receiving (107) a user-input to launch an application on the electronic device (200);
- determining (108) if the application is excluded from the first set of applications; and
- requesting (109) a further user-input before the launch of the application, based on the determination.

10. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising receiving selection of one or more applications from the user corresponding to the first set of applications.

11. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second set of applications excludes one or more system applications associated with the electronic device (200).

12. An electronic device (200) for managing data usage, the electronic device (200) comprising:
- a display unit (201) to depict a single-input data saving mode on a user-interface;
- a receiving unit (202) to receive a selection of the single-input data saving mode on the user-interface from a user, the selection enabling the single-input data saving mode;
- an analysing unit (203) to identify a first set of applications from a plurality of applications installed in the electronic device (200) based on a predefined list; and
- a data controlling unit (204) to:
- allow a complete data usage for the first set of applications; and
- restricting data usage for a second set of applications from the plurality of applications.

13. The electronic device (200) as claimed in claim 12, wherein:
- the analysing unit (203) further determines that the electronic device (200) is in a screen-off state, the screen-off state being a state in which a backlight in the electronic device (200) is turned off; and
- the data controlling unit (204) further:
- determines that a predetermined time has elapsed since determining the screen-off state; and
- based on the determination, forcibly terminates the second set of applications.