SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONFIGURING PLURAL SOFTWARE
PROFILES

I. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for configuring
software profiles.
II. Background of the Invention
When a personal computer is turned on, a basic input-output system (BIOS) that is
stored in non-volatile solid state memory of the computer is invoked to begin what is
known as a "boot" process, in which various initialization chores are undertaken. Among
the most important of these chores is the copying of an operating system from disk storage
of the computer over into typically a volatile solid state memory, such as DRAM, of the
computer, for execution of the operating system by the processor of the computer when the
computer is being used.
Performance and power management of computers typically are considered only
from a hardware perspective. For example, a hardware switch might be provided that
changes graphics controllers, etc. to improve performance or improve battery length.
However, all software that needs to run usually starts from the time the system boots, and
users cannot change software modes based on needs. Software-implemented services
that execute but that do not perform any function until they are needed rob the system of
performance and battery power.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, as recognized herein there is no reason for certain
software-implemented services such as, e.g., media services to run on the system all of the
time. Turning such services off, however, requires the user to know the name of the
service and how to turn it off, complicating user management of the software.
A system includes processor, one or more input devices useful by a person to input
signals to the processor, and one or more tangible computer-readable storage medium
accessible to the processor. Also, a display communicates with the processor to output
signals from the processor. The computer storage medium contains plural software
applications and plural software profile definitions for selection of one of the profile
definitions in response to a system and/or user signal. Each profile, when selected,
enables a respective set of applications to run on the system, with the set of applications in
each profile being different than the set of applications in other profiles. One of the
profiles can be a power save profile for which a user establishes how frequently at least
one application in the respective set of applications checks for a network connection.
A software profile can be established in the computer in response to a user select
signal. In some embodiments a user is permitted to edit only some, but not all, of the
software profiles. For example, the user may not be permitted to edit a full software
profile in which all available applications are permitted to run on the processor.
In example embodiments the processor presents on the display screen shots
enabling a user to define and select software profiles, a first screen shot listing names of
software profiles available for editing. In response to selection of a software profile for
editing, a second screen shot can be presented listing names of applications that can be
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enabled to run for that profile. A user is permitted to change whether an application can
run using the second screen shot. If desired, a user may be permitted to define which
types of media are excluded from being served by a media service when the power save
software profile is established.
In another aspect, a system includes processor, one or more input devices useful by
a person to input signals to the processor, and one or more tangible computer-readable
storage medium accessible to the processor. Also, a display communicates with the
processor to output signals from the processor. The computer storage medium contains
plural software applications and plural software profile definitions for selection of one of
the profile definitions in response to a system and/or user signal. Each profile, when
selected, enables a respective set of applications to run on the system, with the set of
applications in each profile being different than the set of applications in other profiles.
One of the profiles can be a power save profile in which a user establishes which types of
media are excluded from being served by a media service when the power save software
profile is established.
In another aspect, a system includes processor, one or more input devices useful by
a person to input signals to the processor, and one or more tangible computer-readable
storage medium accessible to the processor. Also, a display communicates with the
processor to output signals from the processor. The computer storage medium contains
plural software applications and plural software profile definitions for selection of one of
the profile definitions in response to a system and/or user signal. Each profile, when
selected, enables a respective set of applications to run on the system, with the set of
applications in each profile being different than the set of applications in other profiles.
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A user is permitted to edit only some, but not all, of the software profiles.
The details of the present invention, both as to its structure and operation, can best
be understood in reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference
numerals refer to like parts, and in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a block diagram of a non-limiting computer that can use the present
invention;
Figure 2 is a flow chart of a non-limiting implementation of logic for establishing
software profiles; and
Figures 3-1- are example non-limiting embodiments of screen shots that may be
used to permit a user to modify/define software profiles.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring initially to Figure 1, a high-level block diagram of a data processing
system, generally designated 10, is shown in which the present invention may be
implemented. The system 10 in one non-limiting embodiment is a personal computer or
laptop computer. The system 10 includes a processor 12. The processor 12 is
connected to a processor bus 14, and a cache 16, which is used to stage data to and from
the processor 12 at reduced access latency, is also connected to the processor bus 14. In
non-limiting embodiments the processor 12 can access data from the cache 16 or from a
system solid state memory 18 by way of a memory controller function 20. The cache 16
may include volatile memory such as DRAM and the memory 18 may include non-volatile
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memory such as flash memory. Also, the memory controller 20 is connected to a
memory-mapped graphics adapter 22 by way of a graphic bus controller 24, and the
graphics adapter 22 provides a connection for a monitor 26 on which the user interface of
software executed within data processing system 10 is displayed.
The non-limiting memory controller 20 may also be connected to a personal
computer interface (PCI) bus bridge 28, which provides an interface to a PCI bus 30.
Connected to the PCI bus 30 may be an input/output (I/O) controller 32 for controlling
various I/O devices, including, e.g., a keyboard/mouse adapter 34 which provides
connection to a keyboard 36 and to a pointing device 38, which may be implemented by a
mouse, trackball, or the like. Additionally, a hard disk drive 40 is connected to the I/O
controller 32. If desired, an optical disk drive 42, such as a DVD or CD drive, can be
connected to the I/O controller 32. In some implementations a network adapter 44 can be
attached to the PCI bus 30 as shown for connecting the data processing system 10 to a
local area network (LAN), the Internet, or both. In any case, in accordance with
principles known in the art, during power-on the processor 12 executes a basic
input/output system (BIOS) program that may be stored in the memory 18, to load an
operating system in the hard disk drive 40 into the memory 18. Software implementing
various services and applications (sometimes referred to collectively herein as
"applications") can be stored on one or more of the memory devices above.
Now referring to Figure 2, the present logic can be seen in non-limiting flow chart
format, it being understood that the actual logic may be implemented in state form or other
suitable form. Commencing at block 50, a first software profile is defined, e.g., a "basic"
profile that is automatically established in the computer pursuant to system boot. A
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default basic profile may be defined by the manufacturer of the computer. Or, the end
purchaser of the computer may be permitted to define one or more software profiles from
scratch. A combination of the two may be used, i.e., an end user may be permitted to
modify a default profile that is initially defined by the manufacturer.
In non-limiting one example embodiment, the basic profile may include
automatically starting an email program but preventing the starting of an Internet
application and a media service, such as a direct local area network (dLAN).
Blocks 52-56 indicate that additional software profiles can be defined. For
example, block 52 indicates that a power save software profile may be established.
Details of the power save program are described further below, and may include the
allowance of the operation of certain software applications and the prevention of the
operation of other software, as well as defining certain power save behavior of software
including how frequently a program will check for a network connection.
Block 54 indicates that a "full" software profile may be defined. In one
implementation the "full" software profile may cause all available software applications
and services to run on the computer. Additional profiles may be defined at block 56.
As mentioned above and as more fully explained below, at block 58 the end user
may be permitted to edit the software profiles. In some embodiments, the end user may
be permitted to edit only some, but not all, of the profiles. For example, the end user may
not be permitted to edit the "full" profile. At block 60, a system signal (such as a boot
signal to establish the basic software profile) or a user-generated signal (such as the profile
selection described below) is received and used to establish in the computer one of the
software profiles.
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Figures 3-10 show screen shots that may be presented on, e.g., the monitor 26
shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 simply shows an example set up screen that includes an
entry selectable by an end user using, e.g., the keyboard 36/pointing device 38 shown in
Figure 1 to enter a "define software profile" mode. In response, the screen of Figure 4
may appear listing the names of the software profiles available for editing. In the
example shown, "basic", "power save", and "full" are shown for selection, with the box
around "basic" indicating for illustration that the end user has selected to edit the "basic"
software profile. Additional profiles may also be listed.
When default profiles have been defined by the manufacturer, the screen of Figure
5 may appear listing, for the selected software profile, the applications/services that are
enabled to run for that profile. In the example shown, the email application is shown to
be enabled in the "basic" software profile but not an Internet browser or a media server
application. This may be changed by the user clicking on "Y" for a non-enabled program
to enable it, and "N" on a an enabled program to disable it.
When the user is done editing a profile the screen of Figure 6 may appear,
prompting the user to indicate whether he is done and wishes for changes to the profile
definition to be saved. In the example shown, the user has indicated that he wishes to
save the changes. After saving (or not) the changes, the screen of Figure 7 may appear,
asking the user if he wishes to proceed to edit the next profile. In the example shown, the
user has indicated "yes" and so the next profile in the list, in this example, "power save"
software profile, appears on the screen of example Figure 8.
As shown, the power save profile screen shot may list the applications/services that
are permitted to run in the power save software profile. Additionally, the user may be
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given the opportunity to define certain power save behavior of each application listed as
being enabled in the power save software profile. For example, if the user selects
"application 1" to be enabled in the power save profile, the screen of Figure 9 may appear,
prompting the user to enter the frequency (in the example shown, in seconds) with which
the selected application will check for network connectivity. Other power save behavior
may be implemented, e.g., in the case of a media service, which types of media might be
excluded from being served when the power save software profile is established.
Once the software profiles have been defined and/or edited, the screen of Figure 10
may appear. The screen of Figure 10 lists the available software profiles for selection of
one of them by the user for immediate establishment of that profile in the computer.
In some embodiments all software services are stopped are started only when an
application needs them.
While the particular SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONFIGURING PLURAL
SOFTWARE PROFILES is herein shown and described in detail, it is to be understood
that the subject matter which is encompassed by the present invention is limited only by
the claims.
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WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. System comprising:
processor;
at least one input device useful by a person to input signals to the processor;
at least one tangible computer-readable storage medium accessible to the
processor;
at least one display communicating with the processor to output signals
therefrom;
the medium bearing plural software applications and plural software profile
definitions for selection of one of the profile definitions in response to a system
and/or user signal, each profile when selected enabling a respective set of
applications to run on the system, the set of applications in each profile being
different than the set of applications in other profiles, at least one profile being a
power save profile for which a user establishes how frequently at least one
application in the respective set of applications checks for a network connection.
2. The system of Claim 1, wherein a software profile is established in the
computer in response to a user select signal.
3. The system of Claim 1, wherein a user is permitted to edit only some, but
not all, of the software profiles.
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4. The system of Claim 3, wherein the user is not permitted to edit a full
software profile in which all available applications are permitted to run on the processor.
5. The system of Claim 1, wherein the processor presents on the display
screen shots enabling a user to define and select software profiles, a first screen shot listing
names of software profiles available for editing.
6. The system of Claim 5, wherein in response to selection of a software
profile for editing, a second screen shot is presented listing names of applications that can
be enabled to run for that profile, a user being permitted to change whether an application
can run using the second screen shot.
7. The system of Claim 5, wherein a user is permitted to define which types of
media are excluded from being served by a media service when the power save software
profile is established.
8. System comprising:
processor;
at least one input device useful by a person to input signals to the processor;
at least one tangible computer-readable storage medium accessible to the
processor;
at least one display communicating with the processor to output signals
therefrom;
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the medium bearing plural software applications and plural software profile
definitions for selection of one of the profile definitions in response to a system
and/or user signal, each profile when selected enabling a respective set of
applications to run on the system, the set of applications in each profile being
different than the set of applications in other profiles, at least one profile being a
power save profile in which a user establishes which types of media are excluded
from being served by a media service when the power save software profile is
established.
9. The system of Claim 8, wherein a software profile is established in the
computer in response to a user select signal.
10. The system of Claim 8, wherein a user is permitted to edit only some, but
not all, of the software profiles.
11. The system of Claim 10, wherein the user is not permitted to edit a full
software profile in which all available applications are permitted to run on the processor.
12. The system of Claim 8, wherein the processor presents on the display
screen shots enabling a user to define and select software profiles, a first screen shot listing
names of software profiles available for editing.
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13. The system of Claim 12, wherein in response to selection of a software
profile for editing, a second screen shot is presented listing names of applications that can
be enabled to run for that profile, a user being permitted to change whether an application
can run using the second screen shot.
14. The system of Claim 12, wherein a user may establish how frequently at
least one application in the respective set of applications in the power save software profile
checks for a network connection.
15. System comprising:
processor;
at least one input device useful by a person to input signals to the processor;
at least one tangible computer-readable storage medium accessible to the
processor;
at least one display communicating with the processor to output signals
therefrom;
the medium bearing plural software applications and plural software profile
definitions for selection of one of the profile definitions in response to a system
and/or user signal, each profile when selected enabling a respective set of
applications to run on the system, the set of applications in each profile being
different than the set of applications in other profiles, wherein a user is permitted to
edit only some, but not all, of the software profiles.
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16. The system of Claim 15, wherein a software profile is established in the
computer in response to a user select signal.
17. The system of Claim 15, at least one profile being a power save profile in
which a user establishes which types of media are excluded from being served by a media
service when the power save software profile is established.
18. The system of Claim 15, wherein the processor presents on the display
screen shots enabling a user to define and select software profiles, a first screen shot listing
names of software profiles available for editing.
19. The system of Claim 18, wherein in response to selection of a software
profile for editing, a second screen shot is presented listing names of applications that can
be enabled to run for that profile, a user being permitted to change whether an application
can run using the second screen shot.
20. The system of Claim 15, wherein a user may establish how frequently at
least one application in the respective set of applications in the power save software profile
checks for a network connection.
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21. System substantially as herein described with reference to the foregoing description and the accompanying
drawing.

Dated this 8th day of February 2010

To
The Controller of Patents
The Patent Office
India