DYNAMIC PROFILE SWITCHING

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for dynamic switching of user profiles on computing devices. In one method, the computing device identifies a first user profile under which the computing device is operating. The first user profile is associated with a first user value indicative of a first user. The computing device receives an image from an image-sensing device, generates a current user value indicative of a current user based on the received image, and determines if the current user value corresponds to the first user value. If the current user value does not correspond to the first user value, the computing device configures at least some programs operating on the computing device using a second user profile that is selected based on the current user value. If the current user value does correspond to the first user value, the computing device continues to operate using the first user profile.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to dynamically switching user profiles.

BACKGROUND

Computing devices such as mobile telephones, tablets, and laptops have proliferated in recent years. These devices can be equipped with processors, memory, and the capability to communicate through local and wide area networks, including the Internet. With some computing devices, the user of the computing device can establish a user profile and store a set of preferences for operating the computing device in the user profile. The user profile can include the files and folders saved by the user; the applications, software, programs, etc. downloaded to the computing device by the user; security settings for loading the user profile; operation restrictions for the user; layout of the display of the computing device including font size, icon size, type of wallpaper, etc.; and any other items or settings for operation of the user profile on the computing device.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are methods and apparatuses for dynamic switching of user profiles on computing devices.

One aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a method of operating a computing device having an image-sensing device. The method includes identifying a first user profile under which the computing device is operating. The first user profile is associated with a first user value indicative of a first user. The method further includes receiving an image from the image-sensing device, generating a current user value indicative of a current user of the computing device based on the received image, determining if the current user value corresponds to the first user value, and configuring at least some programs operating on the computing device using a second user profile that is selected based on the current user value if the current user value does not correspond to the first user value.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a method of operating a computing device having an image-sensing device. The method includes identifying a first user profile under which the computing device is operating. The first user profile is associated with a first user value indicative of a first user. The method further includes receiving an image from the image-sensing device, generating a current user value indicative of a current user of the computing device based on the received image, determining if the current user value corresponds to the first user value, and determining if a second user profile is available to the computing device if the current user value does not correspond to the first user value, the second user profile associated with a second user value.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a computing device. The computing device includes an input-output device, such as a display screen, an image-sensing device, a memory, and one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to identify a first user profile under which the computing device is operating. The first user profile is associated with a first user value indicative of a first user. The one or more processors are further configured to receive an image from the image-sensing device, generate a current user value indicative of a current user of the computing device based on the received image, determine if the current user value corresponds to the first user value, and configure at least some programs operating on the computing device using a second user profile that is selected based on the current user value if the current user value does not correspond to the first user value.

These and other embodiments will be described in additional detail hereafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a computing device.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are illustrations showing the operation of a profile utility application as displayed on the display screen of a computing device.

FIG. 3 is an illustration showing an operation in which a different user profile is selected for operation of the computing device.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a process for dynamically switching a user profile on a computing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As computing devices proliferate, so do the number of users operating each computing device. Some device users can find some traditional methods of loading and operating a user profile cumbersome, such as providing a username and password, if the computing device includes a limited user interface. Some device users can also find some traditional methods of accessing a user profile difficult to execute. Some device users can be incapable of complying with some traditional methods but still need to be provided a specific user profile. For example, a young child can share a computing device with a parent and be capable of running some games and applications on the computing device and at the same time be incapable of entering a username and password.

The apparatuses and methods described herein, in some cases, allow for switching from a first user profile to a second user profile, limiting access to the files, folders, applications, security settings, etc. of the first user of the computing device while loading the files, folders, applications, security settings, etc. of the second user of the computing device without requiring the first user to log out or lock operation of the computing device or the second user to manually enter information to load and operate the second user profile.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of a computing device 10. The computing device 10 can be in the form of a computing system including multiple computing devices, or in the form of a single computing device, for example, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, and the like.

The computing device 10 can include a data processing apparatus, which in this case is a central processing unit, CPU 12, and a memory 14. As an example, the CPU 12 can be a conventional central processing unit. Alternatively, the CPU 12 can be any other type of device, or multiple devices now-existing or hereafter developed, capable of manipulating or processing information, including, for example, optical processors, quantum and/or molecular processors, general purpose processors, special purpose processors, IP cores, ASICS, programmable logic arrays, programmable logic controllers, microcode, firmware, microcontrollers, microprocessors, digital signal processors, memory, or any combination of the foregoing. In the claims, the term “processor” should be understood as including any of the foregoing, either singly or in combination. Although the disclosed embodiments can be practiced with a single processor as shown, e.g. CPU 12, advantages in speed and efficiency can be achieved using more than one processor.

The memory 14 in the computing device 10 can be a random access memory device (RAM). Any other suitable type of storage device can be used as the memory 14. The memory 14 can include code and data 18 that is accessed by the CPU 12 using a bus 16. The memory 14 can further include an operating system 20 and application programs 22, the application programs 22 including programs that permit the CPU 12 to perform the methods described herein. For example, the application programs 22 can include applications 1 through N which further include a profile utility application that performs the methods described herein. The computing device 10 can also include a secondary storage 24, which can, for example, be a memory card used with a mobile computing device 10. Because the user profiles may contain a significant amount of information, they can be stored in whole or in part in the secondary storage 24 and loaded into the memory 14 as needed for processing.

The computing device 10 can also include one or more input-output devices, such as a display screen 26, which can be a touch sensitive display screen that combines a display with a touch sensitive element that is operable to sense touch inputs. The display screen 26 is coupled to the CPU 12 via the bus 16. Other input-output devices that permit a user to program or otherwise use the computing device 10 can be provided in addition to or as an alternative to the display screen 26. When the input-output device is or includes a display, the display can be implemented in various ways, including by a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode-ray tube (CRT) or light emitting diode (LED) display, such as an OLED display.

The computing device 10 can also include an image-sensing device, for example front-facing camera 28, or any other image-sensing device now existing or hereafter developed that can sense the image of a user operating the computing device 10. The front-facing camera 28 can be positioned such that it is directed toward a user that is operating the computing device 10. Stated another way, the position and optical axis of the front-facing camera 28 can be configured such that the field of vision of the front-facing camera 28 includes an area that is directly adjacent to the display screen 26, from which the display screen 26 is visible. The front-facing camera 28 can be configured to receive images, for example, of the face of a user while the user is operating the computing device 10.

Although FIG. 1 depicts the CPU 12 and the memory 14 as being integrated into a single unit, other configurations can be utilized. The operations of the CPU 12 can be distributed across multiple machines (each machine having one or more of processors) which can be coupled directly or across a local area or other network. The memory 14 can be distributed across multiple machines such as network-based memory or memory in multiple machines performing the operations of the computing device 10. Although depicted here as a single bus, the bus 16 can be composed of multiple buses. Further, the secondary storage 24 can be directly coupled to the other components of the computing device 10 or can be accessed via a network and can comprise a single integrated unit such as a memory card or multiple units such as multiple memory cards. The computing device 10 can thus be implemented in a wide variety of configurations.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are illustrations showing the operation of a profile utility application as displayed on the input-output device, in this case a display screen 26, of a computing device 10. The computing device 10 includes the image-sensing device, in this case the front-facing camera 28, described in FIG. 1. The front-facing camera 28 faces the user while the user operates the computing device 10 and is capable of receiving an image. The computing device 10 also includes various application programs 22 as described in FIG. 1. Icons 32a-e which render on the display screen 26 can represent a set of application programs 22 with each icon 32a-e being capable of selection by a user to operate a given application program 22 on the computing device 10. Different users of the same computing device 10 can each establish a user profile which includes preferences for operating the computing device 10 associated with the user.

FIG. 2A shows the operation of a first user profile with the icons 32a-e representing five different application programs 22 that a first user can operate on the computing device 10 as associated with the first user profile. FIG. 2B shows the operation of a second user profile with the icons 32a-c representing three different application programs 22 that a second user can operate on the computing device 10 as associated with the second user profile. User profiles can include different application programs 22 that are available to different users, different settings for the computing device 10 such as font size and icon 32a-e size as shown by comparing the icon 32a-e size between FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, different files and folders as initiated and stored by different users, and different security and access settings that regulate what types of application programs 22 can be operated by the user on the computing device 10. For example, the first user profile shown in FIG. 2A has access to the Internet through icon 32d and to a camera through icon 32e, whereas the second user profile shown in FIG. 2B does not have icons enabling access to the internet or to the camera. The various application programs 22, display settings, security and access settings, and files and folders available for a given user profile can be collectively described as “programs.”

FIG. 3 is an illustration showing an operation in which a different user profile is selected for operation of the computing device 10. In this example, a first user 40 and a second user 42 have both previously established user profiles on the computing device 10. The image-sensing device, in this example the front-facing camera 28, is operable to capture one or more images of the first user 40 while the first user 40 is operating the computing device 30 by interacting with the display screen 26. The computing device 10 can configure at least some programs that are operating on the computing device 10 using a first user profile that has been established by the first user 40 and is associated with the first user 40. The first user profile can include a value that represents the first user 40, such as an image of the first user's face, or data that is derived from or representative of the first user's face.

In this example, during the time period when the computing device 10 is configured according to the first user profile (i.e. operating under the first user profile), the device can be handed to or picked up by the second user 42. The front-facing camera 28 can capture an image of the second user 42. The computing device 10 can configure at least some programs operating on the computing device 10 using the second user profile if the computing device 10 determines that the image of the second user 42 corresponds to a value that is stored in the second user profile. A second user profile can be utilized to configure the computing device 10 if the second user profile is associated in some way with the captured image of the second user 42. This operation can be performed without an affirmative action that “logs out” the first user 40, suspends operation of the computing device 10, or locks operation of the computing device 10.

In other examples, the first user 40 can be “logged out” of the device or have otherwise placed the computing device 10 into a low power state, a locked state, or other state in which the computing device 10 is no longer in active use. The computing device 10 may or may not continue to be configured according to the first user profile. When the computing device 10 is picked up by the second user 42, the front-facing camera 28 can capture an image of the second user 42. The computing device 10 can configure at least some programs operating on the computing device 10 using the second user profile if the computing device 10 determines that the image of the second user 42 corresponds to a value that is stored in the second user profile. That is to say that the second user profile is utilized to configure the computing device 10 if the second user profile is associated in some way with the captured image of the second user 42.

In other examples, the second user 42 may not have previously established a user profile on the computing device 10. In these examples, the computing device 10 can deny access to the second user 42 or can allow access to the second user 42. Examples for allowing access to the second user 42 when a user profile has not previously been established will be explained herein. The operations of the various methods of dynamically switching a user profile on the computing device 10 are further explained in connection with FIG. 4 below.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of a process 50 for dynamically switching a user profile on a computing device 10. In process 50, the computing device 10 is initially configured according to and operating under a first user profile.

In stage 52, the computing device 10 can identify a first user profile under which the computing device 10 is operating. The first user profile can be associated with a first user value indicative of a first user. The first user value can have been previously generated by the computing device 10 based on one or more images associated with a first user of the computing device 10. For example, one or more images of the first user can be captured by the image-sensing device, e.g. the front-facing camera 28, on the computing device 10 and an image-analysis algorithm can be employed to analyze the one or more images of the first user and generate geometric data indicative of one or more facial features in the one or more images that can be used as a first user value. The first user value can be the basis for comparison to geometric data generated from images captured during operation of the computing device 10 by a current user.

In stage 54, the computing device 10 can receive an image from the front-facing camera 28. The image received can be that of the face of the current user of the computing device 10.

In stage 56, the computing device 10 can generate a current user value indicative of the current user of the computing device 10 based on the image received in stage 54. For example, the current user value can be generated by a facial recognition application program detecting one or more specific positions, or coordinates, of facial features (e.g. corners of the eyes, corners of the mouth, top and bottom edges of the lips, etc.). Other facial features and positions are also possible and can be detected by the facial recognition application to generate the current user value.

In stage 58, the computing device 10 can compare the current user value to the first user value. For example, the computing device 10 can compare the coordinates of facial features of the first user value and current user value.

In decision block 60, the computing device 10 can make a determination as to whether the current user value corresponds to the first user value. For example, the computing device 10 can determine if a coordinate comparison between the current user value and first user value indicates that the coordinates are similar enough to indicate to the computing device 10 that the current user has the same identity as the first user having the first user profile operating on the computing device 10.

If, at decision block 60, the computing device 10 determines that the current user value corresponds to the first user value, the computing device 10 can continue to operate using the first user profile at stage 62. If the computing device 10 continues to operate using the first user profile, the process 50 ends. The current user, in this case the first user, need not be aware that the process 50 has occurred, allowing seamless operation of the computing device 10. Stages 52 through 58 and decision block 60 of process 50 can occur periodically, at a set interval or prompt by an application program, or continuously during the operation of the computing device 10. The profile utility application can also be disabled by the current user in the case where the current user wishes to allow another user to operate the computing device 10 without switching profiles.

If, at decision block 60, the computing device 10 determines that the current user value does not correspond to the first user value, the computing device 10 can be configured to operate at least some programs using a second user profile that is selected based on the current user value at stage 64. If the computing device 10 configures at least some programs using the second user profile, the process 50 ends. There are several embodiments of stage 64 that will be described below.

In one embodiment of stage 64 where the current user value does not correspond to the first user value, the computing device 10 can compare the current user value to a stored user value of each user profile of a plurality of stored user profiles. If the current user value does not correspond to the stored user value of any user profile of the plurality of stored user profiles, the computing device 10 can select a guest profile as the second user profile. The guest profile can have limited access to application programs 22, files, folders, etc. This embodiment allows a current user without a stored user profile to operate the computing device 10 without exposing the security settings, files, folders, application programs 22, etc. of stored user profiles to the current user.

In another embodiment of stage 64 where the current user value does not correspond to the first user value, the computing device 10 can compare the current user value to a stored user value of each user profile of a plurality of stored user profiles. If the current user value does not correspond to the stored user value of any user profile of the plurality of stored user profiles, the computing device 10 can create the second user profile for the current user and display an interface for configuring the second user profile to the current user. This embodiment allows a current user without a stored user profile to configure their own user profile on the computing device 10 specifying the security settings, application programs 22, etc. the current user prefers to use while operating the computing device 10 without exposing the security settings, files, folders, application programs 22, etc. of stored user profiles to the current user.

In another embodiment of stage 64 where the current user value does not correspond to the first user value, the computing device 10 can compare the current user value to a stored user value of each user profile of a plurality of stored user profiles. If the current user value does not correspond to the stored user value of any stored user profile of the plurality of stored user profiles, the computing device 10 can display one or more indicators, wherein each indicator of the one or more indicators is associated with a respective stored user profile of the plurality of stored user profiles. The current user can select an indicator using the user interface of the computing device 10. The computing device 10 can receive the signal that the current user has selected an indicator of the one or more indicators, and the computing device 10 can select the stored user profile that is associated with the selected indicator as the second user profile to be configured on the computing device 10. This embodiment is useful in the case where the current user value does not correspond to a stored user value due to changes to the physical features of the current user, for example, changes in facial hair, low lighting during the image capture, changes in eyeglasses for the current user, an inconvenient black eye, etc. The computing device 10 can further require additional security measures, such as a password or PIN number entry, if the current user selects a stored user profile due to the current user value failing to correspond to a stored user value.

In another embodiment of stage 64 where the current user value does not correspond to the first user value, the computing device 10 can compare the current user value to a stored user value of each user profile of a plurality of stored user profiles. If the current user value corresponds to a stored user value of a stored user profile, the computing device 10 can send a notification to the user, the notification requesting selection of the first user profile, e.g. the current user profile, or the second user profile, e.g. the stored user profile. The notification can be, for example, an indicator that another profile is available for use displayed in the background or on a notification bar on the display screen 26 of the computing device 10. In this example, if the computing device 10 receives a signal indicating selection of the first user profile, the computing device 10 continues to operate using the first user profile. If the computing device 10 receives a signal indicating selection of the second user profile, the computing device 10 configures at least some programs using the second user profile. If the notification is ignored, the computing device 10 continues to operate using the first user profile. This embodiment is useful in the case where a second user seeks to update settings, applications, or features for a first user without immediately switching user profiles. For example, the second user can be a parent and the first user a child with the parent picking up the computing device 10 to install a new application for the child currently using the computing device 10.

In each of the embodiments of the process 50 for dynamically switching a user profile on a computing device 10, the first user profile and second user profile can be stored in a location external to the computing device 10. For example, a computing device 10 can be a public device such as a clock-radio in a hotel room capable of operating with user profiles. The current user of the clock-radio can have a user profile stored using a cloud computing service, or the cloud. The cloud can include hundreds or thousands of servers configured to provide scalable computing resources. Storing the user profile on the cloud can, for example, allow more than one computing device 10 to access the user profile. In this example, the current user of the clock-radio can access personal files, folders, and/or application programs 22 on the clock-radio after the clock-radio has been configured with the stored user profile associated with the current user.

The embodiments of the computing device 10 (and the algorithms, methods, instructions etc. stored thereon and/or executed thereby) can be realized in hardware including, for example, intellectual property (IP) cores, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic arrays, optical processors, programmable logic controllers, microcode, firmware, microcontrollers, servers, microprocessors, digital signal processors or any other suitable circuit. In the claims, the term “processor” should be understood as encompassing any the foregoing, either singly or in combination. The terms “signal” and “data” are used interchangeably. Further, portions of computing device 10 do not necessarily have to be implemented in the same manner.

In one embodiment, the computing device 10 can be implemented using a general purpose computer/processor with a computer program that, when executed, carries out any of the respective methods, algorithms and/or instructions described herein. In addition or alternatively, for example, a special purpose computer/processor can be utilized which can contain specialized hardware for carrying out any of the methods, algorithms, or instructions described herein.

Further, all or a portion of embodiments described can take the form of a computer program product accessible from, for example, a computer-usable or computer-readable medium. A computer-usable or computer-readable medium can be any device that can, for example, tangibly contain, store, communicate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with any processor. The medium can be, for example, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or a semiconductor device. Other suitable mediums are also available.

While this disclosure includes what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.

Claims

1. A method of operating a computing device having an image-sensing device, the method comprising: identifying a first user profile under which the computing device is operating, the first user profile associated with a first user value indicative of a first user;receiving an image from the image-sensing device;generating a current user value indicative of a current user of the computing device based on the received image;determining if the current user value corresponds to the first user value; andconfiguring at least some programs operating on the computing device using a second user profile that is selected based on the current user value if the current user value does not correspond to the first user value.

2. The method in claim 1, further comprising: continuing to operate the computing device using the first user profile if the current user value corresponds to the first user value.

3. The method in claim 1, further comprising: comparing the current user value to a stored user value of each user profile of a plurality of stored user profiles if the current user value does not correspond to the first user value; andselecting a guest profile as the second user profile if the current user value does not correspond to the stored user value of any user profile of the plurality of stored user profiles.

4. The method in claim 1, further comprising: comparing the current user value to a stored user value of each user profile of a plurality of stored user profiles if the current user value does not correspond to the first user value;creating the second user profile if the current user value does not correspond to the stored user value of any user profile of the plurality of stored user profiles; anddisplaying an interface for configuring the second user profile.

5. The method in claim 1, further comprising: comparing the current user value to a stored user value of each user profile of a plurality of stored user profiles if the current user value does not correspond to the first user value;displaying one or more indicators if the current user value does not correspond to the stored user value of any user profile of the plurality of stored user profiles, wherein each indicator of the one or more indicators is associated with a respective stored user profile of the plurality of stored user profiles;receiving a signal selecting an indicator of the one or more indicators; andselecting the stored user profile that is associated with the selected indicator as the second user profile.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the first user profile and second user profile are stored in a location external to the computing device.

7. A method of operating a computing device having an image-sensing device, the method comprising: identifying a first user profile under which the computing device is operating, the first user profile associated with a first user value indicative of a first user;receiving an image from the image-sensing device;generating a current user value indicative of a current user of the computing device based on the received image;determining if the current user value corresponds to the first user value; anddetermining if a second user profile is available to the computing device if the current user value does not correspond to the first user value, the second user profile associated with a second user value.

8. The method in claim 7, further comprising: continuing to operate the computing device using the first user profile if the current user value corresponds to the first user value.

9. The method in claim 7, further comprising: determining if the current user value corresponds to the second user value; andretrieving the second user profile if the current user value corresponds to the second user value; andsending a notification to the user if the second user profile is retrieved, the notification requesting selection of the first user profile or the second user profile.

10. The method in claim 9, further comprising: receiving a signal indicating selection of the first user profile; andcontinuing to operate the computing device using the first user profile in response to selection of the first user profile.

11. The method in claim 9, further comprising: receiving a signal indicating selection of the second user profile; andconfiguring at least some programs operating on the computing device using the second user profile in response to selection of the second user profile.

12. The method in claim 7, further comprising: configuring at least some programs operating on the computing device using a guest profile if the current user value does not correspond to the second user value.

13. The method in claim 7, further comprising: determining if the current user value corresponds to the second user value;displaying one or more indicators if the current user value does not correspond to the second user value, wherein each indicator of the one or more indicators is associated with a respective user profile of a plurality of user profiles;receiving a signal selecting an indicator of the one or more indicators;retrieving the user profile that is associated with the selected indicator; andconfiguring at least some programs operating on the computing device using the user profile that is associated with the selected indicator.

14. The method in claim 7, further comprising: displaying an interface for establishing a user profile for the current user if the current user value does not correspond to the second user value.

15. The method of claim 7 wherein the first user profile and second user profile are stored in a location external to the computing device.

16. A computing device comprising: an input-output device;an image-sensing device;a memory; andone or more processors wherein the one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to:identify a first user profile under which the computing device is operating, the first user profile associated with a first user value indicative of a first user;receive an image from the image-sensing device;generate a current user value indicative of a current user of the computing device based on the received image;determine if the current user value corresponds to the first user value; andconfigure at least some programs operating on the computing device using a second user profile that is selected based on the current user value if the current user value does not correspond to the first user value.

17. The computing device of claim 16, wherein the processor is further configured to: continue to operate the computing device using the first user profile if the current user value corresponds to the first user value.

18. The computing device of claim 16, wherein the processor is further configured to: compare the current user value to a stored user value of each user profile of a plurality of stored user profiles if the current user value does not correspond to the first user value; andselect a guest profile as the second user profile if the current user value does not correspond to the stored user value of any user profile of the plurality of stored user profiles.

19. The computing device of claim 16, wherein the processor is further configured to: compare the current user value to a stored user value of each user profile of a plurality of stored user profiles if the current user value does not correspond to the first user value;create the second user profile if the current user value does not correspond to the stored user value of any user profile of the plurality of stored user profiles; anddisplay an interface for configuring the second user profile.

20. The computing device of claim 16, wherein the processor is further configured to: compare the current user value to a stored user value of each user profile of a plurality of stored user profiles if the current user value does not correspond to the first user value;display one or more indicators if the current user value does not correspond to the stored user value of any user profile of the plurality of stored user profiles, wherein each indicator of the one or more indicators is associated with a respective stored user profile of the plurality of stored user profiles;receive a signal selecting an indicator of the one or more indicators; andselect the stored user profile that is associated with the selected indicator as the second user profile.