US6065138A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Computer activity monitoring system
Assignee: Magnitude LLC
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Filing: 1997-01-07
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Granted: 2000-05-16
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Expires: 2017-01-07
Abstract
Abstract A computer activity monitoring system is disclosed for monitoring a user's input on a computer having a processor, memory, and input unit. The system functions by first initializing an activity status indicator in the memory. Next, the activity of the operator's input device is measured over a time period to determine an activity rate. The activity rate is then compared to at least one limit selected from the group consisting of a work limit and a rest limit. If the activity rate is greater than the work limit, then the activity status indicator is adjusted according to a first function. If the activity is less than the rest limit, then the activity status indicator is adjusted according to a second function. A warning is indicated if the activity status indicator reaches a predetermined alarm level. Also disclosed is an apparatus for performing this method and a computer readable medium, such a floppy disk, hard drive, CD ROM, or tape, having instructions for performing this method.
Inventors
- 👤 Brian J. Gould
- 👤 Steven D. Rudnik
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 11:33
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F11/00; G06F11/30; G06F11/34; G06F11/3438; G06F11/32; G06F11/324; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/011; G06F3/02; G06F3/023; G06F3/03; G06F3/033; G06F3/038; G06F11/327; G06F11/3409; G06F11/3419; G06F11/3423; G06F2201/00; G06F2201/81; G06F2201/88
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
A method for monitoring a user's activity rate on a computer, said computer having a processor, input means, and memory having an initialized activity status indicator, said computer being configured by instructional means resident in said memory to perform said method comprising the steps of: measuring the activity of said input means over a time period to determine an activity rate; comparing said activity rate to at least one limit selected from the group consisting of a work limit and a rest limit, if said activity rate is greater than said work limit, then adjusting said activity status indicator according to a first function, if said activity is less than said rest limit, then adjusting said activity status indicator according to a second function; and signaling a warning if said activity status indicator reaches a predetermined alarm level.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
138 words
A method for monitoring a user's activity rate on a computer, said computer having a processor, input means, and memory having an initialized activity status indicator, said computer being configured by instructional means resident in said memory to perform said method comprising the steps of: measuring the activity of said input means over a time period to determine an activity rate; comparing said activity rate to at least one limit selected from the group consisting of a work limit and a rest limit, if said activity rate is greater than said work limit, then adjusting said activity status indicator according to a first function, if said activity is less than said rest limit, then adjusting said activity status indicator according to a second function; and signaling a warning if said activity status indicator reaches a predetermined alarm level.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1, wherein a plurality of warnings is used, each warning corresponding to a different alarm level having a particular severity.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising: delaying said warning either until said input means is idle, or after a predetermined period of time elapses.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising: measuring time between idle time of said input means, and signalling a stretch warning when said time reaches a predetermined time limit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said warning involves generating pictures, text, or sounds using at least one warning module.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 5, wherein said module is a discrete module.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 3, further comprising: outputting a log based on said activity rate.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
119 words
A device for monitoring a user's input activity, said device comprising: means for initializing an activity status indicator; means for measuring the activity of a user's input means over a time period to determine an activity rate; means for comparing said activity rate to at least one limit selected from the group consisting of a work limit and a rest limit, if said activity rate is greater than said work limit, then adjusting said activity status indicator according to a first function, if said activity is less than said rest number, then adjusting said activity status indicator according to a second predetermined function; and means for signaling a warning if said activity status indicator reaches a predetermined alarm level.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
119 words
A device for monitoring a user's input activity, said device comprising: means for initializing an activity status indicator; means for measuring the activity of a user's input means over a time period to determine an activity rate; means for comparing said activity rate to at least one limit selected from the group consisting of a work limit and a rest limit, if said activity rate is greater than said work limit, then adjusting said activity status indicator according to a first function, if said activity is less than said rest number, then adjusting said activity status indicator according to a second predetermined function; and means for signaling a warning if said activity status indicator reaches a predetermined alarm level.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 8, wherein a plurality of warnings is used, each warning corresponding to a different predetermined alarm level having a particular severity.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 8, further comprising: means for delaying said warning either until said input means is idle, or after a predetermined period of time elapses.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 8, further comprising: means for measuring time between idle time of said input means and signaling a stretch warning when said time reaches a predetermined time limit.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 8, further comprising: at least one warning module having means for generating pictures, text, or sounds when said warning is signaled.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device of claim 12, wherein said module is a discrete module.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
143 words
A warning module for use with a system that monitors a user's input activity, said system comprising means for initializing an activity status indicator; means for measuring the activity of a user's input device over a time period to determine an activity rate; means for comparing said activity rate to at least one limit selected from the group consisting of a work limit and a rest limit, if said activity rate is greater than said work limit, then adjusting said activity status indicator according to a first function, if said activity is less than said rest number, then adjusting said activity status indicator according to a second predetermined function; and means for signaling a warning if said activity status indicator reaches a predetermined alarm level; said warning module comprising: means for generating pictures, text, or sounds in response to said means for signaling.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
143 words
A warning module for use with a system that monitors a user's input activity, said system comprising means for initializing an activity status indicator; means for measuring the activity of a user's input device over a time period to determine an activity rate; means for comparing said activity rate to at least one limit selected from the group consisting of a work limit and a rest limit, if said activity rate is greater than said work limit, then adjusting said activity status indicator according to a first function, if said activity is less than said rest number, then adjusting said activity status indicator according to a second predetermined function; and means for signaling a warning if said activity status indicator reaches a predetermined alarm level; said warning module comprising: means for generating pictures, text, or sounds in response to said means for signaling.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
128 words
A computer-readable medium for configuring a computer having a processor, memory, and input means to monitor a user's input activity on said input means, said medium comprising instructional means for: initializing an activity status indicator; measuring a user's activity on said input means over a predetermined duration to determine activity rate; comparing said activity rate to at least one limit selected from the group consisting of a work limit and a rest limit, if said activity rate is greater than said work limit, then adjusting said activity status indicator according to a first function, if said activity is less than said rest limit, then adjusting said activity status indicator according to a second function; and signaling a warning if said activity status indicator reaches a predetermined alarm level.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
128 words
A computer-readable medium for configuring a computer having a processor, memory, and input means to monitor a user's input activity on said input means, said medium comprising instructional means for: initializing an activity status indicator; measuring a user's activity on said input means over a predetermined duration to determine activity rate; comparing said activity rate to at least one limit selected from the group consisting of a work limit and a rest limit, if said activity rate is greater than said work limit, then adjusting said activity status indicator according to a first function, if said activity is less than said rest limit, then adjusting said activity status indicator according to a second function; and signaling a warning if said activity status indicator reaches a predetermined alarm level.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
The medium of claim 15, wherein a plurality of warnings is used, each warning corresponding to a different alarm level having a particular severity.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
28 words
The medium of claim 15, further comprising instructional means for: delaying said warning either until said input means is idle, or after a predetermined period of time elapses.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
32 words
The medium of claim 15, further comprising instructional means for: measuring time between idle time of said input means and signaling a stretch warning when said time reaches a predetermined time limit.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
The medium of claim 16, further comprising instructional means for: generating pictures, text, or sounds using at least one warning module.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-05-16 | 2003-11-15 | 2004-05-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-05-16 | 2007-11-15 | 2008-05-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-05-16 | 2011-11-15 | 2012-05-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |