Patent No, 8,934,879 Inconspicuous mode for mobile devices (Inventors - Naftolin; Jordan)

US008934879

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United States Patent 8,934,879
Naftolin

Inventors: Naftolin; Jordan (Seattle, WA)
Applicant: Name City State Country Type
Microsoft Corporation Redmond WA US
Assignee: Microsoft Corporation (Redmond, WA) 
Family ID: 1000000873491
Appl. No.: 13/851,776
Filed: March 27, 2013

Abstract
A communication device is configured to switch from a normal mode of operation to an inconspicuous mode of operation in which a reduced set of information is presented on a home screen of a display of the device in comparison to a set of information presented on the home screen in the normal mode of operation. In addition, other display properties such as contrast and brightness may be adjusted to make them less conspicuous. The home screen in the inconspicuous mode of operation is less obtrusive or conspicuous to individuals than in the normal mode of operation. The device may enter the inconspicuous mode upon user request or by detecting at least one environmental condition using a sensor available to the mobile communication device. The environmental condition may be anything that the device can detect or sense in its surrounding environment such as ambient light or sound. The device may return to the normal mode of operation by user request or when the environmental condition is no longer present.