Enforced unitasking in multitasking systems

摘要

A computer system includes one or more devices that are capable of multitasking (performing at least two tasks in parallel or substantially in parallel). In response to detecting that one of the devices is performing a first one of the tasks, the system prevents the devices from performing at least one of the tasks other than the first task (such as all of the tasks other than the first task). In response to detecting that one of the devices is performing a second one of the tasks, the system prevents the devices from performing at least one of the tasks other than the second task (such as all of the tasks other than the first task).

主权项

1. A method performed by at least one computer processor, the method for use with a first device, the method comprising:
(A) determining that the first device is performing a first task, wherein the first task comprises at least one of transmitting, manifesting, and composing a first message transmissible via a first communication mode, wherein the first communication mode comprises one of an email communication mode, a text message communication mode, and a voice call communication mode,
wherein the first device includes a first module for performing the first task and a second module for performing a second task, wherein the second task comprises at least one of transmitting, manifesting, and composing a second message transmissible via a second communication mode, wherein the second communication mode comprises one of the email communication mode, the text message communication mode, and the voice call communication mode,wherein the first communication mode differs from the second communication mode; (B) in response to the determination of (A), preventing the first device from performing the second task while the first device is performing the first task; (C) determining that the first device is performing the second task; and (D) in response to the determination of (C), preventing the first device from performing the first task while the first device is performing the second task.