Computer user interface system and methods

A computer system comprising:

• a computer including a processor and configured to be in communication with a display screen;
• at least one sensor in communication with the processor and configured to detect when a user is absent, when a single user is present, and when multiple users are present;
• wherein the processor is configured to place the computer in a non-use mode when the user is absent, wherein the non-use mode comprises at least one of a sleep mode, a hibernate mode, or a user logged out mode;
• wherein the processor is configured to place the computer in a public mode when the multiple users are present and wherein, when the computer is in the public mode, private content is not displayed on the display screen;
• and
• wherein the processor is configured to place the computer in a private mode when the single user is present and wherein, when the computer is in the private mode, the private content is displayed on the display screen.

A computer user interface system, comprising:

• a computer including a processor;
• at least one sensor coupled to the processor and configured to detect a user parameter relative to the computer,
• wherein the processor is configured to determine a user context based on the detected user parameter and a user presence context based on the detected user parameter;
• wherein when the user presence context indicates absence of a user from a vicinity of the computer, the processor places the computer in a non-use mode, wherein the non-use mode comprises at least one of a sleep mode, a hibernate mode, or a user logged out mode;
• wherein the processor is configured to determine a user proximity context based on the detected user parameter;
• and
• wherein the processor is configured to alter a content of information displayed by the computer based on the determined user proximity context.

A method for operating a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a computer having a processor and configured to be in communication with a display screen and at least one sensor configured to be in communication with the processor, the method comprising:

• with the at least one sensor, detecting the absence of a user within a vicinity of the computer;
• with the processor, placing the computer in a non-use mode when the absence of the user is detected, wherein the non-use mode comprises at least one of a sleep mode, a hibernate mode, or a user logged out mode;
• with the at least one sensor, detecting a single user within a vicinity of the computer;
• with the processor, displaying private content on the display screen when the single user is detected within the vicinity of the computer;
• with the at least one sensor, detecting at least first and second users within the vicinity of the computer;
• and
• with the processor, hiding the private content from view when the at least first and second users are detected within the vicinity of the computer.