Cell phone system with automatic ringer/vibrate/silent/operating mode settings based on entering/exiting public areas and theaters
First Claim
1. A system comprising of a cell phone, beeper, PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), computer, or notebook computer that normally receives a signal and:
- a) accepts a signal for setting ringer, vibrate, text only and or on/off modes using the existing receiver or a new/alternate receiver;
b) stores device settings such as ringer mode when passing a remote signal upon entering a public place;
c) alerts people of changes made to device settings using beeps, sounds, messages, or vibrations upon entering or exiting a public area;
d) sets the device sound on or off according to a remote signal;
e) sets the device ringer and or beep mode to on or off according to a remote signal;
f) sets the vibrate or silent mode to on or off according to a remote signal;
g) sets the volume according to a remote signal;
h) sets the device startup sound to on or off according to a remote signal;
i) sets the device on or off according to a remote signal;
j) controls all device operations such as putting calls on hold and relaying messages to the caller;
k) resets the device to its previous state or settings in memory upon exiting a public place and passing by a remote signal;
l) stores calls and caller ID'"'"'s of all missed calls during the time that the cell phone was in a public place;
m) alerts people via beeps, sound, messages, or vibrations of calls received when exiting a public area;
n) includes a device signal receiver, which may be a separate receiver from the device'"'"'s own signal receiver, which controls functions and settings of the device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device and system for remotely setting the ringer/vibrate/silent modes and other operations of cell phones and beepers in public areas. It has become routine that people are asked to shut off the ringers of their cell phones in public places such as movie theaters, libraries, performances, lectures, courthouses, classes, work places, meetings, auditoriums etc. Some places, such as libraries, have started to fine cell phone users when their cell phone ringer goes off. The invention automatically sets cell phones to comply with settings necessary for particular public areas. This is a convenience for people with cell phones who will no longer need to be reminded to comply with ringer modes in public areas. It is also a convenience for other people in a public area who would be annoyed by people with cell phones who neglected to shut off ringers. Finally it frees organizers of the theater or public area from constantly needing to remind people with cell phones to turn off cell phone ringers. A significant feature of the invention is the ability to remotely control cell phone type devices based on locations such as public areas. This type of control over cell phone type devices offers additional advantages for safe operation in airplanes and or cars.
102 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A system comprising of a cell phone, beeper, PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), computer, or notebook computer that normally receives a signal and:
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a) accepts a signal for setting ringer, vibrate, text only and or on/off modes using the existing receiver or a new/alternate receiver;
b) stores device settings such as ringer mode when passing a remote signal upon entering a public place;
c) alerts people of changes made to device settings using beeps, sounds, messages, or vibrations upon entering or exiting a public area;
d) sets the device sound on or off according to a remote signal;
e) sets the device ringer and or beep mode to on or off according to a remote signal;
f) sets the vibrate or silent mode to on or off according to a remote signal;
g) sets the volume according to a remote signal;
h) sets the device startup sound to on or off according to a remote signal;
i) sets the device on or off according to a remote signal;
j) controls all device operations such as putting calls on hold and relaying messages to the caller;
k) resets the device to its previous state or settings in memory upon exiting a public place and passing by a remote signal;
l) stores calls and caller ID'"'"'s of all missed calls during the time that the cell phone was in a public place;
m) alerts people via beeps, sound, messages, or vibrations of calls received when exiting a public area;
n) includes a device signal receiver, which may be a separate receiver from the device'"'"'s own signal receiver, which controls functions and settings of the device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An electronic device, comprising:
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a) an annunciator that produces an audible signal;
b) means for i) detecting entry of the device into a geographical zone; and
ii) in response, preventing the annunciator from producing audible signals. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
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10. A system, comprising:
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a) a predefined geographical zone;
b) means for issuing signals, which are effective to disable annunciators on electronic devices, which enter the zone. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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Specification