Automatic deactivation/activation of cellular phones in restricted areas

• US 20060160562A1
• Filed: 12/16/2005
• Published: 07/20/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/16/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Andrew Marshall, Harvey Edd Davis, Tito Gelsomini
• Original Assignee: Andrew Marshall, Harvey Edd Davis, Tito Gelsomini
• Inventors: Marshall, Andrew, Davis, Harvey Edd, Gelsomini, Tito
• Application Number:
  US11/305,503
• Publication Number:
  US 20060160562A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/550.100
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/673 the user being required to key in a code
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72412 using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72463 to restrict the functionality of the device
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/02 including a Bluetooth interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/06 including a wireless LAN interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/04 based on user or terminal location or mobility data, e.g. moving direction, speed
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/245 from a network towards a terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 in wireless communication networks

Abstract

Means of controlling cell phone features or usage are described. In the first embodiment, transmitter is a low-power Bluetooth, or similar data transmitter, local to the venue or area in which control of, for example, ringer volume is desired. A receiver receives data only when in the venue, and causes controller to disable features such as the ringer or camera. A second embodiment uses RF or magnetic induction signaling loops at physical access points of a venue. Dual loops at each access point signal to the phone the desired command, and the order of passage through the two loops determines whether the command is activated or deactivated. A third embodiment has a computer which uses a unique cell phone identifying number, time of day, and a timeout value as entry variables to a secret algorithm which generates a code number. Cell phone also has the same algorithm and accurate time of day. When the code number is input to cell phone within one minute of generation, the desired function, such as the camera, is disabled. A second code number is generated which is entered to restore normal operation of the cell phone when the user exits the facility. Alternatively, normal operation is restored after the timeout period, even if the second code number is not entered. A fourth embodiment allows the user to enter a timeout value from the local keypad. After the desired time, as determined by timer, the deactivated feature—for example the ringer—will resume normal operation.

Claims

1. Apparatus and methods as shown and described.