ALERT SIGNAL CONTROL USING RECEIVER VELOCITY
First Claim
1. A portable messaging device, comprising:
- a wireless receiver;
a processor coupled to receive message signals from the wireless receiver;
means for coupling a velocity sensor to the processor;
a memory coupled to the processor;
the memory holding program instructions that when operated by the processor, cause the portable messaging device to selectively disable audible alert signaling for incoming messages, in response to determining, using the means for coupling a velocity sensor, that a current velocity of the portable messaging device is greater than a defined threshold.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electronic communication system provides text or voice messages to remote receiving devices, such as cell phones or PDA'"'"'s. The remote receiving devices are equipped with velocity sensors, or position sensors from which velocity may be inferred. The remote receiving devices periodically report a velocity or current position to an alert signal control node of the communication system. The alert signal control node determines a most recent-determinable velocity for each receiving device before transmitting a message alert signal. If the velocity exceeds a predetermined threshold, the alert signal may be delayed until the velocity drops below the threshold. The system may be operated as a safety measure to prevent reception of distracting alert signals while driving, thereby silencing messaging devices at appropriate times.
54 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A portable messaging device, comprising:
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a wireless receiver; a processor coupled to receive message signals from the wireless receiver; means for coupling a velocity sensor to the processor; a memory coupled to the processor;
the memory holding program instructions that when operated by the processor, cause the portable messaging device to selectively disable audible alert signaling for incoming messages, in response to determining, using the means for coupling a velocity sensor, that a current velocity of the portable messaging device is greater than a defined threshold. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method comprising:
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determining a current velocity of a portable wireless messaging device using an on-board processor of the portable messaging device coupled with at least one velocity sensor; and preventing the portable wireless messaging device from emitting any audible alert signal to signal an incoming message, in response to determining that the current velocity of the portable messaging device is greater than a defined threshold. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A computer-readable medium encoded with instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a portable wireless device to:
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determine a current velocity of the portable wireless device; and disable an alert signal of the portable wireless device, in response to determining that the current velocity of the portable wireless device is greater than a defined threshold. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification