Controlling Mobile Device Functions

• US 20120149341A1
• Filed: 02/21/2012
• Published: 06/14/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 10/31/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai Motor Group)
• Original Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai Motor Group)
• Inventors: Tadayon, Saied, Halavi, Maryam
• Granted Patent: US 9,124,703 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/412.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 5/77 for interrogation
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2207/18 wireless networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2242/14 with services dependent on location
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/436 Arrangements for screening incoming calls , i.e. evaluating the characteristics of a call before deciding whether to answer it based on the calling party profile H04M3/42059; based on location H04M3/42348; based on presence H04M3/42365; diversion H04M3/54
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/53 Centralised arrangements for recording incoming messages , i.e. mailbox systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/029 Location-based management or tracking services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/02 Access restriction performed under specific conditions

Abstract

This provides for controlling mobile device functions and features, along with systems incorporating these devices and methods. For example, it limits or disables the use of some of mobile device features which could cause distraction to the user, when the user is engaged in another activity. In an example, it enables other mobile device features based on occurrence of events related to the user or environment. Another example addresses controlling the mobile device features, such as SMS, while the user is in a vehicle or driving. Another example restricts the ability of the driver of a vehicle to text, while the vehicle is in motion, by automatically disabling the texting ability of mobile device within and around the perimeter of the driver'"'"'s seat. Other variations, examples, improvements, detection mechanisms, models, techniques, calculations, verification mechanisms, and features are also described in details.

Claims

1. A system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device, said system comprising:

a network element;

said network element receives a calling identification associated with said mobile device;

a first server;

wherein said first server is a short message service, multimedia messaging service, extending messaging service, text, or call server;

a queued message storage or unit;

wherein said queued message storage or unit holds one or more queued messages from one or more of following types;

short message service, multimedia messaging service, extending messaging service, text, or call;

a first unit;

wherein said first unit is a short message service, multimedia messaging service, extending messaging service, text, or call enable unit or database;

said first unit comprises a first memory location;

said first memory location indicates status of one or more functions or available choices for said mobile device;

wherein said status of one or more functions or available choices for said mobile device is set based on said calling identification associated with said mobile device;

wherein, in case said status of one or more functions or available choices for said mobile device indicates a disabled status, then an incoming short message service, multimedia messaging service, extending messaging service, text, or call is stored in said queued message storage or unit;

wherein said first server directs said incoming short message service, multimedia messaging service, extending messaging service, text, or call to said mobile device, only if said status of one or more functions or available choices for said mobile device indicates an enabled status, or said disabled status for said status of one or more functions or available choices for said mobile device is removed, reversed, or changed.

2. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, said system comprising:

a function enabler or disabler unit to modify said one or more functions or available choices for said mobile device.

3. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, said system comprising:

an updater unit.

4. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 3, wherein said updater unit is a batch-updater.

5. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, said system comprising:

a unit or database for conditions, laws, or rules, set by federal government, state government, local government, parent, court, police, guardian, employer, bus company, train company, metro company, trucking company, school, air traffic controller management, owner of a business, or owner of a building.

6. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said system communicates with said mobile device.

7. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said mobile device is a cell phone, satellite-connection phone, smart phone, tablet, computer, communication device, computing device, music device, business device, laptop, server, or entertainment device.

8. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said system communicates with a communication device of a vehicle or a moving object.

9. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said system receives a first identification code or number associated with said mobile device or a transponder or a communication module in a vehicle or moving object.

10. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said system receives a global positioning system device data for said mobile device, a vehicle, or a moving object.

11. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said system receives a radio frequency identification device tag or code.

12. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said system communicates with a radio frequency identification device.

13. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, said system comprising:

an antenna, a cell tower, or a dish.

14. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said system communicates with multiple cellular or mobile phones, satellite-connection phones, smart phones, tablets, computers, communication devices, computing devices, music devices, business devices, laptops, servers, or entertainment devices.

15. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said system communicates with a cellular network or a wireless communication or computer network.

16. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, said system comprising:

a resolver module.

17. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said system communicates with a resolver module.

18. A method for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device, said method comprising:

a network element receiving a calling identification associated with said mobile device;

setting status of one or more functions or available choices for said mobile device based on said calling identification associated with said mobile device, in a memory location;

in case said status of one or more functions or available choices for said mobile device indicates a disabled status, then storing an incoming short message service, multimedia messaging service, extending messaging service, text, or call in a queued message storage or unit;

a first server directing said incoming short message service, multimedia messaging service, extending messaging service, text, or call to said mobile device, only if said status of one or more functions or available choices for said mobile device indicates an enabled status, or said disabled status for said status of one or more functions or available choices for said mobile device is removed, reversed, or changed;

wherein said first server is a short message service, multimedia messaging service, extending messaging service, text, or call server;

wherein said queued message storage or unit holds one or more queued messages from one or more of following types;

short message service, multimedia messaging service, extending messaging service, text, or call.

19. The method for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 18, said method comprising:

sending a command, code, or message to said mobile device to indicate enablement or disablement of one or more functions or available choices for said mobile device.

20. The method for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 18, wherein a command, code, or message is received from said mobile device to indicate enablement or disablement of one or more functions or available choices for said mobile device.