Disabling operation of features on a handheld mobile communication device based upon location

• US 7,933,611 B2
• Filed: 09/01/2006
• Issued: 04/26/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/01/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Blackberry Limited
• Original Assignee: Blackberry Limited
• Inventors: Bocking, Andrew Douglas, Heuvel, David Noel Vanden, Plestid, Thomas Leonard Trevor
• Primary Examiner(s): Cumming; William D
• Application Number:
  US11/469,524
• Publication Number:
  US 20090322890A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,698 Days
• Field of Search: 455/456.4, 348/207.88, 348/211.2, 726/28
• US Class Current: 455/456.4
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/00 Details of cameras or camera bodies; Accessories therefor lens hoods or caps G03B11/04
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2242/14 with services dependent on location where the service is an information service H04M2242/15; services independent of location H04M3/42229
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2242/30 Determination of the location of a subscriber
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/38 Graded-service arrangements, i.e. some subscribers prevented from establishing certain connections queuing arrangements H04Q3/64
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42178 by downloading data to substation equipment
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42357 where the information is provided to a monitoring entity such as a potential calling party or a call processing server
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00307 with a mobile telephone apparatus constructional features of portable telephone sets H04M1/0202; mobile radio systems H04W84/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00323 with a measuring, monitoring or signaling apparatus, e.g. for transmitting measured information to a central location
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/44 Secrecy systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/4426 involving separate means, e.g. a server, a magnetic card
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/4433 to an apparatus, part of an apparatus or an apparatus function
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/661 Transmitting camera control signals through networks, e.g. control via the Internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/021 Services related to particular areas, e.g. point of interest [POI] services, venue services or geofences

Abstract

Methods and devices for implementing subsystem or functional aspect restrictions on a wireless handheld communication device. Data defining geographical boundaries of a restricted operating area is stored on the device. The present position of the device is ascertained and a determination is made whether the device is located within the restricted operating area. A restriction on the subsystem or functional aspect is imposed when it is determined the device is within the restricted operating area. The subsystem or functional aspect restriction can be communicated to the device via a wireless communication network. Additionally, the restrictions and boundaries can be communicated to the device as part of an IT security policy.

Claims

1. A method for remotely implementing administrative policy on a wireless handheld communication device with an incorporated camera, said method comprising:

storing data at the wireless handheld communication device that defines geographical boundaries of a restricted operating area of the device;

ascertaining a present geographical position of the device utilizing satellite derived information and determining whether the device is presently located in the restricted operating area based on a comparison to the stored geographical boundaries of the restricted operating area;

imposing a camera restriction on the device when it is determined that the device is presently located in the restricted area; and

generating said stored data that defines the geographical boundaries of the restricted operating area of the device by obtaining a plurality of boundary location coordinates utilizing said device.

2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein

each of said plurality of boundary location coordinates is obtained by positioning said device at a location proximate the geographical boundary and defining said location as a set of coordinates which is saved as part of said stored data.

3. The method as recited in claim 2, wherein

each set of coordinates is satellite derived.

4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein

transmitting said stored data that defines the geographical boundaries of the restricted operating area to a control server thereby enabling distribution of said stored data to other wireless handheld communication devices as part of an administrative policy.

5. The method as recited in claim 4, wherein

wirelessly transmitting said stored data that defines the geographical boundaries of the restricted operating area to a plurality of devices thereby establishing an administrative policy for said plurality of devices.

6. A method of administering a communication system, the communication system comprising a host system and a plurality of communication devices;

each communication device enabled to communicate with the host system over a wireless network, each communication device enabled to determine a position of the device, and each communication device enabled for restricted operation upon command of the host system via the wireless network based on the position of the device, the method comprising;

defining an area of restricted device operation at least in part by using a first communication device of the plurality of communication devices to determine at least one position of the first device;

communicating the definition from the first communication device to the host system; and

commanding, from the host system, restricted operation of the plurality of devices in the defined area.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein restricted operation is disablement of the camera.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein disablement of the camera is temporary.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein temporary disablement is for a predetermined period.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein operation is restricted for each commanded device until the commanded device determines that its position is outside the defined area.

11. The method of claim 6, wherein the position determination is by satellite.

12. The method of claim 6, wherein the position determination is by the communication network.

13. The method of claim 6, wherein restricted operation is embedding a device-identifying watermark in any photographs taken by a commanded device.

16. The system of claim 7, wherein disablement of the camera is temporary.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein temporary disablement is for a predetermined period.

14. A communication system comprising:

a host system; and

a plurality of communication devices;

each communication device operable for;

communication with the host system over a wireless network,

determination of a position of the device, and

restricted operation upon command of a host system via the wireless network based on the position of the device; and

a first communication device further operable for;

defining an area of restricted operation at least in part by determining at least one position of the device, and

communicating the definition to the host system;

the host system operable, at least upon receipt of the definition from the first communication device, to command restricted operation of the plurality of devices in the defined area.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein restricted operation is disablement of the camera.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein operation is restricted for each commanded device until the commanded device determines that its position is outside the defined area.

19. The system of claim 14, wherein the position determination is by satellite.

20. The system of claim 14, wherein the position determination is by the communication network.

21. The system of claim 14, wherein restricted operation is embedding a device-identifying watermark in any photographs taken by a commanded device.