Controlling mobile device functions

• US 9,124,703 B2
• Filed: 02/21/2012
• Issued: 09/01/2015
• 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
• Primary Examiner(s): Cumming, William D
• Application Number:
  US13/401,795
• Publication Number:
  US 20120149341A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,288 Days
• Field of Search: 455/412.1, 455/450
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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 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 call server;

a queued message storage;

wherein said queued message storage holds one or more queued messages from a call;

a first unit;

wherein said first unit is a call enable unit;

said first unit comprises a first memory location;

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

wherein said status of one or more functions 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 for said mobile device indicates a disabled status, then an incoming call is stored in said queued message storage;

wherein said first server directs said incoming call to said mobile device, only when said status of one or more functions for said mobile device indicates an enabled status, or when said disabled status for said status of one or more functions for said mobile device is changed,

wherein said disabled status is when said mobile device is located inside of a threshold range of a short-range wireless transmitter in a vehicle,

wherein said enabled status is when said mobile device is located outside of said threshold range.

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

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

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

an updater unit.

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

a unit for conditions, set by an entity.

6. The system for modifying one or more functions 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 for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said mobile device is a cell phone.

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

9. The system for modifying one or more functions for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said system receives a first identification code associated with said mobile device.

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

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

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

an antenna.

14. The system for modifying one or more functions for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said system communicates with multiple cellular or mobile phones.

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

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

a resolver module.

17. The system for modifying one or more functions 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 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 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 for said mobile device indicates a disabled status, then storing an incoming call in a queued message unit;

a first server directing said incoming call to said mobile device, only when said status of one or more functions for said mobile device indicates an enabled status, or when said disabled status for said status of one or more functions for said mobile device is changed;

wherein said first server is a call server;

wherein said queued message unit holds one or more queued messages from a call,

wherein said disabled status is when said mobile device is located inside of a threshold range of a short-range wireless transmitter in a vehicle,

wherein said enabled status is when said mobile device is located outside of said threshold range.

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

sending a message to said mobile device to indicate enablement of one or more functions for said mobile device.

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