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Method and apparatus for controlling input to a mobile computing device located inside a vehicle

  • US 9,167,418 B1
  • Filed: 06/22/2015
  • Issued: 10/20/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/22/2015
  • Status: Active Grant
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First Claim
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1. A wireless transmission system for use in a vehicle having an on-board diagnostic (OBD) system configured to provide vehicle speed data and engine operation status data, the wireless transmission system comprising:

  • a transmission apparatus interfaceable with said on-board diagnostic system and configured to receive said engine operation status data, said transmission apparatus being configured to transmit a wireless signal as specified by Bluetooth criteria, said transmission apparatus transmits OBD system speed data;

    a mobile computing device having an input device, a GPS module, and a wireless transceiver configured to receive said wireless signal in accordance with Bluetooth criteria and determine a signal level thereof;

    said GPS module being configured to provide GPS data as determined by received GPS signals;

    said mobile computing device including an input control configuration for effecting the following operations;

    a) bonding with the transmission device;

    b) reading a received signal level from said wireless transceiver;

    c) comparing said received signal level with an SSL threshold value;

    d) determining a vehicle speed based on said GPS data;

    e) comparing said vehicle speed with a vehicle speed threshold; and

    f) disabling said input device when;

    said received signal level is at or above said SSL threshold value;

    and said vehicle speed is at or above said vehicle speed threshold;

    wherein said transmission apparatus transmits OBD system speed data; and

    said input control configuration effects using said OBD system speed data as said vehicle speed if said GPS data is not available;

    wherein said transmission apparatus determines from said OBD system whether an engine of the vehicle is running and transmits said wireless signal in response to determining that the engine is running;

    wherein said input control configuration further effects;

    repeating operations (a) through (f); and

    re-enabling said input device when;

    said received signal level is below said SSL threshold value;

    or said vehicle speed is below said vehicle speed threshold.

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