Method and system for controlling mobile device functions via a service or background process

• US 9,332,126 B2
• Filed: 05/02/2012
• Issued: 05/03/2016
• 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:
  US13/462,001
• Publication Number:
  US 20120214472A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,462 Days
• Field of Search: 455/404.1, 455/404.2, 455/411, 455/418, 455/456.1, 455/452.2, 455/456.3, 455/414.1
• 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 where the service is an information service H04M2242/15; services independent of location H04M3/42229
• 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 method for modifying at least one function for a mobile communication device, said method comprising:

receiving, by said mobile communication device, data communication via a first wireless network;

receiving, by said mobile communication device, a code from a short-range wireless transceiver via a second wireless network;

determining an in-range event, based on a wireless signal transmitted via the second wireless network;

running a first process to set a modification status for a first function related to said data communication corresponding to said mobile communication device, based on said in-range event and a rule available to said mobile communication device;

modifying said first function related to said data communication; and

facilitating, by a registry, communication for a data application module of said mobile communication device.

2. The method for modifying at least one function for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 1, said method comprising:

comparing a signal power level indicator of said transmitted wireless signal with a deactivation range value.

3. The method for modifying at least one function for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 1, wherein said mobile communication device uses radio frequency identification to identify said mobile communication device.

4. The method for modifying at least one function for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 1, said method comprising:

said mobile communication device communicating with a controller associated with a vehicle associated with said short-range wireless transceiver.

5. The method for modifying at least one function for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 4, wherein said mobile communication device communicates with said controller via the second wireless network.

6. The method for modifying at least one function for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 4, wherein said communicating with said controller step uses a Wireless Fidelity protocol.

7. The method for modifying at least one function for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 1, wherein said modification status for said first function related to said data communication is stored in a second memory unit.

8. The method for modifying at least one function for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 7, wherein said second memory unit is accessed by said first process to set said modification status.

9. The method for modifying at least one function for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 1, wherein the data application module receives said modification status via said first process.

10. The method for modifying at least one function for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 9, wherein said modification status is pushed by said first process.

11. The method for modifying at least one function for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 9, wherein said modification status is received by calling and executing a module method via an application programming interface.

12. The method for modifying at least one function for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 1, wherein said first process is a service process.

13. The method for modifying at least one function for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 1, wherein said first process sets said modification status in a second memory unit.

14. The method for modifying at least one function fora mobile communication device as recited in claim 1, said method comprising:

a messaging module modifying said first function related to said data communication;

wherein said messaging module is used by the data application module.

15. The method for modifying at least one function for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 14, wherein said messaging module modifying said first function related to said data communication step is based on said modification status.

16. The method for modifying at least one function for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 14, wherein said messaging module receives said modification status from said first process.

17. The method for modifying at least one function for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 1, said method comprising:

a messaging module receiving a modification code from a data service provider via said wireless network;

wherein said messaging module is used by the data application module.

18. The method for modifying at least one function for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 17, wherein said messaging module communicates with said first process regarding said modification code.

19. The method for modifying at least one function for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 1, wherein the data application module is registered with said registry.

20. The method for modifying at least one function for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 1, wherein said first process is registered with said registry.

21. The method for modifying at least one function for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 1, wherein said registry is queried to determine registered processes.