System for prevention of texting while driving

• US 9,560,187 B2
• Filed: 04/08/2015
• Issued: 01/31/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 04/09/2014
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Gabriel Evan
• Original Assignee: Gabriel Evan
• Inventors: Evan, Gabriel
• Primary Examiner(s): Doan, Phuoc H
• Application Number:
  US14/682,074
• Publication Number:
  US 20150296075A1
• Time in Patent Office: 664 Days
• Field of Search: 455/416, 455/41.2, 455/41.1, 455/456.1, 455/466, 340/3.1
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72436 for text messaging, e.g. short messaging services [SMS] or e-mails
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/724631 by limiting the access to the user interface, e.g. locking a touch-screen or a keypad
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/14 Short messaging services, e.g. short message services [SMS] or unstructured supplementary service data [USSD]

Abstract

A system for prevention of texting while driving is comprised of an always-on mobile application which is installed in the user'"'"'s smartphone or other mobile electronic device, and a proximity sensor and transmitter which is preferably mounted on the steering column of the user'"'"'s vehicle. The sensor detects any electronic device with the mobile application installed within a specific short distance, consistent with the user being seated in the driver'"'"'s seat with the electronic device activated. The sensor transmits a periodic SMS text message which is received by the electronic device. The electronic device receives the text message, and the mobile application covers the visual display with a prohibitive message. Optionally, the mobile application may also disable the keys of the electronic device.

Claims

1. A system for prevention of texting while driving, comprising:

a mobile electronic device;

an application installed on said mobile electronic device;

said application always being active on said mobile electronic device;

a proximity sensor with a transmitter;

wherein said proximity sensor is installed within a vehicle, detects said mobile electronic device at a predetermined distance, detects whether the vehicle is in operation, and sends SMS text messages to said application which deactivates said mobile electronic device when said vehicle is in operation;

wherein said proximity sensor repeats sending a SMS text message to said application at a predetermined interval;

and wherein said application reactivates said mobile electronic device if no SMS text message is received within a second longer predetermined interval.

2. The system for prevention of texting while driving of claim 1, wherein said proximity sensor is mounted on a steering column of a vehicle and said predetermined distance is consistent with a user being seated in a driver seat of said vehicle.

3. The system for prevention of texting while driving of claim 2, wherein said application covers a screen on said mobile electronic device with a prohibitive message when the phone is deactivated.

4. The system for prevention of texting while driving of claim 1, wherein said application covers a screen on said mobile electronic device with a prohibitive message when the phone is deactivated.