Safety for Mobile Device Users While Driving

• US 20090224931A1
• Filed: 03/06/2008
• Published: 09/10/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 03/06/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Malikie Innovations Limited (Key Patent Innovations Limited)
• Original Assignee: Blackberry Limited
• Inventors: Simmons, Sean Bartholomew, Dietz, David Blaine, Sangary, Nagula Tharma
• Granted Patent: US 7,898,428 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/670
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6075 adapted for handsfree use in a vehicle H04M1/6058 takes precedence; arrangements for holding telephones in a vehicle B60R11/0241
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72457 according to geographic location
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72463 to restrict the functionality of the device
• 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: H04M 2250/10 including a GPS signal receiver
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/12 including a sensor for measuring a physical value, e.g. temperature or motion telephones including GPS signal receivers H04M2250/10
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/74 with voice recognition means voice activated dialling H04M1/271; voice recognition algorithms G10L15/00

Abstract

A mobile device configured to have at least one function disabled when a speed of the mobile device exceeds a threshold. The mobile device includes an output component configured to provide a notification related to disabling the at least one function. The mobile device also includes a first input component configured to promote controlling whether to disable the at least one function.

Claims

1. A mobile device configured to have at least one function disabled when a speed of the mobile device exceeds a threshold, comprising:

an output component configured to provide a notification related to disabling the at least one function; and

a first input component configured to promote controlling whether to disable the at least one function.

2. The mobile device of claim 1 wherein the output component is at least one of:

a text-based message;

a voice-based message;

an audible alarm;

a visible alarm; and

a tactile alarm.

3. The mobile device of claim 1 wherein the first input component is at least one of:

a pressable button;

a touch-sensitive area; and

a voice command receptor.

4. The mobile device of claim 1 wherein, when the mobile device does not receive the first input within a first specified time period, the at least one function is disabled.

5. The mobile device of claim 1 further comprising a second input component configured to receive a second input that prevents disablement of the at least one function and prevents the output component from providing the notification for a second specified time period.

6. The mobile device of claim 1 further comprising a third input component configured to receive a third input that allows disablement of the at least one function and prevents the output component from providing the notification for a third specified time period.

7. The mobile device of claim 1 wherein the function that is disabled is at least one of:

a capability to provide information on an output interface on the mobile device; and

a capability to input into an input interface on the mobile device.

8. The mobile device of claim 1 wherein, when at least one function is disabled, the mobile device provides to a sender of an incoming message an automated message related to the disablement.

9. The mobile device of claim 1 wherein the disabling of the at least one function can be overridden for at least one of:

a call from a pre-specified individual; and

a call designated as urgent.

10. The mobile device of claim 1 wherein data related to implementation of the safety feature is captured and retained

11. A system comprising:

a speed detection component configured to determine a speed at which a mobile device is moving;

a safety feature implementation component configured to disable at least one function of the mobile device when the speed exceeds a threshold;

an output component on the mobile device configured to provide a notification related to disabling the at least one function when the speed exceeds the threshold; and

a first input component on the mobile device configured to promote allowing or overriding the disablement of the at least one function.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein the speed detection component resides in one of:

the mobile device;

a network element in a wireless telecommunications network; and

partially the mobile device and partially the network element.

13. The system of claim 11 wherein the safety feature implementation component resides in one of:

the mobile device;

a network element in a wireless telecommunications network; and

partially the mobile device and partially the network element.

14. The system of claim 11 wherein, when the mobile device does not receive the first input within a first specified time period, the at least one function is disabled.

15. The system of claim 11 further comprising a second input component on the mobile device configured to receive a second input that prevents disablement of the at least one function and prevents the output component from providing the notification for a second specified time period.

16. The system of claim 11 further comprising a third input component on the mobile device configured to receive a third input that allows disablement of the at least one function and prevents the output component from providing the notification for a third specified time period.

17. The system of claim 11 wherein the function that is disabled is at least one of:

a capability to provide information on an output interface on the mobile device; and

a capability to input into an input interface on the mobile device.

18. The system of claim 11 wherein data related to implementation of the safety feature is captured and retained.

19. A method for promoting safe use of a mobile device comprising:

determining a speed at which the mobile device is moving;

when the speed exceeds a threshold, providing a notification on the mobile device related to activating a safety feature; and

controlling whether to activate the safety feature.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising:

activating the safety feature when the mobile device does not receive a timely override input that prevents the activation.

21. The method of claim 19 wherein the safety feature is at least one of:

a disablement of a user interface on the mobile device;

a disablement of a text-based message sending capability of the mobile device; and

a disablement of a voice-based message sending capability of the mobile device.

22. The method of claim 19 further comprising:

when the mobile device receives a notification prevention input specifying a period of time during which the notification is not to be provided, preventing the providing of the notification for the specified period of time.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein, during the specified period of time, the safety feature is one of:

activated; and

deactivated.

24. The method of claim 19 wherein data related to implementation of the safety feature is captured and retained.