Method and System for Controlling Mobile Device Functions via a Service or Background Process

• US 20120214472A1
• Filed: 05/02/2012
• Published: 08/23/2012
• 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
• Granted Patent: US 9,332,126 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/418
• 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 one or more functions or available choices for a mobile communication device, said method comprising:

a first antenna of said mobile communication device receiving or transmitting voice or data communication via a wireless network;

first module receiving a code from a short-range wireless transmitter or transceiver at an in-range vicinity of said short-range wireless transmitter or transceiver via a second antenna or detector of said mobile communication device,

wherein said first module runs in said mobile communication device and said short-range wireless transmitter or transceiver is outside of said mobile communication device;

determining an in-range event, based on a wireless signal transmitted between said short-range wireless transmitter or transceiver and said second antenna or detector;

a first process setting a modification status for a first function or available choice related to said voice or data communication corresponding to said mobile communication device, based on said in-range event and one or more policies, rules or configurations;

wherein said first process runs on a processing unit of said mobile communication device, and said one or more policies, rules or configurations are stored in a first memory or storage unit;

modifying said first function or available choice related to said voice or data communication; and

using a registry module to facilitate communication between said first process and one or more voice or data application modules;

wherein said one or more voice or data application modules run on said processing unit to provide said voice or data communication for said mobile communication device.

2. The method for modifying one or more functions or available choices 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 modification or deactivation range value.

3. The method for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 1, wherein said first module uses radio frequency identification.

4. The method for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 1, wherein said first module uses a Bluetooth protocol or stack.

5. The method for modifying one or more functions or available choices 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 transmitter or transceiver.

6. The method for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 5, wherein said communicating with said controller step uses said second antenna or detector.

7. The method for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 5, wherein said communicating with said controller step uses a Wireless Fidelity protocol or stack.

8. The method for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 1, wherein said modification status for said first function or available choice related to said voice or data communication is stored in a second memory or storage unit.

9. The method for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 8, wherein said second memory or storage unit is accessed by said first process or a first one of said one or more voice or data application modules to set or get said modification status.

10. The method for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 1, wherein a first one of said one or more voice or data application modules receives said modification status via said first process.

11. The method for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 10, wherein said modification status is pushed by said first process or pulled by said first one of said one or more voice or data application modules.

12. The method for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 10, wherein said modification status is received by calling and executing a module method via an application programming interface.

13. The method for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 1, wherein said first process is a service or background process.

14. The method for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 1, wherein said first process sets or resets said modification status in a second memory or storage unit.

15. The method for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 1, said method comprising:

a messaging module modifying said first function or available choice related to said voice or data communication;

wherein said messaging module is used by one of said one or more voice or data application modules.

16. The method for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 15, wherein said messaging module modifying said first function or available choice related to said voice or data communication step is based on said modification status.

17. The method for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 15, wherein said messaging module receives said modification status from said first process.

18. The method for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 1, said method comprising:

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

wherein said messaging module is used by one of said one or more voice or data application modules.

19. The method for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 18, wherein said messaging module communicates with said first process regarding said modification code or instruction.

20. The method for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 1, wherein said registry module comprises one or more of following:

a third memory location or storage, a configuration parameter or an environment variable or data for an operating system or shell, an identification associated with registered executable or process, listing, or a database.

21. The method for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 1, wherein said one or more voice or data application modules are registered with said registry module.

22. The method for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 1, wherein said first process is registered with said registry module.

23. The method for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile communication device as recited in claim 1, wherein said registry module is queried to determine registered processes or applications.