CONTROL BEACONS FOR WIRELESS DEVICES
First Claim
1. A method for operating a mobile device, the method comprising:
- monitoring, at the mobile device, for a signal broadcast by a control beacon,wherein the control beacon is associated with one or more policies that enable or disable specific hardware or software functionality of the mobile device, andwherein the control beacon has a range of less than a 100 meter radius; and
determining, upon detection of the signal broadcast by the control beacon, whether the mobile device is to be modified according to the one or more policies;
when the mobile device is determined to be modified according to the one or more policies, and while the mobile device is in range of the control beacon, temporality enabling or disabling the hardware or software functionality of the mobile device in accordance with the one or more policies; and
ceasing the temporary enabling or disabling the hardware or software functionality of the mobile device when a condition is met.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for automatically modifying computing devices are provided. Various embodiments allow multiple control beacons (e.g., Bluetooth low energy beacons) with GPS to automatically pre-configure by discovering each other using location provided by the GPS in the beacons. These beacons can then be used to enforce multiple rules or policies on the computing device (e.g., restrict the activities/functionality of a mobile device). For example, a beacon can be installed at a family'"'"'s dinner table and can be used as a trigger to restrict (or activate) phone features (e.g., allow only incoming calls while near this beacon during dinner times). In some embodiments, the GPS on the beacon can be used to notify administrators (e.g., parents) if the beacon is moved from its current location.
18 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for operating a mobile device, the method comprising:
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monitoring, at the mobile device, for a signal broadcast by a control beacon, wherein the control beacon is associated with one or more policies that enable or disable specific hardware or software functionality of the mobile device, and wherein the control beacon has a range of less than a 100 meter radius; and determining, upon detection of the signal broadcast by the control beacon, whether the mobile device is to be modified according to the one or more policies; when the mobile device is determined to be modified according to the one or more policies, and while the mobile device is in range of the control beacon, temporality enabling or disabling the hardware or software functionality of the mobile device in accordance with the one or more policies; and ceasing the temporary enabling or disabling the hardware or software functionality of the mobile device when a condition is met. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A mobile device comprising:
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a processor; a wireless transceiver coupled to the processor; a memory, coupled to the processor, and storing a database, wherein the database stores multiple policies, wherein the policies identify aesthetic, content, hardware, or functional customizations to be applied to the mobile device, and wherein the memory further stores; an identification module configured to— receive a signal from a control beacon; and identify one or more of the policies to be applied in response to receipt of the signal from the control beacon; and
,a customization module configured to— apply the one or more policies on the mobile device while the identification module continues to receive the signal from the control beacon. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A computer-readable medium, excluding transitory signals, storing instructions that when executed by one or more processors cause a machine to:
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monitor for a signal broadcast by a control beacon using personal area network communications, wherein the signal broadcast by the control beacon is associated with one or more policies that modify a hardware or software functionality of the machine; determining, upon detection of the signal broadcast by the control beacon, whether the one or more policies should be applied to the machine until an ending event occurs; and temporarily modify, when the one or more policies should be applied, the hardware or software functionality of the machine in accordance with the one or more policies that should be applied; and terminating modification of the hardware or software functionality of the machine upon occurrence of the ending event. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification