Controlling mobile device functions

• US 8,145,199 B2
• Filed: 04/20/2011
• Issued: 03/27/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 10/31/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai Motor Group)
• Original Assignee: BT Patent LLC
• Inventors: Tadayon, Saied, Halavi, Maryam
• Primary Examiner(s): Cumming, William D
• Application Number:
  US13/091,119
• Publication Number:
  US 20110195699A1
• Time in Patent Office: 342 Days
• Field of Search: 455/418
• 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 system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device, said system comprising:

a first database or table relating or mapping a tag identification associated with said mobile device to a calling identification associated with said mobile device;

a resolver;

said resolver communicates with said first database or table, to resolve said calling identification based on said tag identification, using said first database or table;

a first device comprising one or more of following;

a computer, server, processor device, controller device, computing device, integrated circuit, or microprocessor;

a function enabler or disabler unit, in or on or loaded on or executed on or implemented in said first device, to modify one or more functions or available choices for said mobile device; and

a second database or table for rules, conditions, laws, policies, or constraints;

said function enabler or disabler unit communicates with said second database or table, to modify one or more functions or available choices for said mobile device based on said second database or table.

2. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said function enabler or disabler unit communicates with said resolver.

3. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises a telephone number locator unit or database.

4. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises a short message service, multimedia messaging service, extending messaging service, text, or call enable unit or database.

5. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises a short message service, multimedia messaging service, extending messaging service, text, or call server.

6. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises a short message service, multimedia messaging service, extending messaging service, text, or call queued message storage or unit.

7. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises a unit or database for conditions, laws, or rules, set by federal government, state government, local government, parent, court, police, guardian, employer, bus company, train company, metro company, trucking company, school, air traffic controller management, owner of a business, or owner of a building.

8. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises a unit or database for relationship between two or more of following:

tag, telephone number, vehicle, and telephone hardware, software, or network element identification number or code.

9. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said system is a telephone company or service provider subsystem or environment.

10. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said system communicates with a communication device of a vehicle or a moving object.

11. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said system communicates with said mobile device.

12. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said system communicates with said mobile device and a communication device of a vehicle or a moving object.

13. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises a database or unit for exceptional or emergency telephone numbers, contact names, or authorities.

14. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said mobile device is a cell phone, satellite-connection phone, smart phone, tablet, computer, communication device, computing device, music device, business device, laptop, server, personal computer, or entertainment device.

15. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said system communicates with a vehicle or a moving object, via a wireless subsystem, unit, or network.

16. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said function enabler or disabler unit modifies or limits texting, short message service, multimedia messaging service, extending messaging service, or calling capabilities for said mobile device.

17. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises an updater unit.

18. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises a user interface or graphical user interface.

19. A system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device, said system comprising:

a first database or table relating or mapping a user to a vehicle or a moving object;

a resolver to resolve identification of said user or said vehicle or said moving object;

said resolver communicates with said first database or table, to resolve identification of said user or said vehicle or said moving object based on said first database or table;

a first device comprising one or more of following;

a computer, server, processor device, controller device, computing device, integrated circuit, or microprocessor;

a function enabler or disabler unit, in or on or loaded on or executed on or implemented in said first device, to modify one or more functions or available choices for said mobile device; and

a second database or table for rules, conditions, laws, or constraints;

said function enabler or disabler unit communicates with said second database or table, to modify one or more functions or available choices for said mobile device based on said second database or table.

20. A system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device, said system comprising:

a transponder to communicate with said mobile device;

wherein said mobile device is located at in-range vicinity of said transponder;

said transponder receives a first identification code or number from said mobile device; and

a communication module;

said communication module transmits wirelessly said first identification code or number from said mobile device to a service provider or a telephone company;

said transponder and said communication module are located in a vehicle or moving object.

21. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 20, wherein said communication module transmits a second identification code or number to said service provider or said telephone company.

22. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 21, wherein said second identification code or number identifies or is associated with said transponder.

23. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 21, wherein said second identification code or number identifies or is associated with said system.

24. The system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device as recited in claim 21, wherein said second identification code or number identifies or is associated with said communication module.

25. A system for modifying one or more functions or available choices for a mobile device, said system comprising:

a network element;

said network element receives a calling identification associated with said mobile device;

a first device comprising one or more of following;

a computer, server, processor device, controller device, computing device, integrated circuit, or microprocessor;

a function enabler or disabler unit, in or on or loaded on or executed on or implemented in said first device, to modify one or more functions or available choices for said mobile device; and

a short message service, multimedia messaging service, extending messaging service, text, or call enable unit or database;

said function enabler or disabler unit sets availability status of said one or more functions or available choices for said mobile device in said short message service, multimedia messaging service, extending messaging service, text, or call enable unit or database.