Method and apparatus for automatic mobile communications restriction
First Claim
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1. A method comprising:
- determining a time interval as a function of estimated travel time or estimated travel distance for arrival of a mobile communications device disposed in a moving vehicle at a next geographic location having different communication restrictions including legislatively enacted restrictions on usage of the mobile communications device while disposed in the moving vehicle in a geographical area than at a current location where the mobile communications device is positioned, wherein the time interval is determined by;
calculating a proximity to a boundary border between the current location and the next geographic location;
calculating a direction of travel of the vehicle with respect to the boundary border, including determining whether the vehicle is moving towards, away, or parallel to the boundary border;
calculating a speed of travel of the vehicle;
calculating a soonest possible time that the vehicle reaches the boundary border based on the calculated proximity to the boundary border, the calculated direction of travel with respect to the boundary border, and the calculated speed of the vehicle; and
setting the time interval such that the time interval is scheduled for the calculated soonest possible time that the vehicle reaches the boundary border;
determining a geographical location of the mobile communications device disposed in the moving vehicle and that the geographical location of the mobile communications device is at the next geographic location at the determined time interval;
after determining the geographical location of the mobile communications device is at the next geographic location, obtaining information relating to the communication restrictions on the mobile communications device, the communication restrictions due to the mobile communications device being in the moving vehicle and specific to the next geographic location; and
controlling communications of the mobile communications device in accordance with the obtained communication restrictions on the mobile communications device.
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Abstract
Methods and related systems monitor a mobile communications device to determine if it is in a moving vehicle. If the device is determined to be in a moving vehicle, a database is accessed. The database contains information on locally imposed restrictions on usage of mobile communications devices while driving. The obtained information is used to impose appropriate communication restrictions on the mobile device. As long as the mobile communications device continues to be in the moving vehicle, its geographical location is monitored and, if it is determined that the device has entered a new geographical location, the database is again accessed and the restrictions are modified accordingly.
28 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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determining a time interval as a function of estimated travel time or estimated travel distance for arrival of a mobile communications device disposed in a moving vehicle at a next geographic location having different communication restrictions including legislatively enacted restrictions on usage of the mobile communications device while disposed in the moving vehicle in a geographical area than at a current location where the mobile communications device is positioned, wherein the time interval is determined by; calculating a proximity to a boundary border between the current location and the next geographic location; calculating a direction of travel of the vehicle with respect to the boundary border, including determining whether the vehicle is moving towards, away, or parallel to the boundary border; calculating a speed of travel of the vehicle; calculating a soonest possible time that the vehicle reaches the boundary border based on the calculated proximity to the boundary border, the calculated direction of travel with respect to the boundary border, and the calculated speed of the vehicle; and setting the time interval such that the time interval is scheduled for the calculated soonest possible time that the vehicle reaches the boundary border; determining a geographical location of the mobile communications device disposed in the moving vehicle and that the geographical location of the mobile communications device is at the next geographic location at the determined time interval; after determining the geographical location of the mobile communications device is at the next geographic location, obtaining information relating to the communication restrictions on the mobile communications device, the communication restrictions due to the mobile communications device being in the moving vehicle and specific to the next geographic location; and controlling communications of the mobile communications device in accordance with the obtained communication restrictions on the mobile communications device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A system comprising:
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a mobile device monitor arranged to; determine a time interval as a function of estimated travel time or estimated travel distance for arrival of a mobile communications device disposed in a moving vehicle at a next geographic location having different communication restrictions including legislatively enacted restrictions on usage of the mobile communications device while disposed in the moving vehicle in a geographical area than at a current location where the mobile communications device is positioned, wherein the time interval is determined by; calculating a proximity to a boundary border between the current location and the next geographic location; calculating a direction of travel of the vehicle with respect to the boundary border, including determining whether the vehicle is moving towards, away, or parallel to the boundary border; calculating a speed of travel of the vehicle; calculating a soonest possible time that the vehicle reaches the boundary border based on the calculated proximity to the boundary border, the calculated direction of travel with respect to the boundary border, and the calculated speed of the vehicle; and setting the time interval such that the time interval is scheduled for the calculated soonest possible time that the vehicle reaches the boundary border; determine a geographical location of the mobile communications device disposed in the moving vehicle and that the geographical location of the mobile communications device is at the next geographic location at the determined time interval; and a mobile device controller arranged to; obtain information relating to the communication restrictions imposed on the mobile communications device, the communication restrictions due to the mobile communications device being in the moving vehicle and specific to the next geographical location, control communications of the mobile communications device in accordance with the obtained communication restrictions on the mobile communications device. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification