System and method for motion-based control of electronic devices

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and system for disabling distracting features of electronic devices in a moving vehicle in order to enhance vehicle operator safety. A safety controller system may be operatively connected with a motion monitor within a vehicle and with a computing device in communication with the motion monitor. The safety controller system may include a motion monitor communication component for continuously receiving data from the motion monitor, which may be a GPS system installed within the vehicle. The safety controller system may additionally include a feature disabling module for disabling a feature of the electronic device based on detected motion conditions determined from the received data and a feature enabling module for enabling the feature of the electronic device based on a detected lack of motion determined from the received data.

Description

CONTINUING DATA[0001]This application is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 473,330, filed Jun. 23, 2006, which is a Continuation-In-Part Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 875,918, filed Jun. 24, 2004.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]Embodiments of the present invention relate to control of electronic devices based on detected motion. More particularly, embodiments of the invention are directed to disabling of distracting features of electronic devices in a vehicle while the vehicle is in motion.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Currently, vehicles are often provided with computer equipment in order to assist vehicle operators in performance of job duties or other tasks. Often, a fleet of vehicles operated for an organization will be equipped with similar or identical computer systems. In order to address safety concerns, organizations may often choose to disable computer screens during vehicle movement in order to ensure safe operation of the vehi...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

For example, it can be distracting and dangerous for a driver to view a display screen of a laptop computer or similar device while the driver is operating a moving vehicle.

The systems disclosed in these patents offer a number of advantages but are not without problems.

For example, the methods disclosed in these references for determining whether a driver is operating a vehicle are generally needlessly cumbersome, expensive, and time-consuming.

The disclosed systems typically call for extra equipment and complex and time-consuming installation.

The disclosed systems are also typically difficult to move from one vehicle to another and require the user of sensors that must be installed or associated with axles, wheels, speedometers, parking brakes, transmissions, drive trains, or other components of the vehicles.

Thus, these systems typically require specialized installation work to be performed on a vehicle to prepare the vehicle for the system.

Systems relying on these types of sensors may suffer from a number of disadvantages such as undesirable wear and tear of mechanical systems and difficulty in maintaining, upgrading, repairing, and replacing such systems.

These mapping or navigational systems and kits also offer a number of advantages but are not without problems.

For example, it can be distracting and dangerous for a driver to view a display screen of a mapping or navigational system while the driver is operating a moving vehicle.

Prior systems have failed to fully appreciate the advantages of the simultaneous achievement of the objectives of safety and flexibility.

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