System for selective prevention of non-emergency use of an electronic device

Abstract

A system for selectively disabling use of at least selected features of a stand-alone electronic device under a predetermined set of conditions. The system establishes a state of the set of conditions as being satisfied or unsatisfied, communicates the state to the electronic device, and disables the selected features if the state is satisfied. In one embodiment, the system may be advantageously be used to prevent vehicular accidents by at least partially disabling non-emergency use of a wireless telephone in a moving vehicle. In another embodiment, the system may be used to disable features of an electronic device within a predetermined area having a boundary that is independent of a communications network cell.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]This invention relates to communication devices, and more particularly to systems for preventing the non-emergency operation of wireless communication devices, such as in a moving vehicle.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Along with the now-ubiquitous use of wireless communication devices, such as cellular phones, has come an increase in automobile accidents allegedly caused in part by distracted drivers operating their automobiles while simultaneously using cellular phones. In fact, some studies have suggested that operation of an automobile while talking on a cellular phone can be as dangerous or more dangerous than operating an automobile while under the influence of alcohol.[0003]To help prevent further accidents, some communities have banned the use of cellular phones while driving, requiring the automobile operator to pull the car over to the side of the road prior to operating the cell phone. The observance of traffic laws is notoriously poor, however, and...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The invention may further comprise a stand-alone electronic device having a plurality of features and adapted to have at least one feature selectively disabled under a predetermined set of conditions. Such a device comprises means for receiving a communication indicating that the set of conditions has been satisfied and means for disabling the selected feature in response to the communication indicating that the set of conditions has been satisfied. The invention may also comprise a wireless telephone adapted to be at least partially disabled for non-emergency use when in a vehicle, the telephone comprising means for establishing that the use is non-emergency use; means for receiving a communication indicating that the telephone should be at least partially disabled if the use is non-emergency use; and means for at least partially disabling non-emergency use of the telephone in response to the communication.

[0010]The invention also comprises a controller for use with a system for, under a predetermined set of conditions, providing a communication to cause at least one feature to be disabled of a stand-alone electronic device, wireless telephone, or combination thereof having a plurality of features. The controller comprises means for determining if the set of conditions has been satisfied and means for sending the communication to the electronic device, wireless telephone, or a service provider for the wireless telephone if the set of conditions are satisfied.

[0011]The invention also comprises computer program products for us

Problems solved by technology

Along with the now-ubiquitous use of wireless communication devices, such as cellular phones, has come an increase in automobile accidents allegedly caused in part by distracted drivers operating their automobiles while simultaneously using cellular phones.

In fact, some studies have suggested that operation of an automobile while talking on a cellular phone can be as dangerous or more dangerous than operating an automobile while under the influence of alcohol.

The observance of traffic laws is notoriously poor, however, and it can be expected that not ev

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