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

The invention is a system that can disable certain features of a standalone electronic device, such as a wireless phone, based on certain conditions. These conditions can include things like movement of the device, location within a specific area, or non-emergency use of the device. The system can communicate this information to the device and allow it to make informed decisions about which features to disable. This can be useful in situations where the device needs to quickly disable certain features, such as in a moving vehicle or when the user is in a dangerous area. The invention can also include a controller that can make the decision to disable certain features based on the set of conditions. Overall, the invention provides a way to protect the device from unauthorized use and improve safety and security.

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 every citizen will obey such new ordinances.

Additionally, the increased use of wireless communication devices has so invaded everyday life, that many users seem to be unable to go anywhere without talking on their phone, much to the annoyance of those around them.

In theaters, restaurants, or courtrooms, for example, the use of such devices can be annoying and may consequently be banned by the management of such establishments.

Again, given human nature, reliance only on people obeying rules is often insufficient to prevent all use of the offending devices.

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