In-vehicle electronic device usage blocker
US10306422B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 20, 2012 |
| Grant date | May 28, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 11, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04W4/027
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for controlling the operability and functionality of an electronic device with an electronic device detection system begins by determining whether an electronic device is located within the vehicle and proximate to an operator of the vehicle. The electronic device detection system defines a restricted zone in which electronic device use is partially or fully prohibited and a safe zone in which all or some of the functionality of electronic devices is enabled. Once it is determined that an electronic device is in use and within a restricted zone, a determination is made as to whether any usage prohibition conditions are satisfied. If usage prohibition conditions are satisfied, then particular functions of the electronic device may be disabled in a restricted zone. If prohibition conditions are not met, the electronic device may be totally enabled, partially enabled to allow certain functions, or the electronic device is never disabled.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.