| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 455456400 | Quiet or transmission prevention mode | 72 |
| 20080214211 | SYSTEM FOR ENABLING OR RESTRICTING CERTAIN CELLULAR TELEPHONE DEVICE CAPABILITIES IN CERTAIN ZONES - A system for selectively restricting or enabling the use of a cellular telephone module in a zone is described, comprising: a control signal transmitter for generating a control signal at an entrance to the zone or alternatively generating control signals throughout the zone; the cellular telephone including a module; a receiver module within the cellular telephone responsive to the control signal for generating a module enable/restrict upon receipt of the control signal; and a switch within the cellular telephone responsive to the module enable/restrict for selectively enabling or inhibiting the operation of the module for a predetermined period of time after receipt of the control signal. Additionally, this system's cellular telephone can dial a telephone, send a message to it, receive a text message from it, and send digits to it, to handle emergencies or conduct business. Finally, the system can remind owners to recharge their cellular telephone batteries. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20090117919 | System for controlling a personal electronic device - A system and method of controlling a personal electronic device is described. The system includes a personal electronic device coupled to a sensor that can detect a safety signal. The system can also include a safety signal source. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090312038 | SYSTEM HAVING DOPPLER-BASED CONTROL OF A MOBILE DEVICE - Embodiments of the present invention recite a system having Doppler-based control of a mobile device. In one embodiment, at least one measured Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Doppler frequency shift measurement corresponding to a GNSS signal measured at a mobile electronic device is received. The speed of the remote device is then determined based at least in part upon the GNSS Doppler frequency shift measurement. An operation of the remote device is then controlled from the base station when the speed of the remote device exceeds a speed threshold. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090318169 | DISABLING WIRELESS TELEPHONE USE WHILE IN VEHICLE - A method includes determining that a wireless telephone is in a moving vehicle using, e.g., speed as calculated by the telephone using GPS signals or co-location of the telephone with a vehicle as might be determined by receiving the vehicle's position via Bluetooth. Use of the telephone is selectively denied if it is determined that the telephone is in a vehicle. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20100081458 | Mobile Terminal Motion Detection Methods and Systems - Methods and systems are provided for allowing possible motion or lack of motion of a mobile terminal to be detected based, at least in part, on at least one wireless signal. For example, according to one method a mobile terminal may be configured to operate in a first wireless communication system and the method may include detecting motion or lack of motion of the mobile terminal based, at least in part, on at least one wireless signal from at least one terrestrial-based second wireless communication system, and in response to detecting the motion or lack of motion, initiating or stopping at least one process within the mobile terminal. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100105416 | Systems and Methods of Detection and Allowing Access of Transmission Facilities - A method of detecting a transmitting device within a facility is disclosed. The method involves detecting the transmitting device of a wireless transmission detection facility; communicating signal information relating to the detected transmitting device to a central unit where the detected transmitting device is identified; determining whether the detected transmitting device is allowed within the facility and providing instruction to a transmitting device to interfere with the detected transmitting device when the detected transmitting device is not allowed in the facility and providing instructions and methodologies when the detected transmitting device is allowed in the facility. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100105417 | Location Blocking Service from a Web Advertiser - Location-blocking and identity-blocking services that can be commercially offered by a service promoter, e.g., a cellular service provider or a web advertiser. In the identity-blocking service, the service promoter may disclose the current physical location of a mobile subscriber (i.e., a cellular phone operator) to a third party (e.g., a web advertiser) subscribing to the identity-blocking service. However, the service promoter may not send any identity information for the mobile subscriber to the third party. On the other hand, in the location-blocking service, the service promoter may disclose the mobile subscriber's identity information to the third party, but not the current physical location of the mobile subscriber. Blocking of the mobile subscriber's identity or location information may be desirable for privacy reasons, to comply with a government regulation, or to implement a telecommunication service option selected by the mobile subscriber. However, in the case of the mobile subscriber requesting emergency help, the service promoter may not block identity and/or location information. Instead, the service promoter may send all such information to the emergency service provider (e.g., the police or a hospital). | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100227629 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTINUOUS MOBILE SERVICE GEOCHRONOUS VALIDATION - In one embodiment of the present invention, a system and method may be provided for validating communications permissions for an in progress communication. The system and method may include receiving location information, at a service provider, from a wireless communications device. The location information may be communicated to a database that is able to determine communications permissions based upon some predetermined criteria, such as time, date, and location. Based upon the received location information and a related database record, permissions for the wireless communications device may be determined. The determined permissions may be communicated to the service provider. The wireless communications device may be notified about restrictions on its communications, in response to receiving the permissions. The permissions determination may be repeated, as necessary, in response to receiving updated location information. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100234047 | SYSTEM FOR INHIBITING TEXTING AND SIMILAR DISTRACTIONS WHILE DRIVING MOVING VEHICLES. - A system is disclosed for preventing moving vehicle drivers from cell phone texting while that vehicle is moving. This system comprises a motion detector and a moving vehicle's contiguous interior compartment containing at least four courtesy signal transmitters and at least one conventional cell phone having a text keyboard, a microphone, and a courtesy signal receiver disposed in the microphone which is in the keyboard. This compartment may also have devices in it which control the speed and direction the moving vehicle will go, and if so, it may have a moving vehicle driver, who may also be the aforementioned cell phone user, located to operate these devices. The cell phone may enable or disable the keyboard based on courtesy signal transit times and the motion indicator, but this determination may be overridden by the cell phone service provider, or person of authority located in the vehicle's contiguous interior compartment. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100304761 | SENSOR USES IN COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS - Methods and apparatus are directed to mobile devices utilizing motion and/or position sensors for improving operating performance and/or power efficiency. In one example, a method for reducing power consumption in a mobile device includes receiving movement information, establishing movement data based on the movement information, determining if the mobile device is stationary using the movement data; and reducing the frequency of searching for a base station when the mobile device is stationary. In another example, a mobile device which reduces power consumption based upon movement data includes an RF front end, a receiver coupled to the RF front end, a data demodulator coupled to the receiver, a searcher, coupled to the RF front end and the receiver, which searches for base stations, and a processing unit coupled to the searcher, wherein the processing unit controls the searcher based upon the stationarity of the mobile device. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20110021213 | VEHICLE COMPUTER LINK TO MOBILE PHONE - A method is implemented by a mobile device associated with a short-range wireless network in a vehicle. The method includes identifying a paired device within the short-range wireless network, the paired device having access to a vehicle information system, and receiving, from the paired device, vehicle status information from the vehicle information system. The mobile device determines if the vehicle status information triggers a safety mode for the mobile device and disables particular features or components of the mobile device based on the determination. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110034185 | NETWORK-BASED IMPLEMENTATION OF VELOCITY CONTROLS FOR A MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A communication network includes a wireless network, a location platform, and a network component. The wireless network includes a base station to send data to and receive data from a mobile station via radio frequency communication signals. The location platform is operably coupled to the wireless network. In one embodiment, the location platform computes a velocity of the mobile station in response to a velocity request. The network component is operably coupled between the wireless network and the location platform. In one embodiment, the network component compares the computed velocity of the mobile station with a velocity threshold in response to an attempted communication involving the mobile station. The network component also implements a restrictive action for the attempted communication involving the mobile station in response to a determination that the computed velocity exceeds the velocity threshold. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110039581 | Method and apparatus for restricting the use of a mobile telecommunications device by a vehicle's driver - A method and apparatus which determines that a vehicle operator is in physical possession of a given mobile telecommunications device and that the vehicle is moving at a speed greater than a given threshold speed (which may be zero), and thereby restricts the use of the mobile communications device. Illustratively, the device may be restricted from placing and receiving calls, and sending and receiving text messages. It may be determined that the vehicle operator is in physical possession of the device based on near field communication (NFC) technology whereby a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transceiver is attached to or embedded in the steering wheel or driver's seat of the vehicle. The vehicle's speed may be determined using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or an Assisted GPS (A-GPS) technique, or from speed data determined by the vehicle itself and communicated to the mobile communications device thereby. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110053612 | GPSS-BASED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENABLING OR DISABLING CELLPHONES IN PREDEFINED ZONES. - A system and method are described for initiating, enabling, disabling or restoring cellphone operations when the cellphone is in a zone, which is where cellphone operation has to be so altered. A courtesy signal transmitter transmits a courtesy signal containing zone data, which is received by the cellphone's courtesy signal receiver. A GPSS receiver, embedded in the cellphone, outputs the current cellphone location. A cellphone's processor compares this location to the zone's coordinates; if it determines that the cellphone is in the zone, the cellphone's processor initiates, enables, or disables operations in it as directed by bits in the zone's data. Spread-spectrum technology securely passes zone data from courtesy signal transmitters to courtesy signal receivers in cellphones, using GPSS data to make this coding scheme more secure. Finally, the courtesy signal transmitter GPSS location is checked to determine if the courtesy signal transmitter has been moved after it is initialized. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110065456 | CELLULAR DEVICE DEACTIVATION SYSTEM - In general, in one aspect, the disclosure describes a wireless device that is capable of linking to a vehicle via a close range antenna, such as a Bluetooth antenna. Once the wireless device is linked to the vehicle it can receive location data and determine the speed of the wireless device. If the speed exceeds a predefined threshold the wireless device may have its wireless communications deactivated. If the wireless device is utilizing a hands free device wireless communications may be permitted. The use of the link to the vehicle ensures that the wireless device will not be deactivated when, for example, it is used on a train. In addition, waiting to gather location data and determine speed until when the wireless device is associated with a vehicle will save battery life. The wireless device may have a speed determination scheme that takes into account GPS multipath. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110077029 | GATEWAY DEVICE, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING RADIO TRANSMISSION, AND RADIO COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A femto GW provides a network connection to an MS that is radio-accommodated in a femto BS. Upon reception of a position registration confirmation for the MS, if the MS has been radio-accommodated in a BS or the femto BS within a specific calling area including a calling area for the femto BS immediately before reception of the position registration confirmation, and the MS that has been radio-accommodated in the specific calling area is withdrawing itself from the calling area, a transmission stop command for stopping radio transmission to the MS is sent to the femto BS. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110136513 | System and Method for Limiting a Wireless Communication Device to a Specified Geographic Zone - A method, computer code product for limiting a wireless communication device to a specified geographic zone. The device is configured to connect to a subscriber device in a subscriber network and determine if the subscriber device is on a list of preapproved subscriber devices in the specified geographic zone. The device can also be configured to determine if it is connected to a subscriber device on at least one neighbor list of approved subscriber devices. If the device is connected to a subscriber device on the preapproved list or a neighbor list, the device is permission as if it is in the geographic zone. Additional subscriber devices can be added to the neighbor list(s) when the device is handed off from an approved subscriber device based on the previous subscriber device to which the device was connected. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110171978 | Wireless communication method, wireless communication system, and mode switching method - In a mobile terminal ( | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110230211 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EXECUTING APPLICATIONS IN A MOBILE DEVICE - A method and system for executing applications in a mobile device including receiving a request for execution of the application; determining whether the mobile device is located in a restricted area where execution of the application is controlled; and determining, when the mobile device is located in a restricted area, whether to execute the application requested for execution, according to a application execution policy that allows for execution of the application in the restricted area. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110244890 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING AND RECORDING OPERATOR'S USE OF A COMMUNICATION DEVICE WHILE OPERATING A VEHICLE - To enable enforcement and monitoring of safety regulations, a system records events of broadcast communications from a driver's or machine operator's mobile communication device. The events may be annotated with other fact or circumstances, such as time, duration, speed of vehicle, motion of vehicle, type of communication, or mode of communication. The event may be determined through use of direction receive only antennas capable of receiving only those signals aligned with the antenna, signals not aligned with the direction of the antenna are not received and thus do not create a recordable event. The recorded event may be broadcast to an organization or person in real time or may be retrieved periodically. The event may also produce an alert for persons or other operators proximate the vehicle or machine. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20120021777 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A method and portable electronic device for hands-free operation in a motor vehicle are described. In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a method comprising: detecting when a portable electronic device is within a threshold distance of a motor vehicle; and inhibiting the portable electronic device from transmitting communications when the portable electronic device is within the threshold distance of a motor vehicle. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120064920 | MOBILE OBJECT LOCATION-BASED PRIVACY PROTECTION - A system, method and apparatus for creating and implementing a privacy zone around a mobile object are described herein. A privacy zone is a geographic location proximate to a mobile object in which mobile device functionality is reduced when a mobile device is inside the boundaries of the privacy zone. A locator subsystem tracks the location of the mobile object to update the location of the privacy zone. Further, the locator subsystem monitors for mobile devices that may interface with the privacy zone. Once a mobile device is found to be within a privacy zone, the pre-determined mobile device features will preferably be disabled. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120094698 | Location aware message restriction and auto-replay feature - A system and method of delaying delivery of a content message to a mobile device is provided. A control message, associated with a mobile device, based on location information associated with the mobile device is received. A content message for the mobile device is received. Delivery of the content message to the mobile device is delayed based on the control message. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120108269 | Wireless Handset Airplane Safety Interlock - A method and device for controlling the operability of a transmitter on a mobile communications device by determining if the mobile communications device is located within the cabin of an airplane. A condition parameter of the mobile communications device may be determined. The transmitter on the mobile communications device may be disabled in response to the mobile communications device being located within an airplane and further in response to the determined condition parameter. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120225673 | Dead Zone for Wireless Communication Device - I have invented a communication system illustratively comprising: a wireless communication device; a network for controlling wireless communication over said network, said network tracking a location of said wireless communication device based on location data pertaining to said wireless communication device, said network comprising a no communication zone register including a database of predetermined zones in which predetermined communication by, to, or by and to said wireless communication device is to be disabled; wherein when said wireless communication device is in one of said predetermined zones in which communication by, to, or by and to wireless communication device is not permitted, said network disables said predetermined communication by, to, or by and to said wireless communication device. The “dead zones” where the wireless device may be disabled illustratively may include a speeding zone, a hospital zone, a movie theater zone, a church zone, and a performing arts theater zone or be based upon the law of a state on the use of said wireless communication device in a moving vehicle. The device may include GPS acquisition circuitry and the system may use assisted GPS for use in calculating the location of the wireless communication device. On disablement a message may display on the wireless communication device that the wireless communication device is in a “dead zone”. While in the “dead zone”, my invention allows for disablement of voice communication, text messages, emails, and/or data communication. Disablement may occur by service disablement or disablement of the password or keyboard entry feature of the wireless device. “Dead zones” may be determined by default or subscription. My inventive device and method for dead zoning a wireless communication device are also disclosed. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120238296 | RADIO APPARATUS TRANSMITTING OR RECEIVING A SIGNAL INCLUDING PREDETERMINED INFORMATION - An extracting unit detects movement from a first area to a second area, the first area and the second area defined as areas having different priorities. When the extracting unit detects the movement, this changes a communication process defined in the first area to the communication process defined in the second area. A notifying unit notifies that the area changed when the movement is detected. Herein, the priority of the first area and the priority of the second area are defined according to importance of a signal, which should be broadcasted from a processing unit. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120244887 | COMMUNICATION CONTROL APPARATUS, COMMUNICATION CONTROL METHOD AND PROGRAM - In a case where a communication control apparatus incorporated by a portable device detects a communication request from an external device and decides whether to perform communications, it is hard to determine, with a high degree of precision, whether the owner of the portable device incorporating the communication control apparatus has an intention to use the portable device in response to the communication request. In order to solve this problem, there are included a distance measuring means for measuring spatial distances from any given objects that have distances of a particular range in a direction of a particular range and that are adjacent to each other; a condition storing means for storing predetermined distance conditions; and a communication means that becomes, based on a result of comparison of the values of the spatial distances with the distance conditions, communicatable in response to the externally received communication request. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120258740 | Access Control According to a Policy Defined for a Group of Associated Electronic Devices Comprising a Cellular Modem - Access control according to a policy defined for a plurality of electronic devices comprising a cellular modem and associated with the same user If an end user has two electronic devices, such as a fire alarm or an electricity meter, which both have a cellular modem and are allowed to operate in parallel under the same subscription, the end user can abuse this subscription by lending or selling one of the devices to another person. This abuse can be prevented by the present invention in that the network access is controlled according to a policy defined for the plurality of electronic devices operating under the same subscription. In particular, the policy defines a threshold distance between a primary electronic device and each additional electronic device belonging to said plurality of electronic devices operating under the same subscription which specifies the maximum distance from the primary electronic device which still allows to gain access to the network. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120302261 | CONTROL SCHEMES FOR DETERMINING ACCESS TERMINAL LOCATION - A location of an access terminal is estimated based on signals received by the access terminal. The manner in which a femto cell transmits signals and/or the manner in which the access terminal monitors for signals may be controlled in some cases to facilitate the reception of signals at the access terminal during a location determination operation. In some embodiments, the number of femto cells for which the access terminal monitors for signals may be controlled by controlling the manner in which the access terminal maintains its active set. In some embodiments, in the event a given femto cell is interfering with the ability of an access terminal to receive signals from other femto cells, that femto cell may be instructed to temporarily stop transmissions (e.g., on the traffic channel and/or a beacon channel). | 11-29-2012 |
| 20130035117 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RESTRICTING DRIVER MOBILE DEVICE FEATURE USAGE WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION - A method and system may determine one or more mobile devices associated with a driver of a vehicle. The method and system may deactivate, if one or more vehicle parameters indicate the vehicle is configured for motion, one or more features of the one or more mobile devices associated with the driver of the vehicle. The method and system may reactivate, if the one or more vehicle parameters indicate the vehicle is no longer configured for motion, the one or more features of the one or more mobile devices associated with the driver of the vehicle. The one or more mobile devices may, in some embodiments, be mobile telephones and the one or more features may be text entry features. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130150092 | AUTONOMOUS MUTING INDICATION TO ENABLE IMPROVED TIME DIFFERENCE OF ARRIVAL MEASUREMENTS - A method, a user communication device, and a base station are disclosed. A transceiver | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130172018 | Restriction Method and Apparatus for Texting Based on Speed - A method and apparatus with software supplied wirelessly as a downloaded application for preventing texting on cellular telephones while driving. A cellular telephone moving faster than a predetermined speed (for example 15 MPH) automatically locks out the texting function. Dialing of full telephone numbers under these conditions can also be locked out. If the phone becomes stationary for a predetermined period (say 3 minutes), the lockout can be removed. A passenger can enter an override code to prevent the lockout. In some embodiments the override code can only be entered when the phone is moving faster than the predetermined speed and/or when several buttons are depressed simultaneously requiring operation with two hands. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130178234 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LIMITING USAGE OF A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A system and method is provided for limiting or disabling cellular telephone usage during operation of a motor vehicle. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a wireless transmission device and a cell phone. The wireless transmission device, which includes at least an IR modulation circuit, a processor, and a memory device, is configured to transmit a wireless signal toward a driver of the motor vehicle. The cell phone, which includes at least an IR modulation detection circuit, a processor, a memory device, a keypad, and a display, is configured to receive the wireless signal and, in response thereto, limit or disable certain features of the cell phone. This can be done by disabling certain features (e.g., cellular service, Bluetooth™, telephone calls, text messaging, emailing, its antenna, its keyboard, and/or its display) or disabling (e.g., powering down, etc.) the entire cell phone. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130252640 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPLEMENTING INTELLIGENT WIDEBAND DIGITAL FREQUENCY SELECTION SCANNING - A system and method are provided to intelligently undertake mandated scanning for radar signals prior to operating a particular wireless device in the 5 GHz band. The disclosed systems and methods provide a capability by which wireless devices are enabled to intelligently scan using a 160 MHz signal, or the largest bandwidth that the wireless device has the capacity to occupy. The disclosed scheme makes use of information about the location of the wireless device to determine characteristic of the environment in which the wireless device is operating. Locations of potentially conflicting radar installations, such as at airports and on military installations, are generally “known.” This information is used to compare to a determined geographic location of the wireless device to assess whether full broad bandwidth DFS scanning cane be reasonably undertaken or whether some narrower channel scanning is appropriate for the wireless device based on proximity to radar installations. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130281131 | WIRELESS COMMUNICATION APPARATUS, WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, WIRELESS COMMUNICATION METHOD, AND COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM - A wireless communication apparatus are possible to reduce power consumption, and a wireless communication unit operates in one of a first standby state and a first activation state in which power consumption is higher than that in the first standby state, wirelessly transmits data to an external terminal different from its own terminal when operating in the first activation state, and operates in the first standby state after transmission of the data ends. An activation signal generation circuit operates in one of a second standby state and a second activation state in which power consumption is higher than that in the second standby state, repeats an operation in the second activation state and an operation in the second standby state at a predetermined time interval, and outputs a shift signal for shifting an operation of the communication module from the first standby state to the first activation state. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130288718 | Operating Geographic Location Systems - In general, in one aspect, a method includes receiving, on a mobile device, an indication that an application executing on the mobile device has entered a background state, determining, based on data received from a location system of the mobile device, that the mobile device has remained within a geographic area during a time interval, the geographic area being defined by a radius determined according to an application type of the application, and disabling at least a portion of the location system of the mobile device. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130316737 | Systems, Methods, and Devices for Policy-Based Control and Monitoring of Use of Mobile Devices by Vehicle Operators - Systems, methods, and devices for controlling and limiting use of functions, such as calling, texting, chatting, emailing, Internet surfing, and similar applications, on a mobile device when the mobile device is in a moving vehicle, includes use of an on-board computer installed within the vehicle, a transmitter in electronic communication with the on-board computer that periodically transmits speed data of the vehicle to a receiver installed on the mobile device, wherein the mobile device includes suitable software and a rules-based policy that define and control when and which functions of the mobile device are disabled or interrupted by the software when the vehicle is in motion above a minimum threshold speed. Policies are set by default but may be customized for particular individuals, devices, or circumstances. Policies may also be customized for particular groups or subgroups of employees or contractors for company or legal compliance to reduce distracted driving. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20130316738 | Systems and Methods for Detecting and Controlling Transmission Devices - Disclosed is a system for managing wireless transmitting devices in which a wireless transmission from a transmission device is detected within or about a set area and an allowability of the transmission device to continue transmitting is based on an identification information, of the device, a location of the device and a number being called by the device. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20130316739 | SMART DATA CONNECTIONS FOR MOBILE DEVICES - A method may include detecting motion of a mobile device and inferring from the motion a first activity of a user of the mobile device. The method may also include evaluating a signal quality of a radio signal received by a signal module and altering an operational mode of the signal module based on the signal quality and the first activity. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20130337842 | BACKHAUL LINK ASSISTED INDOOR SPECTRUM USE ENFORCEMENT SOLUTION FOR MBAN SERVICES - A medical system includes one or more MBAN devices which acquire and communicate patient data. One or more medical body area network (MBAN) systems include the one or more MBAN devices communicating the patient data with a hub device via short-range wireless communication. The communication of the patient data via the short-range wireless communication being within a predefined spectrum. The hub device receives patient data communicated from the one or more MBAN devices, communicates with a central monitoring station via a longer range communication and one or more access points (AP), and determines the location of the MBAN system in reference to a healthcare facility. The one or more MBAN devices are inhibited from transmitting within the predefined spectrum when the MBAN hub device is located outside the healthcare facility. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20140057663 | PORTABLE DEVICE - A portable device comprises a memory and a wireless signal receiver. The memory is used for storing a first internal setting and a second internal setting, wherein the first internal setting is capable of being determined by users, and the second internal setting is reserved and unchangeable. The wireless signal receiver is used for receiving a predetermined setting signal corresponding to the second internal setting. The portable device switches from the first state into the second state according to the second internal setting after the wireless signal receiver receives the predetermined setting signal. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140094198 | LOW ENERGY SHORT RANGE COMMUNICATION FUNCTION OPERATION METHOD AND APPARATUS OF MOBILE TERMINAL - The mobile terminal supporting low energy short range communication function includes a low energy short range communication unit; a switching unit configured to receive low energy communication data from the low energy short range communication unit and outputs the low energy communication data; a first processor configured to receive the low energy communication data received from the low energy short range communication unit via the switching unit; and a second processor configured to receive the low energy communication data received from the low energy short range communication unit via the switching unit, wherein the second processor is configured to receive operation state information from the first processor; and control, when the operation state information is received, the switching unit to relay the low energy communication data to one of the first and second processors based on the operation state information. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140106786 | RADIO APPARATUS TRANSMITTING OR RECEIVING A SIGNAL INCLUDING PREDETERMINED INFORMATION - An extracting unit detects movement from a first area to a second area, the first area and the second area defined as areas having different priorities. When the extracting unit detects the movement, this changes a communication process defined in the first area to the communication process defined in the second area. A notifying unit notifies that the area changed when the movement is detected. Herein, the priority of the first area and the priority of the second area are defined according to importance of a signal, which should be broadcasted from a processing unit. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140106787 | INFORMATION TERMINAL, INFORMATION TERMINAL CONTROL METHOD, AND RECORDING MEDIUM - A mobile phone | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140106788 | TECHNIQUES FOR TRANSITIONING AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE BETWEEN DIFFERENT SELECTABLE POWER MODES - Techniques are provided which may be implemented in various methods, apparatuses, and/or articles of manufacture for use by a device that is operable in a plurality of modes, including “higher power mode” and a “lower power mode”. In an example implementation, a device that is operable in a plurality of selectable power modes may measure a signal strength value for a signal acquired from a ground-based transmitter, and transition operation to a lower power mode, wherein at least a portion of a receiver used to acquire the signal is disabled, based, at least in part, on: (a) a profile test indicating that the device is within a characterized environment, wherein the profile test is satisfied, at least in part, by the signal strength value; or (b) an indication based, at least in part, on the signal strength value, that the device is in a constrained motion state; or (c) both (a) and (b). | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140113662 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING MOBILE TERMINAL APPARATUS AND MOBILE TERMINAL APPARATUS - A method of controlling a mobile terminal apparatus includes selecting, using a processor, a sensor from a plurality of sensors installed on the mobile terminal apparatus based on both of power consumption for determining whether the mobile terminal apparatus has moved based on an output of at least any one of the sensors and power consumption for identifying a position of the mobile terminal apparatus, determining whether the mobile terminal apparatus has moved based on an output of the sensor selected in the selecting, and identifying a position of the mobile terminal apparatus when it is determined that the mobile terminal apparatus has moved in the determining. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140120954 | COMPUTING AND HARNESSING INFERENCES ABOUT THE TIMING, DURATION, AND NATURE OF MOTION AND CESSATION OF MOTION WITH APPLICATIONS TO MOBILE COMPUTING AND COMMUNICATIONS - An information delivery system comprises a receiver component that receives information about the movement, velocity, acceleration, and/or locations over time of a user. A computation component using a predictive model generates a probability distribution relating to one or more of when the user will next be stopped, how long the user will be stopped, how long a pattern of motion, such as walking, driving in stop and go traffic, and smooth highway motion will last, based at least in part upon signals about motion over time. The system can further comprise an alerting component that determines when to provide the user with information based at least in part upon the probability distribution over some aspect of motion or cessation of motion, and optionally the content, or tagged or inferred urgency or importance, of a message or communication. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140155103 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTINUOUS MOBILE SERVICE GEOCHRONOUS VALIDATION - In one embodiment of the present invention, a system and method may be provided for validating communications permissions for an in progress communication. The system and method may include receiving location information, at a service provider, from a wireless communications device. The location information may be communicated to a database that is able to determine communications permissions based upon some predetermined criteria, such as time, date, and location. Based upon the received location information and a related database record, permissions for the wireless communications device may be determined. The determined permissions may be communicated to the service provider. The wireless communications device may be notified about restrictions on its communications, in response to receiving the permissions. The permissions determination may be repeated, as necessary, in response to receiving updated location information. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140162699 | Disabling Access Point Notifications - Disabling wireless access point notifications is described. In some implementations, wireless access point notifications on a mobile device can be disabled when movement of the mobile device is detected. In some implementations, wireless access point notifications on a mobile device can be re-enabled when the mobile device detects that the mobile device has been stationary for a specified period of time following movement of the mobile device. In some implementations, wireless access point notifications can be disabled on a per access point basis. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140171123 | RECONFIGURATION OF MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICES BASED ON LOCATION - Systems and methods of configuring mobile electronic devices are provided. In one aspect, a system includes a vehicle, a mobile electronic device including a first manner of operation and a second manner of operation different than the first manner of operation, and a wireless charging system positioned in the vehicle and adapted to wirelessly charge the mobile electronic device. The mobile electronic device operates in the first manner of operation outside of the vehicle, and the wireless charging system identifies the mobile electronic device when the mobile electronic device is inside the vehicle and operation of the mobile electronic device changes from the first manner of operation to the second manner of operation with the mobile electronic device in the vehicle. In another aspect, the system includes a wireless charging system positioned at any location and adapted to communicate data to a mobile electronic device associated with the location. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140171124 | SAVING GPS POWER BY DETECTING INDOOR USE - In accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, there are provided systems, apparatuses, and methods for saving GPS power by detecting indoor use. For example, in one embodiment, such means may include means for receiving a first reading of light within a visible spectrum of electromagnetic radiation; means for receiving a second reading of light within an infrared spectrum of electromagnetic radiation; means for selecting an indoor environmental state when (a) the first reading of light within the visible spectrum of electromagnetic radiation is above a first threshold and (b) the second reading of light within the infrared spectrum of electromagnetic radiation is below a second threshold; and means for transitioning a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor to a power savings mode based on the indoor environmental state being selected. For instance, such a technique may determine the GPS sensor is inside based on relatively low infrared readings and relatively high visible spectra readings, and responsively transition the GPS sensor into a more power efficient mode. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140171125 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVED SIGNALING - In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising a receiver configured to receive a measurement instruction comprising an indication of a first frequency, and at least one processing core configured to suppress causing sending of a proximity indication relating to a closed subscriber group cell operating substantially on at least the first frequency. In some embodiments, sending of redundant proximity indications may thus be avoided. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140179356 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR DETECTING THE PRESENCE AND CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF MOBILE DEVICES WITHIN A VEHICLE - An apparatus, system, and method for determining the presence of a mobile device located in a predetermined detection zone within a vehicle are disclosed. A detection module receives a communication signal, determines that the communication signal was transmitted by a mobile device located within a predetermined detection zone within a vehicle, and a control module transmits a control signal to the mobile device located within the predetermined detection zone. The system further includes a monitoring logic to monitor a functional system of the vehicle activating the transmission of the control signal by the control module when the monitored functional system is activated and the detection module determines that the communication signal was transmitted by the mobile device located within the predetermined detection zone. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140243024 | SELECTED RESTRICTION OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SERVICES - Wireless communications services on a wireless communications device are selectively restricted in accordance with a location of the wireless device and specific permission and/or restrictions assigned to the wireless device while within/at the location. Services can be selectively blocked (denied), selectively modified, or selectively allowed on a wireless device based on lists indicating permissibility for specific services for specific devices at/within specific locations. A location can be a zone of coverage of a cellular tower, micro/pico/Femto cell or wireless access point, a sector of a zone of coverage, a geographic region within a zone of coverage, or any appropriate combination thereof. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140274159 | INFERRING PLACEMENT OF MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICES - A “Placement Detector” enables handheld or mobile electronic devices such as phones, media players, tablets, etc., to infer their current position or placement. Placement inference is performed by evaluating one or more sensors associated with the device relative to one or more trained probabilistic models to infer device relative to a user. Example placement inferences include, but are not limited to, inferring whether the device is currently in a user's pocket, in a user's purse (or other carrying bag or backpack), in a closed area such as a drawer or box, in an open area such as on a table, indoors, outdoors, etc. These types of placement inferences facilitate a wide range of automated user-device interactions, including, but not limited to, placement-dependent notifications, placement-dependent responses to various inputs, prevention of inadvertent “pocket dialing,” prevention of inadvertent power cycling of devices, lost or misplaced device location assistance, etc. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140308981 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING A MOBILE STATION PRESENCE IN A SPECIAL AREA - Method for monitoring the presence of a mobile station in at least one special area, wherein a radio communication defining device transmits one radio distinctive defining signal that define the special area by its coverage, the mobile station processes a signal received in order to determine whether or not it is defining signal and more precisely a distinctive one that defines the special area, the mobile station sends an updating signal to a mobile telephone network, the network routes the updating signal to special operating means that adapt the value of an operating parameter. According to the invention, the special area is associated to the mobile station by transmitting to the mobile station a checking data used by the mobile station for determining whether or not the defining signal received is distinctive defining signal. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140335902 | Driver Identification and Data Collection Systems for Use with Mobile Communication Devices in Vehicles - Systems, methods, and devices for determining the location of one or more mobile devices within a vehicle comprising: (a) a controller located within the vehicle and configured to transmit at least two audio signals, a first audio signal directed generally into a driver space within the vehicle and a second audio signal directed generally into a passenger space within the vehicle, and (b) software code stored in memory of the mobile device and having instructions executable by a processor that performs the steps of: (i) detecting the at least two audio signals, (ii) sampling the at least two audio signals for a predetermined period of time; (iii) performing digital signal processing on the sampled at least two audio signals; and (iv) based on the results of the digital signal processing, determining whether the mobile device was located within the driver space of the vehicle during the predetermined period of time. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140364153 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING DRIVER USE OF A MOBILE DEVICE - A system and method are disclosed for restricting driver access to mobile devices while driving. The system includes an interface which facilities communicating with the vehicle and communicates with mobile devices present in the vehicle. The system determines the location of each mobile device in the vehicle in order to identify the mobile device belonging to the driver. If the vehicle is currently moving, functions of the driver's mobile device can be restricted or limited, while allowing passengers full access to their mobile devices. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20150024786 | Method and Apparatus for Disconnecting a Wireless Communication Link Between a Communication Device and a Mobile Device - A method and apparatus of determining whether to disconnect a wireless communication link between a communication device disposed in a vehicle and a mobile device is provided. The method comprises determining whether the communication device is moving or not moving, determining whether the mobile device has exited the proximity of the vehicle, and disconnecting the wireless communication link when the communication device is not moving and the mobile device has exited the proximity of the vehicle. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150024787 | MOBILE DEVICE TRACKING PREVENTION METHOD AND SYSTEM - A mobile device tracking prevention method and system includes monitoring a mobile device for movement, determining whether an operating state of a wireless module of the mobile device should be adjusted when movement of the mobile device is detected, and controlling the operating state of the wireless module based on the determination. One or more of the actual geographic location of the mobile device, network IDs broadcasted by nearby network access points, and signal strengths of the access points as detected by the mobile device can be monitored to detect movement of the mobile device. Changes to any of these may be indicative of movement of the mobile device, which may serve as the basis for enabling or disabling the wireless module to prevent tracking of the mobile device without sacrificing user productivity. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150105107 | AUTONOMOUS MUTING INDICATION TO ENABLE IMPROVED TIME DIFFERENCE OF ARRIVAL MEASUREMENTS - A method, user communication device, and a base station are disclosed. A transceiver | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150312882 | Machine for Providing a Dynamic Database of Geographic Location Information for a Plurality of Wireless Devices and Process for Making Same - For a wireless network, a tuning system in which mobile phones using the network are routinely located. With the location of the mobile phones identified, load adjustments for the system are easily accomplished so that the wireless network is not subject to an overload situation. Ideally the location of the mobile phones is accomplished whether the mobile phones are transmitting voice data or not. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150319608 | Method For Detecting Smart Device Use While Operating A Motor Vehicle - A method for detecting possession of a smart device by a driver of a vehicle. The method includes the following: detecting with the smart device at least one of a landmark or signal accessible from an interior of the vehicle; analyzing the landmark or signal and the location of the smart device relative thereto to determine whether the smart device is at a driving location of the vehicle; and configuring the smart device in a driving mode if the smart device is at the driving location of the vehicle. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150358765 | SECURING A MOBILE DEVICE BY BINDING TO AN ITINERARY - A computer program product includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, wherein the program instructions are executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform a method. The method includes storing an itinerary in memory of an electronic device, wherein the itinerary includes a plurality of destinations and a time period associated with each destination. The method further includes monitoring the location of the electronic device, comparing the location of the electronic device to the itinerary, and restricting use of the electronic device in response to determining that the location of the electronic device at the current time does not match the destination specified in the itinerary for the time period that includes the current time. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150358769 | SECURING A MOBILE DEVICE BY BINDING TO AN ITINERARY - A method includes storing an itinerary in memory of an electronic device, wherein the itinerary includes a plurality of destinations and a time period associated with each destination. The method further includes monitoring the location of the electronic device, comparing the location of the electronic device to the itinerary, and restricting use of the electronic device in response to determining that the location of the electronic device at the current time does not match the destination specified in the itinerary for the time period that includes the current time. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20160007203 | COMPUTING DEVICE WITH ENVIRONMENT AWARE FEATURES - A method and mobile electronic device are provided which automatically adjust settings based on the environment of the mobile electronic device. The settings of the mobile electronic device which are adjusted may be security settings, filter settings, or status for instant messaging in dependence on the determined location of the mobile electronic device. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160112846 | Position-Based Limited-Response Mode Operation in a Vehicle Communication System - A communication system for facilitating control over a function of a vehicle ( | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160142979 | Operating Geographic Location Systems - In general, in one aspect, a method includes receiving, on a mobile device, an indication that an application executing on the mobile device has entered a background state, determining, based on data received from a location system of the mobile device, that the mobile device has remained within a geographic area during a time interval, the geographic area being defined by a radius determined according to an application type of the application, and disabling at least a portion of the location system of the mobile device. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160150366 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING NETWORK ACCESS IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A method and apparatus are provided for controlling network access in a wireless communication system. An infrastructure device, which may reside in, or be communicatively coupled to, any of an access network, a core network, and a service network, implements a device class prioritization control function (DCP-CF) that receives a geographical location of an incident, determines one or more of a cell and an access node corresponding to the geographical location, determines one or more access class barring parameters for the cell and/or access node, determines whether to enable access class barring at the cell and/or access node and, in response to determining to enable access class barring at the cell and/or access node, provides the one or more access class barring parameters to the cell and/or access node. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160192321 | Machine for Providing a Dynamic Database of Geographic Location Information for a Plurality of Wireless Devices and Process for Making Same - For a wireless network, a tuning system in which mobile phones using the network are routinely located. With the location of the mobile phones identified, load adjustments for the system are easily accomplished so that the wireless network is not subject to an overload situation. Ideally the location of the mobile phones is accomplished whether the mobile phones are transmitting voice data or not. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160205238 | MOBILE DEVICE CONTEXT AWARE DETERMINATIONS | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160205500 | AIRCRAFT CONTAINER TRACKING DEVICE | 07-14-2016 |
