Patent ID: 8280438
Filing Date: 2012-10-02
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
1. A portable electronic device system, comprising: (a) a portable electronic device having a user interface, wherein the portable electronic device is operable to provide a plurality of functions in response to user input received through the user interface, wherein the portable electronic device is configured to be used independently of a vehicle; (b) a speed detector in communication with the portable electronic device, wherein the speed detector is configured to detect a linear traveling speed of the portable electronic device, wherein the speed detector is configured to generate and communicate a speed signal indicative of the detected linear traveling speed, wherein at least a portion of the speed detector is located within the portable electronic device; (c) a safety circuit in communication with the speed detector and the portable electronic device, wherein the safety circuit is configured to receive the speed signal communicated from the speed detector, where the safety circuit includes a threshold logic, wherein the threshold logic is configured to compare the speed indicated by the speed signal to a threshold, wherein the safety circuit is further configured to disable at least one of the functions of the portable electronic device in response to detecting that the speed indicated by the speed signal is in excess of the threshold in accordance with the threshold logic; and (d) a consumer input logic in communication with the safety circuit, wherein the consumer input logic is configured to receive input from a consumer of the portable electronic device indicating a consumer preference relating to activation of the safety circuit, wherein the safety circuit is subject to selective activation in accordance with a consumer preference indicated through the consumer input logic.