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.

BACKGROUND

Mobile devices such as wireless devices, including, for example, cellular telephones, smart phones, laptop computers, notebook computers, tablet devices (e.g., iPad by Apple®) are ubiquitous in modern society. Use of such mobile devices while operating a vehicle, however, can be hazardous. The problem is exacerbated for inexperienced operators of the vehicle, such as youngsters just learning how to drive. Rates of vehicular accidents where mobile devices are involved are rising, especially with teenagers. Text messaging while operating a moving vehicle can be dangerous and has been linked with causing accidents. More generally, operating any keyboard while operating a vehicle can be dangerous.

Thus, the widespread adoption of mobile devices and common use of the devices while driving has raised concerns about the distraction of drivers. A driver speaking or text messaging on a mobile telephone may become mentally distracted from driving and lose control of the vehicle that he or she is driving. Thus, it is not uncommon to see an individual involved in an accident who was speaking or text messaging on a mobile device rather than paying attention to the road. Studies now suggest that individuals speaking on mobile telephones while driving a car may be as impaired as a person who drives while intoxicated. Not only is the driver mentally distracted, but eyes of the driver are diverted for dialing, looking to see who an incoming call is from.

It would be highly desirable to detect the presence of a mobile device such as a wireless device within a vehicle and control or disable the operation of the mobile device.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a method for determining the presence of a mobile device located in a predetermined detection zone within a vehicle is provided. A detection module receives a communication signal. The detection module determines that the communication signal was transmitted by a mobile device located within a predetermined detection zone within a vehicle. A control module transmits a control signal to the mobile device located within the predetermined detection zone.

DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes embodiments of an apparatus, system, and method for detecting the presence of a mobile device such as a wireless device and controlling or disabling the operation of the mobile device when it is detected. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to embodiments of an apparatus, system, and method for detecting the presence of a mobile device such as a wireless device in a predetermined location within a vehicle and disabling some or all of the functions of the mobile device when it is detected in the predetermined location. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to automatically preventing a person in the driver's seat of a vehicle from text messaging and doing other similar excessively dangerous activities with the mobile device.

It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular aspects or embodiments described, as such may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects or embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the apparatus, system, and method for detecting the presence of a mobile device within a vehicle and controlling the operation of the mobile device when it is detected is defined only by the appended claims.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides an apparatus, system and method for detecting and restricting the use of mobile devices within a vehicle, whether the vehicle is moving or stationary. Mobile devices, such as wireless devices, may include without limitation, for example, cellular telephones, smart phones, laptop computers, notebook computers, tablet devices (e.g., iPad by Apple®), Netbook®, among other wireless mobile devices that a user can interact with while located in a vehicle. In one embodiment, the presence of a mobile device in the driver's side area of the vehicle is detected by at least one sensor located within the vehicle. When the presence of the mobile device is detected, the operation of the mobile device is controlled, disabled, or modified with respect to the person located in the driver side area of the vehicle but not with respect to other persons located in other areas of the vehicle.

FIG. 1illustrates a vehicle100that includes a cabin104for accommodating an individual in a driver seat106. It will be appreciated in accordance with the present disclosure that the term vehicle is used broadly and is meant to include any kind of transportation vehicle. For example, the vehicle100may be any type of automobile, truck, sport utility vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, spacecraft, or any other means of transportation, or combinations thereof, where communications by the driver using a mobile device is to be detected and controlled.

Disposed on or within the dashboard108of the vehicle100is a mobile device detection and control system102. In one embodiment, the mobile device detection and control system102is configured to detect the presence of a mobile device located in the driver seat106side of the vehicle100and control the operation of the mobile device by either jamming the mobile device, jamming certain functions or aspects of the mobile device, or redirecting the operation of the mobile device to a hands-free alternate system. In other embodiments, at least some elements or components of the mobile device detection and control system102may be located in other areas of the vehicle100.

It may be desirable to place detection and jamming elements of the mobile device detection and control system102as close to the driver as possible. For example, sensors and directional antennas of the mobile device detection and control system102may be located in proximity of the driver seat106. This configuration provides the more precise detection of the presence of the mobile device in the driver seat106side of the vehicle100and prevents interference with other mobile devices or other persons located within the vehicle100to allow persons in the passenger seats to use the mobile device while the driver is unable to. Other elements or components such as control logic may be located in other locations of the vehicle100away from the driver seat106.

In one embodiment, the mobile device detection and control system102is configured to detect signal transmissions from mobile devices located in or proximity of a detection zone. In accordance with the described embodiments, the detection zone is defined as a zone substantially in or in proximity of the driver seat106side of the vehicle100. In other embodiments, however, the detection zone may be any predefined zone within the vehicle100, without limitation. In one aspect, the detection portion of the mobile device detection and control system102may tuned to detect signal transmissions in frequency bands used by conventional mobile telephones operating in common cellular channels. Once the signals are detected, the mobile device detection and control system102wirelessly controls the operation of the mobile device in one or more ways. For example, in one embodiment, the mobile device detection and control system102transmits control signal to disable the operation of the mobile device by way of jamming signals that interfere with the communication mechanism of the mobile device. While the jamming signals are transmitted, the mobile device or other communication device within the detection zone is rendered either inoperable or operable only in a state of limited capacity. The jamming signals forcibly interfere with the communication mechanism of the mobile device by broadcasting noise or other signals on one or more channels used by the mobile device. In other embodiments, a jamming signal may be interpreted by the mobile device to disable one or more functions of the mobile device. In such an embodiment, the jamming signal may be communicated to the mobile device through a secondary channel, such as a Bluetooth wireless connection or any other connection that is secondary to the primary cellular communication channel. In some embodiments, the jamming module may communicate on the primary communication channel of the mobile device only or in addition to one or more secondary channels.

Accordingly, the mobile device detection and control system102can either completely block the ability to receive or send a call on a mobile device, or sufficiently interfere with the mobile device signal so as to make the mobile device usage undesirable. For example, if the jamming signal simply interrupts a sufficient portion of the conversation, the user will simply either postpone the conversation or pull over so the conversation can continue uninterrupted. In another embodiment, the mobile device detection and control system102may disable the operation of certain components or functions of the mobile device. For example, the keyboard portion of the mobile device may be jammed to prevent the user from using the text messaging function of the mobile device. In another embodiment, the mobile device detection and control system102may direct the operation of the mobile device to a hands-free operation. These and other embodiments are discussed in more detail hereinbelow.

In one embodiment, the mobile device detection and control system102initiates the detection process by transmitting probing signals to detect the presence of a mobile device within a detection zone. Once the probing signals are transmitted, the detection and control system102waits for an echo signal reflected by the mobile device or a response signal transmitted by the mobile device. If the detection and control system102detects the echo signal or a transmission by the mobile device, the detection and control system102transmits a control signal to control the operation of the mobile device. For example, in one embodiment, the detection and control system102transmits a control signal to disable the operation of the mobile device by way of jamming signals that interfere with the communication mechanism of the mobile device. In another embodiment, the detection and control system102may reroute communications to a hands-free system, such as a Bluetooth communication system.

FIG. 2illustrates one embodiment of a mobile device detection and control system102. In one embodiment, the mobile device detection and control system102is configured to detect the presence of a mobile device200located in or in proximity of the driver seat106area of the vehicle100. Once the mobile device200is detected, the mobile device detection and control system102is configured to control the operation of the mobile device200. In one embodiment, the mobile device detection and control system102comprises a detector module202and a control module204coupled to the detector module202. The detector module202comprises a multi-band antenna208to receive signal transmissions from the mobile device200and the control module204comprises an antenna210to transmit control signal to the mobile device200. In various embodiments, the detector module202and the control module204may share an antenna when these components are located in proximity of each other.

In various embodiments, the mobile device200may be implemented as a handheld portable device, computer, mobile telephone, sometimes referred to as a smartphone, tablet personal computer (PC), laptop computer, or any combination thereof. Examples of smartphones include, for example, Palm® products such as Palm® Treo® smartphones (now Hewlett Packard or HP), Blackberry® smart phones, Apple® iPhone®, Motorola Droid®, and the like. Tablet devices include the iPad® tablet computer by Apple® and more generally a class of lightweight portable computers known as Netbooks. In some embodiments, the mobile device200may be comprise, or be implemented as, any type of wireless device, mobile station, or portable computing device with a self-contained power source (e.g., battery) such as a laptop computer, ultra-laptop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA) with communications capabilities, cellular telephone, combination cellular telephone/PDA, mobile unit, subscriber station, user terminal, portable computer, handheld computer, palmtop computer, wearable computer, media player, pager, messaging device, data communication device, and so forth.

In one embodiment, the detector module202is configured to detect presence of the mobile device200located within a detection zone220defined as a three-dimensional zone within or in proximity of the driver seat106. Methods of detecting the presence of the mobile device200may vary based on the wireless technology communication standards used by the mobile device200. Examples of wireless technology communication standards that may be used In the United States, for example, may include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) systems, North American Digital Cellular (NADC) systems, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems, Extended-TDMA (E-TDMA) systems, Narrowband Advanced Mobile Phone Service (NAMPS) systems, 3G systems such as Wide-band CDMA (WCDMA), 4G systems, CDMA-2000, Universal Mobile Telephone System (UMTS) systems, Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN) (a TDMA/GSM variant) and so forth. These wireless communications standards are fully familiar to those of ordinary skill in the art. The frequency and signal strength of the radio frequency (RF) signals transmitted by the mobile device200depend on the network type and communication standard. The detector module202detects the RF signal, or simply electromagnetic energy radiation, transmitted by the mobile device200, generally speaking. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the detector module202may be configured to lock onto specific cellular frequencies or cellular frequency bands or may be configured to scan all the available cellular frequencies or cellular frequency bands and lock onto the RF signal emitted by the mobile device200.

In one embodiment, the detector module202may comprise a sensor module216coupled to the multi-band antenna208. The sensor module216may be tuned to detect energy at a predetermined signal strength in the electromagnetic signal206, e.g., RF signal, emitted by the mobile device200and received by the antenna208. It will be appreciated that the signal strength or power of the energy radiated by the electromagnetic signal206emitted by the mobile device200will be greatest when the mobile device200is making an outbound call or otherwise communicating with a cellular base station (e.g., searching for base station signals or in contact with a base station or cell). Very little energy in the electromagnetic signal206is radiated when the mobile device200is turned off or when it is not communicating with the cellular base station. In the latter case, when the mobile device200is turned on but is not communicating with the cellular base station, the mobile device200possibly may be detected only if the detector module202comprises extremely sensitive components. Most conventional mobile devices200radiate energy at a power level ranging from about 0.5 milliwatts (mW) to about several hundred mW. A detector module202of suitable sensitivity can be configured to detect electromagnetic signals206in this range of power level. Many radio electronic equipment are capable of detecting low-level power in the electromagnetic signal206and is one reason why airlines are very sensitive about electronic equipment that operates at key points of the flight, why some electronic equipment should be turned off near blast sites, and why cellular phones should be turned off around some types of hospital equipment.

It is well known that a mobile device200, such as, for example, a cellular telephone using the GSM standard, generates detectable radio interference. It is well known to users of GSM cellular telephones that if the cellular telephone is used in the vicinity of an electronic device (such as, for example, a radio receiver, stereo system, TV set, a wired/fixed telephone or even another GSM cell phone), the radio transmissions from the GSM cell phone may be inadvertently “picked up” by the electronic device and a signal proportional to the envelope of the radio transmission may be produced inside the electronic device. In fact, this typically unwanted signal may even disrupt the operation of the electronic device. For example, it is particularly well known that GSM cellular telephones present a potential hazard for wearers of heart pacemakers, as the GSM signal may disrupt proper pacemaker operation if the phone is very near to the wearer's chest.

In one embodiment, the sensor module216is configured to exploit the detectable radio interference of the electromagnetic signal206generated by the mobile device200when it is communicating with the cellular base station. When the sensor module216of the detector module202detects the electromagnetic signal206, it assumes the presence of a mobile device200located within the detection zone220, i.e., in or in proximity of the driver seat106, and communicates a signal212to the control module204. Disposed in communication with the control module204is a jamming module218. In one embodiment, when the control module204receives the signal212from the detection module, the jamming module218transmits a jamming signal214via the antenna210that is detectable only by the mobile device200when located in the detection zone220. In various embodiments, the electromagnetic jamming signal214may be a signal that disables the operation of the mobile device200, may disable certain functionality of the mobile device200, or may redirect the operation of the mobile device200to a hands-free operation. The control module204may be disposed in communication with a system of the vehicle100, such as the ignition system224, the gear box226, or a variety of sensors228. The control module204logic then monitors a function of a system of the vehicle100in addition to the detection of the presence of the mobile device200. Accordingly, the jamming module218would be activated only when a monitored function of the vehicle100is activated. For example, when the sensor module216detects the presence of a mobile device200in the detection zone220, the jamming module218would be activated only when the vehicle100is turned on, when the vehicle100is moved out of park or otherwise put in gear, or when one or more sensors detect that the operation of the vehicle100.

In one embodiment, the sensor module216may comprise an energy harvester to harvest the energy in the electromagnetic signal206transmitted by the mobile device200. The energy harvester receives the radiated energy at the antenna208and converts the energy into a voltage potential to energize the detector module202and communicate the signal212to the control module204. In other embodiments, the energy harvester may be separate from the sensor module216and the voltage potential produced by the energy harvester may be used to energize the sensor module216. In any embodiment, the voltage potential produced by the energy harvester is employed to determine the presence of a mobile device200in the detection zone220. Accordingly, the sensitivity of the sensor module216is adjusted such that the energy harvester is sensitive only to the radiated energy levels that typically occur when the mobile device200is located within the detection zone220and not sensitive to electromagnetic energy transmitted by mobile devices222located outside the detection zone220. In this manner, passengers can freely use their mobile devices222outside the detection zone220without triggering the detector module202.

In other embodiments, the detector module202may be coupled to the electrical system of the vehicle100and powered by the vehicle battery, or may be powered by a separate battery. In such embodiments, the detector module202comprises a frequency scanning and power level measurement module that measures the power of the electromagnetic signal206transmitted by the mobile device200. Accordingly, the sensitivity of the detector module202can be tuned to trigger the detection signal212when the detector module202detects transmit power levels that correspond to the mobile device200being located in the detection zone220without triggering the detection signal212for transmit power levels corresponding to the mobile devices222located outside the detection zone220. This may be accomplished by strategically locating a directional multi-band antenna208such that it is maximally sensitive to transmit power level radiated by the mobile device200located in the detection zone220and minimally sensitive to transmit power levels to the mobile devices222located outside the detection zone220.

In one embodiment, the control module204may comprise a communications jamming module218coupled to the antenna210. The jamming module218is disposed in communication with the antenna210. The antenna210emits a jamming signal214to thereby disrupt mobile device200signals and prevent or otherwise interfere with the ability to make or receive calls with the mobile device200. The jamming module218and the antenna210may be powered by the electrical system of the vehicle100, or may be powered by a separate battery. The jamming module218may be any device that transmits a jamming signal214that causes interference or inoperability of the mobile device200. In some embodiments, the jamming module218may broadcast noise or a specialized signal that is selected to interfere with one or more of the communications frequencies of the mobile device200. For example, the jamming module218may broadcast noise or a repeated interfering signal on the control channel frequencies for a cellular phone system. In some embodiments, the jamming module218may transmit on a narrow frequency band, while in other embodiments a very broad frequency band may be selected. The precise method for interfering with the mobile device200by the jamming module218is dependent on the transmission and reception characteristics of the mobile device200. Those skilled in the art may use any appropriate jamming module218for any specific mobile device200device contemplated.

In accordance with one aspect, the jamming module218may be mounted in the vehicle100. When activated, the jamming module218inhibits the ability to send or receive a mobile telephone call with a mobile terminal200located in the detection zone220. Depending on the wattage of the jamming module218(or the use of a directional antenna), the zone in which the mobile device200is jammed may be controlled. Thus, for example, the jamming module218may be set to effectively jam telephone calls to or from the mobile device200for a space of 1-3 feet from the location of the jamming device218, or in a direction which interferes with the ability of the driver to receive a telephone call, place a telephone call, or send a text message but not interfere with other passengers' ability to receive or initiate mobile telephone calls or send test messages.

In one embodiment, the antenna210may be positioned under the dashboard of the vehicle100or up on the driver side windshield. Alternatively, a directional antenna could be placed in the driver's seat to interfere with the driver making calls or sending text messages.

In one embodiment, the control module204may be used to prevent communications by the operator of the vehicle100when the mobile device200is detected in the detection zone220in combination with either an ignition switch, transmission switch, or other vehicular sensor mechanism. In one embodiment, an ignition switch may be monitored to cause the jamming module218to broadcast only when a mobile device200is detected in the driver seat106side of the vehicle100and the ignition switch is turned on, which would require the operator of the vehicle100to shut down the vehicle100to establish outside communications. The jamming module218would prevent any further communications until the vehicle100was switched off. In another embodiment, the jamming module218may be activated only when a mobile device200is detected in the detection zone220and an automatic transmission in the vehicle100is moved out of “park” and into a position where the vehicle100may move. When such a system is in place, the operator of the vehicle100must stop the vehicle100and either move the transmission to “park” or turn off the engine to operate the mobile device200.

In one embodiment, the jamming module218may be configured to operate within the confines of the vehicle100. In some cases, the antenna210coupled to the jamming module218of the control module204may be configured with a predetermined power level and directional attributes to direct the jamming signals214merely in the detection zone220such that other occupants of the vehicle100can continue to operate other mobile devices222. In such cases, the jamming signals214may be generally confined within the detection zone220of the vehicle100. In some embodiments, the jamming signals214may be localized to other areas within the vehicle100so that operation of a mobile device in that area is disabled, but leaving other mobile devices outside of that area operational.

In various embodiments, the antenna210and power level of the jamming signal214may be configured to deliver the jamming signal very precisely to the detection zone220. In one embodiment, this may be implemented with a directional antenna located within the vehicle100where maximum jamming is delivered to the detection zone220and minimal jamming power is delivered outside the jamming zone220. In such embodiments, the detector module202may be configured to indiscriminately detect any transmissions from all mobile devices200,222within the vehicle100and the jamming module218would only transmit jamming signals to the detection zone220to jam the mobile device200within the detection zone220without affecting the mobile devices22outside the detection zone220. Such implementation would not care whether or not a mobile device is located within the detection zone220, thus simplifying the design of the detector module202.

In one embodiment, the jamming module218may permit incoming calls to the mobile device200but prohibit outgoing calls to the mobile device200. When the detector module202detects the energy in the electromagnetic signal206from an attempted outgoing call by the mobile device200, the signal212activates the jamming signal214. In such an embodiment, the detector module202may comprise additional modules to discern the identity of the mobile device200and enable the control module204to transmit the jamming signal214after the identity of the mobile device200is confirmed.

In other embodiments, the sensor module216may be used to detect and permit or deny any type of operation of the mobile device200. For example, calls may be received by the mobile device200but placed calls may be jammed. In another example, some calls, such as emergency calls, may be permitted to be placed while other outgoing calls are jammed. Any other function of the mobile device200that may be detected may be selectively permitted or disabled by the jamming module218.

In one embodiment, the mobile device200may receive the jamming signal214and operate in a reduced function mode. For example, the mobile device200may be prohibited from initiating a phone call except for emergency calls to 911. In another example, the mobile device200may be permitted to receive all calls or calls from a predefined list of callers while being prohibited from placing calls. Various reduced function modes may be used and in some embodiments a setting may define the precise operations allowed.

In one embodiment, control module204initiates the detection process by transmitting probing signals to detect the presence of a mobile device200within a detection zone220. Once the probing signals are transmitted, the detector module202waits for an echo signal reflected by the mobile device200or a response signal transmitted by the mobile device200. If the detector module202detects the echo signal or a transmission by the mobile device200, the control module204transmits a control signal to control the operation of the mobile device200. For example, in one embodiment, jamming module218transmits a control signal to disable the operation of the mobile device200by way of jamming signals214that interfere with the communication mechanism of the mobile device200. In another embodiment, the control module204may reroute communications to a hands-free system, such as a Bluetooth communication system.

FIG. 3illustrates one embodiment of a power sensor circuit300for detecting the energy radiated by the electromagnetic signal206transmitted by the mobile device200. The illustrated power sensor circuit300is one embodiment of a sensor module216described in connection withFIG. 2. The power sensor circuit300also converts the energy in the radiated electromagnetic signal206to a voltage potential indicative of the location of the mobile device200. In the illustrated embodiment, the power sensor circuit300is not connected to the power source of the vehicle100or to a separate battery. Rather, the power sensor circuit300is one implementation of an energy harvester circuit which derives its power only from the energy radiated by the electromagnetic signal206transmitted by the mobile device200. The electromagnetic signal206detected by the antenna208is filtered by tuning circuit306to match the most common frequency bands used by mobile devices. In one embodiment, the tuning circuit306may comprise an inductor L and a capacitor C selected to tune the power sensor circuit300to the desired frequency band. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the tuning circuit may be implemented using digital or analog tuning techniques and therefore the embodiment disclosed inFIG. 3is not limiting.

The diode Drfis an RF diode and acts to partially rectify the electromagnetic signal206received by the antenna208and tuned by the L-C circuit. The output of the RF diode charges a capacitor Coto a predetermined potential Vd. Thus, the power sensor circuit300converts the radiated electromagnetic signal206to a voltage potential Vdthat corresponds to the location of the mobile device200within the vehicle100. With reference now to bothFIGS. 2 and 3, when the voltage potential Vdacross the output capacitor Coexceeds a predetermined level, it indicates the presence of a mobile device200within the detection zone220. The voltage potential Vdis compared to a threshold voltage Vtby a comparator306. The threshold voltage Vtis predetermined as the voltage level corresponding to the mobile device200being located in the detection zone220. The output of the comparator306is provided to a detection logic module304, which may be part of the detector module202. The detection logic module304then generates a detection signal212and communicates the detection signal212to the control module204. Upon receiving the detection signal212, the control module204activates the jamming module218to interfere with the operation of the mobile device200. As previously discussed, in certain embodiments, the jamming module218may be activated only if other logical conditions are met such as the state of the ignition system, the gear box, or other sensors.

Still with reference toFIGS. 2 and 3, it may be desirable to determine when to shut off the jamming module218. Accordingly, in one embodiment, once the Vdsignal is provided to the control module204, the detection logic module304activates a switch302to discharge the output capacitor Co. Substantially at the same time, the jamming circuit218is turned off. If the mobile device200is still activated in the detection zone220, the electromagnetic signal208would be picked up by the antenna208to charge the capacitor Coand generate a voltage potential Vdto activate the jamming module218. This cycle would be repeated until the mobile device200is either removed from the detection zone220such that the radiated electromagnetic signal208is too weak to activate the power sensor circuit300or the mobile device200is deactivated or shut off such that there is little or no radiated electromagnetic signal208.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3, the tuning circuit306may be implemented to have a bandwidth encompassing the most popular cellular telephone frequencies. Since the tuning circuit306is fixed, it is tuned to a wide frequency band to receive electromagnetic signals208from about 0.8 to about 2 GHz, as shown in TABLE 1 below. In other embodiments, however, as described in connection withFIG. 4, the tuning circuit306may include a frequency band scanner to switch between multiple tuning elements and scan the detection zone220for multiple frequencies to more precisely tune the power sensor circuit300to the appropriate frequency band of the mobile device200located in the detection zone220.

FIG. 4illustrates one embodiment of a power sensor circuit400comprising a tuning circuit406with a scanner402in series with the antenna208. The scanner402is controlled by the logic module404and sweeps multiple frequency bands. With reference now toFIGS. 2-4, the logic module404periodically switches tuning elements L1, L2, Ln, into the tuning circuit406to monitor various frequency bands associated with the mobile device200located in the detection zone220. The voltage potential Vdis compared to a threshold voltage Vtby a comparator406. The threshold voltage Vtis predetermined as the voltage level corresponding to the mobile device200being located in the detection zone220. In other respects, the power sensor circuit400shown inFIG. 4operates in a manner similar to the power sensor circuit300shown inFIG. 3.

FIG. 5illustrates a schematic diagram of a multi-band detector500for monitoring uplink activity of the mobile device200. In the illustrated embodiment, the multi-band detector500provides high-speed scanning of cell phone uplink frequency bands for CDMA, GSM, PCS, and WCDMA. An uni-directional multi-band antenna508receives signals506from a mobile device located in the detection zone220. A scanner510continuously scans CDMA, GSM, PCS, and WCDMA frequency bands for mobile devices200located in the detection zone220that are in active or idle state. A detector module502provides a detection signal512to the control module504for activating a jamming module when a signal506is detected, as previously discussed. The up-link frequencies covered by the multi-band detector500shown inFIG. 5are listed in TABLE 1 below.

The multi-band detector500may be implemented using a variety of components to detect radiated energy in the signal506received by the uni-directional multi-band antenna508and make RF power measurements at low levels by the detector module502in order to detect the presence of a mobile device200in the detection zone220. The RF power level may be measured directly or may be sampled. Recently, a number of integrated RF power detectors have become available, intended for wireless networking and mobile telephone applications. Since these integrated circuits are produced in high-volume using integrated-circuit technology, they are consistent and inexpensive—often cheaper than typical microwave diodes, such as RF diode Drfshown inFIGS. 3 and 4. Many of them are specified for operation into the GHz region, covering several amateur microwave bands, and a few operate to 10 GHz and beyond.

In one embodiment, the RF power detector module502may be implemented with an LTC5508 integrated circuit from Linear Technologies rated up to 7 GHz, which is well within the bandwidth required for mobile devices frequency bands shown in TABLE 1. This integrated circuit requires operate a few milliamps at 3 to 5 volts and would be connected to the power supply of the vehicle or to a separate battery. An LT5534 logarithmic-amplifier type detector rated up to 3 GHz with 60 dB of dynamic range may be employed to amplify the RF power signal detected by the LTC5508 integrated circuit.

The multi-band detector500may be employed to measure RF power transmitted by the mobile device200and also antenna radiation pattern measurement. The sensitivity of the multi-band detector500may be useful for low-level power measurements as an “RF Sniffer” to detect RF leakage from the mobile device200. The multi-band detector500provides fast response so that it may be used to detect modulation and to detect noise levels from the multi-band antenna506.

FIG. 6illustrates an interior portion of the vehicle100comprising one embodiment of the mobile device detection and control system102located within the dashboard108of the vehicle100.FIG. 6illustrates three potential locations within the dashboard108where the mobile device detection and control system102can be located. It will be appreciated that the detection and control system102may be located in one or more of these locations on or within the dashboard108. It would be preferable that the detection and control system102be located within the dashboard108to prevent user tampering. Accordingly, the detection and control system102is shown is phantom to indicate that the detection and control system102is located within the dashboard108. In another embodiment, the control module203may be configured with a data collection process to record a situation when the detection and control system102was deactivated by an owner of the vehicle100with or without the help of a car mechanic. Such tamper recording and detection feature may be helpful in post accident investigations to determine if the detection and control system102was disabled and thus voiding insurance coverage, for example.

With reference now toFIGS. 1-6, the mobile device detection and control system102comprises a detector module202and a control module204coupled to the detector module202. The detector module202detects the presence of a mobile device200within the detection zone220(“Discovery Umbrella”). When the detector module202detects the presence of a mobile device200within the detection zone220, the control module204activates the jamming module218, which transmits the control signal214. The control signal214interferes with the operation of the mobile device200when it is located within the detection zone220without interfering with mobile devices222located outside the detection zone220.

In one embodiment, the mobile device detection and control system102may be triggered when the driver enters the vehicle100. Upon being triggered, the mobile device detection and control system102is initialized and goes into detection mode to establish a no-communication system (“NoCom system”). The detection mode is a process wherein the mobile device detection and control system102, through one or more sensor(s) and logic detects the presence of all electromagnetic signals206such as RF, Wi-Fi, Cellular, and Satellite communications signals from the mobile device200. In one embodiment, the detection process is initiated by the mobile device detection and control system102, which is not dependent upon a driver's interaction to initiate the detection process. Decoupling the process from the driver, young and old, is advantageous because it avoids reliance on self policing, which currently has failed to work even with laws presently enacted. Thus, the triggering condition may be the activation of a switch such as the ignition switch602of the vehicle100or deactivation of a “park” sensor604of an automatic transmission of the vehicle100, among other sensors.

Accordingly, upon ignition of the vehicle100, the mobile device detection and control system102would initiate the detection process via logic that controls the operation of the detection module202and the control module204. In accordance with the detection process, logic would instruct the sensor module216to initiate sensing or scanning for any type of communication signals206emitted by the mobile device200within the detection220within the driver side106area of the vehicle100. In one embodiment, the sensor module216may be located within the dashboard108console and or within a microphone of a hands-free set. This configuration would hide the sensor module216and prevent drivers from tampering with the mobile device detection and control system102by blocking the sensor module216or prevent activation of the detection process. In one embodiment, the sensor module216may be coupled to the ignition602to render the vehicle100inoperable if the sensor module216is blocked.

The logic provides a detection process for detecting communication signals206emitted by the mobile device200located within the detection zone220to prevent the driver from adequately using the mobile device200. The detection process will detect and take control of the driver side mobile device200. The logic, however, will not prevent passengers from using their mobile devices222outside the detection zone220.

Once the detection process is initiated, if the mobile device200is a smart phone and is detected within the detection zone220, in one embodiment, the mobile device detection and control system102can automatically connect to the vehicle100hands-free communication system. If no hands-free communication system is available, the mobile device200would be disabled by the control signals214transmitted by the jamming module218. Nevertheless, the mobile device detection and control system102would always allow emergency 911 calls.

Additionally, once the detection process is initiated, if the mobile device200is a smart phone and is detected within the detection zone220, in one embodiment, the mobile device detection and control system102is configured to disable inbound/outbound text messaging features of the mobile device200. In one embodiment, all inbound text messages would be saved as is the case currently. In one embodiment, the mobile device detection and control system102is configured through logic to read back the text via the Bluetooth/hands-free system as well as reply via voice activated text via the Bluetooth/hands-free communication system. In such an embodiment, the jamming module216may communicate with the mobile device200through a secondary channel, such as a Bluetooth wireless connection or any other connection that is secondary to the primary cellular communication channel. In some embodiments, the jamming module216may communicate only on the primary communication channel of the mobile device200or in addition to one or more secondary cellular communication channels.

Moreover, once the detection process is initiated, if the mobile device200is a smart phone and is detected within the detection zone220, in one embodiment, the mobile device detection and control system102is configured to disable inbound/outbound emailing features. In one embodiment, all inbound emails would be saved as is the case currently. The mobile device detection and control system102is configured through the logic module to read back the email via the Bluetooth/hands-free system as well as reply via voice activated email via the Bluetooth/hands-free communication system.

Furthermore, once the detection process is initiated, if the mobile device200is an iPad® or a Netbook® device and is detected within the detection zone220, in one embodiment, the mobile device detection and control system102is configured to disable inbound/outbound text messaging/emailing features. All inbound emails would be saved as is the case currently. The mobile device detection and control system102is configured through the logic module to read back the email/text via the Bluetooth/hands-free system as well as reply via voice activated email/text via the Bluetooth/hands-free communication system.

FIG. 7illustrates one embodiment of a logic diagram700for determining the presence of a mobile device located in a predetermined detection zone within a vehicle. With reference now toFIGS. 1-7, in one embodiment, the detection module202receives 702 a communication signal206. The detection mule202determines704that the communication signal206was transmitted by a mobile device200located within a predetermined detection zone220within a vehicle100. The control module204transmits706a control signal214to the mobile device200located within the predetermined detection zone220.

In one embodiment, the detection module202transmits a detection signal212to the control module204when a voltage potential Vdsubstantially equals a predetermined threshold value Vt, wherein the voltage potential of the predetermined threshold value Vtindicates the presence of the mobile device200within the predetermined detection zone220.

In one embodiment, the detection module202scans for a plurality frequency bands associated with the mobile device200. The radiated power level of the communication signal206in the plurality of frequency bands received by the detection module202are monitored by the detection module202. The detection module202transmits a detection signal212to the control module204when the measured radiated power level substantially equals at least predetermined value Vt.

In one embodiment, the detection module202harvests the energy in the received communication signal206and generates a voltage potential corresponding to the location of the mobile device200within the detection zone220.

In one embodiment, the control module204monitors a functional system of the vehicle100. The transmission of the control signal214is activated when the monitored functional system is activated and the detection module202determines that the communication signal was transmitted by the mobile device200located within the predetermined detection zone220. In one embodiment, the functional system of the vehicle100is any one of an ignition system224, a transmission system226, and a sensor228.

In one embodiment, when the control module204receives the detection signal212, the control module204either jams the mobile device200, jams at least one function of the mobile device200, or redirects the operation of the mobile device200to a hands-free alternate system.

In various embodiments, the mobile device200may be configured to provide voice and/or data communications functionality in accordance with different types of wireless network systems or protocols. Examples of suitable wireless network systems offering data communication services may include the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.xx series of protocols, such as the IEEE 802.1a/b/g/n series of standard protocols and variants (also referred to as “WiFi”), the IEEE 802.16 series of standard protocols and variants (also referred to as “WiMAX”), the IEEE 802.20 series of standard protocols and variants, and so forth. Additionally, the mobile device200may utilize different types of shorter range wireless systems, such as a Bluetooth system operating in accordance with the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) series of protocols, including Bluetooth Specification versions v1.0, v1.1, v1.2, v1.0, v2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate (EDR), as well as one or more Bluetooth Profiles, and so forth. Other examples may include systems using infrared techniques or near-field communication techniques and protocols, such as electromagnetic induction (EMI) techniques. An example of EMI techniques may include passive or active radio-frequency identification (RFID) protocols and devices.

The various illustrative functional elements, logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor can be part of a computer system that also has a user interface port that communicates with a user interface, and which receives commands entered by a user, has at least one memory (e.g., hard drive or other comparable storage, and random access memory) that stores electronic information including a program that operates under control of the processor and with communication via the user interface port, and a video output that produces its output via any kind of video output format.

The functions of the various functional elements, logical blocks, modules, and circuits elements described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be performed through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing software in association with appropriate software. When provided by a processor, the functions may be provided by a single dedicated processor, by a single shared processor, or by a plurality of individual processors, some of which may be shared. Moreover, explicit use of the term “processor” or “controller” should not be construed to refer exclusively to hardware capable of executing software, and may implicitly include, without limitation, DSP hardware, read-only memory (ROM) for storing software, random access memory (RAM), and non-volatile storage. Other hardware, conventional and/or custom, may also be included. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the implementer as more specifically understood from the context.

The various functional elements, logical blocks, modules, and circuits elements described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may comprise a processing unit for executing software program instructions to provide computing and processing operations for the mobile device detection and control system102. The processing unit may be responsible for performing various voice and data communications operations between the mobile device200and the hands-free system. Although the processing unit may include a single processor architecture, it may be appreciated that any suitable processor architecture and/or any suitable number of processors in accordance with the described embodiments. In one embodiment, the processing unit may be implemented using a single integrated processor.

The functions of the various functional elements, logical blocks, modules, and circuits elements described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented in the general context of computer executable instructions, such as software, control modules, logic, and/or logic modules executed by the processing unit. Generally, software, control modules, logic, and/or logic modules include any software element arranged to perform particular operations. Software, control modules, logic, and/or logic modules can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures and the like that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. An implementation of the software, control modules, logic, and/or logic modules and techniques may be stored on and/or transmitted across some form of computer-readable media. In this regard, computer-readable media can be any available medium or media useable to store information and accessible by a computing device. Some embodiments also may be practiced in distributed computing environments where operations are performed by one or more remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, software, control modules, logic, and/or logic modules may be located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices.

Additionally, it is to be appreciated that the embodiments described herein illustrate example implementations, and that the functional elements, logical blocks, modules, and circuits elements may be implemented in various other ways which are consistent with the described embodiments. Furthermore, the operations performed by such functional elements, logical blocks, modules, and circuits elements may be combined and/or separated for a given implementation and may be performed by a greater number or fewer number of components or modules. As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the present disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several aspects without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Any recited method can be carried out in the order of events recited or in any other order which is logically possible.

It is worthy to note that any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “in one aspect” in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, it may be appreciated that terms such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,” or the like, refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, such as a general purpose processor, a DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein that manipulates and/or transforms data represented as physical quantities (e.g., electronic) within registers and/or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the memories, registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

It will be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure and are included within the scope thereof. Furthermore, all examples and conditional language recited herein are principally intended to aid the reader in understanding the principles described in the present disclosure and the concepts contributed to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents and equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure. The scope of the present disclosure, therefore, is not intended to be limited to the exemplary aspects and aspects shown and described herein. Rather, the scope of present disclosure is embodied by the appended claims.

The terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents used in the context of the present disclosure (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”, “in the case”, “by way of example”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as solely, only and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a negative limitation.