Central control for comm blocker

A system and method for centrally controlling a plurality of mobile communication device(s). The system and method provides for central control of mobile device(s) loading, configuring, security, reporting, and safety of said mobile device operation. The system and method will recognize, record, and report any bypass, hacking, or otherwise misuse of the mobile device that potentially affects safety by way of distraction of the operator or associated persons or personal property. Personal codes are provided for where device operation through “hands free” operation by such as Bluetooth headsets is appropriate or other exceptions. Emergency codes are provided for as such emergency operations may be necessary. All uses of preset codes (Emergency and Personal) are recognized, recorded, and reported to the pre-established central control address. Further, some devices can be blocked or restricted during work periods that are sensitive when communication is not allowed. During blocked time preset codes can be used for personal and emergency reasons these uses will be recognized, recorded, and reported to the pre-established central control address.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1shows a typical Comm Blocker activation. A administrative central control for Comm Blocker computer101can be any appropriate computing device (with connection to Internet and radio connection(s) including WiFi and Bluetooth or otherwise remote connnection) such as a desk top, laptop, tablet or smart phone and is configured with a Central Control for Comm Blocker operational program running on the administrative computer101. An operator103connects to intended devices thru an operator interface105to the desired cellular device107thru hardwire or radio signals such as WiFi, Bluetooth, or similar radiated signals. Once communication is established thru the appropriate method the operator103can begin the device107activation sequences.

FIG. 2shows a typical Comm Blocker activation sequence. The operator103with the central control for Comm Blocker operational program running on the administrative computer101shown inFIG. 1will start the sequence shown inFIG. 2by selecting the appropriate cellular device; Select Unit in block201to be loaded and set up with Comm Blocker App as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,340,730. The operator will confirm connection in block Conn?203if not connected the operator will be prompted to select a unit. If connection is achieved thru direct or radio connection the operator will proceed to the next block. In the next block Assign205the operator will enter the operator name and appropriate individual data to the cellular number of the selected unit. The operator will commit these data to the data base and proceed to the next block Load207. In block Load207the operator will load the Comm Blocker App into the selected unit. When the loading of the Comm Blocker App is verified the operator will proceed to the next block Configure 209. In block Configure 209the operator will set the following information for the Comm Blocker App and Comm Blocker central control data base; Control Panel Personal and Emergency codes for operational bypass, establish security thru password protection of Control Panel, assign emergency code, personal code, auto reply message, and any time blocking desired, assigning data base association for exception tracking, setting frequency and destination for exception reporting with statistical summaries, and address(s) to send potential safety violation reports. When the operator has configured the selected device the operator will proceed to block Emp ID211to verify individual Comm Blocker data and assignment(s). When the operator has verified individual Comm Blocker data and assignment(s) the operator will proceed to block Hours213where time restrictions may be entered for individuals that are to be blocked during certain periods of time for safety, efficiency, security, or other reasons. When hours have been established the operator will proceed to the next block Report215where specific reports and summaries can be set for frequency of reporting, destination(s), data manipulation, correlation, and safety tracking to be accomplished. The operator will verify all data, when satisfied with content the operator will proceed to block Done217. The operator can select the next unit to be selected for assigning and loading or if a previously set up unit to modify, confirm, or update Comm Blocker setting in the specific unit.

FIG. 3shows a typical Comm Blocker tracking operation.

InFIG. 3aa vehicle301is shown an operator with a cellular device employing Comm Blocker will have the benefit of protection from distractions; incoming messages or calls will be sent to voice mail or saved for later transmission with an auto reply to sender such as “In transit reply soon” while traveling and/or during specified time periods with the ability to have access to emergency and personal exceptions. If the operator of vehicle301chooses to utilize a cellular device during the blocked times a message is sent to the specified address and these data are retained in the pre-established Comm Blocker central control data base.

InFIG. 3ba fork lift303is shown an operator with a cellular device employing Comm Blocker will have the benefit of protection from distraction; incoming messages or calls will be sent to voice mail or saved for later transmission with an auto reply to sender such as “In transit reply soon” while traveling and/or during specified time periods with the ability to have access to emergency and personal exceptions. If the operator of fork lift303chooses to utilize a cellular device during the blocked times a message is sent to the specified address and these data are retained in the pre-established Comm Blocker central control data base.

InFIG. 3ca bicycle307is shown an operator (rider)305with a cellular device309employing Comm Blocker will have the benefit of protection from distraction; incoming messages or calls will be sent to voice mail or saved for later transmission with an auto reply to sender such as “In transit reply soon” while traveling and/or during specified time periods with the ability to have access to emergency and personal exceptions. If the operator305of bicycle307chooses to utilize the cellular device309during the blocked times a message is sent to the specified address and these data are retained in the pre-established Comm Blocker central control data base.

InFIG. 3da vehicle313is shown an operator311with a cellular device315approaching the ever dangerous Beer Truck317as the operator311has cellular device315employing Comm Blocker will have the benefit of protection from distraction; incoming messages or calls will be sent to voice mail or saved for later transmission with an auto reply to sender such as “In transit reply soon” while traveling and/or during specified time periods with the ability to have access to emergency and personal exceptions. If the operator311of vehicle313chooses to utilize the cellular device315during the blocked times a message is sent to the specified address and these data are retained in the pre-established Comm Blocker central control data base.

FIG. 4shows a typical Central Control for Comm Blocker operator file.

InFIG. 4aa typical activity report401from a typical Central Control for Comm Blocker is shown listing individuals with information as to when the respective Comm Blocker equipped devices were in exception from blocked operation. These data shown present an individual's name, EID, Date of exception, Time of exception, number Contacted, Duration of message, and Code used. A P indicates use of a personal code for personal reasons. An E indicates use of an Emergency code for critical situations. An H indicates that the Control Panel was accessed (H is for hacked as no Control Panel entry should be allowed during Comm Blocker normal operation) for some reason. When an operator progresses thruFIG. 2the report details can be altered or supplemented as necessary.

FIG. 4bshows a typical Central Control for Comm Blocker summary chart403. The summary chart403can be manipulated and displayed as desired with data from the Central Control for Comm Blocker data base as discussed inFIG. 2. These data correlations will be useful for identifying problem areas and potential hazards or supplemental actions that may be necessary to reduce risks resulting for distracted driving or operations.

FIG. 5shows a typical Comm Blocker alternative applications. The block Central Control for Comm Blocker501shows connections to alternative applications that will benefit from Central Control of Comm Blocker. In block Classroom and testing503Central Control for Comm Blocker affords numerous advantages to operator's of classrooms and testing organizations. Specifically, where classrooms or testing rooms are seeking to prevent interstudent/testee communication (prevent such as sharing or transmitting of answers)

In block Public Transportation509Central Control for Comm Blocker affords numerous advantages to operators of any type of transportation especially public transportation. Specifically, where transportation is involved distractions can be additionally dangerous given the size and miles covered by commercial vehicles. Transportation organizations should always employ prevention techniques to prevent distracted driving and insurance companies should require such central control and reporting to assure mistakes are minimized.

In block Restaurant505Central Control for Comm Blocker affords numerous advantages to operators of restaurants form fast food to 5 star restaurants. Specifically, restaurants have all the elements for bad outcomes given the constant supply of fire, flowing hot water, flowing cold water, large refrigerators, money, credit, and the list goes on. The importance is to prevent distractions and abuses with outside operations that may seek to distract from honest, efficient restaurant operations.

In block Government507Central Control for Comm Blocker affords numerous advantages to operators with large employment such as governments. Specifically, large employers have few ways to prevent individuals from abusing and misusing time during paid working hours. These abuses and misuse contribute to distractions causing vehicle accidents and lost hours of individual productivity.

In block Industry511Central Control for Comm Blocker affords numerous advantages to operators most all industries. Specifically, most all industries can benefit from restricting the following: distracted driving, unauthorized communication and messaging, web distraction. While restrictions are controlled individuals with specific requirements can have blocking functions tailored to the job requirements. For example, a driver with various routes can access services such as Web Maps and where appropriate Bluetooth headsets.

A suitable Comm Blocker App is disclosed in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 8,340,730 issued on Dec. 25, 2012 to inventor George A. Pallotta. The subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference in it's entirety into this disclosure

Operation

An operator of Central Control for Comm Blocker typically will establish an operational setup such as shown inFIG. 1. InFIG. 1an operator103loads or verifies that the Central Control for Comm Blocker program is operational. The operator103will activate the Central Control for Comm Blocker program on the administrative computer101. The operator103next selects the desired cellular device107for loading and configuring of Comm Blocker in the device107. The operator will follow the steps inFIG. 2to Assign, Load, Configure, Verify employee data, establish selected hours to block, specify reporting and summary data to be collected, shared, or otherwise manipulated.

Typical report outputs are shown inFIG. 4aandFIG. 4b.

Alternative Central Control for Comm Blocker applications are shown inFIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

A preferred embodiment of the Central Control for Comm Blocker is described inFIG. 1throughFIG. 4. In this embodiment a software program unifies the central control for an organization to interface to a selected cellular device with the ability to; assign an individual with a cellular device, load the Comm Blocker App, configure the Comm Blocker App with the following information for the Comm Blocker App and Comm Blocker central control data base; Control Panel Personal and Emergency codes for operational bypass, establish security thru password protection of Control Panel, assign emergency code, personal code, auto reply message, and any time blocking, assigning data base association for exception tracking, setting frequency and destination for exception reporting with statistical summaries, and address(s) to send potential safety violation reports.

The Central Control for Comm Blocker in the preferred embodiment is intended to reduce distracted driving, communication misuse, and assist reviewers of Central Control for Comm Blocker exception data to understand the correlation between accidents and cellular device distractions.