Abstract:
A cell phone system that controls the functionality of cell phones based upon their geographical locations. Functionality information stored in data bases located at and unique to each location. A local or low power transmitter at each location transmits functionality information from the data bases to cell phones currently at the locations. Alternatively, a single data base common to the entire network is used to store functionality information for a plurality of locations. The geographical location of active cell phones is monitored and when a cell phone enters a restricted location, cell phone location information is transmitted to the network data base to read it out and transmit the applicable functionality information to cell phones. The functionality information may represent voluntary restrictions displayed on the cell phones or they may be mandatory restrictions that inhibit cell phone functions defined by the restrictions.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to mobile communication systems and in particular to a cell phone system for controlling the functionality of cellular phones and the like based upon their location. This invention further relates to a cellular system having the capability of imposing service restrictions on the cell phones based upon their location. The invention further relates to a cell phone system for advising cell phone users of services restrictions specific to their current cell phone location. 
   PROBLEM 
   Mobile telephone systems, in particular cell phone systems, are in widespread use throughout the world. They have revolutionized communication by enabling users to communicate at any time and from any place. Cell phone users can communicate with each other or with users of other types of communication systems such as landline systems and the like. Cell phones are convenient to use, their use and popularity is growing at an exponential rate, their functionality is increasing, and more communications functions are being incorporated into the cell phones. Examples of this increasing functionality include the incorporation of functions such as speaker cell phone, camera cell phone, dictation, data storage, call forwarding, caller ID, databases, keyboards, computer functions, and internet access, etc. The increasing availability of cell phones with expanded functionality is revolutionizing the manner in which users communicate and the functionality available to them when communicating. 
   While this advance in the art of cell phone communications is finding ever increasing popularity, its use has created its own set of problems. The ringing of a cell phone in public places, such as restaurants, churches, and theatres, is an annoyance. The owners of such locations have been forced to display signs requesting that cell phones be turned off or their ringers be deactivated. In some cases, the owners of such locations have collected cell phones from their owners before permitting them to patronize their establishments. The use of cell phones while driving is a safety hazard and is prohibited in many states. The use of speaker cell phones is often an annoyance to others. The use of a cell phone in a theatre to record a performance is a copyright infringement of the work being performed. The use of a camera cell phone as a miniature TV camera to capture a theatrical performance and transmit it off location via an internet connection is also a copyright violation of the work being performed. 
   The above and other uses of cell phones disturb those nearby and violate the legal rights of others, such as theatre owners and copyright owners. This is an increasing societal concern and has resulted in rules, regulations, and laws regulating or prohibiting the manner and locations in which cell phones can be used. 
   It is therefore seen that the increased use and functionality of cell phones has created problems regarding the time, manner and locations in which they can be used without disturbing or violating the rights of others. 
   SOLUTION 
   The above and other problems are solved by the present invention in accordance with which cell phone network is provided that controls the functionality of active cell phones based on their current location. If the cell phone is in a location that prohibits ringing, the cell phone&#39;s capability to ring is blocked. If the cell phone is at a location that prohibits the use of an enhanced feature such as a camera or audio or video recording, the cell phone&#39;s capability is blocked. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the cell phone network contains a database that stores location specific restrictions. The restrictions may include video recording, cell phone ringing, or other prohibited functions. The network uses this stored restriction information to curtail the cell phone operation if it is in a location having such restrictions. 
   The network may refuse to accept incoming messages sent from a camera cell phone from locations where this feature is prohibited. This prohibits cell phones from broadcasting videos of sports or musical live events. The cell phone system of the invention checks the location of an active cell phone and the restriction database when a service request is received. Any applicable restrictions are then sent to the cell phone to control its operation. 
   The restriction database and the cell phone network inhibit or enable the enhanced cell phone functions. Thus, a cell phone cannot record unless it receives approval from the network. This is useful in places where recording is not permitted such as restricted factory facilities, theatres, defense locations, or health clubs, or school locker rooms. A form of low level interlock may be used as well as a visual indication on the cell phone that the function is in fact disabled. The restrictions may be aggregated into restriction profiles, each having a set of one or more restrictions and a space definition describing the geographical space in which the restrictions apply. 
   The restrictions may be communicated to the cell phones in several ways. When a cell phone is activated, the activation may include a query that returns a list of restrictions for the current cell-phone location. This list may include the restriction profiles, or may be a smaller summary of the location descriptions so that the user can query to determine if a restriction is in force in the current location of the user. 
   The cell phone may query the database when service is requested. That is, when a cell phone function is activated that may be subject to a restriction, the cell phone initiates a query of the restrictions database for the current cell phone location. The restrictions are accomplished by network signaling. For example, a visual or tactile or auditory indication that audio ringing is not permitted may be sent with the inbound call connection, or it may be included in a control information of an audio multimedia message or “push to talk” connection request. 
   The cell phone location may be determined in several ways. The cell phone may contain an on-board GPS receiver. The cell phone determines its GPS location and sends it to the restriction database and receives back restriction profiles based on its determined GPS current location. In another embodiment, network-based location technology, such as triangulation, may be used to determine the cell phone location when the cell phone requests restriction information. The cell phone location may also be determined by a combination of GPS and triangulation or by any other suitable location technology such as electromagnetic. 
   The system embodying the present invention can be used for at least the following restrictions:
         Quiet zone, no ringing, no push-to-talk (walkie-talkie);   No Speaker phone;   No picture/video zone; no taking of pictures;   No audio recording zone;   No two-way audio communication zone;   Disable of external I/O (such as USB disk connector);   No file copying on premise; and   No radio use (attempts to initiate a radio link are refused, such as in a blasting zone).
 
These restrictions may be part of a restriction profile:
   Profile would contain the location in a 3 dimensional space definition;   Provide X, Y, and Z coordinates of corner boundary markers of the restriction zone;   May include more complex restriction shape definitions as supported by database query technology; and   Restriction may also have a time-based value indicating the time of day such a restriction may be in force (i.e., only during evening hours at a concert venue).
 
There are several ways this restriction information may be used by the cell phone:
   Soft restriction: The restriction is informational to the user. It is used as a courtesy and results in warnings to the user when a prohibited action is attempted. This does not require enforcement. The user is presumed to desire this service, for example, to suppress a ring in a house of worship.   Hard restriction: The cell phone functionality is controlled by the restriction database and the network. This may involve the use of cryptography or other means to lock the cell phone and allow only authorized/certified application to be resident. Such a cell phone may prominently display markings indicating that is so equipped and not tampered with. This allows an employer, entertainment venue, or club to restrict the use of devices that do not comply with restrictions on their locations.   Local restrictions: In accordance with another embodiment, a local or low power radio transmitter may be used to broadcast local restriction profiles without network involvement. This would eliminate the need for a central network restriction database. The cell phone would receive the local profiles from a local transmitter location whose proprietor wishes to define and enforce his own restrictions.       

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above and other advantages and features of the invention may be better understood from a reading of the following detailed description thereof taken in conjunction with the drawings in which  FIG. 1  discloses a first possible exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 2  discloses a second possible exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 3  discloses yet another possible exemplary embodiment. 
       FIGS. 4–7  disclose flow charts of methods embodying the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Description of  FIG. 1   
     FIG. 1  discloses a cell phone system  100  embodying the present invention. Shown on  FIG. 1  are a plurality of cell phones  101 - 101   n  served over paths  103 - 103   n  by base station  105  and a plurality of cell phones  102 - 102   n  served over paths  104 - 104   n  by base station  106 . Base stations  105  and  106  are connected via paths  114  and  115 , respectively, to controller  107  which is connected via path  108  to element  109  which includes a restriction server  111  and a position server  112 . Restriction server  111  comprises a restriction database which stores the restriction information applicable to the various locations specifying the functionality restrictions to be enforced in the use of cell phones at such locations. Position server  112  determines and stores location information for cell phones served by base stations  105  and  106 . 
   Restriction server  111  and position server enable network  100  to receive geographic coordinates representing the current location of each active cell phone from position server  112  as well as the functionality restrictions applicable to the current location of each active cell phone from restriction server  111 . This embodiment envisions that the restrictions for each location is provided by the proprietor on the location and communicated to the operator of system  100  who enters the appropriate restrictions into restriction server  111 . 
   Cell phones served by base stations  105  and  106  operate in the normal manner using their full feature compliment so long as they are not currently in a restricted location as determined by position server  112  and its associated elements shown in further detail in  FIG. 2 . When an active cell phone is determined to be within the confines of a restricted location, restriction server  111  is read out to determine the restrictions to be applied to the active cell phone. For example, servers  111  and  112  together may determine that a cell phone is currently in a house of worship that has a restriction that ringing not be permitted by cell phones within its confines. In such cases, cloud element  109  causes restriction information to be applied over path  108  to controller  107  which, in turn, causes an appropriate restriction signal to be extended over path  114  or  115  to the base stations  105  or  106  serving the cell phone to which a call is directed. The signal inhibits the cell phone ringer and, at the user&#39;s option, either activates a vibrator or sends a message back to the calling party that the call cannot currently be completed. 
   It is possible that some locations may wish to enforce their own cell phone restrictions independently of the cell phone network. In such cases, elements  120 – 120   a  are provided for storing the local restrictions applicable to a location. Each of elements  120 – 120   a  is unique to a different location and each contains a location restriction database together with a local transmitter that transmits signals to all cell phones within the confines of its location. For example, the location may be a theatre whose proprietor wishes to prohibit the use of cell phones. In this case, the appropriate restrictions are entered into element  120 , for example, which transmits a signal from its transmitter  123  that inhibits the use of any cell phones within the theatre. These restrictions may be time sensitive so that they are enforced only during the duration of a performance within the theatre. 
   It can be seen from the above that the system  100  of  FIG. 1  enables restrictions to be controlled and enforced by the network based upon the current location of an active cell phone with position server  112  storing position information and with restriction server  111  storing the restrictions for the determined position of the cell phone. It can also be seen that local restriction databases  120  and  120   a  permit an establishment proprietor to determine and enforce local restrictions independent of the cell phone network. 
   Description of  FIG. 2   
     FIG. 2  discloses further details of system  100  of  FIG. 1 . Shown on  FIG. 2  are a plurality of controllers  131  and  132  each comparable to controller  107  of  FIG. 1 . Each controller on  FIG. 2  serves a plurality of base stations each of which includes an antenna. The base stations served by controller  131  are  124 ,  125 , and  126 . The base stations served by controller  132  are  127 ,  128 , and  129 . Each base station can concurrently serve a plurality of cell phones. Only cell phones  101  and  102  are being shown on  FIG. 2 . Each cell phone, such as  101 , is shown as being functionally connected by a wireless path, such as  104 ,  113 , and  114  to base stations  124 ,  125 , and  126 . The connections represented by paths  104 ,  113 , and  114  from cell phone  101  to base stations  124 ,  125 , and  126  indicate that all of base stations  124 ,  125 , and  126  can receive the cell phone  101  signal based upon its current geographical position but, that one of these base stations is currently preferred for the serving of cell phone  101  based upon its current geographical position. 
   Restriction server  111  and position server  112  perform the same function and store the same information as priorly described for the correspondingly designated elements on  FIG. 1 . Controllers  131  and  132  are connected via paths  133  and  134  to mobile switching center  137  which is connected via path  145  to public network  141 . This enables the cell phones to receive calls from and to place calls to users served by public network  141 . Mobile switching center  137  also enables cell phone users served by controller  131  to receive cell calls from and place calls to cell phone users served by controller  132 . Packet/data network  142  enables controllers  131  and  132  to communicate with restriction server  111  and position server  112  so that the geographical position of each currently active cell phone can be determined and the applicable restrictions be applied to the active cell phone. 
   The position of an active cell phone can be determined either by the use of a global positioning facility as shown on  FIG. 3  or it may be determined by the use of well known triangulation facilities internal to the cell phone network. These triangulation facilities operate using signals applied by an active cell phone to the plurality of base stations served by the cell phone. Triangulation may be used to determine the position of cell phone  101  based upon relative strength of its signals with base stations  124 ,  125  and  126 . 
   Only cell phones  101  and  102  are shown on  FIG. 2  in order to minimize complexity. Each base station on  FIG. 2  may serve other cell phones. The paths servings these other cell phones are  103 ,  105 ,  106 ,  107 ,  108  and  110 . Local restriction elements  120 – 120   a  on  FIG. 2  and operate as described in connection with  FIG. 1  so that the proprietor of a location may control and enforce restrictions on cell phones within his location. 
   Description of  FIG. 3   
     FIG. 3  discloses a global positioning system  300  including satellites  312  for determining the geographical position of a currently active cell phone such as  301 – 301   n .  FIG. 3  shows a simplified cellular system including a packet network  306  which is connected via controller  309  to a plurality of base stations  302  and  303 . Each base station  302  and  303  can serve a plurality of cell phones.  FIG. 3  discloses only cell phone  301 – 301   n  for reason of simplicity. The current location of each active cell phone is determined by the use of the global positioning system including satellites  312  and the GPS circuits within the cell phone. Satellites  312  can also communicate with position server  112 . Each cell phone determines its GPS location by using the satellite signals and transmits this information to position server  112  via base station  302 / 303 , controller  309  and packet network  102 . Restriction server  111  stores the applicable restrictions in the same manner as described in connection with the systems of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . 
   Servers  112  and  111  communicate over paths  307  and  308  and packet network  306  to receive the position information of an active cell phone as well as to transmit the applicable restrictions to the cell phone. This information is extended via controller  309  over paths  304  and  305  to base stations  302  and  303 . The functionality of cell phones  301  and  301   n  is controlled in the same manner as priorly described in connection with  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . Local restriction elements  120  and  120   a  store local restriction information for locations under the control of the location proprietor in the same manner as described priorly in connection with the systems of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . 
   Description of  FIG. 4   
     FIG. 4  discloses process  400  which define the operation of the local restriction databases  120 – 120   a  and associated transmitters  123 – 123   a  in controlling the functionality of cell phones currently in locations associated with the local databases. Each local restriction database  120 – 120   a  is either on and/or associated with a location whose proprietor desires to exercise control over the cell phones in his location. In so doing, the location proprietor controls the entry of the applicable restrictions into the local restriction database for his location. 
   The process  400  operates as follows. In step  401 , a local restriction database is created for a proprietor who desires control of the cell phone functionality at his location. Step  402  enters the applicable restrictions into a local restriction database, such as element  120 . Step  403  applies the local restrictions to a local transmitter  123 – 123   a  for the location. Step  404  operates the transmitter to transmit the local restrictions to all active cell phones at the location. In step  405 , the local restrictions received by the active cell phones control the functionality of the active cell phones on the location. This control may selectively activate or prohibit the use of certain cell phone functions either on a long term basis or on a short term basis such as the hours of the day during which the various cell phone functions are to be prohibited. 
   The local restriction databases  120 – 120   a  associated with transmitters  123 – 123   a  are shown on the embodiments of all of  FIGS. 1–3 ; but they are not shown on or described for the processes of  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7  since they are identical to the process of  FIG. 4 . The systems of  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3  are multifunctional with respect to the restriction control of active cell phones. In the systems of all of  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 , the functionality control of active cell phones may be achieved by the use of the local restriction databases  120 – 120   a  and associated transmitters  123 – 123   a  under direct control of the location proprietor. Alternatively, the restrictions may be provided by the cell phone network facilities such as position server  112  and restriction server  111 . Alternatively, the restrictions may be provided jointly by both the local restriction database  120  and by restrictions stored in server  111 . In this manner, a location proprietor may control functionality restrictions unique to his business and entered into the local restriction databases  120 . Additional restrictions may be enforced by means of restrictions stored in restriction server  111  and the determined cell phone position information provided by position server  112 . Such additional restrictions might be those imposed by governmental regulations such as the control of the operation of a cell phone requesting 911 service. 
   Description of  FIG. 5   
     FIG. 5  discloses process  500  which includes, but does not show the process  400  in  FIG. 4 . The process of  FIG. 5  also enables the network to control the functionality based upon database restrictions as well as the determined location of an active cell phone. Step  501  creates a restriction database in server  111  for controlling the functionality of active cell phones served by the cell phone network. This restriction database is stored in server  111  of  FIGS. 1–3 . Step  502  enters the applicable restrictions into the restriction server  111 . In step  503 , the cell phone network receives a service request signal from an active cell phone. Step  504  determines the location of the active cell phone. This location determination may be made by the use of GPS facilities of  FIG. 3  and/or by means of triangulation facilities. 
   Step  505  interrogates restriction server  111  to determine the functionality restrictions for the active cell phone based upon the determined location of the cell phone. Step  506  causes the network to transmit the applicable restrictions to the active cell phones over the network from the restriction server  111 , through packet network  142 , controller such as  131 , and the base station, such as  124 , currently serving an active cell phone. The control functionality may selectively permit or prohibit the use of certain cell phone functions either on a long term basis or on a short term basis such as the time of day. 
   Description of  FIG. 6   
     FIG. 6  discloses a cellular network system  300  which operates in a manner similar to that described for  FIG. 2  except that the location of an active cell phone is determined by GPS facilities. Step  601  creates a restriction database in server  111 . Step  602  enters the applicable restrictions into restriction server  111  for controlling the functionality of active cell phones served by system  300 . In step  603 , the network  300  receives a service request from an active cell phone. This service request may include either the initiation of a call by the user at the active cell phone or the reception of a call directed to the active cell phone. 
   In step  604 , the GPS system  312  sends GSP information to the cell phone to determine the cell phone location. In step  605 , the restriction server  111  is read out to determine the functionality restrictions to be applied to the active cell phone based upon the cell phone location determined by the GPS system and cell phone circuitry. 
   In step  606 , the determined restrictions are transmitted from server  111  via packet network  306 , controller  309 , to a base station such as  302  and in turn to cell phone  301  to control the functionality of the various features of cell phone  301 . This control may selectively permit or inhibit the use of the various facilities either on a long term basis or on a short term basis, such as the hours of the day during which the service is requested. 
   Description of  FIG. 7   
     FIG. 7  illustrates a process similar to that of  FIG. 6  in which the functionality of an active cell phone is controlled by means of triangulation facilities internal to the cell phone network rather than by the use the GPS facilities of  FIG. 6 . The functions provided by steps  701 – 703  of  FIG. 7  are identical to those of steps  601 – 603  of  FIG. 6 . Step  704  causes the location of an active cell phone to be determined by means of triangulation apparatus internal to the cell phone network including the controller  309 . The remainder of the functions provided by process  700  is executed by elements  705  and  706  in the identical manner to those of elements  605  and  606  of  FIG. 6 . 
   The above description discloses possible exemplary embodiments of this invention. It is expected that those skilled in the art can and will design alternative embodiments that infringe on this invention as set forth in the claims below literally or through the Doctrine of Equivalents. For example, the term cell phone as used herein shall be understood as including any mobile communication device such as a mobile phone, laptop computer, or various other data devices such as PDAs, etc. The functionality of these additional devices may be controlled by the use of restriction database servers and/or position determining facilities either at on-location locations or in the cell phone network or both.