Patent Publication Number: US-2011065375-A1

Title: System for limiting mobile device functionality in designated environments

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 12/701,846, entitled “SYSTEM FOR LIMITING MOBILE DEVICE FUNCTIONALITY IN DESIGNATED ENVIRONMENTS,” filed on Feb. 8, 2010, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/359,703, entitled “SYSTEM FOR LIMITING MOBILE DEVICE FUNCTIONALITY IN DESIGNATED ENVIRONMENTS WITH SCREEN RESET,” filed on Jun. 29, 2010, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/179,868, entitled, “SYSTEM FOR LIMITING MOBILE DEVICE FUNCTIONALITY IN DESIGNATED ENVIRONMENTS,” filed on May 20, 2009 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/173,865, entitled, “SYSTEM FOR LIMITING MOBILE DEVICE FUNCTIONALITY IN DESIGNATED ENVIRONMENTS,” filed on Apr. 29, 2009. The disclosures of the above-mentioned related applications are hereby incorporated into the present application. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Mobile device usage has grown dramatically over the past decade and is generally ubiquitous in today&#39;s society. These devices fulfill the needs of many people to have instant access to information and to communicate with anyone almost anywhere in the world. Although mobile device usage was initially restricted to businesspeople and the affluent, it now has spread to almost all segments of the population (e.g., the elderly, schoolchildren, teenagers, families). While mobile devices have increased the availability of and speed of access to information, mobile device usage can create many well recognized life-threatening hazards. 
     In recent years, concern has grown regarding the problem of mobile device use while operating a motor vehicle. In particular, many have recognized that the attention required to find and dial a phone and/or carry on a conversation on the phone (with or without a hands-free option) while driving is different from other kinds of potential distractions, such as listening to a radio or carrying on an in-person conversation. More specifically, mobile device use by a motor vehicle driver and/or that is heard by a motor vehicle driver is significantly more distracting than other types of activities. For instance, a driver may be distracted by hearing one end of a conversation being had by a passenger, and moreover, may become even more distracted when the passenger hands the mobile device to the driver so that the driver can engage in the conversation as well. As the functionality of mobile devices has increased to include text messaging and Internet access, for instance, this problem has become more pronounced. In the United States, a number of jurisdictions have enacted or are considering legislation to limit or prohibit mobile device use, or types of use, by drivers. These activities reflect the significant safety issue that has been recognized in this regard. 
     It may also be desired to restrict mobile device use in other environments, e.g., by operators of mass transit vehicles, by patients or visitors in a medical facility or inmates in a prison. The potential hazards associated with mobile device transmissions in other environments are well known. For example, some mobile device manufacturers provide “airplane mode” operation which can disable wireless features (e.g., those that emit RF transmissions) of the device. However, avoiding these transmissions remains dependent on passengers&#39; cooperation and vigilance in turning devices off or placing the devices in airplane mode. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It has been discovered that many people, environments and scenarios would benefit from systems, apparatuses and methods that can detect (e.g., automatically) whether one or more mobile devices are being operated (e.g., is transmitting/receiving RF signals in the context of voice, text and/or Internet communications) and/or whether a machine (e.g., vehicle, automobile, aircraft, boat) is being operated, and thereafter selectively control such mobile devices (e.g., disabling, altering or interfering with the functionality of such mobile devices). For instance, as motor vehicle drivers may be less distracted because of the systems, apparatuses and methods disclosed herein, such drivers may be more likely to see an oncoming truck that has crossed a double-yellow line or a stopped car ahead. As an additional example, restricting airline passengers from transmitting signals with cells phones may reduce interference with aircraft operation and other electrical equipment and thus increase aircraft safety. 
     The present invention is directed to methods, apparatuses and systems for limiting mobile device (e.g., cellular telephones, PDAs, mobile data devices, laptop computers) functionality in defined situations or settings (“environments”) such as, for example, during driving, on aircraft/in-flight, or in prisons (e.g., prison blocks). That is, the system may prevent mobile device use altogether in such environments, may restrict usage to only receiving transmissions, may restrict the type or duration of transmissions, may limit the functions (voice, text, data, network management communications) or numbers/recipients (e.g., 911 calls) that are allowed or disallowed, and/or may otherwise interfere with use of the mobile device. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a system is provided for limiting mobile device usage in one or more defined environments such as but not limited to, vehicles, aircraft, prisons, etc. The system includes detection structure (e.g., a detection arrangement or module) for detecting at least one of a condition related to presence of the mobile device in a defined environment and/or a condition related to an operating state associated with the one or more defined environments, and interference structure (e.g., a disabling arrangement or module or an interference module) for selectively inhibiting (e.g., interfering with) or allowing use of the mobile device in response to the detected condition. In one embodiment, the detection structure may include any appropriate componentry (e.g., a transmission detector including an antenna and associated processor to process received signals) that may locate RF signals being emitted by one or more mobile devices which may indicate the existence of an improper or illicit use of such devices. For instance, the componentry may include at least one band-pass filter that is operable to pass the transmissions through a demodulator. The detector may be permanently installed in an automobile or other vehicle (e.g., in a hard to reach location) or in any other location wherein detection of mobile device usage is desired (e.g., prison cell blocks). In other variations, the detector may be a compact and/or hand-held device. 
     In another aspect, a motor vehicle is provided that includes a first structure for sensing an operating state of the motor vehicle or a condition related to the presence of a mobile device in said motor vehicle, and a second structure for at least partially disabling operation of a mobile device based on the sensed operating state or condition. 
     In another aspect, a motor vehicle is provided that includes a first structure for sensing an operating state of the motor vehicle and a second structure for at least partially acoustically interfering with use of one or more mobile devices based on the sensed operating state. 
     In another aspect, a mobile device controller is provided for use in reducing mobile device usage while driving includes a first structure, in communication with the motor vehicle, for sensing an operating state of the motor vehicle or a condition related to the presence of a mobile device in the motor vehicle, and a second structure, in communication with the mobile device, for selectively disabling, at least in part, operation of said mobile device responsive to the sensed operating state or condition of the motor vehicle. 
     In another aspect, a method is provided for use in reducing mobile device functionality in one or more defined environments may include detecting (e.g., using the detection structure disclosed herein) at least one of a condition related to an operating state associated with the one or more define environments and the presence of one or more mobile devices in the one or more defined environments and, in response to the detected condition, interfering with (e.g., using the interference structure disclosed herein) the operation of the one or more mobile devices in the one or more defined environments. 
     In another aspect, a method is provided for use in reducing mobile device functionality in defined environments includes detecting (e.g., using the detection structure disclosed herein) a condition related to the presence of a mobile device in a defined environment or an operating state associated with the defined environment, and in response to the detected condition, controlling (e.g., using the interference structure disclosed herein) the operation of said mobile device in the defined environment to selectively enable or disable at least one functionality of said mobile device. 
     In another aspect, a method is provided for use in controlling use of a mobile device in defined environments includes providing a transmission detector for detecting transmissions of interest with respect to a defined environment, operating the detector so as to detect a first transmission of interest from a mobile device within the defined environment, and upon detecting the first transmission of interest, taking corrective action to terminate further transmissions from the mobile device within the defined environment. 
     In another aspect, a method is provided for use in controlling use of one or more mobile devices in defined environments includes determining, with a first detection device, that one or more mobile devices are transmitting or receiving RF signals in a defined environment, and locating, with a second detection device, the one or more mobile devices. For instance, a mobile device disabling unit may be associated near or at a location of said one or more mobile devices, and the location may be at least one of a prison block and a prison cell. As another example, corrective action may be taken after the locating to terminate further transmissions from the one or more mobile devices within the defined environment. 
     In another aspect, a method for use in reducing mobile device functionality in one or more defined environments includes detecting at least one of a condition related to an operating state associated with the one or more defined environments and the presence of one or more mobile devices in the one or more defined environments, triggering, in response to the detected condition or presence, the one or more mobile devices, and inhibiting, in response to the triggering step, the entry of numerical or text characters into the one or more mobile devices. In one arrangement, the triggering step may include transmitting at least one RF signal to the one or more mobile devices, and this at least one RF signal may be received at the one or more mobile devices. In another arrangement, the inhibiting step may further include executing logic associated with the one or more mobile devices that is operable to cause an attempted entry of a numerical or text character in the one or more mobile devices to not result in the numerical or text character being entered into the one or more mobile devices. For instance, the attempted entry may cause a portion of a display of the one or more mobile devices that presents entered characters to clear. 
     In some variations of the aspects, it may be desired to only limit mobile device usage with respect to devices in the driver&#39;s area and not throughout the passenger compartment. This may be accomplished by sensing a location of one or more mobile devices using location signal detectors located near the driver&#39;s seat or any other appropriate mechanism. Alternatively, mobile devices in the driver&#39;s area may be sensed by a number of antennas located near a perimeter of the driver&#39;s area. For instance, antennas could be located near corners of the driver&#39;s seat and adjacent portions of the vehicle in front of the driver. 
     In addition or alternative to the above methods and devices for detecting a condition related to presence of the mobile device in a defined environment, the mobile device of a driver and/or others may be selectively disabled or enabled based on an operating state associated with the defined area (e.g., of a vehicle). In this regard, public safety and enforcement of relevant regulations may be improved. Moreover, the problem of drivers borrowing a phone to circumvent controlling measures may be avoided. In the case of a motor vehicle, the operating state of the vehicle may be detected in a variety of ways. For example, it may be desired to inhibit mobile device usage when the vehicle is turned on. This may be accomplished by using detection structure in the form of any appropriate circuitry to detect an ignition switch signal or a signal associated with operation of the vehicle motor. Any other signal that indicates the operating state of the motor vehicle may be utilized. For example, the system may generate a dedicated signal such as a radio signal when the vehicle is turned on. Such a signal could be recognized by a cooperating mobile device with embedded logic for disabling, at least in part, mobile device usage while the signal continues. Alternatively, the detected operating state may relate to a transmission setting. In this regard, it may be desired to allow mobile device usage when the vehicle is not in motion. Accordingly, the system may sense when the vehicle is in park or, perhaps, in the case of manual transmissions, in neutral and/or when the parking brake is engaged. 
     In other arrangements, a detected operating state of the vehicle may trigger the need to limit mobile device functionality. For instance, the detected operating state may relate to any appropriate velocity or speed sensor and/or an operation of a motor or engine. Additionally or alternatively, the detected condition may relate to any electromagnetic radiation emitted by the vehicle. 
     As another example and in the case of monitoring improper mobile device use in an airplane cabin, a flight attendant or other official could operate a transmission detector to detect any improper transmission after instructions have been provided to turn off mobile devices. Optionally, the detector may be equipped to locate an offending mobile device in the event that announcements have not succeeded in eliminating the improper transmissions, e.g., the detector may have a variable threshold so as to enable progressive narrowing of the mobile device location or may provide signal strength readings to assist in homing in on and locating the mobile device (e.g., by a flight attendant or other personnel). In this manner, improper transmission can be identified and addressed even where the mobile devices do not have specialized circuitry, e.g., prior to any regulatory requirement for such circuitry and in cases where passengers have older equipment or are from different jurisdictions subject to different regulatory regions. 
     As noted above, the system includes selectively inhibiting (e.g., interfering with) or enabling use of the mobile device, at least in part, in response to the detected condition using any appropriate interference structure. This selective inhibiting or enabling may be performed automatically in response to the detected condition or else may prompt a user or other operator to manually inhibit or enable use of the mobile device. In this regard, it may be desirable to at least partially disable incoming and/or outgoing transmissions of the mobile device, or else allow reception of incoming calls but to limit or disable outgoing transmissions. As an example and in the case of restricting mobile device use by vehicle drivers, this may allow a caller to transmit messages to the driver or passengers while preventing conversation with attendant distraction to the driver. Also in this regard, the driver may be allowed to speak briefly, a short recorded message may be transmitted to the caller indicating that the call recipient is driving and cannot immediately respond, and/or the caller may be forwarded to the call recipient&#39;s voicemail. 
     For example, the caller&#39;s communication (e.g., call, text) may be refused (e.g., the driver may not be able to answer a call or may not even know the call has come in) and sent to the driver&#39;s voicemail or other inbox to leave a message which may be resident on the driver&#39;s phone or on a server that is accessible over the cellular network. The driver may not have access to the voicemail until the detected condition has ceased (e.g., one or more mobile devices have not been detected in the defined area or the operating condition has not been sensed). While the interference structure may be operable to interfere with both outgoing and incoming communications from and to the defined area, incoming communications would not necessarily be interfered with (e.g., would not be acoustically jammed) in the case of callers leaving voicemails that are later accessible by the recipients until after such voicemails have been left. 
     In one embodiment, the interference structure may include any appropriate circuitry and/or other componentry that may be incorporated into or at least partially resident within the mobile device and/or accessories for disabling transmissions when desired. For example, logic may be incorporated into the mobile device to disallow operation of the mobile device RF transceiver in a transmission mode. It may be desired to allow certain exceptions in this regard such as transmission of 911 calls, transmissions associated with network overhead (e.g., polling signals and location transmissions) or other transmissions deemed benign or allowed by applicable laws and regulations. Alternatively, circuitry for disabling, at least in part, the mobile device may be incorporated into a cradle, docking station or other structure external to the phone. As a still further alternative, circuitry may be incorporated into the motor vehicle. For example, the mobile device may be configured to require an electrical or other communication connection to the motor vehicle in order to enable operation. Such a signal or communication from the motor vehicle could be terminated to inhibit mobile device use during driving. As a still further alternative, the motor vehicle may include a signal transmitter for interfering with transmissions by the mobile device from the motor vehicle cabin. 
     The interference module or structure may include any appropriate componentry, structure and/or logic for acoustically interfering with operation of an offending mobile device. For instance, conversation may be inhibited by operating a sound generating device to generate sounds (e.g., white noise, human speech) that may jam or otherwise interfere with conversation from the motor vehicle cabin. Such a system could deter drivers from circumventing the system by borrowing or using another phone in the vehicle. The sound generating device could be mounted or placed in a hard to reach physical location (e.g., by a vehicle manufacturer) to prevent intentional disablement of the sound generating device. The sound may include a sound level peak higher than a sound level peak of transmissions associated with the one or more mobile devices. The interference structure may also include a scrambling device operable to generate scrambling transmissions. For example, the scrambling transmissions may operate at frequencies similar to frequencies used by transmissions associated with the one or more mobile devices. 
     The presence of any of the detection and/or interference structures disclosed herein may be checked and/or confirmed by any appropriate personnel. For instance, the structures may be checked during routine vehicle inspections or at violation stops (e.g., in relation to speeding tickets, running red lights) by attempting use of a mobile device in the defined environment (e.g., in the vehicle cabin). 
     In the case of limiting mobile device use in aircraft, a pilot, flight attendant, FAA official or other personnel may cause a signal to be transmitted when use limitations are appropriate (e.g., during a “restricted use” period). Alternatively, such a signal may be generated automatically during appropriate phases of a flight. Any appropriate signal (e.g., frequency and/or code) could be used in this regard. For instance, the signal may be transmitted over the cellular frequency band as other frequencies may require different transmitters which may be disabled without affecting cellular band operation. The mobile devices may be constructed to turn off, go to sleep or go into airplane mode in response to this signal. A separate signal may be provided to re-enable full functionality. Alternatively, the first signal may extend continuously or periodically throughout the time period where use restrictions are in place. The mobile device may then resume full functionality, manually or automatically. Though such a system, involving specialized circuits to control phone operation on aircraft or other defined environments, is desirable in that the control process is substantially automated, it may be useful to monitor user compliance as an additional or alternative measure. 
     In another aspect, a method is provided for use in reducing functionality of at least one mobile device in one or more defined environments including detecting at least one of: a condition related to an operating state associated with the one or more defined environments, and the presence of at least one mobile device in the one or more defined environments (e.g., sensing a starting operation or a transmission setting of a vehicle, e.g., detection of an ignition voltage), enabling, in response to the detecting, an interference module associated with the at least one mobile device, the interference module operable to alter at least one function of the at least one mobile device, receiving, at the at least one mobile device, a connection signal from at least one remote device (e.g., an RF signal from a remote mobile device that is intended for the at least one mobile device), and activating, in response to the receiving, the interference module. 
     The at least one function of the at least one mobile device may be the ability to interact with connection signals from remote devices (via voice, text, etc.). In one arrangement, the activating includes at least partially disallowing interaction with connection signals from remote devices. Stated otherwise, the activating may prevent or at least inhibit a user of the mobile device from being able to answer a call from a remote mobile phone or otherwise send a return communication to the remote device. 
     In one arrangement, the activating may include storing a message (in an inbox associated with the mobile device) associated with the connection signal (e.g., without input from a user of the at least one mobile device, e.g., automatically). The message may be at least one of a voice-based or textual-based message. Before the storing of the message, a pre-recorded message may be transmitted to the remote device (e.g., I cannot talk now because I am driving, please leave a message). The method may further include emitting a visual and/or audible indication to a user of the at least one mobile device associated with storage of the message alerting the user of the newly-stored message. For instance, the activating may include emitting an alert after the storage of one message (e.g., a high priority message) but not emitting the alert after the storage of another message. In one arrangement, the remote device caller may be presented with an option to cause the sending of an alert to the user of the mobile device. 
     Also, the entry of numerical or text characters into the at least one mobile device may be inhibited as part of the activating. For instance, the inhibiting may include executing logic associated with the at least one mobile device that causes an attempted entry of a numerical or text character in the at least one mobile device to not result in the numerical or text character being entered into the at least one mobile device. The attempted entry may cause a portion of a display of the at least one mobile device that presents entered characters to clear. 
     The method may also include deactivating the interference module in response to a loss in the connection signal from the remote device. The loss in the connection signal may include receipt of a disconnection signal from the remote device. Also, the method may include disabling the interference module in response to a loss in the detected condition or presence. 
     In another aspect, a system is disclosed for use in reducing mobile device usage within one or more defined environments including a first detection module for detecting at least one of: a presence of at least one mobile device in the one or more defined environments and, a condition related to an operating state associated with the one or more defined environments, a second detection module for detecting an RF connection signal from at least one remote device, and an interference module that alters at least one function of the at least one mobile device after the first detection module has been detected the at least one presence or condition and the second detection module has detected an RF connection signal from at least one remote device. 
     For instance, the at least one function of the at least one mobile device may be the ability to interact with connection signals from remote devices, and the interference module may at least partially disallow interaction with connection signals from remote devices. The interference module may cause the storage of at least one message associated with the remote device connection signal. The system may further include an alert module that is operable to cause the generation of an alert associated with the storage of the at least one message. 
     In one arrangement, the one or more defined environments may include a cabin of a vehicle, and the condition related to the operating state may include detection of an ignition voltage associated with the vehicle. In another arrangement, the interference module may return the at least one function to a state that existed before the at least one function was altered by the interference module upon the first detection module no longer detecting the at least one presence or condition. 
     In another aspect, a computer module for use with a mobile device is disclosed including an operating state module for receiving a signal associated with a vehicle ignition voltage, a remote device connection module for receiving a connection signal from a remote device, and a recording module, in communication with the operating state module and the remote device connection module, for sending communications associated with the connection signal from the remote device to at least one storage location upon receiving an ignition voltage signal from the operating state module and a remote device connection signal from the remote device connection module. The recording module may at least partially disallow interaction with connection signals from remote devices and/or the sending of a message to the remote device in response to the connection signal. 
     It will be appreciated that one or more of the components and devices described herein may be in the form of any appropriate computing device including any appropriate type and quantity of computer memory (e.g., RAM) for storing data and instructions and processors (e.g., central processing unit) for executing such instructions and processing data. Such processors may retrieve instructions and other data from any appropriate storage device (e.g., hard drive) before loading such instructions and other data into the computer memory. The processors, computer memory, and storage device(s) may be connected by a bus in a conventional manner. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a mobile device that may be usable as part of the systems and methods disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a system for limiting mobile device functionality in designated environments. 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates a block diagram of a defined area and a mobile device. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a detection arrangement that may be used as part of the system of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a schematic diagram of an automobile including a mobile device functionality limiting system according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a schematic diagram of an aircraft including a mobile device functionality limiting system according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a schematic diagram of a prison including a mobile device functionality limiting system according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a block diagram of a protocol for use with any of the embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a block diagram of another protocol for use with any of the embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a block diagram of a system that can be used to implement the protocol of  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which assist in illustrating the various pertinent features of the present invention. Although the invention will now be discussed in conjunction with vehicle, aircraft and prison environments, it should be expressly understood that the invention is also applicable to the detection of mobile device use and/or an operating condition of a particular device or environment and subsequent disablement or enablement of a mobile device in other environments. In this regard, the following description of systems and methods for limiting mobile device functionality in designated environments is presented for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit the invention to the form or applications disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications consummate with the following teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of a mobile device  100  (e.g., cellular phone, PDA, smart phone, laptop) that may be usable with any of the embodiments described herein. The mobile device may include an outer housing  104 , an internal structure  108  (e.g., circuit board(s)), one or more antennas  112  (e.g., an antenna for a cellular network such as GSM, an antenna for wireless LAN, Bluetooth and GPS, an antenna for FM radios), one or more speakers and microphones (not shown), a display (not shown) and one or more input devices which may be in the form of a keyboard, a touch screen arrangement, and the like (not shown). While also not illustrated, the mobile device  100  may include a bus, a processor, a memory, a read only memory (ROM), and a storage device, all of which may be incorporated with the internal structure  108 . 
     The mobile device  100  may also include one or more transceiver devices  116  or other similar devices of any appropriate type that may work in conjunction with the one or more antennas  112  and that that are operable to enable the mobile device  100  to communicate via one or more networks (e.g., cellular networks, wireless LANs, etc.). Each transceiver device  116  may produce and/or transmits radio frequency (RF) signals, receive RF signals, and/or both transmit and receive RF signals, all at any appropriate frequencies. For instance, one transceiver device  116  may operate in conjunction with any appropriate interface for allowing communication with or via any appropriate network (e.g., a local area network). 
     It should be appreciated that other similar electronic block diagrams of the same or alternate type can be utilized for the phone  100  to handle various requirements of mobile device  100 . The mobile device  100  may perform functions in response to the processor by executing sequences of instructions contained in a computer-readable medium, such as, for example, memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk. Such instructions may be read into memory from another computer-readable medium, such as storage device, or from a separate device via a communication interface. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , block diagrams of one embodiment of a system  200  for limiting mobile device functionality and a defined area  204  (e.g., designated environment) within which it may be desired to limit mobile device functionality are illustrated. Generally, the system  200  may include a detection module or arrangement  212 , a disabling (e.g., interference) module or arrangement  216 , and/or a notification module or arrangement  220 , all of which may be in appropriate communication with each other (e.g., interconnected modules of a system, protocol, etc.) although it will be appreciated that the system  200  may include more or fewer than all of the above modules, elements and/or components. Furthermore, although the detection arrangement  212 , disabling arrangement  216 , and notification arrangement  220  (broadly referred to herein as “main elements”) are illustrated as being separate elements, other arrangements are also contemplated. For instance, two or more of the main elements may be included within or as part of the same device, structure and/or software, and the main elements may be in communication by any appropriate network (e.g., wired, wireless) and/or other connection mechanisms. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2B , the system  200  may define a defined area  204  within which it is desired that one or more mobile devices  208  (e.g., the above-described mobile device  100 ) be at least partially disabled upon particular conditions being detected by the detection arrangement  212  of  FIG. 2A . For instance, one or more functionalities of a mobile device  208  used by the driver of a vehicle (i.e., any mobile device  208  used by a driver, not necessarily the actual mobile device  208  owned by the driver) may be at least partially disabled while leaving mobile devices  208  used by passengers fully functional. In another arrangement, one or more functionalities of all mobile devices  208  in the vehicle may be at least partially disabled. In any event, it should be appreciated that one or more of the main elements may be disposed within the defined area  204  and/or the mobile device  208 . 
     The defined area  204  may include any area, region, territory, and the like where it is desired that the functionality of one or more mobile devices be altered or at least partially disabled or enabled. The defined area  204  may be in the form of any shape or size, and need not be a homogenous area, e.g., the defined area  204  may be in the form two or more sub-areas that are at least partially separated by an area in which it is not desired to at least partially alter or disable mobile device functionality. For instance, the defined area  204  may be the entire interior space of an automobile or only a portion of the interior space of an automobile (e.g., an area surrounding and encompassing the driver). As another example, the defined area  204  may be the passenger cabin of an aircraft such that one or more mobile devices within the passenger cabin may be detected and/or altered as will be more fully described below. 
     The detection arrangement  212  may include one or more pieces of hardware and/or software that may be located in any appropriate location and associated with any appropriate device that may assist in detecting or otherwise sensing the existence of one or more situations or scenarios. In one arrangement, the detection arrangement  212  may be in the form of one or more detection devices (e.g., one or more appropriate antennas and associated processors to process received signals) that are operable to detect whether a mobile device  208  is in a particular range (e.g., in the defined area). For instance, the detection arrangement  212  may be operable to detect any transmissions of interest (e.g., RF signals that operate on those frequencies used by mobile devices as part of voice and/or Internet communication, text messaging). For instance, the detection arrangement  212  may detect signals transmitted via a cellular network (e.g., GSM), signals transmitted via a wireless LAN (e.g., Wi-Fi), and the like. The detection arrangement  212  may be a permanently located device (e.g., in an automobile or a prison cell block) or may itself be a mobile device that may be used to progressively home in on one or more mobile device  208  transmitting signals. A detection area of the detection device may be adjusted by controlling the directivity of the detection device (e.g., radius of its detection field) and placement of the detection device (e.g., singular, arrayed). 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , a block diagram of one embodiment of a detection arrangement  212  is illustrated. It should be appreciated that the detection arrangement  212  may be located within a self-contained housing or else may form componentry within the housing of another device (e.g., the below-described “acoustical jammer”). As illustrated, the detection arrangement  212  may include any appropriate band-pass filter  224  that may be set to pass signals at frequencies within a certain range (e.g., passes RF signals  228  used in mobile device transmission) and rejects (e.g., attenuates) other signals  232  at frequencies outside that range. The passed RF signals  228  may be sent through a demodulator  236  to appropriately extract an original information bearing signal  240  (e.g., the voice traffic from a mobile device  208 ) from the passed RF signal  228  (e.g., modulated carrier wave). The signal  240  may be sent to any appropriate DC generating device  244 , and the generated DC voltage  248  may be used to power any appropriate notification mechanism such as a silent alarm  252 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, any RF signals passed through the band-pass filter or other arrangement may be operable to appropriately trigger a disabling arrangement (e.g., disabling arrangement  216 ) that may be associated with the detection arrangement  212  (e.g., in the same housing). As will be described below, the disabling arrangement  216  may be operable to emit tones or sounds and/or scramble the detected RF signals. In any case, it will be appreciated that as the magnitude of the DC voltage  248  may vary with the strength of the passed RF signals  228 , the strength of the alarm output may also correspondingly vary. Thus, a louder alarm output may indicate a stronger passed RF signal  228  and thus closer usage of one or more mobile devices  208 . Although not illustrated, the detection arrangement  212  may include any appropriate switches or other devices to adjust a signal detection level of the band-pass filter  224 . Thus, the detection arrangement  212  may be appropriately set to detect usage of one or more mobile devices  208  in prisons, airplanes, and the like. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the detection arrangement  212  may in another arrangement be in the form of one or more detection devices that are operable to detect an operating state in relation to or associated with the defined area  204 . In this regard, the operating state may be separate from and generally not dependent upon a mobile device  208  being present or not within the defined area  204 . For instance, the detection arrangement  212  may be in the form of a sensor or transducer in any appropriate place that is operable to detect an electrical signal such as ignition voltage, an engine speed, a transmission position (e.g., drive v. park), electromagnetic radiation, a manual signal by personnel (e.g., a flight attendant flipping a “disable cell phones” switch), and the like, and is thereafter operable to generate a signal (e.g., RF signal) that may be received by the disabling arrangement  216  or that may otherwise trigger the disabling arrangement  216 . As another example, the detection arrangement  212  may be a circuit, wire and/or cable that transmits an ignition voltage directly to the disabling and/or notification arrangements  216 ,  220  to enable operation of the disabling and/or notification arrangements  216 ,  220 . In another arrangement, the detection arrangement  212  may be in the form of the above-discussed hardware and/or software operable to detect any transmissions of interest, and this hardware and/or software may be enabled by a detected operating state associated with the defined area  204 . 
     In any case and upon the detection arrangement  212  detecting a mobile device  208  being in the defined area  204  and/or an operating state in relation to the defined area  204  having changed, the disabling/enabling arrangement  216  (hereinafter “disabling arrangement”) may be operable or otherwise enabled to selectively disable or enable, at least in part, one or more mobile devices  208  (e.g., the disabling arrangement  216  may be “triggered”). This selective inhibiting or enabling may be performed automatically in response to the detected condition (e.g., in response to any appropriate signal, e.g., RF signal, being received from the detection arrangement  212 ) or else may prompt a user or other operator to manually inhibit or enable use of the mobile device  208 . In this regard, the ability to send and receive RF transmissions to and from or otherwise use the mobile device  208  may be disabled in full or in part. As will be appreciated below, the disabling arrangement  216  may include any combination of hardware, componentry, wired and wireless networks, software (e.g., logic), and the like that may function alone or in any combination to cause the functionality of one or more mobile device  208  to be altered or otherwise enabled or disabled. 
     In one arrangement, the disabling arrangement  216  may be in the form of any appropriate acoustical scrambling or jamming device that may be operable to interfere with and at least partially prevent sensible communication (e.g., audio, text, Internet) associated with one or more mobile devices  208 . The scrambling device may include any appropriate number and type of antennas, circuitry and power supplies that may be able to generate and transmit RF signals at any appropriate frequencies (e.g. similar or equal to those frequencies that mobile devices send and receive signals with) to interfere with those frequencies used by the mobile device  208  to send and/or receive RF signals in response to one or more mobile devices  208  being detected in the defined area  204  and/or a signal being generated in response to an operating state being detected. The scrambling device may overpower the mobile device  208  by transmitting a signal on the same frequency and at a high enough power that the two signals collide and substantially cancel each other out (e.g., corrupt signals used by the mobile device  208 ). In other arrangements, the scrambling signals may be at frequencies other than those used by the mobile devices  208  to send and receive signals (e.g., so long as the scrambling signals scramble or otherwise make incoming and/or outgoing calls to and/or from the mobile device  208  unintelligible). As some mobile devices  208  may be designed to add power if low-level interference is experienced, the scrambling device may recognize and substantially match the power increase from the mobile device  208 . The scrambling device may be resident within the mobile device  208 , within a portion of the defined area  204  (e.g., within a vehicle cabin), and the like. For instance, the scrambling device may be included in a mobile device either during manufacture or as an after-market component. In some arrangements, the RF signals generated by the scrambling device may be at frequencies different than those of other devices and componentry in or associated with the defined area or vehicle (e.g., GPS devices) so as to at least substantially leave such devices unaffected or otherwise in working condition. 
     In another arrangement, the disabling arrangement  216  may be any appropriate device operable to emit sounds or tones (e.g., a sound transmitter) that would make using a mobile device  208  (e.g., talking, texting, Internet surfing) overly difficult and cause the user to cease using the mobile device  208 . For instance, the disabling arrangement  216  may emit a continuous, loud beeping sound (e.g., similar to a seatbelt chime when a seatbelt is not fastened) that would not stop until RF transmissions associated with the mobile device  208  are not detected in the defined area  204  and the operating state is not longer detected (see discussion of the detection arrangement  212  above). In one variation, the disabling arrangement  216  may generate a combination of white noise and speech-like sounds that may be added to voice traffic or other data transmission of the mobile device  208 . For instance, the white noise and/or speech-like traffic may include a higher sound level peak (e.g., a few dB) than the voice traffic with which it competes and/or may be denser in character than the voice traffic. In some embodiments, the speech-like sounds need not bear any relation to the voice traffic it is meant to obscure. Other types of sounds, flashing lights, and the like are also contemplated. In the case of the detection arrangement  212  including a sensor that detects an ignition voltage of an automobile, the ignition voltage may be connected to a circuit installed in the automobile that is in communication with the disabling arrangement  216  to create an interference signal or a sound or tones to interfere with someone using the mobile device  208  upon an ignition voltage being sensed. 
     In a further arrangement, the disabling arrangement  216  may be any appropriate combination of hardware and/or software operable to directly control operation of the mobile device  208 . For instance, any appropriate circuitry and/or other componentry may be incorporated into or at least partially resident within a housing of the mobile device  208  for allowing control of the mobile device. In one arrangement, a semiconductor circuit (e.g., a cutoff circuit) may be included in at least one RF signal transmission path of the mobile device  208  that may be operable to block transmission of at least some RF signals (e.g., for voice, text, Internet). For example, in the case of the detection arrangement  212  including a sensor that detects an ignition voltage of an automobile, the ignition voltage may send an enabling signal to any appropriate circuit installed in the automobile that in turn may send a wireless signal to the cutoff circuit in the mobile device  208  to disable at least the transmission function of at least one frequency range of RF signals (e.g., cellular frequencies, wireless LAN frequencies) of the mobile device  208 . Thus, in the absence of an ignition voltage (e.g., when car is turned off), the circuit within the mobile device  208  will pass transmission signals and the mobile device  208  will be otherwise operational. 
     Any appropriate logic may be incorporated into the mobile device  208  to assist in disallowing operation of the RF transceiver of the mobile device  208  in a transmission mode. For example, by appropriately initiating or selecting, for instance, “driving mode” or “airplane mode” (e.g., either automatically in response to a detected condition or manually) in any appropriate manner (e.g., wired, wirelessly), the logic may function to enable the cutoff circuit to prevent transmissions. In other arrangements, the disabling arrangement  216  may be in the form of hardware and/or software (e.g., logic) that may be operable to receive a signal or other communication from the detection arrangement  212  and thereafter limit the phone numbers that can be dialed or texted to only emergency numbers (e.g., 911, police department, towing service, AAA), limit the mobile device  208  to only receiving RF signals instead of transmitting RF signals, etc. 
     For instance, the disabling arrangement  216  may limit the mobile device  208  to only receiving RF signals, and may either allow the user to enter a message (e.g., voice, text) into the mobile device during a brief open transmission period and/or cause the generation of a hardware and/or software-generated message such as “I cannot talk now because I am driving.” In another scenario, an attempted communication (e.g., call, text) with a mobile device  208  that has one or more functionalities disabled (e.g., because the detection arrangement  212  has detected a particular condition) will cause the disabling arrangement  216  or logic and a processor associated with the mobile device  208  or another server to send a message (e.g., voice, text) back to the initiator of the communication alerting the initiator that the receiver cannot talk (e.g., because the receiver is driving or flying), requesting a return phone number, and/or promising to communicate (e.g., call, text) with the initiator at the next break (e.g., when the automobile is not in operation). In one variation, the mobile device  208  may be equipped with an “arming switch” that, when activated, may prevent RF transmission from the mobile device  208  and cause the recording of messages (e.g., voice mail, text) that can be accessed upon the arming switch being deactivated. Such a feature may be useful in crowded lobbies, during interviews and sales pitches, and the like. 
     Additionally or alternatively, circuitry and/or other componentry for disabling mobile device functionality at least in part may be incorporated into a cradle, docking station or other structure external to the mobile device  208 . For instance, a portable plug-in unit for in-car use may include a cutoff circuit and/or an external wire associated with the plug-in unit may be routed through the cutoff circuit resident in the mobile device  208 . Moreover, if the plug-in unit or mobile device connector includes a pin for battery voltage input, then the mobile device  208  may have a direct tie-in to the ignition voltage and thus the ignition voltage may directly communicate with a cutoff circuit resident in the mobile device  208  when the mobile device  208  is docked in the plug-in unit or other device. As a still further alternative, circuitry may be incorporated into the motor vehicle. For example, the mobile device  208  may be configured to require an electrical or other communication connection to the motor vehicle in order to enable operation. Such a signal or communication from the motor vehicle could be appropriately terminated to inhibit mobile device use during driving. As a still further alternative, the motor vehicle may include a signal transmitter for interfering with transmissions by the mobile device from the motor vehicle cabin. 
     The system  200  may be operable to prevent or at least limit drivers from “texting” (i.e., using a finger or device to input characters into mobile device or otherwise manipulate the mobile device; e.g., composing and sending a text, SMS or email message; entering a phone number or web address into the mobile device; surfing the Internet; scrolling through photographs) using the mobile device  208  in or from moving vehicles in other manners as well as will be described below. For instance, some mobile devices include a physical keyboard (e.g., a 1, 2, 3, etc. keyboard, a QWERTY keyboard) into which characters can be keyed to cause the appearance of such keyed characters on one or more displays associated with the mobile device  208 . Other mobile devices include “touch screen” displays (e.g., including a capacitive coupling circuit designed to detect a touch or near touch of the screen by a finger, stylus, etc.) that allow a user to select one or more icons, keys or graphics on the display by touching (or nearly touching) the display near over where the icon, key or graphic is projected. 
     In this embodiment, one or more attempts by a driver or other user of the mobile device  208  to text may cause the screen or display of the mobile device  208  to blank or otherwise reset. For instance, the user&#39;s mobile device  208  may function normally in the absence of the detection arrangement  212  detecting an operating signal (e.g., vehicle ignition voltage) as discussed previously. However, upon detection of, for instance, an ignition voltage by the detection arrangement  212 , a signal (e.g., wireless, wired) may be transmitted to or otherwise trigger the disabling arrangement  216  (e.g., circuitry associated with the mobile device  208  and/or any appropriate logic or code that can be executed by a processor associated with the mobile device  208 ) to cause the screen of the mobile device  208  to be blanked or reset with each subsequent touch of the screen (or keystroke of a physical button or key separate from the display) and then restored. In one arrangement, the touch of the screen or keystroke may not result in any further action, i.e., the designated character may be neither displayed nor entered in the appropriate text storage register of the mobile device&#39;s motherboard. In any event, the blanking and/or the absence of character display may alert the driver that he or she cannot text. In one variation, these features may be enhanced by an acoustic ping or a momentary display of the character (i.e., the character that was attempted to be texted) on the screen before immediately blanking it. This feature may be useful in vehicle inspection or at traffic violation stops where texting from a moving vehicle is prohibited. 
     As discussed previously, the system  200  may block voice transmission (or reception) by interrupting the transmission (or reception) channel (e.g., via a cutoff circuit) at any convenient location in the circuitry of the motherboard of the mobile device  208 . In one arrangement, interrupting the transmission/reception path “behind” the texting circuitry may also block texting. Stated otherwise, if the texting hardware or circuitry is ahead of the voice cutoff, texting may be interrupted or blocked along with voice communications when the voice channel or circuit is opened. Here, the system may be operable to blank the texting screen (e.g., as discussed above) so the driver knows that he or she is not able to generate a texted message or otherwise text. In any case, the system may “notify” the driver of blocked voice communication by way of leaked audio for a period of time (e.g., few seconds) at startup (i.e., when the ignition voltage or other operating signal triggers the system to block voice communication) which disappears or otherwise ceases when voice communication is blocked so the driver knows voice communication is not occurring. 
     The system  200  may be operable to selectively block text communications, voice communications, or both text and voice communications. For instance, if the system  200  is blocking only texting, the system  200  may work as described above whereby keystrokes may result in screen blanking or resetting, and text or other messages may be stored in memory. As another example, if the system is blocking voice communications, the receiver and screen memory may function like an ordinary cell phone or mobile device text receiver. That is, the screen may be blanked or reset as discussed above, but the text memory may not be reset (i.e., text message may be sitting in the screen memory with the screen itself blanked). Thereafter, if the ignition voltage is removed (e.g., the car is stopped), the screen blanking may end and the message may be sitting in the memory and/or displayed on the screen waiting to be read. The storage of messages (e.g., voice, text, etc.) in any appropriate memory will be discussed in more detail in a later embodiment. 
     In one arrangement and in the case of the mobile device  208  requiring an electrical or other communication connection to the motor vehicle in order to enable operation, incoming and/or outgoing voice, texting and/or Internet surfing capability of the mobile device  208  (e.g., a mobile device used by an automobile driver, not mobile devices used by passengers) may be inhibited or disabled upon an operating state (e.g., ignition voltage, transmission setting) being appropriately detected or sensed. For instance, one connector (e.g., two pin connector) can be mounted or hung onto a portion of the vehicle (e.g., front panel) which may be linked to the vehicle battery and any appropriate device (e.g., transducer) that can sense the operating state. Another connector (e.g., similar connector) can be mounted or formed as part of the mobile device  208 . Thereafter, a mobile device  208  (e.g., the driver&#39;s mobile device) can be linked to the vehicle battery (e.g., for charging of the mobile device batter) and the transducer or sensing device via any appropriate cable or wire connected to both of the connectors. 
     Upon an operating state being detected, a signal can be transmitted to the mobile device  208  via the cable or wire, and voice, texting and/or Internet usage can be blocked or disabled. For instance, any appropriate logic associated with the mobile device  208  may cause keyed or entered text characters (e.g., via buttons, a touch screen) to be accompanied by a reset input to the mobile device  208  display upon detection of the operating state (e.g., as discussed previously). As an example, the logic may be stored in memory in the mobile device  208  and may be processed or executed by a processor in the mobile device  208 . In this regard, each text character that is keyed into the mobile device  208  may automatically reset or clear the display thus inhibiting composition of a text message. As another example, the power supply to the mobile device  208  can be interrupted upon detection of the operating state to inhibit text message composition (and other uses of the mobile device  208 ). It should be appreciated that other logic can be associated with the mobile device  208  to additionally or alternatively disable other functionalities of the mobile device  208  (e.g., voice, Internet). Such disablement of mobile device functionality can be conveniently checked at traffic violation stops or vehicle inspections by triggering the operating state (e.g., turning on the vehicle, setting the transmission to park or putting it into first gear) and observing the inability of the mobile device  208  to operate in one or more ways. 
     In another arrangement, text usage can be blocked even in the absence of a mobile device  208  being directly connected to the vehicle. For instance, detection of the operating state by a transducer or other appropriate device or arrangement may cause the generation of a triggering signal (e.g., RF signal) by any appropriate transmitter or transceiver that is in communication with the transducer. Upon receipt of the triggering signal by a receiver or transceiver associated with one or more mobile devices  208  in the vehicle, logic associated with the one or more mobile devices  208  may cause keyed text characters to be accompanied by a reset input to the mobile device  208 , and in this regard, text message composition may be inhibited. Either of the above arrangements may also be used to inhibit other types of mobile device inputs such as dialing phone numbers, typing in an Internet address, etc. It should also be appreciated that these arrangements may be used in conjunction with a mobile device usage being detected in the defined area (i.e., as opposed to an operating state being detected). For instance, in response to RF signals being detected that correspond to mobile device usage, any appropriate signal could trigger the above discussed logic to inhibit text messaging or otherwise disable the mobile device(s)  208 . As discussed previously, in one arrangement, only RF signals generated in the driver&#39;s area may generate such triggering signals (e.g., via a number of antennas surrounding the driver&#39;s area). 
     It will be appreciated that in some instances, it may be desirable that the disabling arrangement  216  be triggered only when the detection arrangement  212  detects both the predefined operating condition associated with the defined area  204  and illicit mobile device use in the defined area  204 , or when only one of detection of a predefined operating condition and illicit mobile phone use is detected. For instance, although a driver might be operating a mobile device (e.g., transmitting RF signals) within a defined area, the disabling arrangement  216  may not be triggered unless the predefined operating state is also detected. However, in other circumstances, it may be desired that even though the operating condition has not been detected (e.g., the automobile is not turned on or is in park), the disabling arrangement  216  still be triggered because, for instance, it may be considered dangerous to talk on a cell phone on an interstate highway, regardless of whether the vehicle is moving or not. 
     In some arrangements, the detected operating state (e.g., ignition voltage, transmission setting) may enable (e.g., ready) any of the discussed disabling arrangements  216  while any detected signals (e.g., voice frequencies, other electromagnetic signals in the range of cell phone transmission frequencies) may activate the disabling arrangement  216  (e.g., cause the transmission of jamming frequencies or direct control of the one or more mobile devices  208 ). 
     The notification arrangement  220  may include any appropriate combination of hardware, software, and the like that may be operable to produce a notification for and/or send a notification to any appropriate authorities or personnel that illicit mobile device use has been detected via the detection arrangement  212 . For instance, the notification arrangement  220  may include a server or other computing device that may be operable to send a message (e.g., email, text, voice) over any appropriate wired or wireless network to appropriate personnel and/or produce a silent or audible alarm for such personnel regarding any illicit mobile device use. 
     As previously discussed, some of the above discussed elements or components may be contained in the same housing or otherwise directly associated with each other while in other situations some of the above elements or components may be separately disposed from other elements or components. For instance, the detection arrangement  212  and disabling arrangement  216  may form an acoustic jamming device (“acoustic jammer”) that both detects operating frequencies of one or more mobile devices  208  and/or an operating state of a vehicle, and thereafter interferes with outgoing RF signals emanating from the mobile device  208  (e.g., using an above-described scrambling device) and/or otherwise interferes with it to prevent sensible audio communication (e.g., using the above-described device that emanates a loud, beeping sound). In this regard, the acoustic jammer could be embodied in a single unit and could be conveniently mounted to define any desired defined area  204  (e.g., in an inaccessible location in an automobile or prison cell). Moreover, as no change in cell phone protocol or design would be needed to allow functioning of the acoustic jammer, the acoustic jammer may work in conjunction with almost all mobile devices in existence today. As another example and as described above, the disabling arrangement  216  may be in the form of a blocking circuit that may be contained within the mobile device  208  and in this regard, the disabling arrangement  216  and mobile device  208  may be embodied within a single unit. 
     Furthermore, at least some of the elements or components described above may be in communication via any appropriate network, circuitry and the like. For instance, the detection arrangement  212  may be in the form of a sensor or transducer appropriately mounted within an automobile transmission to determine whether the automobile is in “Park” or “Drive”, and may appropriately communicate (e.g., wired, wirelessly) such information to a cutoff or blocking circuit in the mobile device  208  and/or to any appropriate device to generate an interference signal, the device being situated within the mobile device  208 , somewhere else within the defined area  204 , outside the defined area  204 , etc. In some scenarios, it may be desired that one or more of the above-noted disabling arrangements  216  not be operational (e.g., the disabling arrangements  216  do not disable functionality of one or more mobile devices  208 ) for a period of time (e.g., a brief delay) after the detection arrangement  212  has detected a particular condition or scenario. For instance, the mobile device  208  may include any appropriate logic that is operable to determine whether, even in spite of the detection arrangement  212  having detected a particular condition, the user is attempting to communicate with an emergency number (e.g., 911) or perform some other “transmission exception” (e.g., transmissions associated with network overhead such as polling signals and location transmissions, other transmissions deemed benign or allowed by applicable laws and regulations). In response to an affirmative answer, the logic may cause a processor within the mobile device  208  or other location (e.g., server associated with mobile device provider) to suspend operation of one or more disabling arrangements  216  until such transmission exception has passed. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle or automobile  300  including a mobile device functionality limiting system  302  according to one embodiment. The automobile  300  generally includes a cabin  301  with a number of seating areas  303  (e.g., four, five) and the system  302  for limiting functionality of one or more mobile devices  308  in one or more of the seating areas  303 . As illustrated, the system  302  may include a determent device  312  (e.g., includes a housing having a detection arrangement  212  and a disabling arrangement  216  appropriately disposed therein such as the above described acoustic jammer) which may form a defined area  304  within which mobile device  308  usage may be at least partially disabled. 
     The determent device  312  may include a detection arrangement in the form of any appropriate number of antennas and associated processors to process received signals (e.g., RF signals) to detect whether there is usage of one or more mobile devices  308  in the defined area  304  (e.g., high energy bursts being sent from the mobile device  308 ). The radius or size of the defined area  304  may be adjusted as previously noted to encompass one or more of the seating areas  303 . As shown, the defined area  304  primarily only encompasses a single seating area  303  (e.g., the driver&#39;s seat) although in other arrangements the defined area  304  may be designed to encompass additional or other seating areas  303  or other areas. While in some instances the defined area  304  might encompass small portions of the other seating areas  303  not intended to be encompassed by the defined area  304 , these portions may likely be negligible and otherwise not substantially affect a user using a mobile device  308  in one of such other seating areas  303 . 
     The determent device  312  may also include a disabling arrangement in the form of any appropriate number of antennas, circuitry and power supplies to generate and transmit RF signals at substantially those frequencies used by mobile devices to interfere with and/or cancel out those used by the mobile device  308  to transmit information and/or those used to receive information. For instance, the disabling arrangement of the determent device  312  may be operable to only affect those frequencies within the defined area  304  and conversely not substantially affect those frequencies outside of the defined area  304 . Additionally or alternatively and in the situation where the mobile device  308  has been equipped with a disabling device (e.g., the above described “cutoff circuit”), the determent device  312  may include componentry (e.g., transceiver) to send a signal to the mobile device  308  that allows the cutoff circuit to at least substantially prevent the transmission of RF signals from the mobile device  308 . The determent device  312  may also include a disabling arrangement that emits sounds or tones (e.g., a sound generator transmitting annoying noises) that renders use of the mobile device  308  overly difficult and causes the user to cease using the mobile device  308 . For instance, such sounds or tones may be appropriately superimposed on the audio output of the mobile device  308  by an associated microphone. In one arrangement, incoming communications or messages may be appropriately stored (e.g., on a voicemail system or inbox associated with the mobile device  308 ) before interference or disablement (e.g., jamming) of one or more functionalities of the mobile device. The recipient of the communication or message may then only be able to retrieve the communication or message upon, e.g., leaving the defined area  304 . 
     In one arrangement, the driver may have access to a switch that is in appropriate communication with the determent device  312  or other device that can disable mobile device  308  usage for users in one or more other seating areas  303 . For instance, while mobile device  308  usage in the driver&#39;s seating area  303  may always at least partially inhibited while the vehicle is being operated and/or while the driver is utilizing a mobile device  308 , the driver or other user may be able to selectively disable other mobile devices  308  in other seating areas  303  upon moving the switch. This feature may be useful if other mobile device  308  usage is distracting to the driver. For example, upon requesting silence to no avail, the driver may be able to flip the switch to broadcast a jamming signal that would inhibit usage of other mobile devices  308  in the automobile  308 . 
     As illustrated, the determent device  312  may be mounted or otherwise attached to a portion of the driver&#39;s door  313  such as a substantially inaccessible inside portion of the driver&#39;s door  313 . The determent device  312  may also be located in other portions of the automobile  300  to allow the defined area  304  to include other seating areas  303  and portions of the automobile  300  (e.g., trunk, flatbed). The determent device  312  may also be associated with any appropriate safety device that, when the determent device  312  is moved from its originally located position in the automobile or otherwise tampered with, causes another portion of the automobile (e.g., engine) to become inoperable. 
     While the determent device  312  has been discussed in the embodiments of  FIG. 4A  as being a single device or in other words one or more components in a single housing, the embodiments are not so limited. For instance, the determent device  312  may be in the form of a detecting arrangement including one or more antennas appropriately located to define a particular defined area  304  (e.g., located near the driver&#39;s seating area) and a separately located disabling arrangement (e.g., located in a substantially inaccessible portion of the engine). In another arrangement, the disabling arrangement may be resident within the mobile device  308 . For instance, the mobile device  308  may be shielded such that other mobile devices (not shown) in the automobile may not be affected by the disabling arrangement. 
       FIG. 4B  presents another embodiment of a mobile device functionality limiting system  302 ′ that may be used in place of the system  302  of  FIG. 4A . Corresponding components between the embodiments are identified by common reference numerals. Those corresponding components that differ in at least some respect from the embodiment of  FIG. 4A  are identified by a “single prime” designation in  FIG. 4B . Similar to the system  302 , the one or more components of the system  302 ′ may be of any appropriate size, shape, configuration and/or type. A difference between the system  302  of  FIG. 4A  and the system  302 ′ of  FIG. 4B  is the use of a determent device  312 ′ that may be operable to detect any appropriate operating state of the vehicle  300  and thereafter cause at least partial disablement of the mobile device  308  as will be described below. The determent device  312 ′ may be appropriately mounted within the vehicle  300  (e.g., within the engine). 
     The determent device  312 ′ may include a detection arrangement in the form of a sensor or transducer that can detect one or more operating states of the vehicle  300 . For instance, the sensor may detect an electrical signal such as ignition voltage, an engine speed, and/or a transmission position (e.g., drive v. park). The determent device  312 ′ may also include any appropriate componentry to allow direct communication with a mobile device  308  in one or more of the seating areas  303  upon one or more of the operating states being detected. For example, upon an ignition voltage being detected, the determent device  312 ′ may be operable to communicate with a mobile device  308  in the driver&#39;s seating area  303  (e.g., via cellular protocol) to at least partially limit functionality of the mobile device  308  (e.g., switch the mobile device  308  into “driving mode”). For example, the determent device  312 ′ may send an enabling signal that causes the transmission of a wireless signal to a cutoff circuit in the mobile device  308 . 
     In one arrangement upon a vehicle operating state being detected, call making capability of the mobile device  308  may be disabled and any incoming communications (e.g., calls, text messages) may be refused and automatically forwarded to one or more storage systems. For instance, incoming communications or messages may be appropriately stored (e.g., on a voicemail system or inbox associated with the mobile device  308 ) before interference or disablement (e.g., jamming) of one or more functionalities of the mobile device. The recipient of the communication or message may then only be able to retrieve the communication or message upon, e.g., turning off the car or putting the car in “park” (e.g., reversing the detected operating state). To address the situation where an incoming caller does not leave a voice or other message, the mobile device  308  holder may periodically pull over, turn off the automobile or otherwise adjust the operating state (e.g., shift the transmission setting to “park”), and call back or otherwise communicate with any people or devices that may be likely to be attempting a communication with the mobile device  308  holder (e.g., wife, dispatcher). In another arrangement, the user of the mobile device  308  (e.g., the driver) may be appropriately notified as to the identity of the person or device responsible for the incoming communication. In this regard, the user may assess the urgency or importance of the incoming communication to determine whether to cease the detected operating state (e.g., pull over and turn off the vehicle  300 ) and review and/or return a call or communication. For instance, a screen of the mobile device  308  may indicate the identity of a caller or the mobile device  308  may audibly emit the identity of the caller (e.g., a caller may be prompted to identify himself or herself). Alternatively, one or more portions of the mobile device  308  may appropriately change color (e.g., glow) to indicate that a call or communication has been attempted and/or received. In some arrangements, the notification may indicate whether the call or communication is of high priority or urgency in which case the driver should pull over, turn off the car and listen to or read the message. In other arrangements, voice, text and/or Internet communications may be received and listened to/read while the automobile is being operated to allow the driver or other mobile device user to determine whether it is necessary to pull the automobile over, turn off the automobile and engage in mobile devices transmissions (e.g., return the call or text message, send an email). 
     It should be appreciated that any appropriate logic may be associated with and/or resident within the mobile device  308  and/or other computing device (e.g., server) associated with the mobile device network to cause the mobile device  308  to provide notification to the user of the identity of the caller and/or other device responsible for the communication upon the operating state being detected. Another embodiment envisions that the determent device  312 ′ may be in the form of an “acoustic jammer” that includes a housing with componentry to detect an operating state of the vehicle in addition to componentry that can, upon the detection of the operating state of the vehicle, transmit a scrambling signal to disable mobile device usage and/or emit sounds or tones to make mobile device usage overly burdensome. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a schematic diagram of an aircraft  400  including a mobile device functionality limiting system  402  according to another embodiment. The aircraft  400  generally includes a cabin  401  including a number of seating areas  403  and the system  402  for limiting functionality of one or more mobile devices  408  in one or more of the seating areas  403 . As illustrated, one or more of the mobile devices  408  may emit RF transmission signals  409 . As will be discussed below, the system  402  may include a number of arrangements and/or devices to limit mobile device  408  functionality within the cabin  401 . 
     The system  402  may include a detection arrangement  412  in the form of a compact or hand-held device that may be operable to detect RF signal transmissions. For instance and after the aircraft passengers have been told or otherwise signaled to cease use of mobile devices  408  (e.g., once the aircraft  400  has started taxing before takeoff), any appropriate personnel (e.g., flight attendant) may operate the detection arrangement  412  (e.g., at high sensitivity) at random times or according to any appropriate schedule to check for any RF transmissions. Upon detection of illicit mobile device  408  activity, the personnel may walk through the cabin  402  with the detection arrangement  412  (e.g., at low sensitivity) to locate any offending mobile devices  408 . The detection arrangement  412  may include a silent alarm (e.g., flashing indicator, vibration) associated therewith that increases in intensity as the detection arrangement  412  approaches an offending mobile device  408 . Such mobile devices  408  may be confiscated until the conclusion of the flight and/or other corrective action may be taken (e.g., identifying an operator of the mobile device for later corrective action). In one variation, the detection arrangement  412  may also include a disabling arrangement, and in this regard, may resemble the above-described “acoustic jammer”. The acoustic jammer may be operable to both detect offending mobile devices  408  and also at least partially disable such mobile devices  408  (e.g., via an interfering signal). It will be appreciated that the personnel may be required to “home in” on potential offending devices after picking up faint RF signals with the detection arrangement  412 . In another variation, a detection arrangement may be permanently located in a portion of the aircraft  400  to detect RF signals. Upon detection of RF signals, the hand-held arrangement  412  may be used to locate offending mobile devices  408 . 
     The system  402  may also include a disabling arrangement  416  in the form of a signal transmission device that may be permanently located in any appropriate portion of the aircraft  400  (e.g., in the galley  417 , in the cockpit). The disabling arrangement  416  may be operable to emit RF signals (e.g., see above discussion) at frequencies that interfere with those used by mobile devices  408 . Additionally or alternatively, the disabling arrangement  416  may be operable to send signals to one or more of the mobile devices  408  that activate any appropriate disabling devices resident within the mobile devices  408  (e.g., the above noted “cutoff circuit”) and/or switch the mobile devices  408  into an “airplane mode”. For instance, the disabling arrangement  416  may transmit such signals either automatically (e.g., when mobile device  408  use restrictions are in place) or manually by way of any appropriate personnel. In other arrangements, the disabling arrangement  416  may be operable to at least partially disable individual mobile devices  408  by way of transmitting any appropriate signal to such individual mobile devices  408  (e.g., that is associated with calling such individual mobile devices  408 ). For example, a member of the flight crew may use any appropriate device (e.g., a mobile device) to appropriately communicate with one or more mobile devices  408  on-board to switch such mobile devices  408  into an “airplane mode”. It will be appreciated that any appropriate hardware and/or software associated with the mobile devices  408  and/or other computing devices (e.g., one or more servers associated with the mobile device network) may be operable to cause the mobile devices  408  to be limited in functionality upon the flight crew calling or otherwise communicating with on-board mobile devices  408 . After any of the above disabling or corrective actions have been taken, personnel may again operate the detection arrangement  412  to determine that the corrective action has been effective in terminating further transmission from the mobile device(s). It will be appreciated that any of all of the above discussion may be equally applicable to other environments such as prison cells, casinos, etc. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a schematic diagram of a prison  500  including a mobile device functionality limiting system  502  according to another embodiment. The prison  500  generally includes one or more cell blocks  503  and each of the cell blocks  503  includes a number of cells  505 . One or more of the cell blocks  503  may include a cell block office  506  accessible to prison guards and other prison personnel. As will be discussed below, the system  502  may include a number of arrangements and devices to limit functionality of mobile devices  508  (e.g., bootleg cell phones) over an area such as within one or more of the cell blocks  503 . 
     One or more of the cell blocks  503  may be equipped with a determent device  512  (e.g., the determent device  312 ) that may be operable to both detect mobile device transmission signals (e.g., RF signals) within a defined area (e.g., the cell particular cell block  503  that the determent device  512  is mounted within) and thereafter disable usage of one or more mobile devices  508 . For instance, each determent device  512  may include one or more of the above-discussed disabling arrangements (e.g., sound emitter, scrambling and/or jamming device) to limit mobile device  508  functionality. Each determent device  512  may be appropriately located in any substantially inaccessible location (except to service technicians and other prison personnel) and in other embodiments, may limit mobile device  508  functionality over an area greater than a single cell block (e.g., several cell blocks). 
     In one arrangement, a prison guard or other personnel (not shown) may have access to a silent alarm detector  516  (e.g., the above-described detection arrangement  412 ) and can move through the prison  500  to locate offending mobile devices  508 . Further, one or more of the cell block offices  506  may have one or more silent detectors  518  each including any appropriate combination of hardware and/or software that is operable to detect that a mobile device  508  is being inappropriately operated and provide an indication (e.g., flashing light, pop message on a computing device, text message) of such illicit usage. Upon a silent detector  518  indicating that a mobile device  508  is being illicitly used, a guard or other personnel may move across the corresponding cell block  503  with a silent alarm detector  516  to locate offending mobile devices  508 . Although not shown, one or more jamming or scrambling mechanisms or devices may be associated with the individual cells  505  of inmates who have engaged in repeated illicit mobile device  508  usage. This jamming or scrambling device may include any appropriate RF transmitter or transceiver to report its location to the cell block office  506  or other central prison office. Other devices or combinations of the above devices are also contemplated as being within the scope of the embodiments. 
     Other environments are also envisioned within which to limit mobile device functionality using one or more of the arrangements and devices disclosed herein. For instance, a determent device (e.g., the determent device  312 ) may be appropriately associated with the driver&#39;s seating area in a limousine or taxi to prevent the driver from successfully utilizing a mobile device within the driver&#39;s seating area. Passengers, who typically reside behind the driver and may be separated from the driver by any appropriate dividing panel, may have their own mobile device antennas and may use their mobile devices in a conventional manner. Similar determent devices may be used in other environments such as small trucks or trucks with sleeping lofts. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a block diagram of a protocol or method  600  of limiting mobile device functionality using any of the embodiments and arrangements disclosed herein. The protocol  600  may be embodied in one or more segments of logic or code that may be stored in any appropriate computer readable medium (e.g., mobile device memory, remote server memory). In step  604 , the method may question whether a predefined condition of the defined area in which the mobile device is being used has been detected. For instance, the predefined condition may include an operating state of an automobile (e.g., detected ignition voltage or speed), a switch or signal initiated automatically or manually by aircraft personnel, etc. If the answer to step  604  is yes, the method may proceed to step  608  whereby the method questions whether the mobile device is engaged in a “transmission exception.” Representative exceptions may include emergency calls (e.g., 911), network overhead, and the like. If the answer to step  608  is yes, the method may end at step  612  and then may return to step  604 . If the answer to step  608  is no, the method may proceed to step  616  which will be discussed below. However, if the answer to step  604  is no, then the method may question whether a mobile device has been detected in the defined area in step  620 . As discussed previously, a mobile device can be determined to be in the defined area  620  using any appropriate devices (e.g., a detection arrangement  212 ). Similar to the results of step  604 , if the answer to step  620  is yes, the method may proceed to step  608  and if the answer to step  620  is no, the method may proceed to step  612 . 
     In step  616 , the method may include altering functionality of the mobile device to at least partially disable or enable the mobile device. For example, RF transmissions from the mobile device may be disabled or at least limited. Thereafter, in step  624 , the method may question whether a transmission exception exists or whether the device is no longer in the defined area and the predefined condition no longer exists. If a transmission exception exists (e.g., the mobile device user attempts to call 911) or if the mobile device is not in the predefined area (e.g., automobile cabin) and the predefined condition no longer exists (e.g., the automobile is in park instead of drive), the method may move to step  628  whereby the functionality that existed in the mobile device immediately before step  616  is returned to the mobile device, and then the method may move back to step  604 . However, if the answer to step  624  is no, then the method may move to step  632  whereby the method may return to step  624 . It should be appreciated that the above described method  600  is only representative and that numerous other methods of practicing the embodiments and arrangements disclosed herein are also contemplated. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a block diagram of another protocol or method  700  of limiting mobile device functionality using one or more of the embodiments and/or arrangements disclosed herein. The protocol  700  (and the various modules and arrangements discussed below) may be embodied in one or more segments of logic or code that may be stored in any appropriate computer readable medium (e.g., mobile device memory, remote server memory) for execution by one or more processors. The one or more processors may be able to appropriately control one or more components of the mobile device  208  (see  FIGS. 1-2 ) to implement the various steps of the protocol  700 . 
     In any event, the protocol  700  serves to put the mobile device  208  (or other mobile devices discussed herein) into a “receive only” and/or “record only” mode in which incoming RF transmissions (e.g., via a cellular network, wireless LAN, etc. associated with voice, text, Internet) are automatically (i.e., without action by the user) received and/or processed by appropriate componentry in the mobile device  208  (e.g., antenna(s), transceiver(s), signal processor(s)) but then stored in memory or storage (e.g., resident in the mobile device, resident in a remote server) without being accessible to the user by way of answering his or her phone. 
     Before discussing specific steps of the protocol  700 , it may be useful to revisit basic functionality of the system  200 . As discussed previously and with reference to  FIGS. 1-2 , the detection arrangement  212  (hereinafter detection module, e.g., hardware, software, firmware, combinations thereof) is operable to detect a vehicle operating state (e.g., presence of ignition voltage) or presence of RF transmissions in a defined environment (e.g., vehicle cabin) and thereafter signal (e.g., wired, wirelessly) the disabling arrangement  216  (hereinafter disabling or interference module, e.g., logic resident within the mobile device, cutoff circuit, acoustical jamming device) to limit or at least alter functionality of the mobile device  208 . The detection module  212  may be in the form of elements that actually detect the operating state, or that become privy to the operating state having been detected (e.g., via any appropriate signal) while other elements actually initially detect the operating state. Moreover, and as discussed throughout, the detecting and interference modules  212 ,  216  may be separate or embodied as part of a common protocol or segment of logic, in either situation being in communication with each other. In any event, signaling of the interference module  216  may actually activate the interference module  216  to disable at least one feature (e.g., RF signal transmission and/or reception, “texting” (i.e., entering keyed characters into the mobile device), utilizing features of mobile device not requiring the use of RF transmissions, viewing anything other than a blank screen, and the like) of one or more mobile devices  208 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, signaling of the interference module  216  may merely enable the interference module  216  (i.e., ready or otherwise allow the interference module  216  to be activated). For instance, certain actions or occurrences that may not normally activate the interference module  216  (e.g., RF signal transmission and/or reception in the vehicle cabin, touching the screen of the mobile device) now would activate the interference module  216 . For instance, the transmission of blocking or interfering RF signals (e.g., emanating from the previously discussed acoustical jammer) may not occur until an attempted RF signal transmission is detected in the vehicle cabin. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 8 , the protocol  700  may initially include a step  704  of determining whether a predefined condition of the defined area has been detected (e.g., via the detection module  212  or a “first” detection module  212 . For instance and as discussed throughout, this determination may include actual detection of (e.g., via a transducer) or becoming privy to the detection module  212 , of an operating signal (e.g., ignition voltage) of a vehicle (e.g., receiving a message indicating that the operating state has been detected). In any event, and if the answer to this inquiry is no, then functionality of the mobile device  208  (e.g., a mobile device of an owner or driver of the particular vehicle, any mobile device in the cabin of the vehicle, etc.) may remain unaffected by the system  200  and the protocol  700  may cycle back to step  704  for a repeat inquiry. 
     However, if the answer to the inquiry in step  704  is yes, then the protocol  700  may enable the interference module  216  at step  708  (e.g., via an enabling module  804  embodied within or in communication with the interference module  216 , see  FIG. 9 ), and then query whether a remote connect signal intended for the mobile device  208  has been detected (e.g., via the first detection module  212  or via a second detection module  808  in communication with antennas, receivers, etc. and embodied within or in communication with the interference module  216 , See  FIG. 9 ) at step  712 . 
     More specifically, the interference module  216  may be activated or triggered by way of reception of a connect signal (e.g., an RF signal) emanating at least in part from a remote device (e.g., another mobile device, wireless router, landline telephone, server, satellite). That is, in the absence of the interference module  216  being enabled in step  708 , a remote device transmitting RF signals to the mobile device  208  (in the defined area, e.g., the vehicle cabin) may have no effect on the features or functionalities of the mobile device  208  other than what would be normally expected by the user of the mobile device. However, when the interference module  216  is enabled in step  708 , connect signals from remote device may change the functionality of the mobile device. 
     In response to a negative answer to the query in step  712 , the protocol  700  may ask whether the predefined condition (e.g., operating state, e.g., ignition voltage) is still being detected at step  716  (i.e., whether the first detection module  212  is still detecting the predefined condition). In response to a negative answer, the protocol  700  (e.g., the enabling module) may disable the disabling arrangement at step  720  (i.e., return functionality of the mobile device  208  to the condition it was in before one or more features were disabled or at least altered by the interference module  216 , e.g., via the enabling module  804 ) and then return to step  704  to query whether the predefined condition has been detected. In response to an affirmative answer to the query in step  716 , the protocol  700  may cycle back to step  712  to again ask whether a remote connect signal has been detected. 
     In any event, a yes answer to the query in step  712  may cause or trigger the mobile device  208  (e.g., via an activation module  812  embodied within or in communication with the interference module  216 , see  FIG. 9 ) to go into a “receive only” and/or “record only” mode at step  724 . In such a record only mode, incoming RF transmissions (e.g., associated with voice, text, Internet) may be automatically (i.e., without action by the user) received and/or processed by appropriate componentry in the mobile device  208  (e.g., transceiver, signal processor) but then stored in memory or storage (e.g., resident in the mobile device, resident in a remote server) at step  728  (e.g., via a message storage module  816 , see  FIG. 9 ) without being accessible to the user by way of answering his or her phone. 
     For instance, text or SMS messages may be stored in the “inbox” of the user&#39;s mobile device  208  (e.g., the same location where text messages would normally be stored in the absence of the system disclosed herein) while voice messages may be stored in the user&#39;s voicemail inbox. Moreover, any appropriate pre-recorded message (e.g., configurable by the user) may be returned to the remote or sending device at the beginning of the record only mode (e.g., such as a standard greeting message and/or a message) informing the remote device (and/or user of the remote device) that the intended recipient is driving and/or is otherwise unable to talk. In any event, the user may not be able to retrieve any such stored messages until the operating state has no longer been detected (e.g., when the vehicle has been turned off). For instance, the interference module  216  may temporarily (until the operating state is no longer detected) disable the buttons, functions, etc. that the user would normally use to gain access to their text message inbox or voicemail system (e.g., by causing a screen reset as discussed previously, by causing the mobile device to ignore the pressing or engagement of a button or key on the mobile device). 
     In one arrangement, the user may not be made aware that an incoming signal or message has been stored and/or of the connection interval (i.e., the time between the connect and disconnect signals from the remote device) during detection of the operating state (e.g., while the vehicle is running) In another arrangement, the user may be made aware that a message has been received. For instance, after messages have been stored as part of step  728 , the protocol  700  may move to step  732  and query whether an “alert mode” has been enabled as part of the record only mode. The alert mode may cause the emission of an audible or visual indication or alert to the user of the mobile device  208  (e.g., the indication being associated with the mobile device and/or the vehicle) upon a message being stored in an appropriate mailbox or storage location. This feature may allow the user to decide whether to pull over and/or turn the car off (or otherwise cease the operating state of the vehicle) and thereafter retrieve the messages. 
     The alert mode may be embodied within an alert module  820  (see  FIG. 9 ) that is in communication with interference module  216  and that may be accessed by a user in any appropriate manner (e.g., via manipulating a “settings” tab or icon associated with the mobile device  208 , via an application (e.g., an “app”) or other feature associated with the mobile device  208 , etc.). For instance, the alert mode may be automatically enabled upon enabling of the record only mode or may be selectively enabled by the user via the alert module. An affirmative answer to the query of step  732  may cause an alert to be transmitted to the user in step  736 . 
     In any case, the protocol  700  may eventually query in step  740  whether the connect signal from the remote device has ceased and/or alternatively whether a disconnect signal from the remote device has been detected. An affirmative answer to the query in step  740  may cause the protocol  700  to move to step  744  whereby the record mode is exited or deactivated (e.g., via the activation module) and then return to step  716  to query whether there is continued detection of the predefined condition which has been discussed previously. A negative answer to the query in step  740  may cause the protocol  700  to return to step  728  and continue to store messages from the remote device. 
     Turning back to the alert mode, it is envisioned that storage of certain messages (e.g., associated with emergencies, a spouse, a prospective employer) may cause the visual or audible indication to alert the user of such certain messages while other messages may not. For instance, the user may access the alert module and specify remote device sources that are “high priority” such that messages received from such high priority sources would cause the generation of an audible or visual indication. 
     In any event, the user may be able to retrieve messages from the appropriate storage location or inbox upon the interference module  216  being disabled (e.g., in step  720 ) and the mobile device  208  returning to normal functionality (i.e., the functionality that existed before enabling of the interference module  216 ). Moreover, the user may be able to review and/or listen to messages sequentially or according to any desired order. In one arrangement, the user may be able to retrieve the messages in the same manner as the user normally would in the absence of the system  200  disclosed herein (e.g., by going to the text message inbox in the mobile device  208 , and reviewing received messages according to date, time, etc.). In another arrangement, the user may be able to retrieve messages according to any appropriate priority convention which may be specified by an app or program associated with the mobile device (e.g., associated with the alert module app, embodied within or associated with a separate module, etc.). The system and arrangements disclosed herein can advantageously allow the automatic reception and subsequent storage of messages with little or no attention of or interaction with the user of the mobile device (e.g., with the driver and/or passengers). Additionally, users can return messages or phone calls already informed or “up to speed” by reviewing the stored messages before returning the messages or phone calls. 
     In a variation of the protocol  700 , the mobile device  208  may be automatically set into the record mode (i.e., the interference module  216  may be activated instead of merely enabled) upon the predefined condition or operating state (e.g., ignition voltage) being detected. In this regard, incoming communications would be automatically recorded or otherwise stored without having to first transition the mobile device  208  into the record only mode. 
     In other embodiments, users may be able to selectively or voluntarily subject a mobile device  208  to the receive and/or record mode (e.g., in the absence of a detected operating state). For instance, any appropriate application or program associated with the mobile device  208  and in communication with the interference module  216  may be manipulated by the user (e.g., between an “on” and an “off” state) to turn on the record mode. This feature may be useful when the user wants to have his or her mobile device  208  on (e.g., for utilizing features local to the mobile device) but does not want to be interrupted by incoming messages and/or even be tempted to check stored messages merely by knowing that a message has arrived and been stored. In one arrangement, the user may be able to configure a customized schedule according to which the mobile device  208  will enter and exit the record mode (e.g., during those times when a student may be in the classroom). As another example, a user may appropriately interconnect the mobile device  208  to a vehicle or other operating device (e.g., by way of connecting the battery of the mobile device  208  to the line side of the open ignition switch) to essentially simulate the detection of an ignition voltage or other operating state. In this regard, a user can be in the vehicle with the vehicle turned off or not even in the vehicle at all while the mobile device  208  automatically stores incoming messages upon the mobile device  208  receiving a connect signal from a remote device. Of course, the driver or use may simply disconnect the mobile device from the ignition switch to allow the resumption of normal mobile device functionality. 
     It should be appreciated that the above-discussed embodiments (e.g., the record only mode) may be used in conjunction with other embodiments and features discussed herein, and numerous other arrangements are contemplated. For instance, while detection of the predefined condition/operating state may merely enable the “recording mode” feature of the interference module  216 , the detected operating state may contemporaneously activate other features of the interference module  216 . In one arrangement, the detected operating state may enable the recording mode feature but activate an outgoing RF transmission prevention feature of the interference module  216  that prevents or at least inhibits the user of the mobile device  208  from making phone calls, sending text messages, emailing, accessing the Internet, etc. 
     It should also be appreciated that any appropriate systems may be defined or created including one or more of the above-discussed modules. For instance, and turning to  FIG. 9 , a recording only module or system  800  may include the first detection module  212  and the interference module  216 , where the interference module  216  includes the enabling module  804 , second detection module  808  (e.g., an RF receiving module), activation module  812 , message storage module  816 , and/or alert module  820 . 
     The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. For instance, the various methods and devices described herein may be incorporated into any appropriate controller (e.g., a mobile device controller), vehicle (e.g., automobile, truck, airplane) and/or structure to reduce mobile device usage while operating such vehicles or interacting in a particular environment. 
     The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain best modes known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the present invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.