Patent Publication Number: US-11051231-B2

Title: Dead zone for wireless device

Description:
CLAIM TO PRIORITY 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of each the following pending applications, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety: the present application is a continuation-in-part of non-Provisional application Ser. No. 15/663,660 filed Jul. 28, 2017, titled “Safety Disarm for Firearm”, which claims priority from Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/368,828 filed Jul. 29, 2016 titled “Safety Disarm for Firearm”; Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/368,833 filed Jul. 29, 2016, titled “Dead Zone for Wireless Communication Device”; Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/369,620 filed Aug. 1, 2016 titled “Safety Disarm for Firearm”; and non-provisional application Ser. No. 15/663,660 is also a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 15/620,288, filed Jun. 12, 2017, titled “Dead Zone for Wireless Communication Device”, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,913,200; non-provisional application Ser. No. 15/620,288 is a continuation of Non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/462,712, filed May 2, 2012 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,681,358; non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/462,712 is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12/571,090 filed Sep. 30, 2009, abandoned, which claims priority from Provisional Application 61/195,016, filed Oct. 2, 2008. Additionally, this application claims priority to and the benefit of: U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/562,880, filed Sep. 25, 2017, and titled “Dead Zone for Wireless Communication”, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference; and U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 15/910,190, filed Mar. 2, 2018, and titled “Dead Zone for Wireless Communication Device”, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention are directed to wireless communication devices and more particularly to a wireless communication device system, a wireless communication device, and a wireless communication method for disabling the use of wireless communication devices in places where they should not be used. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The cell phone is a widely used device. These devices allow people to talk, send text messages, emails, etc. The upside of these devices is that they allow people to stay connected anywhere anytime. The downside is that these devices are sometimes used in places or at times when they should not be used. For example, studies have shown that use of a cell phone while driving can increase the risk of an accident. Still a number of people use cell phones while driving a motor vehicle. Despite laws restricting the use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle in a number of States in the U.S., rampant cell phone use during driving continues through unawareness or disregard of these laws, hence risking injury to the caller and others through an accident. As another example, studies have shown that radio waves transmitted by wireless devices may interfere with medical equipment. Still, a number of people use cell phones while in a hospital. Despite warnings telling callers to silence their cell phones when in the hospital, hospital cell phone use continues through unawareness or disregard of these laws, hence risking interference with medical equipment and the lives of those who depend on them. As yet further examples, there are places where the use of cell phones in places or at times may interfere with the public enjoyment, health, welfare, or safety. For instance, despite requests or common courtesy, a number of people use their cell phones during a movie theater, a performing arts hall, a church, or other places of public gathering, hence causing a distraction that may interfere with the movie, performance, worship or public gathering. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,979,724 is directed to a method for switching a cell phone from audible to silent mode of operation during a concert performance, a play, a conference, a meeting or dinner. An RF transmitter is provided with an omni-directional or directional antenna. The RF transmitter is locally mounted in the area where a cell phone is to be switched to silent mode of operation. The RF transmitter is programmed to broadcast a message containing a code. When in range of the RF transmitter broadcast, a cell phone that has been programmed to recognize the broadcast is automatically programmed by the broadcast to switch itself to silent mode of operation. Japanese laid open patent application H10-42371 is directed to a receiver/transmitter that is locally mounted at a hospital in the area where a cell phone is not to be used. The receiver/transmitter broadcasts a signal and waits for acknowledgement by a cell phone. On acknowledgement, a microcomputer associated with the receiver/transmitter determines whether the phone is set up for use. If the phone is so set up for use, the microcomputer broadcasts a warning over a speaker mounted in the hospital that the phone is not to be used in the hospital. Japanese laid open patent application J11-004190 is directed to a cell phone accessory that monitors engine speed and parking brake activity. The accessory is connected to a cell phone in a car to detect incoming calls to the cell phone. On detection of an incoming call, the accessory suppresses or reduces the volume of the cell phone ring tone and diverts the call for recording on an answering machine residing in the accessory for playback. Neither prior art disables the use of wireless communication devices in places where they should not be used. 
     There is a need for a communication system, device, and method for disabling the use of wireless communication devices in places where they should not be used. 
     SUMMARY 
     Communication system, device, and method are provided that disables the use of wireless communication devices or of particular functions of wireless communications devices in places where they should not be used. 
     The inventive communication system comprises a wireless communication device having a GPS detector or other location detector for providing positioning data on the communication device; a network for controlling wireless communication over the network, the network receiving the positioning data from the communication device and comprising a no communication zone register including a database of predetermined zones in which certain communication by, to, or by and to the wireless communication device or certain functions of the wireless communication device are to be disabled (i.e., dead zone). In operation, the network tracks the location of the wireless communication device based on the positioning data on the wireless communication device. When the wireless communication device is in a dead zone, the network disables the certain communication by, to, or by and to said wireless communication device and/or functions of the wireless communications device. The disabling of the certain communication or functions with respect to the wireless communication device may occur by network enablement of a service restriction on the network that prevents the wireless communication device to place, receive, or place and receive certain calls while the communication device is in the dead zone. Alternatively, the disabling of communication or functions with respect to the wireless communication device occurs by network enablement of a flag in the wireless communication device using over the air programming techniques. When service is interrupted, the network may send the communication device a message indicating that service is interrupted because the communication device is in a no communication zone. The register and position data may also be used to enable or modify functions of the wireless communication device, including communication functions. 
     The inventive wireless communication device is provided with a GPS detector or other location detector for providing positioning data and comprises a no communication zone register including a database of predetermined zones in which communication by, to, or by and to the wireless communication device is to be disabled and/or functions of the wireless communications device are to be disabled. The inventive wireless communication device tracks its location based on positioning data and when the wireless communication device is in one of the predetermined zones in which certain communication by, to, or by and to the wireless communication device is not permitted (i.e., dead zone) or in which functions of the wireless communication device are to be disabled, the wireless communication device is disabled from handling said certain communication by, to, or by and to the wireless communication device and/or certain functions of the wireless communications device. The disabling of communication or other functions with respect to the wireless communication device may occur by enablement of a flag in the wireless communication device that prevents the wireless communication device to place, receive, or place and receive the certain communication while the communication device is in the dead zone. When service is interrupted, the wireless communication device may display a message indicating that service is interrupted because the communication device is in a no communication zone. The register and position data may also be used to enable or modify functions of the wireless communication device, including communication functions. 
     The inventive method of disabling predetermined communication by, to, or by and to a wireless communication device comprises: creating a no communication zone of locations where said wireless communication device is to be disabled or functions of the wireless communication device are to be disabled, enabled, or modified; tracking predetermined positioning data on the wireless communication device; querying whether the predetermined positioning data is within a no communication zone location; if the wireless communication device is in a no communication zone location, disabling certain communication by, to, or by and to the wireless communication device and/or disabling, enabling, or modifying functions of the wireless communication device. 
     The predetermined zone may be a GPS location (or other location data) or the speed of movement of the wireless communication device in the network, which may optionally be derived from GPS position data. In one embodiment, the wireless communication device and/or the network recognize the wireless communication device is operating in a hands free mode of operation and may allow the communication device to send and receive messages when the device is operating in hands free mode of operation. The certain communication disabled may exclude communication of an emergency call. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a representative prior art cell phone system. 
         FIG. 2  shows a representative prior art cell phone system of  FIG. 1  provided with GPRS service designed for GSM networks. 
         FIG. 3  shows a representative prior art cell phone system of  FIG. 2  provided with global positioning system (GPS). 
         FIG. 4  shows a system embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  shows an embodiment of a no zone register. 
         FIG. 6  shows a logic flow for the system embodiment of  FIG. 4  implemented with the no zone register of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  shows another embodiment of an inventive no zone register. 
         FIG. 8  shows a logic flow for the system embodiment of  FIG. 4  implemented with the no zone register of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  shows a logic flow for the system of  FIG. 4  implemented with the no zone register of  FIG. 7  in a network that recognizes whether a mobile terminal in the network is being used in a hands free mode of operation. 
         FIG. 10  shows an alternative wireless communication device embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 11A, 11B-1 and 11B-2, and 11C  show an illustrative embodiment of this disclosure. ( FIGS. 11B-1 and 11B-2  collectively refer to  FIG. 11B .) 
         FIG. 12  shows an illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 11  of this disclosure. 
         FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D  depict an illustrative embodiment of this disclosure. 
         FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D  depict an illustrative embodiment of this disclosure. 
         FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D  depict an illustrative embodiment of this disclosure. 
         FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D  depict an illustrative embodiment of this disclosure. 
         FIGS. 176A, 17B, 17C, 17D  depict an illustrative embodiment of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 18  shows a method of this disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Prior art  FIG. 1  shows a representative prior art cell phone system  5  comprising a network  10 , a plurality of mobile terminals  70 , such as cell phones, and in between the network and cell phone, an air interface  60 . Network  10  typically includes a mobile switching center (MSC)  20 , an operational support center (SC)  50 , visiting location registers (VLR)  51 ,  52 , and base station controllers  54 ,  55 ,  56 , and base transceiver station (BTS)  58  which may be collectively referred to as base station subsystem (BSS)  53 . In the illustrative system of  FIG. 1 , mobile terminal (MT)  70  is illustratively based on the Groupe Speciale Mobile (GSM) standard, but may be based on other standards. MT  70  comprises a mobile unit  72  having an antenna  74 , a receiver/demodulator  76 , a microcontroller  78 , memory  80 , international mobile equipment number  82 , and a user identity module  84  also referred to as a subscriber identify module or SIM. MT  70  communicates with network  10  through air interface  60 . 
     Mobile switching center  20  is a telecommunications switch deployed in network  10  to provide call control, processing and access to the public switched telephone (fixed) network. The home location register (HLR)  22  is a database that is maintained by a user&#39;s home carrier or the mobile operator with whom the user has initiated service. HLR  22  stores information about the user, including the user profile (preferences), account status, features and capabilities. VLR  51 ,  52  is a database used by the serving carrier to manage service requests from mobile users who are away from the home system. 
     When MT  70  is powered on the IMSI or MIN of the mobile is sent to network  10  via the air interface  60 . The mobile request to use the network is picked up by BTS  58 . The call is directed to the MSC  20  that oversees the switching in which the mobile was powered on in. MSC  20  determines whether MT  70  is in its “home” area or whether it is a “visitor”. MSC  20  makes this determination based on the IMSI or MIN information. If in the home area, HLR  22  provides information for handling both origination of a call and placement of a call. It does so based on service subscription information, service restrictions and supplementary information in HLR  22 . If in a visitor area, VLR  51 ,  52  requests information from the HLR  22  where MT  70  is registered so that the visited system can process the call appropriately. If MSC  20  determines that the mobile is authorized to use network  10 , MSC  20  logs the phone onto network  10  and tells the mobile it is logged on. 
     Once logged on, when a user dials a GSM mobile subscriber&#39;s MSISDN or a TIA network MIN, the call is sent to MSN  20  which interrogates HLR  22  of the caller to obtain authorization and routing information stored in the service profile of the user associated with his MSISDN or MIN. MSC  20  illustratively routes the call over a public switching telecommunications network (PSTN) to the HLR of the number called. Based on the IMSI or MIN number, the called HLR looks up the called subscriber profile as well as the current VLR  51 ,  52  at which the called subscriber is registered. The called HLR  22  generates a response message and sends it back to the calling MSC  20 . MSC  20  then attempts to complete the call based on the location of the destination provided by called HLR  22 . 
     Billing tickets for calls made in network  10  are typically produced on MSC  20 . MSC  20  provides the billing tickets to the SC  50  which provides the interface to the customer invoices and the bills. SC  50  includes systems for billing the subscribers as well as for subscriber administration, fraud detection, and voice mail. These systems collect billing data generated by MSC in network  10  and manage the subscriber databases in network  10 . 
     Prior art  FIG. 2  shows the representative prior art cell phone system  5  of  FIG. 1  provided with GPRS service designed for GSM networks. GPRS provides an overlay service onto GSM that allows the mobile to access the Internet. GPRS allows a mobile to provide high-speed Internet data communications using the existing GSM air interface. GPRS provides a direct interface to the Internet services for GSM mobile devices and is implemented in an existing GSM network with the addition of two new elements. These elements are a Signaling GPRS Service Node (SGSN)  27  and a Gateway GPRS Service Node (GGSN)  26 . Additional modifications to the base station systems to include packet control units may also be required. GPRS allows a mobile to typically have an endless connection to an IP network that may stay open at low cost so that the mobile is connected to the network and enabled to connect to the Internet on initiation of a GDP Context message. Voice calls on GPRS handsets are routed by MSC  20  using the same circuit switched channels and protocols of GSM. 
     Prior art  FIG. 3  shows the representative prior art cell phone system  5  of  FIG. 2  provided with global positioning system (GPS). The U.S. Global Positioning System is a constellation of 24 satellites which orbit the earth in 12 hour orbits. The satellites are arranged in six orbital planes each containing four satellites. The constellation provides a user with approximately five to eight satellites visible from any point on earth. These satellites transmit as part of their message both satellite positioning data called “ephemeris” data and clock timing data. The satellites also transmit time-of-week information which allows a receiver to determine accurate time. Many new phones in the U.S., for example, have some GPS receiving capability built in. As shown in  FIG. 3 , MT  70  further comprises a GPS antenna  86  and GPS acquisition circuitry  88  for capturing satellite messages for use in calculating MT  70  receiver location and other information such as speed and direction. Assisted GPS enhances the performance of the GPS system by helping MT  70  locate satellite signals when MT  70  is surrounded by tall buildings or is indoors or under trees and assist MT  70  in calculating its position. GPRS functionality in MT  70 , which allows direct connection to the Internet services for GSM mobile devices using SGSN  27  and GGSN  26 , allows MT  70  GPS location information to be provided to network  12  regularly to allow network  12  to provide real time location data on MT  70 . GPS location information on MT  70  may be stored in GPS-R register  30 . Network  10  may use real time GPS data to track MT  70  through the network or use information derived from GPS data such as speed and direction of travel of MT  70 . This information may be stored in GPS-R register  30 . In some cases, a service provider may provide MT  70  with GPS functionality that is accessibly by third-party applications. Some companies like Accu-Tracking have developed software for installation on an MT  70  having such third party accessible GPS functionality. For a subscriber, Accu-Tracking tracks GPS data on MT  70  including direction of travel and speed of travel and displays these parameters on a subscriber Website for viewing by the subscriber over a computer. This service allows for example a parent to use an MT  70  of a child to track the movement of the child and if the child is driving a car to track the speed of the car. The service even permits audible alerts to be sent to MT  70  in the event the child is speeding. 
     All of the foregoing is common knowledge to one skilled in the art. 
       FIG. 4  shows an embodiment of the present invention. A cell phone system  105  comprises the representative prior art cell phone system  5  of  FIG. 3  and a no communication zone register (NZR)  32 . The representative elements of the prior art phone system  5  shown in  FIG. 3  have been previously described.  FIG. 5  shows an embodiment of NZR  32 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , NZR  32  is a register that may include a table of geographical locations  210 . Geographical locations  210  are physical locations in network  110  in which communication by or to MT  70  over network  110  is to be disabled and/or functions of the MT  70  are to be disabled, enabled or modified. Geographical locations  210  may be a hospital, a movie theater, a performing arts hall, a church, or other places where the use of cell phones may interfere with the public enjoyment, health, welfare, or safety. GPS positions  220  of the geographical locations  210  are provided for identifying the GPS positions of the locations. For a location that may be identified by an area of GPS positions, these GPS positions would be provided as GPS position  220  in the database of NZR  32 . 
     In operation, GPRS functionality in MT  70  allows MT  70  GPS location information to be provided to network  110  regularly to allow network  110  to have real time location data on MT  70 . GPS location information on MT  70  and derivative information such as speed and direction of travel of MT  70  generated by network  110  may be stored in GPS-R register  30 . MSC  20  regularly queries whether the GPS location information of MT  70  is within a no communication zone (i.e., dead zone). If NZR  32  indicates MT  70  is not in a dead zone, the communication functionality of MT  70  remains enabled. If NZR  32  indicates MT  70  is in a dead zone, network  110  disables the communication functionality of MT  70  for so long as MT  70  is in the dead zone. 
       FIG. 6  shows a logic flow diagram for an embodiment. As shown, network  110  periodically or continuously employs an embodiment by entering the logic shown in  FIG. 6  at the start control block  610 . At control block  620 , network  110  obtains the present GPS location of MT  70  from GPS-R register  30 . At control block  640 , network  110  queries whether the present GPS location of MT  70  is within a no communication zone location. This may be done by MSC  20  comparing the present location of MT  70  to the GPS locations contained in NZR  32 . A match indicates MT  70  is in a no communication zone whereas a no match indicates that MT  70  lies outside that communication zone. If the query done at control block  640  indicates MT  70  is not in a no communication zone (i.e., dead zone), control branches to control block  670  where MSC  20  queries whether MT  70  is disabled. If MT  70  is not disabled because it was not in a dead zone, MSC  20  flows to control finish block  690  and the process is finished. If MT  70  is disabled because on the last pass through the control logic MT  70  was in a dead zone but on the current pass MT  70  in no longer in a dead zone, MSC  20  enables communication functionality of MT  70  at control block  680  and the process flows to control finish block  690 . If the query at control block  640  indicates MT  70  is in a dead zone, control flows to control block  650  where network  110  queries whether the communication functionality of MT  70  is disabled. If the communication functionality is disabled, control flows to control finish block  690 . If the control functionality is not disabled, network  110  control flows to control block  660  where the communication functionality of MT  70  is disabled after which the process flows to control finish block  690 . Network  110  will keep communication functionality of MT  70  disabled for so long as MT  70  remains in the dead zone. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the control block  650  function of flagging off service for MT  70  may be done based on programmed service subscription information, service restrictions and supplementary information provided in HLR  22 . For example, service restrictions on MT  70  may include disabling the service of MT  70  when MT  70  is in a dead zone. The same goes for service enablement. Alternatively, MT  70  service may be disabled or enabled using well known over-the-air programming techniques. 
       FIG. 7  shows another embodiment in which NZR  32  contains a database of states and information on whether the state allows cell phones to be used in a moving vehicle. In this embodiment, the moving vehicle may be a car or truck or motorcycle or bicycle and the allowable speed may be as simple as allowable or not. For example, states that do not allow the use of cell phones while driving would be denoted on the list as not allowable whereas the other states would be denoted as allowable. Referring to the logic flow of this embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , after entering the control process at control start block  710  MSC  20  would obtain the GPS speed of MT  70  at control block  720  and at control block  740  query whether the speed of movement of MT  70  is at or above the speed denoted in NZR  32  shown in  FIG. 7 . If the speed of movement of MT  70  is at or above the speed denoted in NZR  32 , then process flows to control block  750  and continues on in a manner similar to the manner described with like process control blocks shown in  FIG. 6 . If the speed of movement of MT  70  is not at or above the speed denoted in NZR  32 , then process flows to control block  770  and continues on in a manner similar to the manner described with like process control blocks shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     In the example, the speed denoted in NZR  32  is either allowable which means that MT  70  may be used in vehicles or not allowable which means that MT  70  may not be used while driving. Alternatively, in states where use of a cell phone while driving is not permitted, NZR  32  may be set at a low speed instead of a no speed condition as specified in the prior example in order to allow for the possible use of a cell phone in a moving but non-driving condition, such as, while walking. By trading off a no speed condition in NZR  32  for a speed of, for example, a typical walking speed of a person, such as 5 miles per hour, the cell phone would be useable while walking but not when driving at speeds at or above 5 miles per hour. 
     In a further embodiment, in some states, cell phone use while driving is permitted so long as done using a hands free device.  FIG. 9  shows an illustrative embodiment of a logic flow diagram which recognizes whether MT  70  is being operated in hands free mode of operation. When operated in hands free mode of operation, MT  70  detects the hands free operation and transmits that information to network  110 . In this example, NZR  32  in  FIG. 7  would further include a designation of allowable with hands free condition in addition to the allowable and not allowable conditions previously described. In the process flow shown in  FIG. 9 , the network obtains the GPS speed of MT  70  at control block  820  and further obtains the hands free use information of MT  70  at control block  830 . At control block  840 , a no communication zone condition would occur if, for the state which requires MT  70  to be operated in a hands free mode of operation for MT  70  to be useable while driving, the MT  70  information obtained by network  110  shows MT  70  to have a GPS speed that satisfies the speed condition for disablement of communication and the condition of being used without a hands free. Based on this query at control block  840  network  110  proceeds through the remaining process shown in  FIG. 9  in a manner similar to the manner described with like process control blocks shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     The foregoing embodiments preferably would not disable the ability of cell phones to place 911 or like calls for emergency purposes. In addition, there may be other instances in which calls may likewise be permitted such as in connection with calls from or to family members. 
     In another embodiment, the network in either one or more of the foregoing embodiments may be provided with a messaging service for messaging MT  70  that service is interrupted because the communication device is in a no communication zone. For example, messaging may be generated by the network and transmitted to MT  70  via gateway SMSG  24  and illustratively displayed in text form on a display on MT  70 . Messaging an MT  70  via SMS gateway SMSG  24  is common knowledge to one skilled in the art. 
     While the foregoing embodiments illustrate the use of GPS location and derived speed, alternative embodiments may be useable with any GPS direct or derived information. As one example, where acceleration is derived from GPS data, the use of MT  70  could be conditioned on the acceleration of MT  70  in the network. In addition, embodiments may create conditions of dead zone of operation based on a blend of GPS and non-GPS data available to the network. For example, a dead zone may be further conditioned on the time of day of use of MT  70  such that at certain times of day a dead zone would exist to disable use of MT  70  whereas at other times of day the dead zone would be lifted to allow MT  70  to be used in that zone. In previous example further illustrates that embodiments may be used alone or in combination with one or more direct or derived information. As yet another example of the use of embodiments with a combination of information, in the situation where the operation of a communication device is not allowed in a city but allowed outside of a city, embodiments of the invention may track both the location of MT  70  with respect to the city as well as the speed of the MT  70  at its location. Whether MT  70  would be operable would turn on the conditions that MT  70  satisfies where used. 
     In the previous embodiments, except as to establishments that may be mandated by applicable laws to be included on the dead zone list which would need to be included on the list, the network generates the dead zone list of hospitals, movie theaters, performing arts halls, churches, or other places where the use of cell phones may interfere with the public enjoyment, health, welfare, or safety, possibly based upon publicly available information. In another embodiment, if the establishment is listed on the dead zone list by default, unless it is one of the mandated establishments, the establishment may have the option to elect to be dropped from the list so as to allow MT  70  to be used in its establishment. For example, a restaurant that may be included on the dead zone list by default may elect to be dropped from the list in order to allow its customers to use MT  70  in its establishment. As yet another embodiment, any establishment that may not be included on the default dead zone list may have the option to elect to be included on the dead zone. For example, a store or a football stadium may request to be included on the dead zone list in order to prevent the use of MT  70  from disturbing its patrons. As yet another example, inclusion of an establishment on the dead zone list may be by way of a service offering provided by the service provider. The service may be offered at no charge to an establishment or may offered on a subscription fee basis. With this service, an establishment may elect to have their establishment included on the dead zone list by subscription to the service. 
       FIG. 10  shows another embodiment of the invention in which in the representative prior art cell phone system  7  of  FIG. 3  MT  70  includes a no communication zone register (NZR)  932  including a database of predetermined zones in which communication by, to, or by and to MT  970  is to be disabled and/or functions of MT  970  are to be disabled, enabled, or modified. In this embodiment, MT  970  tracks its location based on GPS positioning data (alone or with the aid of AGPS). When MT  970  is in one of the predetermined zones in which certain communication by, to, or by and to MT  970  is not permitted, MT  970  is disabled from handling the certain communication by, to, or by and to MT  970 . NZR  932  is a register like shown and discussed in connection with  FIG. 5  that may include a table of geographical locations. The listing of geographical locations may be limited by the size of the register. For example, in view of the size constraints of the available semiconductor space in MT  970 , the geographical locations could be limited to a limited set of predetermined locations such as movie theaters within a 10 mile radius of the billing address of the mobile user. To be maintained current, NZR  923  could be updated by the network  12  in which MT  970  is authorized to be used by the employment of well-known over the air reprogramming technologies. The logic for the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 10  may be similar to the logic shown in  FIG. 6  except that control block  620 , which is shown to obtains GPS location of MT  70 , would be done by MT  970  and not by the network as discussed in connection with  FIG. 6 . 
     As an alternative embodiment, NZR  932  may be a register like shown and discussed in connection with  FIG. 7  that may include a table of conditions on the speed of MT  70 . In this embodiment, MT  970  further comprises software for calculating the speed of MT  970  from GPS positioning data. Since speed is the distance traveled in a specified time, software may, using GPS position data, track the distance traveled by MT  970  in a specified time and calculate the speed. The sophistication of the calculation may be limited by available semiconductor considerations. The logic for this embodiment of the invention may be similar to the logic shown in  FIG. 8 or 9  except that control block  720  and  820 , which is shown to obtain speed information on MT  70 , would be done by MT  970  and not by the network as discussed in connection with  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 10 , the predetermined zone may be a geographical location, and may comprise a GPS position. Alternatively, the predetermined zone may comprise a condition on the speed of the wireless communication device in said network where the speed may be derived from GPS position data. Disabling of communication with respect to the wireless communication device in  FIG. 10  may occur by enablement of a flag in the wireless communication device that prevents the wireless communication device to place, receive, or place and receive the certain communication while the communication device is in the no communication zone. The condition on the speed of the wireless device may be taken from the group of no communication allowed, communication allowed, and communication allowed under certain preconditions. The device may recognize that the wireless communication device is operating in a hands free mode of operation. The certain communication disabled may exclude communication under conditions taken from the group of the speed of said wireless communication device is less than a predetermined speed and said wireless is being used in a hands free mode of operation. The certain communication disabled may exclude communication under an emergency call. On interruption of service, the device may display a message indicating that service is interrupted because the communication device is in a no communication zone. 
     As yet another embodiment, MT  970  may be used in the network shown in  FIG. 4 . One of the benefits of such a hybrid configuration in which both the network and the terminal contain a no communication zone register is that it may allow for quicker adoption of the technology. This by allowing, for example, legacy mobile terminals, that are without the architecture and/or semiconductor real estate that might allow for over the air reprogramming of the terminal with no zone register communication functionality, to be disabled using no zone communication registers located in the network while newer model terminals are provided with no communication functionality in the terminal. 
     In an embodiment of a method for disabling predetermined communication by, to, or by and to a wireless communication device, the method comprises: creating a no communication zone of locations wherein the wireless communication device is to be disabled; tracking predetermined positioning data on the wireless communication device; querying whether the predetermined positioning data is within the no communication zone location; and if the wireless communication device is in a no communication zone location, disabling certain communication by, to, or by and to the wireless communication device. 
     While the foregoing embodiments illustrate the use of GPS location and derived speed, in alternative embodiments the invention may be useable with any GPS direct or derived information. As one example, where acceleration is derived from GPS data, the use of MT  70  could be conditioned on the acceleration of MT  70  in the network. In addition, embodiments of the invention may create conditions of dead zone of operation based on a blend of GPS and non-GPS data. For example, a dead zone may be further conditioned on the time of day of use of MT  70  such that at certain times of day a dead zone would exist to disable use of MT  70  whereas at other times of day the dead zone would be lifted to allow MT  70  to be used in that zone. The previous example further illustrates that embodiments of the invention may be used alone or in combination with one or more direct or derived information. As yet another example of the use of embodiments of the invention with a combination of information, in the situation where the operation of a communication device is not allowed in a city but allowed outside of a city, embodiments may track both the location of MT  70  with respect to the city as well as the speed of the MT  70  at its location. Whether MT  70  would be operable would turn on the conditions that MT  70  satisfies where used. 
     While the foregoing embodiments for disablement of MT  70  have been disclosed, there are other ways well known to those skilled in the art in which communication by, to, or by and to a wireless communication device may be restricted and these other well-known ways provide yet other embodiments how the communication of MT  70  may be disabled and the implementation of these other ways of restricting the wireless communication of MT  70  are incorporated herein as to these other embodiments that use Applicant&#39;s dead zone invention for wireless communication devices. For example, disablement may occur by the network or device flagging on a feature that overrides the password of MT  70  when MT  70  is in a dead zone which prevents a user from unlocking his phone for use while in the dead zone. As yet another example, disablement may occur by the network or device flagging on a feature that disables the send/receive keypad on MT  70 . 
     In the previous embodiments, except as to establishments that may be mandated by applicable laws to be included on the dead zone list which would need to be included on the list, the network may generate the dead zone list of hospitals, movie theaters, performing arts halls, churches, or other places where the use of cell phones may interfere with the public enjoyment, health, welfare, or safety, possibly based upon publicly available information. In another embodiment, if the establishment is listed on the dead zone list by default, unless it is one of the mandated establishments, the establishment may have the option to elect to be dropped from the list so as to allow MT  70  to be used in its establishment. For example, a restaurant that may be included on the dead zone list by default may elect to be dropped from the list in order to allow its customers to use MT  70  in its establishment. As yet another embodiment, any establishment that may not be included on the default dead zone list may have the option to elect to be included on the dead zone. For example, a store or a football stadium may request to be included on the dead zone list in order to prevent the use of MT  70  from disturbing its patrons. As yet another example, inclusion of an establishment on the dead zone list may be by way of a service offering provided by the service provider. The service may be offered at no charge to an establishment or may offered on a subscription fee basis. With this service, an establishment may elect to have their establishment included on the dead zone list by subscription to the service. 
       FIG. 11A  shows an illustrative embodiment of this disclosure comprising a wireless device  1120  and an external utility  170 . Wireless device  1120  comprises a processor  1112  and a memory  1130 . External utility comprises a memory  1172  for storing instructions for execution by processor  1112  or by an external processor. A processor (not shown) may be associated with memory  1172  to execute instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be configured to execute control instructions of general purpose operating system  1174  and control applications  1180 . 
     Processor  1112  may be hardware and software configured to process instructions. The processor may be implemented in any number of ways. Such ways include, by way of example and not of limitation, digital and/or analog processors such as microprocessors and digital-signal processors (DSPs); controllers such as microcontrollers; software running in a machine; programmable circuits such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Field-Programmable Analog Arrays (FPAAs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), any combination of one or more of these, and so on. Processor associated with external utility  1170  may be a server class processor, or other processor configured for executing control instructions associated with general purpose operating system  1174  and control applications  1180 . 
     Memory  1130  may be any physical device capable of storing information temporarily or permanently. Memory may be implemented in any number of ways. Such ways include, by way of example and not of limitation, nonvolatile memories (NVM), read-only memories (ROM), random access memories (RAM), any combination of these, etc. Memory  1130  may include programs containing instructions for execution by processor  1112  or a processor external to the wireless device. The instructions perform the functions described in this disclosure including performing protocols, decision making analytics, and so on. In addition, memory  1130  may store rules, configurations, data, etc. Memory  1172  of external utility  1170  may be a server class memory, or other memory configured for storing control instructions associated with general purpose operating system  1174  and control applications  1180 . 
     At least some of the software and data structures stored in the memory  1130  of the wireless device  1120  implements a general-purpose operating system  1132  that functionally organizes the wireless device  1120 . The general-purpose operating system  1132  may be a type of operating system, that is capable of executing a variety of types of software applications, including applications related to wireless device control. 
     The general purpose operating system  1174  of external utility  1170  may be a type of operating system that is capable of executing a variety of types of software applications, including applications related to wireless device control. It will be understood that a general purpose operating system includes operating systems that, while capable of executing a variety of software applications, may be configured for special-purpose applications in any particular embodiment. 
     At least another part of the software and data structures in the memory  1130  of the wireless device  1120  stores a control application  1180  that is utilized to control external utility functions as disclosed herein. 
     At least another part of the software and data structures in the memory  1172  of the external utility stores a control application  1180  that is utilized to control wireless device functions as disclosed herein. 
     The control application  1140  of wireless device  1120  may include a wireless device subsystem  1142 , a biometric operator module  1150 , and a system status information module  1152 . The wireless device subsystem  1142  of wireless device  1120  may include a system automation module, a dead zone (DZ) register  1146 , and an override switch  1148 . 
     The control application  1180  of external utility  1170  may include a wireless device subsystem  1182 , a dead zone (DZ) service  1190 , a dead zone (DZ) register  1192 , a biometric operator service  1196 , and a system status information module  1194 . The wireless device subsystem  1182  of external utility  1170  may include a system automation control module  1184 , a dead zone (DZ) register  1186 , and an override switch  1188 . 
     The wireless device subsystem  1142  of wireless device  1120  may be hardware and software configured to monitor and control the wireless device. The wireless device subsystem  1142  of wireless device  1120  is also electrically coupled to, and provides control signals to wireless device subsystems such as sensors  1110  (or other subsystems, e.g., camera operation, scanning operation, texting, emailing, internet connectivity, etc.) that implement image capture, motion, wireless communication, internet browsing, and/or other function control. In one illustrative embodiment, the wireless device subsystem  1142  of wireless device  1120  is electrically coupled to one or more sensors  1110  onboard the wireless device as explained below. Image data, system status data, and/or other data may be detected by sensors or collected, under the direction of wireless device subsystem  1142  of wireless device  1120  for processing by the wireless device subsystem  1142  of wireless device  1120 . Illustratively, the wireless device subsystem  1142  of wireless device  1120  may be configured to control the operation of the lower level systems of wireless device as explained below. 
     Alternatively, control of the lower level systems of wireless device may be by wireless device subsystem  1182  of external utility  1170 , or by both the wireless device subsystem  1182  of external utility  1170  and the wireless device subsystem  1142  of wireless device  1120 . The wireless device subsystem  1182  of external utility  1170  may be hardware and software configured to monitor and control the wireless device from an external location. 
     The DZ register  1146  of the wireless device subsystem  1142  of wireless device  1120  may be a portion of memory  1130  that stores locations in which a function of the wireless device should be disabled or modified in order to adapt to the requirements specified for the location. In another illustrative embodiment, the DZ register  1186  of wireless device subsystem  1182  of external utility  1170  may store locations in which a function of the wireless device should be disabled or modified in order to adapt to the requirements specified for the location. In another embodiment, the DZ register  1192  of the external utility  1170  may store locations in which a function of the wireless device should be disabled or modified in order to adapt to the requirements specified for the location. In another embodiment, combinations of DZ registers may be used according to this disclosure. For example, DZ register  1186  may contain dead zone locations on the network level and DZ register  1146  may contain dead zone locations on the wireless device level customized for a particular wireless device or user. DZ register  1192  may contain dead zone locations useable by a DZ service  1190 . For example, a communication service provider for the wireless device may customize DZ register  1146  and DZ register  1186  in accordance with restrictions and permissions set by the service provider; while DZ register  1192  may be dead zone locations for which restrictions and permissions are set by a specific DZ service  1190 . For instance, if the wireless device is associated with a firearm as per the examples below, a firearm bureau may operate the DZ service  1190  and use the DZ register  1192  for dead zone locations applicable to that service while the provider of the communication service may control the dead zone locations in DZ register  1186 . 
     Dead zone locations may be locations in which the functionality of one or more features of a wireless device may be prohibited. Where, for example, the dead zone is a location in which all voice communications are prohibited, a wireless device in such a dead zone location may by the teachings of this disclosure cause the cellular and voice over IP (VOIP) functions of the wireless device to be disabled. However, the other communication features of a wireless device such as text messaging or emailing or internet browsing may still be enabled and so be allowed. In this example, some but not all communication functionalities of a wireless device may be disabled by the teachings of this disclosure. In another example, all communication functionality of a wireless device may be disabled during the duration of time that the wireless device is in the dead zone. For instance, if the dead zone is a location where a wireless device should not be used, the communication features of the wireless device may be disabled. 
     The teachings of this disclosure also permit the functionalities of a wireless device to be modified without disablement. For instance, a wireless device that is approaching a dead zone may be modified by the teachings of this disclosure so that the user is aware that he is approaching a dead zone. For instance, the teachings of this disclosure may cause a communication signal to the smart phone to become weaker and weaker the closer the wireless device gets to the dead zone. This may cause the wireless device to change direction to avoid the dead zone to avoid the disablement of functionalities. In another example, a dead zone may permit a wireless device to render displays on a screen of the wireless device but at an intensity level that is less annoying to others on location. The teachings of this disclosure may modify the intensity settings of the wireless device to allow this to happen. 
     The wireless device subsystem  1142  of wireless device  1120  may include an override switch  1148 . The override switch may be hardware and software configured to override the control of the wireless device as explained below. Where, for instance, a wireless device enters a dead zone, a control signal from system automation control module  1184  of wireless device  1120  may be applied to the override switch  1148 . The output from the override switch  1148  may override control of the wireless device and disable the functionalities that are not permitted by the wireless device while in a dead zone. 
     Alternatively, where control of the lower level systems of wireless device may be by wireless device subsystem  1182  of external utility  1170 , a control signal from system automation control module  1184  of external utility  1170  may be applied to an override switch  1188 . The output from the override switch  1188  may override control of the wireless device and disable the functionalities that are not permitted by the wireless device while in a dead zone. 
     In operation, image, system status, or other data may be collected by the wireless device, the external utility  1170 , or both. And the wireless device subsystem  1142  of wireless device  1120 , the wireless device subsystem  1182  of external utility  1170 , or both in turn issues appropriate control signals to lower level systems of the wireless device to control their performance (such as disable function of the wireless device). 
     The biometric operator module  1150  may be hardware and software configured to calculate one or more biometric data or metrics, determine therefrom identity indicia on the operator currently using the wireless device, and based on the identity indicia, enable or disable functionality of the wireless device or services provided to the wireless device as described herein. Biometric data or metrics may include one or more of data samples, models, fingerprints, similarity scores and verification or identification data. 
     Biometric data or metrics may be used to authenticate a user of the wireless device for purposes such as identification and access control. Biometric operator monitor may employ a biometric identification technique such as face recognition, fingerprint identification, hand geometry biometrics, retina scan, iris scan, signature, voice analysis, and so to authenticate a user and access control. For example, if the biometrics of an operator do not match the biometrics of an authorized wireless device operator encoded in the memory  1130  (e.g., the operator is not the registered user of the wireless device), the biometric operator module may not enable the wireless device or if the wireless device is enabled, the biometric operator module may disable the wireless device. 
     Alternatively, external utility  1170  may include a biometric operator service  1196 . Biometric operator service may be server class hardware and software configured to calculate one or more biometric data or metrics, determine therefrom identity indicia on the operator currently using the wireless device, and based on the identity indicia, enable or disable functionality of the wireless device or services provided to the wireless device as described herein. Alternatively, biometric operator service may be non-server class hardware and software. 
     Alternatively, if the operator is not the registered user of the wireless device, the biometric operator module may perform one or more other sequences, such as a sequence to determine, notwithstanding the operator not being the registered user of the wireless device, whether the operator is someone otherwise authorized to use the wireless device. For example, in the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 11A , a cloud service may be provided comprising a registry of biometric or other data on law enforcement officers. The biometric operator module may provide to the cloud service the biometric or other data on the person seeking to use the wireless device. The cloud service may then perform a set of instructions to determine whether the provided biometric data of the intended user matches the biometric data of a law enforcement officer. If there is a match, the cloud service may communicate to the biometric operator monitor to provide control instructions to enable the wireless device for use by the intended user. A biometric operator service  1196  in memory  1172  may provide this service of controlling the enable/disable functionality of the wireless device or services provided by the network to the wireless device based upon biometric data. 
     The system status information module  1152  may be hardware and software configured to provide system status information that may include data on why a wireless device remains disabled or functions of the wireless device remain disabled notwithstanding the desire of the operator to use the wireless device, information on the condition of the wireless device, instructions on what an operator may do in order to enable the firearm, and so on. For example, the status data may indicate that the biometric recognition failed; try again. Or the status data may indicate that the wireless device is in a dead zone; move to another location. The status data may also indicate that the power source is low; recharge or change battery. Other information may also be provided. 
     To provide feedback to an operator on the system status information, the electronic control system may also include a speaker, to issue voice prompts, etc. The electronic control system may also include visual gauges like a gauge to indicate the amount of power left and a gauge that changes in a condition such as changing a color, such as green, when a function of a wireless device is enabled according to this disclosure, and another color, such as red, when a function of the wireless device is enabled. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 11B , touch-sensitive screen  1114  may display a dashboard of one or more functions of the wireless device that are controlled by the system automation module  1144  of the wireless device  1120 , the system automation control module  1184  of the external utility  1170 , or both. The dashboard provides enablement/disablement/modified indicia along with a script. The script may be a program that operates on the external utility and wireless device, as the case may be. Illustrative functions of the wireless device controlled by this disclosure illustrated on the dashboard are elements  1125 ,  1123 , and  1127  associated with disablement by the wireless device, disablement by the external utility, and a modification of the functionality by both wireless device and external utility according to this disclosure. In the case of element  1127 , a script would modify the performance of the GPS navigation system. Since in this example, a script from both external device and wireless device would apply, the script with the higher priority would apply to control the modification of the indicated function. 
       FIG. 11C  depicts a logic map for enablement/disablement/modification of a wireless device by wireless device subsystem  1182  and wireless device subsystem  1142  (e.g., a logic map distributed across the wireless device  1120  and external utility  1170 ). As indicated, if both network and wireless device enable a function of the wireless device, the function will be enabled. If any one or both network and wireless device disable a function of the wireless device, the function will be disabled. If either network or wireless device is enabled and the other of network and wireless device is configured to run a script or to modify the functionality of the wireless device, the script will execute and provide control signals for controlling or modifying the function. If both network and wireless device invoke scripts or modification, then the script or modification that has been ascribed the higher priority will execute and provide control signals for controlling or modifying the function. 
     A system status information service  1194  in external utility  1170  may provide system status information to the wireless device for controlling the enable/disable functionality of the wireless device or services provided by the network to the wireless device. 
     A dead zone (DZ) service  1190  in external utility  1170  may provide dead zone services to the wireless device for controlling the enable/disable functionality of the wireless device or services provided by the network to the wireless device. For example, a third party may set up a dead zone subscription service whereby churches, restaurants, and so on may subscribe to have control signals sent to control functionality in wireless devices that are on the premises of the subscriber. 
     The wireless device may include a touch-sensitive screen  1114  to allow a wireless device operator to interface with the wireless device. The touch-sensitive screen may be a computer display screen that is also an input device. Illustratively, the touch-screen may be integrated with the electronic control system of the wireless device to allow an operator of the wireless device to provide input commands to the wireless device and to scroll, navigate, and zoom image, system status, and other data rendered on the touch-sensitive screen. Alternatively, any enable/disable control interface may be used in place of the touch-screen. 
     The screens may be sensitive to pressure. A user may interact with the wireless device by touching pictures or words on the screen. The touch-sensitive screen  1114  may be configured to visually display information and to received input, including touches and gestures entered by an operator. Alternatively, the touch-sensitive screen  1114  may be provided by the display of a wireless mobile device. Illustrative examples of wireless mobile devices include tablet computers, smartphones, and certain portable media players that execute general-purpose operating systems. Alternatively, the touch-sensitive screen  1114  may be provided by the display of an external utility configured to wirelessly communicate with the wireless device of this disclosure. The wireless communication of the wireless mobile device or external utility with the wireless device may be over a wireless network  1230  described below in connection with  FIG. 12  below. Alternatively, the wireless mobile devices, external utility, or other enable/disable control interface, such as a monitor, may be hardwire tethered to the wireless device of this disclosure through communication ports. 
     As described above, the touch-sensitive screen may allow the image, system status, or other data to be displayed on a user interface (UI) on the touch-sensitive screen  1114  ( FIG. 11A ), and may receive control input indicating desired motion and/or other function control via the UI, such as when firearm operator control is permitted in the embodiment described below. The desired motion may be scrolling, navigating, and zooming image, system, and other data rendered on the touch-sensitive screen. This control input may be passed to the network  1230  for transmission back to the external utility  1170  ( FIG. 11A ) (which may be a server  1240 ) where permitted. The network  1230  may be a public or private network, or combination of both. 
     The touch-sensitive screen may also enable an operator of the wireless device to pass data to the network through wireless network interface  1116  for transmission back to an external utility  1170  ( FIG. 11A ) over a wireless network, when permitted. The touch-sensitive screen may also render on the display of the touch-sensitive screen data received over the wireless network from a cloud service or other external utilities over the network. For instance, data streamed into the wireless device for rendering on the touch-sensitive screen (or for broadcast audibly) may include data on why one or more features of a wireless device remains disabled, data requiring the operator to perform certain steps before enabling the wireless device, data resulting from a biometric check done by a cloud server as previously described, and so on. 
     The external utility may provide a control signal to wireless network interface  1116  for use by wireless device in controlling the firearm as disclosed herein. 
     An operator may be permitted to access data, such as image, system status, other data, update data, and/or confirm data, and so on. For example, an operator may have permission to access system status data in order to understand why a wireless device functionality has been disabled. The dashboard depicted in  FIG. 11B  illustrates one way in which such information may be made available to an operator. 
     A service provider may have permission to update status data over a network as disclosed herein. In one illustrative example, the service provider may be a bureau, such as a government entity enabled with permissions to update status information. A law enforcement officer may have permission enable a wireless device that is not his own. Permission may be illustratively granted using a cloud service including a registry on biometric data as previously explained. 
     Permission may be given a user of the wireless device in other situations after a condition has triggered the functionality of the wireless device to be disabled. For example, a user may have permission to make a 911 call even in a location where calling is prohibited or restricted. In another example, a law enforcement officer entering a dead zone in hot pursuit of armed robbers may, for example, using permissions, over-ride the disable of the wireless device to allow one or more functionalities to be used. Permissions may be encoded in the memory of the wireless device or stored in a cloud service which may include a registry of persons with permission to operate the wireless device. 
     The wireless device may also include an enable/disable control interface through which a remote operator or service may monitor and control the wireless device as described herein. For example, the wireless device subsystem  1142  of the wireless device may include an interface through which a remote operator or service may monitor and control the wireless device as described herein. 
     The wireless device may be provided with a microphone for the electronic control system to receive voice commands, such as by an operator, like “try again” or “reboot”, and so on. 
     In another embodiment, a plurality of wireless devices may be tethered or wirelessly connected to an off boarded computing device. The computing device may serve the plurality of wireless devices in one or more ways, such as by validating the operator, providing services, and so forth. A plurality of wireless devices may be wirelessly connected to a remote computing device for purposes of monitoring and controlling the wireless device in the dead zone area, such as by disabling a functionality of the wireless device when an operator is entering a dead zone. 
       FIG. 11A  shows a wireless device may further include sensors  1110 . Sensors  1110  may comprise an image capture sensor, another sensor, or a combination of both. The image capture sensor may be hardware and software configured to capture an image. Image capture sensors typically include one or more light sensors. A light source may also be included to emit light to be reflected off an object. The light sensors capture and translate the reflected light into electrical signals. The image captured may be a photo image. For example, the light sensors may be a high-pixel resolution CCD (charge coupled device) chip and it and associated hardware may be used for generating digital images. The software for processing the captured images may reside in the memory  1130  or a section of memory. Alternatively, the image capture sensors may be provided with a processor and a memory for storing and executing this image processing software. 
     Other sensors may include heat, location accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a proximity sensor, a gravity sensor, a linear accelerometer, and so on. Additional sensors may include light sensor, camera sensors, microphone sensors, touch sensors, pressure sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, and so on. 
     Illustratively, the wireless network interface  1116  may comprise transceiver circuitry and software for sending and receiving packets over a wireless network (e.g., an IEEE 802.11 WLAN). Alternatively, the transceiver may be hardware and software configured to transmit data to and from the electronic control system and a network or an external device including Wi-Fi, blue tooth CDMA, and so on, that enables a wireless communication link for between the electronic control system and an external device. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the wireless network interface  1116  may be combined with or replaced by a hardwire connect for electrically connecting the electronic control system to the network by wire, such as one or more ports and associated circuitry and software that allow wired communication between the electronic control system and an external device (e.g., an Ethernet connector, an RS232 connector, a USB or other wire connector.) 
     A hardwire connect may be used, for example, to tether a wireless device to another wireless device to enable the functionality of the wireless device to assist, augment, enhance, or complement functionality that is provided by the wireless device. In one example, the tether permits the wireless network interface of the smart phone to be used by the electronic control system to communicate with external devices or a network. For example, a smart phone received and held in a pocket of a garment worn by the operator may be tethered to the wireless device so as to allow the smart phone to communicate with the wireless device to perform the functionalities of this disclosure. For example, the touch-screen of the display of the mobile device may provide the touch-sensitive screen  1114  of the wireless device. In another example, the wireless network interface of the smart phone may provide the hardware and software to establish a wireless communication link with a network. 
     The wireless network interface  1116 , hardwire connect, or both may enable any computing device to be electrically connected to the wireless device of this disclosure. By computing device is meant servers, intermediary servers, personal computers, cellular phones, smart phones, wireless computers, wireless lap-top computers, mobile devices such as tablet computers, pad computers, personal digital assistant, wireless sensors or networks of sensors, such as mesh network sensors, and so on may be in electrical communication with to provide functionality to the electronic control system. 
     In another illustrative embodiment, a wireless mobile device such as a smartphone or other computing device may be the wireless device of this disclosure. In this embodiment, the smartphone may provide the processor, memory, and wireless network interface functionalities of the electronic control system according to this disclosure. The battery of the smartphone may provide power for the firearm subsystem or enhance a power system provided the firearm for operating the firearm subsystem. 
       FIG. 12  shows an illustrative embodiment system  1210  implementation of  FIG. 11  of this disclosure comprising a wireless device  1220 , a network  1230 , and an external utility  1240 . 
     Wireless device  1220  has been previously described. Network illustratively may include access point  1232 , base station  1238 , a cloud  1234 , and a gateway  1236 . Network may include an access point or base station or both. Networking may also occur on a peer-to-peer basis where possible. 
     Access point  1232  is a station that transmits and receives data (sometimes referred to as a transceiver). An access point connects users to other users within the network and also can serve as the point of interconnection between the WLAN and a fixed wire network. A base station is a fixed point of communication for customer cellular phones on a carrier network. A cloud is a network of computers through which data passes between two end points. A gateway  1236  is a network node that connects two networks using different protocols together. 
     External utility  1240  comprises one or more programmed computers that may be connected to the wireless device  1220  wirelessly or by wired connection in order to allow for the exchange of data and control signals between the electronic control system and the external utility through wireless network interface  1116  and/or hardware connection as previously explained. The external utility of this disclosure may be a cloud server. A server may be any computer configured to serve the requests of client programs running on the same or other computers on a network. The computer of the external utility may be a host computer configured to serve the requests of one or more client programs residing in the safety disarm module. Alternatively, the computer of the external utility may serve a client residing on the external utility or on some other computer to which the external utility may be connected. Depending on the computing service that the server is configured to offer, the server may include one or more of a file server for storing and making files accessible for reading and writing to the client, a print server that manages one or more printers, a network server that manages network traffic, a mail server that manages mail on a network, a database server that allows clients to interact with a database, a firearm server for managing firearm records, and so on. The server may also be in communication with one or more other servers that may include one or more of the foregoing or other servers. The foregoing and servers may provide a service to the firearm operator. For instance, the print server may enable a firearm operator to print an image of a target or print information on why the firearm was not armed, or information on the use of the firearm such as day and time of use, time of firing, number of firings, location, and so on. Sensors associated with the firearm may track movement of the firearm for printing by the print server for investigative, historical, archival, or other purposes. The computer of the external utility may be any computer (e.g., end user device or server) including servers, intermediary servers, personal computers, cellular phones, smart phones, wireless computers, wireless lap-top computers, mobile devices such as tablet computers, pad computers, personal digital assistant, and wireless sensors or networks of sensors, such as mesh network sensors. These examples are not intended to be limiting, and the present disclosure is not limited to these examples of computing device. In one illustrative embodiment, the computing device may be a user equipment such as a cellular phone, a smart phone, or other device, such as a tablet or a personal digital assistant containing a multi applications processor configured to execute a mobile application. In other embodiments, any computing device configured to execute an application to provide a data service according to this disclosure may be used as the computing device of this disclosure. 
     The external utility  1240  in  FIG. 12  may be configured to serve the control application in controlling the operation of the wireless device and in supporting the operator of the wireless device. In one example, the illustrative memory map on dead zones may reside in the wireless device. Alternatively, the map may reside on an external utility, such as a cloud server. Alternatively, a first map may reside on the external utility and a second map on the wireless device. The maps may be identical, similar, complementary, and so on. 
     The cloud server may allow for dead zone services at a level more complicated and sophisticated than possible on the wireless device to take place in order to make the enable/disable of this disclosure. Control application of this disclosure, for example as illustrated in  FIG. 11A  may comprise software configured to create a communication link between the wireless device and the cloud server so as to allow the electronic control system and the service to communicate. The control application may be downloadable software, embedded software, and so on. In another example, the cloud server may allow for complex biometric metrics to be generated for use by the biometric operator monitor of the wireless device of this disclosure. This may make the enabling of a wireless device in a dead zone, for example, according to this disclosure based on the biometric identity of the operator more robust and effective. 
     In another example, the cloud server may allow for system status data to be generated for use by the system status information module  1152 . This may make the feeding of system status data to the wireless device of this disclosure more robust and effective. 
     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 11A , an illustrative memory map for operation of the wireless device may reside on a cloud server. Data on the wireless device, wireless device registrant, registration data, permitted wireless operators, wireless operator recognition, date of use, location of use, dead zone restrictions, and so on may be managed by way of a service on a cloud server and used to arm or disarm a firearm, stream data, provide guidance or coaching to an operator, and so on. 
       FIG. 13A  depicts an illustrative dead zone control architecture  1301  for wireless device. In wireless devices, there may be many controllers which are responsible for different functions of a wireless device or for controlling the wireless device on different levels. To perform a given wireless function the wireless device controllers (e.g. Start/Resume &amp; Stop/End  1334 , Path Generation &amp; Control  1336 , Automatic Path Control System  1338 , Other System  1339 ) are activated and connected in a certain way. A system automation module  1332  provides control signals to the device controllers responsive to external commands  1350 , system status  1352 , and sensor information  1354 . The specific ways system automation module  1332  does this are known in art and a matter of design choice. 
     A wireless device subsystem  1310  of this disclosure (either wireless device subsystem  1142  in wireless device  1120 , or wireless device subsystem  1182  in external utility  1170 , or both) applies control signals to system automation module  1332  in order to enable, disable, or modify one or more functionalities of the wireless device in accordance with this disclosure. Control signals may be generated by the wireless device subsystem  1310  responsive to the wireless device approaching a dead zone, entering a dead zone, and so on. The outputs of the controllers are illustratively applied to a switch  1340  for generating an actuator command  1344  which may be under the influence of an inner loop control that controls actuators  1346 . Actuators  1346  may be an electro-mechanical, electrical, or software configuration that generates an actuator response in response to the actuator command  1344 . An electromechanical actuator may be the mechanism that causes a camera lens to zoom and out and to focus and take a picture. An electrical actuator may be light sensor that flashes in response to the actuator command  1344 . A software actuator may be a switch that turns a function of a wireless device on or off. For instance, the software actuator may turn off wireless network interface  1116 . Alternatively, it may turn off email, text, or sms messaging. Other illustrative functions of the wireless device are depicted in  FIG. 11B . 
     Wireless device subsystem  1310  may also include an override switch  1314  to generate a control signal to override control signals that are otherwise generated by switch  1340 . 
     A DMZ register may be used by the system automation control module  1312  to determine whether or not the wireless device is approaching or entering or leaving a dead zone location. 
     In operation, the system automation control module  1312  monitors the location of the wireless device. As a wireless device approaches a dead zone location, the system automation control module  1312  may generate control signals for modifying the wireless device controllers (e.g. Start/Resume &amp; Stop/End  1334 , Path Generation &amp; Control  1336 . Automatic Path Control System  1338 , Other System  1339 ) are activated and connected in a certain way. For example, the system automation control module may generate scripts as shown in  FIG. 11B  to change the performance of the wireless device controllers. For example, the script may cause the signal of the voice call to become weak, or cause the internet signal to become weak, or cause the illumination of the display of the wireless device to become dimmer. The closer the wireless device is to the dead zone location, the more the control signals generated by the system automation control module  1312  may cause the performance of the actuators to change. In this way, the operator of the wireless device may change course to steer clear of a dead zone location or become aware that he is approaching a location where one or more functionalities of his wireless device may be disabled. 
     When the system automation control module  1312  detects that a wireless device is entering a dead zone, the system automation control module  1312  may disable a functionality of the wireless device. The disable control signal may be generated by override switch  1314  or by control signals that the system automation control module  1312  applies to the system automation module  1332 . 
       FIG. 13B  shows illustrative dead zone control architecture for wireless device of  FIG. 13A  incorporated in an external utility. The elements shown are generally as described in  FIG. 11A  adapted for use with wireless device of  FIG. 13A  according to the teachings of this disclosure.  FIG. 13D  shows illustrative dead zone service in a separate external utility. Alternatively, a single external utility may integrate the functions illustrated in  FIGS. 13B and 13D  or the functionalities may distributed across a plurality of external utilities.  FIG. 13C  illustrates a memory map that may be stored in DZ register depicted in  FIG. 13B . The memory map may include indicia such as wireless device, device registration, registration date, permitted users, user recognition, location of use, dead zone areas, and functionalities to be disabled. These functionalities may be the actuators  1346  in  FIG. 1A  and depicted in  FIG. 11B . 
     The specific functionality to be disabled may be set by rules programed into the system automation control module  1312 . For instance, the rules may cause system automation control module  131  to disable all communication functionality or just voice calling. 
     The modification of the behavior of the wireless device may in accordance to rules such as depicted in  FIG. 11C . 
       FIG. 14A  depicts an illustrative dead zone control architecture  1401  for wireless device for a firearm. In this wireless devices for a firearm, one or more controllers may be provided, the controllers being responsible for different functions of the wireless device or for controlling the wireless device on different levels. In this embodiment, the firearm is controlled by the wireless device by wireless device controllers (e.g. Firearm Start/Resume &amp; Stop/End  1434 , Path Generation &amp; Control  1436 , Automatic Path Control System  1438 , Other System  1439 ) are activated and connected in a certain way. A system automation module  1432  provides control signals to the device controllers responsive to external commands  1450 , system status  1452 , and sensor information  1454 . 
     A wireless device subsystem  1410  of this disclosure (either wireless device subsystem  1142  in wireless device  1120  or wireless device subsystem  1182  in external utility  1170 , or both) applies control signals to system automation module  1432  in order to enable, disable, or modify one or more functionalities of the wireless device in accordance with this disclosure. Control signals may be generated by the wireless device subsystem  1410  responsive to the wireless device approaching a dead zone, entering a dead zone, and so on. The outputs of the controllers are illustratively applied to a switch  1440  for generating an actuator command  1444  which may be under the influence of an inner loop control that controls actuators  1446 . Actuators  1446  may be an electro-mechanical, electrical, or software configuration that generates an actuator response in response to the actuator command  1444 . An electromechanical actuator may be a firearm subsystem (e.g., firearm subsystems, such as firearm latch controllers, transmission controllers, latch actuators, etc.) that implement motion and/or other function control as taught in Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 15/663,660 filed Jul. 28, 2017, titled “Safety Disarm for Firearm”, which is also herein incorporated by reference. An electrical actuator may be light sensor that flashes in response to the actuator command  14   f   44 . A software actuator may be a switch that turns a function of a wireless device on or off. For instance, the software actuator may turn off wireless network interface  1116 , Alternatively, it may turn off email, text, or sms messaging. Other illustrative functions of the wireless device are depicted in  FIG. 11B . 
     Wireless device subsystem  1310  may also include an override switch  1414  to generate a control signal to override control signals that are otherwise generated by switch  1440 . 
     A DMZ register may be used by the system automation control module  1412  to determine whether or not the wireless device is approaching or entering or leaving a dead zone location. 
     In operation, the system automation control module  1412  monitors the location of the wireless device. As a wireless device approaches a dead zone location, the system automation control module  1312  may generate control signals for modifying the wireless device controllers (e.g. Firearm Start/Resume &amp; Stop/End  1434 , Path Generation &amp; Control  1436 , Automatic Path Control System  1438 . Other System  1439 ) are activated and connected in a certain way. For example, the system automation control module may generate scripts as shown in  FIG. 11B  to change the performance of the wireless device controllers. For example, the script may cause the signal of the voice call to become weak, or cause the internet signal to become weak, or cause the illumination of the display of the wireless device to become dimmer. The closer the wireless device is to the dead zone location, the more the control signals generated by the system automation control module  1412  may cause the performance of the actuators to change. In this way, the operator of the wireless device may change course to steer clear of a dead zone location or become aware that he is approaching a location where one or more functionalities of his wireless device may be disabled. 
     When the system automation control module  1412  detects that a wireless device is entering a dead zone, the system automation control module  1412  may disable a functionality of the wireless device. The disable control signal may be generated by override switch  1414  or by control signals that the system automation control module  1412  applies to the system automation module  1432 . 
       FIG. 14B  shows illustrative dead zone control architecture for wireless device of  FIG. 14A  incorporated in an external utility. The elements shown are generally as described in  FIG. 11A  adapted for use with wireless device of  FIG. 14A  according to the teachings of this disclosure.  FIG. 14D  shows illustrative dead zone service in a separate external utility. Alternatively, a single external utility may integrate the functions illustrated in  FIGS. 14B and 143D  or the functionalities may distributed across a plurality of external utilities.  FIG. 14C  illustrates a memory map that may be stored in DZ register depicted in  FIG. 14B . The memory map may include indicia such as firearm, device registration, registration date, permitted users, user recognition, location of use, dead zone areas, and functionalities to be disabled, other. These functionalities may be the actuators  1346  in  FIG. 11A  and depicted in  FIG. 11B . 
     The specific functionality to be disabled may be set by rules programed into the system automation control module  1412 . For instance, the rules may cause system automation control module  1412  to disable all communication functionality or just voice calling. 
     The modification of the behavior of the wireless device may in accordance to rules such as depicted in  FIG. 11C . 
       FIG. 15A  depicts an illustrative dead zone control architecture for wireless device, such as a drone. In unmanned aerial systems, there are many controllers which are responsible for different parts of a flight mission or for controlling the aircraft on different levels. To perform a given flight mission the flight controllers (e.g. Takeoff &amp; Landing  1534 , Trajectory Generation &amp; Control  1536 , Automatic Flight Control System  1538 , and Other System  1539 ) may have to be activated and connected in a certain way. To ensure the correct switching a superior system automation logic may be needed. A system automation module  1532  provides control signals to the device controllers responsive to external commands  1550 , system status  1552 , and sensor information  1554 . 
     A wireless device subsystem  1510  of this disclosure (either wireless device subsystem  1142  in wireless device  1120  or wireless device subsystem  1182  in external utility  1170 , or both) applies control signals to system automation module  1532  in order to enable, disable, or modify one or more functionalities of the wireless device in accordance with this disclosure. Control signals may be generated by the wireless device subsystem  1510  responsive to the wireless device approaching a dead zone, entering a dead zone, and so on. The outputs of the controllers are illustratively applied to a switch  1540  for generating an actuator command  1544  which may be under the influence of an inner loop control that controls actuators  15446 . Actuators  1546  may be an electro-mechanical, electrical, or software configuration that generates an actuator response in response to the actuator command  1544 . An electromechanical actuator may implement motion and/or other function control, e.g. the flaps or gear. These actuators have a direct influence on the aircraft&#39;s envelope, which can be based on aerodynamic or structural limits. An electrical actuator may be light sensor that flashes in response to the actuator command  1544 . A software actuator may be a switch that turns a function of the wireless device on or off. For instance, the software actuator may turn off wireless network interface  1116 . Alternatively, it may turn off camera taking. Other illustrative functions of the wireless device are depicted in  FIG. 11B . 
     Wireless device subsystem  1510  may also include an override switch  1514  to generate a control signal to override control signals that are otherwise generated by switch  1540 . 
     A DMZ register may be used by the system automation control module  1512  to determine whether or not the wireless device is approaching or entering or leaving a dead zone location. 
     In operation, the system automation control module  1512  monitors the location of the wireless device. As a wireless device approaches a dead zone location, the system automation control module  1512  may generate control signals for modifying the wireless device controllers (e.g. Takeoff &amp; Landing  1534 , Trajectory Generation &amp; Control  1536 , Automatic Flight Control System  1538 , Other System  1539 ) are activated and connected in a certain way. For example, the system automation control module may generate scripts as shown in  FIG. 11B  to change the performance of the wireless device controllers. For example, the script may cause operation of the aircraft in the specified envelope, it may adjust certain limits within the flight controllers to steer the wireless device away from the dead zone. 
     The closer the wireless device is to the dead zone location, the more the control signals generated by the system automation control module  1512  may cause the performance of the actuators to change. In this way, the wireless device may change course to steer clear of a dead zone location or become aware that he is approaching a location where one or more functionalities of his wireless device may be disabled. 
     When the system automation control module  1512  detects that a wireless device is entering a dead zone, the system automation control module  1512  may disable a functionality of the wireless device, such as a camera. This may prohibit, for example, a drone from taking pictures of people in the privacy of their properties. Some camera functionality may still be permitted such as line of site in order to enable the drone to continue flight unhindered. The disable control signal may be generated by override switch  1514  or by control signals that the system automation control module  1512  applies to the system automation module  1532 . 
       FIG. 15B  shows illustrative dead zone control architecture for wireless device of  FIG. 15A  incorporated in an external utility. The elements shown are generally as described in  FIG. 11A  adapted for use with wireless device of  FIG. 15A  according to the teachings of this disclosure.  FIG. 15D  shows illustrative dead zone service in a separate external utility. Alternatively, a single external utility may integrate the functions illustrated in  FIGS. 15B and 153D  or the functionalities may distributed across a plurality of external utilities.  FIG. 15C  illustrates a memory map that may be stored in DZ register depicted in  FIG. 15B . The memory map may include indicia such as firearm, device registration, registration date, permitted users, user recognition, location of use, dead zone areas, and functionalities to be disabled, other. These functionalities may be the actuators  1156  in  FIG. 11A  and depicted in  FIG. 11B . 
     The specific functionality to be disabled may be set by rules programed into the system automation control module  1512 . For instance, the rules may cause system automation control module  1512  to disable all communication functionality or just voice calling. 
     The modification of the behavior of the wireless device may in accordance to rules such as depicted in  FIG. 11C . 
       FIG. 16A  depicts a wireless device  1680  that is executing an augmented reality (AR) application  1682 . Generally, augmented reality provides a live view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are “augmented” by computer-generated information, such as visual, audial, and/or haptic information. The computer-generated information can be added to the live view or may mask portions of the live view. Additionally, the computer-generated information is typically spatially aligned with the real-world environment such that it is perceived as a part of the real-world environment. 
     The AR application  1682  may use input from a camera (not shown), microphone (not shown) or other input devices or sensors (not shown), to produce computer-augmented perceptual output, based on the data collected by such input devices or sensors. For example, video input taken by a camera can be displayed on a screen  1684  of the wireless device  1680  with additional computer-generated images added to the video in real time, to provide a “real world” image from the camera, augmented with the computer-generated images. Input from other sensors (not shown), such as magnetic field sensors, orientation sensors, and accelerometers can also be used to provide information on, e.g., the direction that a user is facing or moving, to help to generate an augmented reality scene. 
     Other forms of input, such as audio, may also be augmented through enhancement or addition of computer-generated content. Additionally, although the wireless device  1680  shown in  FIG. 16A  is depicted as being a mobile “smart phone”, other wireless devices, such as eyeglasses, headsets, headphones, haptic devices, or other output devices or combinations of such devices may be used in augmented reality applications. 
     While augmented reality shows great promise in a wide range of applications, including education, medicine, architecture, design, art, entertainment, and other fields, there are occasions where use of certain forms of augmented reality may be inappropriate. For example, a recently popular entertainment AR application called POKÉMON GO, published by Niantic, Inc. of San Francisco, Calif., encourages players to search real-world locations for AR characters that are displayed on a smart phone as being in the player&#39;s real-world location. These characters may then be battled, captured, trained, etc., in real-world locations, using AR to depict the characters in the player&#39;s real-world location. While the game has been very popular, and encourages physical activity (since players are encouraged to travel, generally by foot, to locations where certain of the AR characters can be found), there are real-world locations where playing the game would be inappropriate. For example, the game could be disruptive in places like classrooms, museums, theaters, or restaurants. The game could be disrespectful if AR creatures were depicted in places like cemeteries, places of worship, or places of great cultural significance. While some (e.g., educational) AR applications may be appropriate in some of these settings, others (e.g., entertainment AR applications) would be inappropriate, disruptive, and/or disrespectful. There may be settings (e.g., memorials) where no AR application should be used. 
       FIG. 16B  depicts an illustrative dead zone control architecture for a wireless device that can use dead zone control to enable, disable, or modify access to AR functions. Because there may be a variety of AR-related functions that can be activated, deactivated, or modified, and it may be desirable to control these functions based on both the location and type of AR application educational AR applications may be appropriate in schools, while entertainment AR applications might not be), complex system automation logic may be used. AR services, including AR input services  1634 , AR rendering services  1636 , AR output services  1638 , and other services  1639  may be provided as a set of components for use by AR applications. For example, the AR input services  1634  may control cameras and motion sensors, as well as providing complex scene and lighting understanding to provide visual scene input for use by an AR application. The AR rendering services  1636  may provide the ability to combine computer-generated visual content with visual content derived from the camera and other sensors, and the AR output services  1638  may provide access to devices such as a screen, headset, eyeglasses, etc. to output visual AR content. Further, similar services may be available for other sensory modalities (e.g., auditory, haptic, olfactory). An AR system interface  1632  provides control signals to the AR services responsive to external commands  1650  (e.g., from AR applications), system status  1652 , and system information  1654 . The specific ways in which the AR system interface  1632  does this are known in art and a matter of design choice. 
     A wireless device subsystem  1610  of this disclosure (either wireless device subsystem  1142  in wireless device  1120  or wireless device subsystem  1182  in external utility  1170 , or both, as shown in  FIG. 11A ) applies control signals to AR system interface  1632  in order to enable, disable, or modify one or more functionalities of the wireless device in accordance with this disclosure. Control signals may be generated by the wireless device subsystem  1610  responsive to the wireless device approaching a dead zone, entering a dead zone, and so on. The outputs of the controllers are illustratively applied to a switch  1640  for generating an actuator command  1644  which may, in some embodiments, be under the influence of an inner loop control  1642  that controls actuators  1646 . Actuators  1646  may be an electro-mechanical, electrical, or software configuration that generates a response to the actuator command  1644 . An electromechanical actuator may be the mechanism that, for example, causes a camera lens to zoom and out and to focus and take a picture. An electrical actuator may be light sensor that flashes in response to the actuator command  1644 . A software actuator may be a switch that turns a function of a wireless device on or off, or that modifies a function of a wireless device. For instance, in the context of an AR system, a software actuator may send commands that cause the AR rendering services  1636  to reject requests to render AR objects in a real-world scene, cause the AR input services  1634  to reject requests to access a video stream, or cause the AR output services  1638  to output only to eyeglasses or headsets, and not to mobile phone screens. Additionally, in some embodiments, the actuators  1646  may be able to disable, enable, or modify communications functions, such as voice communications, email, text, or sms messaging, or other functions of the wireless device. Other illustrative functions of the wireless device are depicted in  FIG. 11B . 
     Wireless device subsystem  1610  may also include an override switch  1614  to generate a control signal to override control signals that are otherwise generated by switch  1640 . 
     A DMZ register may be used by the system automation control module  1612  to determine whether or not the wireless device is approaching or entering or leaving a dead zone location. 
     In operation, the system automation control module  1612  monitors the location of the wireless device. As a wireless device approaches a dead zone location, the system automation control module  1612  may generate control signals for modifying the AR services (e.g. AR input services  1634 , AR rendering services  1636 , AR output services  1638 , other services  1639 ) are activated and connected in a certain way. For example, the system automation control module may generate scripts, similar to those shown in  FIG. 11B , to change the performance of the AR services. For example, the script may cause rendered AR objects in a scene to become increasingly transparent, cause a video stream from a device camera to be output with decreasing focus or detail, cause certain types of AR applications (e.g., entertainment applications) to have decreased access to AR services, etc. In some embodiments, the closer the wireless device is to the dead zone location, the more the control signals generated by the system automation control module  1612  may cause the performance of the actuators to change. In this way, the operator of the wireless device may become aware that he is approaching a location where one or more functionalities of his wireless device may be disabled, and may decide to avoid the dead zone location. 
     When the system automation control module  1612  detects that a wireless device is entering a dead zone, the system automation control module  1612  may disable or modify an AR-related functionality of the wireless device. The disable control signal may be generated by override switch  1614  or by control signals that the system automation control module  1612  applies to the AR system interface  1632 . 
       FIG. 16C  shows the illustrative dead zone control architecture  1601  for the wireless device of  FIG. 16B , incorporated into an external utility  1661 . The elements shown are generally as described in  FIG. 11A  adapted for use with wireless device of  FIG. 16A  according to the teachings of this disclosure. Similarly,  FIG. 16E  shows an illustrative dead zone service  1665 , which provides dead zone services related to augmented reality in a separate external utility  1663 . The dead zone service  1665  may be similar to the dead zone service discussed above as DZ service  1190 , with reference to  FIG. 11A . Alternatively, a single external utility may integrate the functions illustrated in  FIGS. 16C and 16E  or the functionalities may distributed across a plurality of external utilities. 
       FIG. 16D  illustrates a memory map that may be stored in DZ register  1616  depicted in  FIG. 16B . The memory map may include indicia such as AR application, application registration, registration date, permitted users, application type, location of use, dead zone areas, and functionalities to be disabled (or enabled or modified), and other. These functionalities may, for example, correspond to the actuators  1646  in  FIG. 16B . 
     The specific functionality to be disabled, enabled, or modified may be set by rules programed into the system automation control module  1612 . For instance, the rules may cause system automation control module  1612  to disable AR rendering, to modify scene understanding in AR input services, or to modify other AR-related services. Additionally, the rules may cause the system automation control module  1612  to disable, enable, or modify communication functionality and/or voice calling. 
     The modification of the behavior of the wireless device may in accordance to rules such as those depicted in  FIG. 11C . 
     In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, augmented reality may be combined with other functions or embodiments that are described above. For example, augmented reality functions may be used with drone embodiments to automatically cover over, defocus, or pixelate views through residential windows, or views of sensitive private or government property, even when a drone is not actually flying over such property. Such residential or sensitive properties may, for example, be defined in the DZ registers of the various embodiments that are discussed herein. Similarly, augmented reality can be used in conjunction with firearm-related embodiments to highlight permitted targets, or to indicate as forbidden or to obscure forbidden targets. 
       FIG. 17A  depicts an illustrative dead zone control architecture  1701  for a wireless device that can use dead zone control to enable, disable, or modify access to a variety of image, video, and/or audio (IVA) functions. Modernly, most mobile phones, for example, have sophisticated audio and video recording capabilities, as well as high-resolution cameras, many of which can take good images, even in low light. Controlling access to these functions may, for example, permit audio and video recording to be disabled within a concert venue, while allowing still photos to be taken. As another example, still images and video could be disabled in private areas, such as dressing rooms, locker rooms, or restrooms. As yet another example, flash capabilities of a camera on a mobile device may be disabled within museums, places of worship, or other locations where flash photography may be inappropriate. There may be a variety of locations or conditions in which some or all IVA functions of a mobile device should be disabled or modified. 
     IVA functions, including image functions  1734 , video functions  1736 , audio functions  1738 , and other functions  1739  may be available on mobile devices, and may be used by a variety of applications that are available on mobile devices. For example, the image functions  1734  may provide access to still-camera input (and, in some embodiments, output) functions, such as taking pictures, adjusting zoom, lighting and exposure control, flash control, and so on. The video functions  1736  may control recording and playback of video, and the audio functions  1738  may control recording and playback of audio. An IVA system interface  1732  provides control signals to the IVA functions responsive to external commands  1750 , system status  1752 , and sensor information  1754 . The specific ways in which the IVA system interface  1732  does this are known in art and a matter of design choice. 
     A wireless device subsystem  1710  of this disclosure (either wireless device subsystem  1142  in wireless device  1120  or wireless device subsystem  1182  in external utility  1170 , or both, as shown in  FIG. 11A ) applies control signals to IVA system interface  1732  in order to enable, disable, or modify one or more functionalities of the wireless device in accordance with this disclosure. Control signals may be generated by the wireless device subsystem  1710  responsive to the wireless device approaching a dead zone, entering a dead zone, and so on. The outputs of the controllers are illustratively applied to a switch  1740  for generating an actuator command  1744  which may, in some embodiments, be under the influence of an inner loop control  1742  that controls actuators  1746 . Actuators  1746  may be an electro-mechanical, electrical, or software configuration that generates a response to the actuator command  1744 . An electromechanical actuator may be the mechanism that, for example, causes a camera lens to zoom and out and to focus and take a picture. An electrical actuator may be light sensor that flashes in response to the actuator command  1744 . A software actuator may be a switch that turns a function of a wireless device on or off, or that modifies a function of a wireless device. For instance, in the context of an IVA system, a software actuator may send commands that cause the video functions  1736  to reject requests to record or display video, cause the image functions  1734  to defocus the camera lens or cause the audio functions  1738  record only snippets of audio that are 5 seconds or shorter. Additionally, in some embodiments, the actuators  1746  may be able to disable, enable, or modify communications functions, such as voice communications, email, text, or sms messaging, or other functions of the wireless device. Other illustrative functions of the wireless device are depicted in  FIG. 11B . 
     Wireless device subsystem  1710  may also include an override switch  1714  to generate a control signal to override control signals that are otherwise generated by switch  1740 . 
     A DMZ register may be used by the system automation control module  1712  to determine whether or not the wireless device is approaching or entering or leaving a dead zone location. 
     In operation, the system automation control module  1712  monitors the location of the wireless device. As a wireless device approaches a dead zone location, the system automation control module  1712  may generate control signals for modifying the IVA functions (e.g. image functions  1734 , video functions  1736 , audio functions  1738 , other functions  1739 ) so that the IVA functions are activated and connected in a certain way. For example, the system automation control module  1712  may generate scripts, similar to those shown in  FIG. 11B , to change the performance of the IVA functions. For example, the script may cause video recorded by a device to become increasingly defocused, cause audio recorded and/or played by a device to decrease in volume, or cause certain types of IVA applications (e.g., entertainment applications) to have decreased access to IVA functions, etc. In some embodiments, the closer the wireless device is to the dead zone location, the more the control signals generated by the system automation control module  1712  may cause the performance of the actuators to change. In this way, the operator of the wireless device may become aware that he is approaching a location where one or more functionalities of his wireless device may be disabled, and may decide to avoid the dead zone location. 
     When the system automation control module  1712  detects that a wireless device is entering a dead zone, the system automation control module  1712  may disable or modify an IVA-related functionality of the wireless device. The disable control signal may be generated by override switch  1714  or by control signals that the system automation control module  1712  applies to the IVA system interface  1632 . 
       FIG. 17B  shows the illustrative dead zone control architecture  1701  for the wireless device of  FIG. 17A , incorporated into an external utility  1761 . The elements shown are generally as described in  FIG. 11A  adapted for use with wireless device of  FIG. 13A  according to the teachings of this disclosure. Similarly,  FIG. 17D  shows an illustrative dead zone service which provides dead zone services related to IVA functions in a separate external utility. The dead zone service may be similar to the dead zone service discussed above as DZ service  1190 , with reference to  FIG. 11A . Alternatively, a single external utility may integrate the functions illustrated in  FIGS. 17B and 17D  or the functionalities may distributed across a plurality of external utilities. 
       FIG. 17C  illustrates a memory map that may be stored in DZ register  1716  depicted in  FIG. 17A . The memory map may include indicia such as IVA application, application registration, registration date, permitted users, application type, location of use, dead zone areas, and functionalities to be disabled (or enabled or modified), and other. These functionalities may, for example, correspond to the actuators  1746  in  FIG. 17A . 
     The specific functionality to be disabled, enabled, or modified may be set by rules programed into the system automation control module  1712 . For instance, the rules may cause system automation control module  1712  to disable video or audio recording, to limit audio playback volume, or to modify other IVA-related functions. Additionally, the rules may cause the system automation control module  1712  to disable, enable, or modify communication functionality and/or voice calling. 
     The modification of the behavior of the wireless device may in accordance to rules such as those depicted in  FIG. 11C . 
       FIG. 18  shows an illustrative method of this disclosure. The method advances from start  1810  to detecting a trigger event  1820 . For example, a location. If a trigger event is detected, the method detects a condition  1830 . For example, a dead zone location. In step  1840 , the method compares the detected condition to a predetermined set of conditions. For example, the detected location would be compared to a predetermined set of dead zone locations. At step  1850 , the method determines whether the comparison yields a match. If comparison yields a match, a wireless function is disarmed  1860 . If the comparison yields no match, the firearm is armed for firing  1870 . 
     An illustrative computer readable medium according to this disclosure contains program instructions for causing a computer to perform the method of detecting a trigger event; detecting a condition; comparing the condition to a predetermined condition; disabling a function of the wireless device if the condition matches the predetermined condition. The predetermined condition may be a shape (e.g., in the shape of a human), a location (e.g., in a dead zone), the identity of the operator, whether or not the wireless device has been tampered with (e.g., electronic control system or sensors have been tampered with), and so on. 
     While the invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments, it is evident that numerous alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of the invention described above.