Patent Publication Number: US-2011053506-A1

Title: Methods and Devices for Controlling Particular User Interface Functions of a Mobile Communication Device in a Vehicle

Description:
FIELD 
     Disclosed are methods and devices for controlling particular user interface functions of a mobile communication device in a vehicle, and particularly if the mobile communication device is proximal to the driver&#39;s seat of the vehicle, and if the vehicle is in motion. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The makers of mobile communication devices, including those of cellular telephones, are increasingly adding functionality to their devices. For example, cellular telephones include features such as still and video cameras, video streaming and two-way video calling, email functionality, Internet browsers, music players, FM radios with stereo audio and organizers. Bluetooth enabled cellular telephones may be PC compatible so that files generated or captured on the mobile communication device may be downloaded to a PC. Likewise, data from a PC or other source may be uploaded to the mobile communication device. Moreover, a cellular user may download music and movies to their mobile communication device as well. Cellular telephones in particular are becoming more than simply mobile communication devices. They are evolving into powerful tools for information management as well as entertainment consoles. 
     The makers of mobile communication devices also strive to improve the overall experience by the user of the device. In addition to increasing functionality, a maker of the device may wish to improve on already existing functionalities. For example, in text messaging, improved accuracy of the input of the text may be desired. Different types of improvements to the functionality of mobile communication devices are sought to improve the overall experience. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of a system that can include a mobile communication device, a vehicle and a remote server that may be in communication with one another; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a block diagram representing example internal components of a mobile communication device that may be used for an embodiment in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a block diagram representing example internal components of a vehicle that may be used for an embodiment in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  depicts an embodiment of a four seat vehicle taken from a view above the passenger compartment; 
         FIG. 5  is a signal flow diagram depicting communication between the mobile communication device, a vehicle and optionally a remote server; and 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for controlling particular user interface functions of a mobile communication device in a vehicle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Disclosed are methods and devices for controlling particular user interface functions of a mobile communication device when the device is used by a driver of a moving vehicle. A disclosed method includes determining if the mobile communication device is within a predetermined proximity to the driver&#39;s seat. Additionally, it may be determined whether there is a driver in the driver&#39;s seat. In this way it may be determined if the driver of the vehicle is with a predetermined proximity to the mobile communication device, it would be likely that if the mobile communication device is utilized, it would be utilized by the driver. 
     The method further includes determining if the mobile communication device is moving at a predetermined speed or acceleration when it is determined that the mobile communication device is within a predetermined proximity to the driver&#39;s seat. When those conditions are met, the method includes substantially disabling particular user interface functions of the mobile communication device. Particular user interface functions that may be disabled or inhibited may include, for example, at least one of a display function, a keypad function or a touchscreen function. In this way, a driver may not be able to utilize one or more particular user interface functions while driving. 
     The instant disclosure is provided to explain in an enabling fashion the best modes of making and using various embodiments in accordance with the present invention. The disclosure is further offered to enhance an understanding and appreciation for the invention principles and advantages thereof, rather than to limit in any manner the invention. While the preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described here, it is clear that the invention is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. 
     It is understood that the use of relational terms, if any, such as first and second, up and down, and the like are used solely to distinguish one from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. 
     Much of the inventive functionality and many of the inventive principles are best implemented with or in software programs or instructions and integrated circuits (ICs) such as application specific ICs. In the interest of brevity and minimization of any risk of obscuring the principles and concepts according to the present invention, discussion of such software and ICs, if any, is limited to the essentials with respect to the principles and concepts within the preferred embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of a system  100  that can include a mobile communication device  102 , a vehicle  104  and a remote server  106  that may be in communication  110 ,  112  and  114  with one another. The mobile communication device  102  and the vehicle  104  may be in communication for a variety of reasons. In one embodiment, the vehicle  104  may determine whether the mobile communication device  102  includes an application for controlling particular user interface functions of a mobile communication device. If a vehicle  104 , or a remote server  106 , determines that the mobile communication device  102  does not include an application for controlling particular user interface functions of a mobile communication device, the vehicle  104  or the remote server  106  may download the application to the mobile communication device  102 . Other types of communication between the mobile communication device  102 , the vehicle  104  and/or the remote server  106  are discussed below. It is understood that any manner in which to communicate is within the scope of this discussion. 
     The mobile communication device  102  may be implemented as a cellular telephone (also called a mobile phone). The mobile communication device  102  represents a wide variety of devices that have been developed for use within various networks. Such handheld communication devices include, for example, cellular telephones, messaging devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), notebook or laptop computers incorporating communication modems, mobile data terminals, application specific gaming devices, video gaming devices incorporating wireless modems, and the like. Any of these portable devices may be referred to as a mobile station or user equipment. Herein, wireless communication technologies may include, for example, voice communication, the capability of transferring digital data, SMS messaging, Internet access, multi-media content access and/or voice over internet protocol (VoIP). 
     The server  106  is depicted as a remote server within a wireless communication network  108 . The network  108  of course may be any type of wireless network including an ad hoc or wireless personal area network, a WiFi or wireless local area network, and a cellular or wireless wide area network. The server  106 , for example, may receive and transmit Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) data. Likewise, the server  106  may be of any suitable configuration. The server  106  may be implemented as a single server or as a plurality of servers in communication in any arrangement. The operations of the server  106  may be distributed among different servers or devices that may communicate in any manner. It is understood that the depiction in  FIG. 1  is for illustrative purposes. 
       FIG. 2  depicts a block diagram representing example internal components  200  of a mobile communication device  202  that may be used for an embodiment in accordance with the present invention. The example embodiment includes a controller or processor  222 , one or more wireless transceivers  224 , one or more output components  226 , and one or more input components  228 , and a memory  230 . Each embodiment may include one or more user interface components that are in communication with one or more output components  226  and one or more input components  228 . User interface components may include, for example, at least one of a display screen  232 , a keypad  234  or a touchscreen function incorporate into or separate from the display screen  232 . A microphone  236  and a speaker  238  may be in communication with one or more output components  226  and one or more input components  228 . 
     As will be described in more detail below, an application for controlling particular user interface functions of a mobile communication device is configured to determine if the mobile communication device  202  is within a predetermined proximity to the driver&#39;s seat of a vehicle  104 .  FIG. 4  depicts an embodiment of a four seat vehicle  404  taken from a view above the passenger compartment where a mobile communication device  202  may be placed in any position with respect to a beacon device  442  (see  FIG. 4 ). In addition to other criteria, when it is determined if the mobile communication device is outside of or out of range of a predetermined proximity to the driver&#39;s seat by determining the signal strength of the beacon&#39;s signal, particular user interface functions of the mobile communication device may not be disabled. For illustrative purposes of this discussion, and/or in actual practice, on the display device  232  of the mobile communication device  202  a visual display of the signal strength  231  of the beacon&#39;s signal  452  received by the mobile communication device  202  is depicted. Alternatively, or additionally, an indication of the signal strength the beacon&#39;s signal  452  may be audibly annunciated or annunciated in any suitable manner. The benefits of indicating the vehicle beacon signal strength  231  to a user may vary depending upon the circumstances. 
     Each wireless transceiver  224  may utilize wireless technology for communication, such as, but are not limited to, cellular-based communications such as analog communications (using AMPS), digital communications (using CDMA, TDMA, GSM, iDEN, GPRS, or EDGE), and next generation communications (using UMTS, WCDMA, LTE or IEEE 802.16) and their variants, as represented by cellular transceiver. Each wireless transceiver  224  may also utilize wireless technology for communication, such as, but are not limited to, peer-to-peer or ad hoc communications such as HomeRF, Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g or n); and other forms of wireless communication such as infrared technology, as represented by WLAN transceiver. Also, each transceiver  224  may be a receiver, a transmitter or both. 
     The processor  222  may generate commands based on information received from one or more input components  228 , one or more sensors  233 , and/or one or more transceivers. The processor  222  may process the received information alone or in combination with other data, such as the information stored in the memory  230 . Thus, the memory  230  of the internal components  200  may be used by the processor  222  to store and retrieve data. The data that may be stored by the memory  230  include, but is not limited to, operating systems, applications, and data. Each operating system includes executable code that controls basic functions of the portable electronic device, such as interaction among the components of the internal components  200 , communication with external devices via each transceiver  224  and/or a device interface such as a Bluetooth headset, and storage and retrieval of applications and data to and from the memory  230 . 
     The input components  228  of the internal components  200  may include a video input component such as an optical sensor (for example, a camera), an audio input component such as a microphone, and a mechanical input component such as button or key selection sensors, touch pad sensor, touch screen sensor, capacitive sensor, motion sensor, and switch. Likewise, the output components  226  of the internal components  200  may include a variety of video, audio and/or mechanical outputs. For example, the output components  226  may include a video output component such as a cathode ray tube, liquid crystal display, plasma display, incandescent light, fluorescent light, front or rear projection display, and light emitting diode indicator. Other examples of output components  226  include an audio output component such as a speaker, alarm and/or buzzer, and/or a mechanical output component such as vibrating or motion-based mechanisms. 
     The sensors  233  are similar to the input components  228 , and some of which are particularly identified separately in  FIG. 3  due to their importance for the present invention. The sensors  233  may also include one or more other sensors. Examples of these other sensors  233  include, but are not limited to, proximity sensors, accelerometers, touch sensors, surface/housing capacitive sensors, and video sensors (such as a camera). For example, an accelerometer may be embedded in the electronic circuitry of the portable electronic device  202  to show whether the device is stationary, has a velocity and/or acceleration. Touch sensors may used to indicate whether the device is being touched, thus indicating whether or not the device is potentially in use at any particular time. 
     The internal components  200  may further include a device interface  238  to provide a direct connection to auxiliary components or accessories, such as a Bluetooth headset, for additional or enhanced functionality. In addition, the internal components  200  preferably include a power source, such as a portable battery, for providing power to the other internal components and allow portability of the portable electronic device  202 . 
     The methods for controlling particular user interface functions of a mobile communication device  202  in a vehicle  104  (see  FIG. 1 ) may be carried out by a combination of the internal components  200  and modules stored in a memory  230  of the device and/or internal components  300  (see  FIG. 3 ) and modules of memory  330  of the vehicle  304 . A disclosed method includes determining if the mobile communication device  202  is within a predetermined proximity to the driver&#39;s seat  434  (see  FIG. 4 ), determining if the mobile communication device  202  is moving at a predetermined speed or acceleration in accordance with one or more sensors and/or for example, GSP received data, when it is determined that the mobile communication device is within a predetermined proximity to the driver&#39;s seat  434  and substantially disabling particular user interface functions of the mobile communication device  202  when it is determined that the mobile communication device  202  is moving at a predetermined speed or acceleration. Particular user interface functions that may be disabled or inhibited may include, for example, at least one of a display function of a display device  233 , a keypad function of a keypad  234  and/or a touchscreen function of a display device  233  or keypad  234  or other display device. 
     Modules may include a proximity module  278  configured to determine if the mobile communication device is within a predetermined proximity to a driver&#39;s seat  434  (see  FIG. 4 ) of a vehicle  104  and a motion sensor module  284  configured to determine if the mobile communication device  202  is moving at a predetermined speed or acceleration. A disabling module  290  configured to substantially disable particular user interface functions of the mobile communication device  202  when it is determined that the mobile communication device  202  is moving at a predetermined speed or acceleration. 
     If the above-discussed conditions are met so that the mobile communication device  202  will substantially disable one or more user interface functions, the disabling module  290  which is configured to substantially disable at least one of a display function, a keypad function or a touchscreen function may carry out this operation. Moreover, under the same or similar circumstance an enabling module  292  may automatically enabling other user interface functions, for example, a voice control function. 
     The modules can carry out certain processes of the methods as described herein. Steps of methods may involve modules and modules may be inferred by the methods discussed herein. The modules can be implemented in software, such as in the form of one or more sets of prestored instructions, and/or hardware, which can facilitate the operation of the mobile station or electronic device as discussed below. The modules may be installed at the factory or can be installed after distribution by, for example, a downloading operation. The operations in accordance with the modules will be discussed in more detail below. 
     It is to be understood that  FIG. 2  is provided for illustrative purposes only and for illustrating components of a portable electronic device in accordance with the present invention, and is not intended to be a complete schematic diagram of the various components required for a portable electronic device. Therefore, a portable electronic device may include various other components not shown in  FIG. 2 , or may include a combination of two or more components or a division of a particular component into two or more separate components, and still be within the scope of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a block diagram representing example internal components  300  of a vehicle  304  that may be used for an embodiment in accordance with the present invention. The example embodiment includes a controller or processor  322 , one or more wireless transceivers  324 , one or more output components  326 , and one or more input components  328 , a memory  330  and one or more sensors  332 . 
     As mentioned, the mobile communication device  102  and the vehicle  104  may be in communication for a variety of reasons. In one embodiment, the vehicle  104  may determine whether the mobile communication device  102  includes an application for controlling particular user interface functions of a mobile communication device. If a vehicle  304  determines that the mobile communication device  102  does not include an application for controlling particular user interface functions of a mobile communication device, the vehicle  304  may download the application to the mobile communication device  102  in accordance with a downloading module  364 . 
     As discussed above, a disclosed method includes determining if the mobile communication device  102  is within a predetermined proximity to the driver&#39;s seat  434  (see  FIG. 4 ). A beacon activation module  374  may be configured to activate a beacon device  442  (see  FIG. 4 ) proximal to the driver&#39;s seat  434  to generate a beacon signal  452 . Briefly returning to  FIG. 2 , a signal strength module  276  (see  FIG. 2 ) of the mobile communication device  202  may be configured to determine signal strength of a beacon signal generated by a beacon device  442  proximal to the driver&#39;s seat  434 . A determination of the strength of the beacon signal can indicate the location of the mobile communication device  202  with respect to the driver&#39;s seat  434  in accordance with a proximity module  278  configured to assess proximity of the mobile communication device to the driver&#39;s seat based on the signal strength of the beacon signal. 
     Additionally, it may be determined whether there is a driver in the driver&#39;s seat in accordance with a sensor  444  (see  FIG. 4 ), for example, placed in the driver&#39;s seat  434 . A sensor module  380  may be configured to determine whether the driver&#39;s seat  434  (see  FIG. 4 ) is occupied, and if one or more non-driver seats are occupied. In this way it may be determined if the driver of the vehicle is with a predetermined proximity to the mobile communication device, it would be likely that if the mobile communication device is utilized, it would be utilized by the driver. 
       FIG. 4  depicts an embodiment of a four seat vehicle  404  taken from a view above the passenger compartment. Of course, a vehicle  404  can be any configuration, such as a motorcycle or a bus. In the instant embodiment there is a driver&#39;s seat  434 , a non-driver seat next to the driver&#39;s seat  436 , and two back seats  438  and  440 . Each seat may come with a headrest. A beacon device  442  for example, may be positioned within the headrest of the driver&#39;s seat  436  or in any other suitable location. Each seat may have a sensor, such as a pressure sensor,  444 ,  446 ,  448  and  450 . The beacon device  442  may generate a signal  452 , such as a low level directional signal, that can be detected by a mobile communication device  402 . Depending upon where the mobile communication device  402  is in the vehicle with respect to the beacon device  442 , the signal strength of the beacon signal  452  received by the mobile communication device  402  can indicate the proximity of the mobile communication device  402  with respect to the driver&#39;s seat. 
       FIG. 4  depicts the mobile communication device  402   a  substantially in the vicinity of the driver&#39;s seat  434 . If instead the mobile communication device  402   b  were in the vicinity of the non-driver&#39;s seat  436 , then the signal strength of the beacon signal  452  would not be a strong as it would be were it proximal the driver&#39;s seat  434 . If the determined signal strength of the beacon signal  452  were such that mobile communication device  402   b  was proximal the non-driver seat  436  it could be determined that the mobile communication device  402   b  is not being used by the driver of the vehicle  404 . However, that determination may not be substantially conclusive unless a sensor  446  such as a pressure sensor in the non-driver seat could sense the weight of a non-driver. If it were determined that a non-driver was in the non-driver seat  436 , then it could be assumed that any use of the mobile communication device  402  was by a non-driver, and not by the driver. Accordingly, determining if a non-driver seat  436  is occupied and even though it is determined that the mobile communication device  402   b  is within a predetermined proximity to the driver&#39;s seat  434  (e.g. close enough to the driver&#39;s seat for the driver to reach the mobile communication device  402   b ), the particular user interface functions of the mobile communication device would not be disabled. 
     The method further includes determining if the mobile communication device  402   a  and/or  402   b  is moving at a predetermined speed or acceleration when it is determined that the mobile communication device is within a predetermined proximity to the driver&#39;s seat and optionally, that a non-driver is not in the non-driver seat  436 . When those conditions are met, the method includes substantially disabling particular user interface functions of the mobile communication device  402   a  or  402   b.  Particular user interface functions that may be disabled or inhibited may include, for example, at least one of a display function, a keypad function or a touchscreen function. In this way, a driver may not be able to utilize one or more particular user interface functions while driving. 
       FIG. 5  is a signal flow diagram depicting pairing, for example, via Bluetooth communication between the mobile communication device  502 , a vehicle  504  and optionally a remote server  506 . There may be a need to pair the mobile communication device  502  and the vehicle  504 , depending upon the type of communication between them. It is understood that the step of the described methods may be carried out by whichever device may suitably do so. For example, the first time a mobile communication device  502  and a vehicle  504  are with a predetermined proximity to one and other, the devices may become paired. In another example, a user of a mobile communication device  502  may drive a rental car instead of driving his/her own vehicle. A rental car company may allow that the mobile communication device of its customers support a method for controlling a user interface. 
     In any case, the mobile communication device  502  may become paired with the vehicle  504 . Each would access a paired device list  554  and  556 . Accordingly, a paired device modules  254  (see  FIG. 2) and 362  (see  FIG. 3 ) may be configured to determine if the mobile communication device  502  and a vehicle  504  are paired. One or the other may initiate pairing  558  and the pairing process may proceed  560  and  562  in accordance with the pairing modules  260  and  362  which may be configured to pair the mobile communication device  502  and the vehicle  504  if the mobile communication device  502  and the vehicle  504  are not paired. Once completed, the vehicle  504  may download  564  the user interface controlling application or request that a remote server  506 , which could be, for example WIFI of a rental car facility, download the user interface controlling application. The remote server  506  can receive a request to download the application, and then download the application. The pairing process or the download, for example may provide the beacon device  442  (see  FIG. 4 ) signal  452  frequency. The mobile communication device can initiate  570  the user interface controlling application. 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for controlling particular user interface functions of a mobile communication device in a moving vehicle. As discussed above, the method includes determining  672  if the mobile communication device  102  (see  FIG. 1 ) is within a predetermined proximity to the driver&#39;s seat  434  (see  FIG. 4 ). Activating  674  the beacon device  442  (see  FIG. 4 ) may be in accordance with a beacon activation module  374  (see  FIG. 3 ). The signal strength of the beacon signal  452  can be determined  676  in accordance with a signal strength module  276  of the mobile communication device  202 . Assessing proximity based upon the strength of the beacon signal can indicate the location of the mobile communication device  202  with respect to the driver&#39;s seat  434  in accordance with a proximity module  278 . 
     As mentioned above, the mobile communication device  402   b  (see  FIG. 4 ) may be determined to be proximal the non-driver&#39;s seat  436 . It may be determined  680  whether the non-driver seat  436  proximal the mobile communication device  402   b  is occupied in accordance with a sensor module  380  (see  FIG. 3 ). In that case, the user interface functions of the mobile communication device  402   b  may not be disabled  682 . Determining  684  if the mobile communication device is moving at a predetermined speed or acceleration may be carried out in any suitable manner. The vehicle  104  (see  FIG. 1 ) or the mobile communication device  102  may include one or more sensors to determine speed or acceleration. Moreover, a remote server  106  may provide such information, for example, GPS data. One or more speed and/or acceleration sensor modules  284  (see  FIG. 2 ) and/or  384  (see  FIG. 3 ) may receive  686  a velocity or an acceleration sensor signal. A determination  688  can be made if the sensor signal reaches a predetermined sensor signal threshold. It is understood that the velocity and/or acceleration signal of the device and/or the vehicle may be determined in any suitable manner. 
     If the above-discussed conditions are met so that the mobile communication device  102  (see  FIG. 1 ) will substantially disable one or more user interface functions, the disabling module  290  (see  FIG. 2 ) which is configured to substantially disable at least one of a display function, a keypad function or a touchscreen function may carry out this operation. Moreover, under the same or similar circumstance an enabling module  292  may automatically enable other user interface functions, for example, a voice control function for use in navigation applications, SMS, making and receiving phone calls. When using the voice activation application on the phone for the features listed below, the speakerphone can be automatically switched on or a Bluetooth headset can be used. When the above-discussed conditions are met, most particularly the method includes substantially disabling particular user interface functions of the mobile communication device. In this way, a driver may not be able to utilize one or more particular user interface functions while driving. 
     This disclosure is intended to explain how to fashion and use various embodiments in accordance with the technology rather than to limit the true, intended, and fair scope and spirit thereof. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment(s) was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principle of the described technology and its practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the technology in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims, as may be amended during the pendency of this application for patent, and all equivalents thereof, when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.