AU2023233221A1 - System and method for automatically limiting mobile device functionality - Google Patents

System and method for automatically limiting mobile device functionality Download PDF

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Publication number
AU2023233221A1
AU2023233221A1 AU2023233221A AU2023233221A AU2023233221A1 AU 2023233221 A1 AU2023233221 A1 AU 2023233221A1 AU 2023233221 A AU2023233221 A AU 2023233221A AU 2023233221 A AU2023233221 A AU 2023233221A AU 2023233221 A1 AU2023233221 A1 AU 2023233221A1
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Prior art keywords
mobile device
magnetic field
processor
vehicle
velocity
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AU2023233221A
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Gary Edward Tonkin
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HARDFACING INDUSTRIES WA Pty Ltd
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HARDFACING IND WA Pty Ltd
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Priority claimed from AU2022902869A external-priority patent/AU2022902869A0/en
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Publication of AU2023233221A1 publication Critical patent/AU2023233221A1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W48/00—Access restriction; Network selection; Access point selection
    • H04W48/02—Access restriction performed under specific conditions
    • H04W48/04—Access restriction performed under specific conditions based on user or terminal location or mobility data, e.g. moving direction, speed
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R33/00—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables
    • G01R33/02—Measuring direction or magnitude of magnetic fields or magnetic flux
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R33/00—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables
    • G01R33/20—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables involving magnetic resonance
    • G01R33/24—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables involving magnetic resonance for measuring direction or magnitude of magnetic fields or magnetic flux
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S19/00—Satellite radio beacon positioning systems; Determining position, velocity or attitude using signals transmitted by such systems
    • G01S19/01—Satellite radio beacon positioning systems transmitting time-stamped messages, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System], GLONASS [Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System] or GALILEO
    • G01S19/13—Receivers
    • G01S19/24—Acquisition or tracking or demodulation of signals transmitted by the system
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/02—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S13/00
    • G01S7/41—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S13/00 using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation; Target signature; Target cross-section
    • G01S7/415—Identification of targets based on measurements of movement associated with the target
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72448—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions
    • H04M1/72457—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions according to geographic location
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72448—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions
    • H04M1/72463—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions to restrict the functionality of the device
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/02—Services making use of location information
    • H04W4/023—Services making use of location information using mutual or relative location information between multiple location based services [LBS] targets or of distance thresholds
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/02—Services making use of location information
    • H04W4/025—Services making use of location information using location based information parameters
    • H04W4/027—Services making use of location information using location based information parameters using movement velocity, acceleration information
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/02—Services making use of location information
    • H04W4/029—Location-based management or tracking services
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R33/00—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables
    • G01R33/02—Measuring direction or magnitude of magnetic fields or magnetic flux
    • G01R33/06—Measuring direction or magnitude of magnetic fields or magnetic flux using galvano-magnetic devices
    • G01R33/07—Hall effect devices
    • G01R33/072—Constructional adaptation of the sensor to specific applications
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06N—COMPUTING ARRANGEMENTS BASED ON SPECIFIC COMPUTATIONAL MODELS
    • G06N3/00—Computing arrangements based on biological models
    • G06N3/02—Neural networks
    • G06N3/04—Architecture, e.g. interconnection topology
    • G06N3/0499—Feedforward networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/60—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers
    • H04M1/6033—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers for providing handsfree use or a loudspeaker mode in telephone sets
    • H04M1/6041—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
    • H04M1/6075—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use adapted for handsfree use in a vehicle
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/60—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers
    • H04M1/6033—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers for providing handsfree use or a loudspeaker mode in telephone sets
    • H04M1/6041—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
    • H04M1/6075—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use adapted for handsfree use in a vehicle
    • H04M1/6083—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use adapted for handsfree use in a vehicle by interfacing with the vehicle audio system
    • H04M1/6091—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use adapted for handsfree use in a vehicle by interfacing with the vehicle audio system including a wireless interface
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72403—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
    • H04M1/72409—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories
    • H04M1/724098—Interfacing with an on-board device of a vehicle
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2250/00—Details of telephonic subscriber devices
    • H04M2250/12—Details of telephonic subscriber devices including a sensor for measuring a physical value, e.g. temperature or motion

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Condensed Matter Physics & Semiconductors (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Telephone Function (AREA)

Abstract

A system for automatically limiting functionality of an electronic mobile device comprises a storage device. A predetermined model of a magnetic field surrounding or inside a vehicle is stored on the storage device. The system also comprises a magnetometer for measuring magnetic field characteristics of a magnetic field surrounding the mobile device. A sensor system generates sensor information relating to a geographical location or acceleration of the mobile device. Based on the magnetic field characteristics and the predetermined model, a processor of the system determines if the mobile device is located inside or within a predetermined distance of a vehicle. Based on the sensor information, the processor determines if the mobile device is moving or is stationary. If the mobile device is moving and is located inside or within the predetermined distance of the vehicle, the processor disables one or more functional components or features of the mobile device. 3/4 60 Fiur10 Figure 3 4/4 Start 80 82 MobileApplication reads Magnetnrnrete, AclrmerandGP 84 |DeteerneoVelocty- DerieVehice-Unique Deterrmineoction Accelernete adnirgs MagneeneteSigonoatu GPSCaodirates 86 MobilPhon inter a tore Yes 88 Pasenger? No Driver? Yes 90 Create MooleNehIe Uniqe Signtue Key 92 Veh ile in rnit? Yes 94 LogStatirticaData No 96 No Interfce with ProximitySensorsad DS Func.tion 98 Verfy Bluetoot/USB D iret Connectivity Enabled 104 100 reble Audi DiseleAudio iterface Interface 106 102 nale Display DisableDIsplay interfce Interface .c End Figure 4

Description

3/4
60
Fiur10
Figure 3
4/4 Start
80
82 MobileApplication reads Magnetnrnrete, AclrmerandGP
84 |Dete rneoVelocty- Accelernete adnirgs DerieVehice-Unique MagneeneteSigonoatu Deterrmineoction GPSCaodirates
86 MobilPhon inter a tore
Yes
88 Pasenger? No Driver?
Yes 90 Create MooleNehIe Uniqe Signtue Key
92 Vehile in rnit?
Yes 94 LogStatirticaData
No 96 No
Interfce with ProximitySensorsad DS Func.tion
98 Verfy Bluetoot/USB D iret Connectivity Enabled
104 100 reble Audi DiseleAudio iterface Interface
106 102 nale Display DisableDIsplay interfce Interface
.c End
Figure 4
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY LIMITING MOBILE DEVICE FUNCTIONALITY
Field
[0001]The present invention relates to a system and method for automatically limiting functionality of an electronic mobile device.
Background
[0002] Electronic mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, provide a host of features and functionality that are useful for consumers and beneficial to modern society. However, using such devices while driving a vehicle is a major problem and is a significant cause of road crashes resulting in fatalities. A person checking their text messages, emails, voicemails, social media or mobile applications (apps) while driving poses a serious safety risk to themselves and other drivers. Studies in the UK and USA have found that mobile phone usage is responsible for causing as many as one in four car accidents. In Australia, mobile phone distraction has been identified as a contributing factor in 22% of car accidents and 71% of truck accidents. It has also been identified as a contributing factor in 46% of all near crashes.
[0003] Some mobile devices are equipped with components and functionality that allow the devices to be used, to some extent, hands free while driving in a vehicle. For example, some devices comprise Bluetooth transceivers for establishing a wireless remote connection with a vehicle's audio system for hands free use. However, many features of such devices remain fully operational which can distract the driver. For example, the driver can still be distracted by incoming text messages, emails and various alerts/notifications which may tempt the driver to pick up and use their device while driving.
[0004] The preceding discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the present application.
Summary
[0005] According to the present invention, there is provided system for automatically limiting functionality of an electronic mobile device, the system comprising: a storage device storing data, the data embodying a predetermined model of a magnetic field surrounding or inside a vehicle; a magnetometer for measuring magnetic field characteristics of a magnetic field surrounding the mobile device; a sensor system configured to generate sensor information relating to a geographical location or acceleration of the mobile device; and a processor operatively connected to the magnetometer and to the sensor system, wherein the processor is configured to: based on the magnetic field characteristics and the predetermined model, determine if the mobile device is located inside or within a predetermined distance of a vehicle; based on the sensor information, determine if the mobile device is moving or is stationary; and if the mobile device is moving and is located inside or within the predetermined distance of the vehicle, disable one or more functional components or features of the mobile device.
[0006] The predetermined model may be a machine learning model. The machine learning model may be an artificial neural network such as a feed forward neural network.
[0007] The processor may be configured to: obtain, by the magnetometer, a plurality of measurements of the magnetic field characteristics; determine a magnetic field variance of the magnetic field surrounding the mobile device using the plurality of measurements; and based on the magnetic field variance and the predetermined model, determine if the mobile device is located inside or within the predetermined distance of the vehicle.
[0008] The magnetic field characteristics may comprise a magnetic field strength and/or polarity of the magnetic field surrounding the mobile device. The magnetic field characteristics may be measured by the magnetometer along a plurality of different axes.
[0009] The processor may be configured to determine if the mobile device is moving or is stationary only after the processor has determined that the mobile device is located inside or within the predetermined distance of the vehicle.
[0010] The electronic mobile device may be a smartphone. In such examples, the functional components or features may comprise an electronic visual display of the smartphone.
[0011] The sensor system may comprise a location receiver for obtaining a plurality of geographical locations of the mobile device. The system may also comprise a system clock for determining points in time when the geographical locations are obtained respectively. In such examples, the processor is configured to calculate a velocity of the mobile device based on the geographical locations and the points in time, and to disable the one or more functional components or features if the velocity exceeds a threshold velocity.
[0012] The processor may be configured to: receive from the location receiver at least first and second of the geographical locations; receive from the system clock first and second points in time corresponding to the first and second of the geographical locations; calculate a distance between the first and second of the geographical locations; calculate an elapsed time between the first and second points in time; and calculate the velocity by dividing the distance by the elapsed time.
[0013] The distance may be a Euclidean or haversine distance between the first and second of the geographical locations.
[0014] The processor may be configured to: calculate a plurality of velocities of the mobile device; calculate an average velocity of the mobile device based on the plurality of velocities; and disable the functional components or features if the average velocity exceeds a minimum velocity.
[0015] The processor may be configured to calculate a second velocity of the mobile device and to re-enable the functional components or features if the second velocity is below a threshold velocity.
[0016] The processor may be configured to: obtain from the location receiver a plurality of further geographical locations of the mobile device; receive from the system clock a plurality of further points in time corresponding to when the further geographical locations are obtained respectively; calculate a deceleration of the mobile device based on the further geographical locations and the further points in time; and issuing an alert or notification to a remote device using a communication means provided on the mobile device if the deceleration exceeds a threshold deceleration.
[0017] The sensor system may comprise an accelerometer for measuring an acceleration of the mobile device. In such examples, the processor may be configured to determine that the mobile device is moving if the acceleration exceeds a minimum acceleration.
[0018] The sensor system may comprise an accelerometer for measuring a deceleration of the mobile device. In such examples, the processor may be configured to issue an alert or notification to a remote device using a communication means provided on the mobile device if the deceleration exceeds a threshold deceleration.
[0019] The sensor system may comprise an accelerometer for measuring a plurality of acceleration values of the mobile device. The system may also comprise a system clock for determining points in time when the acceleration values were obtained respectively. In such examples, the processor may be configured to calculate a velocity of the mobile device based on the acceleration values and the points in time, and to disable the one or more functional components or features if the velocity exceeds a threshold velocity.
[0020] The processor may be configured to: calculate a plurality of elapsed time values by determining a difference between each sequential pair of the points in time; calculate an estimated minimum velocity of the mobile device based on the acceleration values and the elapsed time values; and disabling the one or more functional components or features if the estimated minimum velocity exceeds a threshold velocity.
[0021] The present invention also provides a mobile device comprising the system described above.
[0022] The present invention also provides a method for automatically limiting functionality of an electronic mobile device, the method comprising: storing, on a storage device of the mobile device, data embodying a predetermined model of a magnetic field surrounding or inside a vehicle; using a magnetometer of the mobile device to measure magnetic field characteristics of a magnetic field surrounding the mobile device; obtaining, by a sensor system of the mobile device, sensor information relating to a geographical location or acceleration of the mobile device; and by a processor of the mobile device operatively connected to the magnetometer and to the sensor system: based on the magnetic field characteristics and the predetermined model, determine if the mobile device is located inside or within a predetermined distance of a vehicle; based on the sensor information, determine if the mobile device is moving or is stationary; and if the mobile device is moving and is located inside or within the predetermined distance of the vehicle, disable one or more functional components or features of the mobile device.
[0023] The present invention also provides a computer-readable non-transitory medium storing executable instructions which, when executed by a mobile device comprising a processor, cause the processor to: read, from a storage device of the mobile device, data embodying a predetermined model of a magnetic field surrounding or inside a vehicle; measure magnetic field characteristics of a magnetic field surrounding the mobile device using a magnetometer of the mobile device; obtain, by a sensor system of the mobile device, sensor information relating to a geographical location or acceleration of the mobile device; based on the magnetic field characteristics and the predetermined model, determine if the mobile device is located inside or within a predetermined distance of a vehicle; based on the sensor information, determine if the mobile device is moving or is stationary; and if the mobile device is moving and is located inside or within the predetermined distance of the vehicle, disable one or more functional components or features of the mobile device.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0024] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a system for automatically limiting functionality of an electronic mobile device according to an example embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic drawing of a system for automatically limiting functionality of an electronic mobile device according to a further example embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 is a schematic side elevation view of a vehicle, wherein the vehicle contains an electronic mobile device comprising the system of either Figure 1 or 2; and Figure 4 is a flow diagram of a method for automatically limiting functionality of an electronic mobile device according to a further example embodiment of the invention.
Description of Embodiments
[0025] Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for automatically limiting functionality of an electronic mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, when the mobile device is located within close proximity of a vehicle and is moving in a manner that indicates it is travelling in or with the vehicle. A variety of different functional components and features of the mobile device may be limited. For example, an electronic user interface of the device, such as the touch sensitive screen as commonly used in smart devices, may be disabled in order to render the device temporarily unusable.
[0026] Referring to Figure 1, an example embodiment of the present invention provides a system 10 for automatically limiting functionality of an electronic mobile device 12. The system 10 comprises a storage device 14 storing data, the data embodying a predetermined model of a magnetic field surrounding or inside a vehicle. The system 10 also comprises a magnetometer 16 for measuring magnetic field characteristics of a magnetic field surrounding the mobile device 12. The system 10 also comprises a sensor system 18 configured to generate sensor information relating to a geographical location or acceleration of the mobile device 12. The system 10 also comprises a processor 20 operatively connected to the magnetometer 16 and to the sensor system 18. The processor is configured to (a) based on the magnetic field characteristics and the predetermined model, determine if the mobile device 12 is located inside or within a predetermined distance of a vehicle; (b) based on the sensor information, determine if the mobile device 12 is moving or is stationary; and (c) if the mobile device 12 is moving and is located inside or within the predetermined distance of the vehicle, disable one or more functional components or features of the mobile device 12.
[0027] More particularly, the mobile device 12 comprises a smartphone having a touch sensitive electronic visual display 22 that can be automatically disabled by the processor 20. The field characteristics that are measured using the magnetometer 16 may comprise a magnetic field strength and/or polarity of the magnetic field that surrounds the mobile device 12. Each of the field characteristics may be measured along a plurality of different axes. For example, the characteristics may be measured along X, Y and Z orthogonal axes relative to the mobile device 12. The magnetometer 16 may comprise a Hall-effect sensor that produces voltages that are proportional to the strength and polarity of the magnetic field along each of the axes respectively. The processor 20 may be configured such that the screen 22 is only disabled if the processor 20 calculates that the mobile device 12 is substantially inside of a vehicle, or is located within a predetermined distance of the vehicle such as within 5 metres of the vehicle.
[0028] In use, the processor 20 may obtain the field characteristic measurements from the magnetometer 16 repeatedly at regular time intervals. For example, measurements may be taken once every 50 milliseconds. When the mobile device 12 is moved near to a vehicle that has a chassis, body, engine or other parts made of a ferrous metal, such as steel, interference to the Earth's ambient magnetic field that is caused by the metal parts will be manifest in the field measurements taken using the magnetometer 16. The processor 20 recognises this interference by comparing the field measurements with the predetermined model that is stored on the storage device 14. The comparison step may be performed using pattern recognition, signal processing and/or machine learning techniques to determine if and when the magnetic interference that is detected indicates that the mobile device 12 has been moved near to a metal-based vehicle.
[0029]The model that is stored on the storage device 14 may be a relatively simple model of a magnetic field surrounding a vehicle. For example, the model may comprise a set of magnetic field strengths and/or polarities that are typically encountered inside a car. In other examples, the model may be a complex computational or statistical model based on a rich dataset that embodies signature characteristics of a magnetic field surrounding a vehicle. For example, the model may be a machine learning model, such as a feed forward neural network, that has been trained using data obtained for a large number of sample cars. The model may represent magnetic field characteristics as commonly encountered inside vehicles generally. In other examples, the model may represent magnetic field characteristics that are encountered inside specific classes, makes and/or models of vehicles.
[0030] In one example, the processor 20 may read the field characteristic measurements from the magnetometer 16 a plurality of times at various time intervals to obtain a plurality of respective magnetic field measurements. The processor 20 may then use the differences in the various measurements that are obtained to calculate one or more magnetic field variances. The processor 20 may disable the screen 22 only if it determines that the magnetic field variances indicate that the mobile device 12 is positioned inside the vehicle, or has moved within the predetermined distance. The processor 20 may make such determination based on the magnetic field variances and the stored model 14 using one or more pattern recognition, signal processing and/or machine learning techniques.
[0031] In the example depicted in Figure 1, the sensor system 18 is a location receiver for obtaining an indicative geographical location of the mobile device 12 in real time or near real time. The system 10 also comprises a system clock 24.
The processor 20 is configured to calculate a velocity of the mobile device 12 and to disable the one or more functional components or features 22 of the mobile device 12 if the velocity exceeds a threshold velocity. Preferably, the system 10 will only start calculating and monitoring the velocity of the mobile device 12 after the system 10 has determined that the mobile device 12 is inside a vehicle or within the predetermined distance of the vehicle. The system 10 will, therefore, not be able to disable the relevant functional components/features 22 unless and until it has made such a determination. This prevents the system 10 from disabling the functional components/features 22 when the mobile device 12 is moving at speed outside of a vehicle (for example, when the device 12 is being used by a person while jogging).
[0032] The processor 20 calculates the velocity by (i) reading, from the location receiver 18, at least first and second indicative geographical locations of the mobile device 12; (ii) reading, from the system clock 24, first and second timestamps corresponding to points in time when the, respectively, first and second indicative geographical locations where received by the location receiver 18; (iii) calculating a travel distance of the mobile device 12 by calculating a distance between the first and second indicative geographical locations; (iv) calculating an elapsed time by determining a difference between the first and second timestamps; and (v) dividing the travel distance by the elapsed time to derive the velocity.
[0033] More particularly, in the example depicted the location receiver 18 comprises a satellite based GPS receiver. The travel distance may be calculated by the processor 20 using a variety of different methods. For example, the indicative geographical locations retrieved using the location receiver 18 may each comprise a pair of geographic coordinates. The travel distance may be estimated by calculating the Euclidean distance between the two coordinates using Pythagoras' theorem. In other examples, a more accurate estimate of the travel distance may be obtained using a haversine-based formula to determine the great-circle distance between the two geographic coordinates. For example, the distance may be calculated using the haversine formula: a = sin2(A(p/2) + cos 1 - cos (p2 - sin2 (AA2) c = 2 atan2( Ia, 1(1-a)) d=R-c where (p is latitude, A is longitude, R is earth's radius and d is the travel distance.
[0034] The processor 20 may then calculate the velocity of the mobile device 12 by dividing the travel distance by the amount of elapsed time between when the two geographic coordinates were obtained using the location receiver 18.
[0035] In use, the processor 20 may calculate the velocity of the mobile device 12 repeatedly at regular time intervals. For example, a velocity may be calculated once every 100 milliseconds. If a calculated velocity meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold velocity, then the processor 20 may determine that the mobile device 12 is travelling in a moving vehicle. An example motor vehicle 60 is depicted in Figure 3. When this determination is made, the processor 20 may then automatically disable the screen 22 of the mobile device 12 to prevent the user from interacting with the device 12 while they are driving. For example, the processor 20 may disable the screen 22 if the velocity exceeds 15 kilometers per hour (km/h). When the screen 22 is disabled, the processor 20 may continue to calculate the velocity at regular intervals and may re-enabling the screen 22 when the velocity falls below the threshold velocity.
[0036] In other examples, the processor 20 may execute such that it calculates a plurality of estimated velocities of the mobile device 12 using one or more of the above methods at various different time intervals. The processor 20 may then calculate an average velocity of the mobile device based on all of the estimated velocities. For example, the processor 20 may calculate a mean velocity by summing the estimated velocities and dividing the sum by the number of estimated velocities. The processor 20 may then disable the screen 22 only if the mean velocity exceeds the threshold velocity.
[0037] The system 10 may be configured to disable other functional components and features of the mobile device 12 in addition to (or as an alternative to) the screen 22. For example, the system 10 may disable one or more control buttons or other input devices and/or the ringtone of the mobile device 12. In examples where the mobile device 12 comprises a smartphone, the system 100 may also be configured such that emergency calls can still be made and received using the mobile device 12 when the screen 22 and other relevant functionality of the device 12 is disabled. Other specific functionality of the smartphone may also remain enabled and usable. For example, the system 10 may be configured such that voice operated functionality may remain activated or one or more specific apps on the mobile device 12 may continue to be used, such as mapping and navigation apps. The system 10 may be integrated into an electronic mobile device 12 that is equipped with a Bluetooth transceiver for establishing a wireless connection with an audio system of a vehicle. In such examples, the system 10 may be configured such that the Bluetooth functionality remains fully operational when the screen 22 and other relevant functionality of the device 12 is disabled. This allows the mobile device 12 to be used hands free in safety.
[0038] The processor 20 may also be configured to implement a crash or collision detection feature. In such examples, the processor 20 may measure a deceleration of the mobile device 12 at regular intervals. If the processor 20 determines that the measured deceleration exceeds a threshold deceleration value stored on the device 12, then the processor 20 may issue an alert or notification to a remote device or system, such as to a computer server, using a communication means provided on the device 12. This feature enables the processor 20 to detect if the device 12 is being used in a vehicle that has crashed, and to alert emergency/first response agencies about the crash automatically. The processor 20 detects the rapid deceleration that is experienced by the device 12 when the vehicle collides with an object or other vehicle. The processor 20 may calculate the deceleration using measurements taken by the location receiver 18 and system clock 24 in a similar way to how the processor 20 determines the speed of the device 12. For example, the processor may calculate a sequence of individual speeds over a period of elapsed time, each speed being calculated using the methods described above. A reduction in the calculated speeds over the elapsed time allows the processor 20 to determine the deceleration experienced by the device 12. The alert or notification that is issued may include information about the current GPS position of the mobile device 12 to enable the emergency/first response agency to locate the vehicle. The communication means used to communicate with the remote device or system may comprise a cellular, satellite or wireless network communications device (e.g., WiFi) provided on the device 12.
[0039] Referring to Figure 2, a further example embodiment of the present invention provides a system 40 for automatically limiting functionality of an electronic mobile device 42. The system 40 comprises a storage device 44 storing data, the data embodying a predetermined model of a magnetic field surrounding or inside a vehicle. The system 40 also comprises a magnetometer 46 for measuring magnetic field characteristics of a magnetic field surrounding the mobile device 42. The system 40 also comprises a sensor system 48 configured to generate sensor information relating to a geographical location or acceleration of the mobile device 42. The system 40 also comprises a processor operatively connected to the magnetometer 46 and to the sensor system 48. The processor 40 is configured to (a) based on the magnetic field characteristics and the predetermined model, determine if the mobile device 42 is located inside or within a predetermined distance of a vehicle; (b) based on the sensor information, determine if the mobile device 42 is moving or is stationary; and (c) if the mobile device 42 is moving and is located inside or within the predetermined distance of the vehicle, disable one or more functional components or features of the mobile device 12.
[0040] More particularly, in the example depicted in Figure 2 the sensor system 48 is an accelerometer. The processor 50 is configured to (i) measure, via the accelerometer 48, an acceleration of the mobile device 42; and (ii) disable one or more functional components or features of the mobile device 42 if the acceleration indicates that the mobile device 42 is being accelerated by a vehicle. The mobile device 42 comprises a smartphone having a touch sensitive electronic visual display 48 that can be automatically disabled by the processor 50. The accelerometer 48 comprises a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometer.
[0041] In use, the processor 50 may read acceleration values from the accelerometer 48 repeatedly at regular time intervals. For example, acceleration values may be obtained once every 50 milliseconds. If and when one of these values is sufficiently high such that it indicates that the mobile device 42 is being accelerated by a motor vehicle, the processor 50 may then disable the screen 48. For example, the processor 50 may disable the screen 48 if an acceleration of more than 2 m/s 2 is detected.
[0042] In other examples, in order to determine if and when the mobile device 42 is being accelerated by a motor vehicle, the processor 50 may use multiple acceleration values measured using the accelerometer 48 and determine estimated durations of time at which the mobile device 42 has been accelerating at each of the accelerations. In the embodiment depicted, the system 40 further comprises a system clock 52 and the processor 50 executes to: (i) measure, via the accelerometer 48, a plurality of acceleration values; (ii) read, from a system clock 52, timestamps corresponding to points in time when each of the acceleration values were measured; (iii) calculate a plurality of elapsed time values by determining a difference between each sequential pair of the timestamps; (iv) calculate an estimated minimum velocity of the mobile device 42 based on the acceleration values and the elapsed time values; and (v) disable the screen 48 if the estimated minimum velocity exceeds a threshold velocity, such as 15 kilometers per hour (km/h). In one example, the processor 50 may calculate the estimated minimum velocity by multiplying each of the acceleration values by the time elapsed between the relevant acceleration value and the next acceleration value and then summing the result.
[0043] The processor 50 may also implement the crash/collision detection feature using the accelerometer 48. In such examples, the processor 50 may be configured to measure the deceleration of the device 42 using the accelerometer 48 at regular intervals. If the processor 50 determines that a measured deceleration exceeds a threshold deceleration value stored on the device 42, then the processor 50 may issue an alert or notification to a remote device or system, such as to a computer server, using a communication means provided on the device 42. The alert or notification may include information about the current GPS position of the mobile device 42 to enable an emergency/first response team or agency to locate the vehicle. The crash/collision detection feature may initially be disabled and then be enabled automatically only once the processor 50 detects that the mobile device 42 is moving at a minimum speed. This prevents the mobile device 42 from issuing an alert or notification when the device 42 is not being used in a vehicle (for example, in the event the device 42 is thrown down onto a hard surface with force).
[0044] Referring to Figure 4, there is provided a flow diagram of steps included in a method that is performed by a smartphone 12 of the type depicted in Figure 1 according to a further embodiment of the invention. The smartphone 12 is assumed to have an accelerometer 48, as shown in Figure 2, in addition to a GPS receiver 18. For the first step 80 in the method, a user enters a vehicle with the smartphone 12. The vehicle may be a car or truck that is parked and, therefore, initially stationary. For the next step 82, a software application that is executing on the smartphone 12 will read data from each of the magnetometer 16, accelerometer 48 and GPS receiver 18. For the next step 84, the software will use the magnetometer 16 data to determine if the user is inside the vehicle. To make this determination, the software will retrieve a computational model of a magnetic field inside a vehicle from a database. The database may be stored locally on the smartphone 12 or it may be a remote database that is accessed by the smartphone 12 over a network, such as via the internet. The model may embody a digital signature of magnetic fields that are generally encountered inside vehicles, or it may embody a specific digital signature of a magnetic field that is encountered inside a particular class, make and/or model of a vehicle. The smartphone 12 may periodically retrieve data embodying the model from the database at a poll interval.
[0045] The software may use one or more of the pattern recognition techniques disclosed above to determine if the user is inside the vehicle. The software may also use data retrieved from the accelerometer 48 and/or GPS receiver 18 to make this determination. For example, the software may only conclude that the user is inside the vehicle if these data show that the smartphone 12 is also moving.
[0046] If the software determines that the user is inside the vehicle (step 86), the software will then determine if the user is the driver of the vehicle (step 88); for example by issuing a query to the user via the touchscreen 22. The software takes no further actions if the user is only a passenger and not the driver. If the user is the driver, the software then creates a unique digital key (step 90). The digital key may be based on data retrieved from the magnetometer 16, accelerometer 48, GPS receiver 18 and/or the machine access code (MAC) of the smartphone 12.
[0047] For the next step 92, the software will determine if the vehicle is moving faster than a minimum velocity based on the accelerometer 48 and/or GPS receiver 18 data. If the software successfully determines that the minimum velocity is being exceeded, then for the next step 94 the software will generate statistical data that is sent to the database. The statistical data may include the unique digital key and various telemetry data relating to the vehicle to allow the model stored on the database to be improved. During step 94, the server hosting the database may also use the statistical data to query and authenticate the user of the smartphone 12. If the user is not an authenticated user, then the server may issue an instruction to the smartphone 12 directing the software to stop executing. If the user is an authenticated user, then the server may issue an instruction to the smartphone 12 directing the software to continue executing.
[0048] For the next steps 96-102, the software will communicate with the operating system running on the smartphone 12 and cause the visual display 22 of the smartphone 12 to be disabled.
[0049] It will be appreciated that all of the disclosed methods and procedures described herein can be implemented using one or more computer programs or components. These components may be provided as a series of computer instructions on any conventional computer readable medium or machine readable medium, including volatile or non-volatile memory, such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, magnetic or optical disks, optical memory, or other storage media. The instructions may be provided as software or firmware, and/or may be implemented in whole or in part in hardware components such as ASICs, FPGAs, DSPs or any other similar devices. The instructions may be configured to be executed by one or more processors, which when executing the series of computer instructions, performs or facilitates the performance of all or part of the disclosed methods and procedures.
[0050] As used herein, a "processor" refers to a device that is capable of executing instructions encoding arithmetic, logical, and/or 1/O operations and includes both a physical and a virtual processor. In one illustrative example, a processor may comprise an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a control unit and a plurality of registers. In a further aspect, a processor may be a single core processor capable of executing one instruction at a time (or process a single pipeline of instructions) or a multi-core processor which may simultaneously execute multiple instructions. In another aspect, a processor may be implemented as a single integrated circuit, two or more integrated circuits, or may be a component of a multi-chip module. A processor may also be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU). A processor is also intended to include a programmable logic controller (PLC), a programmable logic array (PLA) or similar electronic controller device, including multiple electronic controller devices connected together via a network or a similar communication means.
[0051] As used herein, a "storage device" refers to a volatile or non-volatile memory device, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, or any other device capable of storing data such as a disk drive.
[0052] For the purpose of this specification, the word "comprising" means "including but not limited to", and the word "comprises" has a corresponding meaning.
[0053] The above embodiments have been described by way of example only and modifications are possible within the scope of the claims that follow.

Claims (24)

Claims
1. A system for automatically limiting functionality of an electronic mobile device, the system comprising: a storage device storing data, the data embodying a predetermined model of a magnetic field surrounding or inside a vehicle; a magnetometer for measuring magnetic field characteristics of a magnetic field surrounding the mobile device; a sensor system configured to generate sensor information relating to a geographical location or acceleration of the mobile device; and a processor operatively connected to the magnetometer and to the sensor system, wherein the processor is configured to: based on the magnetic field characteristics and the predetermined model, determine if the mobile device is located inside or within a predetermined distance of a vehicle; based on the sensor information, determine if the mobile device is moving or is stationary; and if the mobile device is moving and is located inside or within the predetermined distance of the vehicle, disable one or more functional components or features of the mobile device.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined model is a machine learning model.
3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the machine learning model is an artificial neural network.
4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the artificial neural network is a feed forward neural network.
5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor is configured to: obtain, by the magnetometer, a plurality of measurements of the magnetic field characteristics; determine a magnetic field variance of the magnetic field surrounding the mobile device using the plurality of measurements; and based on the magnetic field variance and the predetermined model, determine if the mobile device is located inside or within the predetermined distance of the vehicle.
6. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic field characteristics comprise a magnetic field strength and/or polarity of the magnetic field surrounding the mobile device.
7. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic field characteristics are measured by the magnetometer along a plurality of different axes.
8. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor is configured to determine if the mobile device is moving or is stationary only after the processor has determined that the mobile device is located inside or within the predetermined distance of the vehicle.
9. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic mobile device is a smartphone.
10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the functional components or features comprise an electronic visual display of the smartphone.
11. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the sensor system comprises a location receiver for obtaining a plurality of geographical locations of the mobile device; the system comprises a system clock for determining points in time when the geographical locations are obtained respectively; and the processor is configured to calculate a velocity of the mobile device based on the geographical locations and the points in time, and to disable the one or more functional components or features if the velocity exceeds a threshold velocity.
12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the processor is configured to: receive from the location receiver at least first and second of the geographical locations; receive from the system clock first and second points in time corresponding to the first and second of the geographical locations; calculate a distance between the first and second of the geographical locations; calculate an elapsed time between the first and second points in time; and calculate the velocity by dividing the distance by the elapsed time.
13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the distance is a Euclidean distance between the first and second of the geographical locations.
14. The system according to claim 12, wherein the distance is a haversine distance between the first and second of the geographical locations.
15. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the processor is configured to: calculate a plurality of velocities of the mobile device; calculate an average velocity of the mobile device based on the plurality of velocities; and disable the functional components or features if the average velocity exceeds a minimum velocity.
16. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the processor is configured to calculate a second velocity of the mobile device and to re-enable the functional components or features if the second velocity is below a threshold velocity.
17. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the processor is configured to: obtain from the location receiver a plurality of further geographical locations of the mobile device; receive from the system clock a plurality of further points in time corresponding to when the further geographical locations are obtained respectively; calculate a deceleration of the mobile device based on the further geographical locations and the further points in time; and issuing an alert or notification to a remote device using a communication means provided on the mobile device if the deceleration exceeds a threshold deceleration.
18. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: the sensor system comprises an accelerometer for measuring an acceleration of the mobile device; and the processor is configured to determine that the mobile device is moving if the acceleration exceeds a minimum acceleration.
19. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: the sensor system comprises an accelerometer for measuring a deceleration of the mobile device; and the processor is configured to issue an alert or notification to a remote device using a communication means provided on the mobile device if the deceleration exceeds a threshold deceleration.
20. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: the sensor system comprises an accelerometer for measuring a plurality of acceleration values of the mobile device; the system comprises a system clock for determining points in time when the acceleration values were obtained respectively; and the processor is configured to calculate a velocity of the mobile device based on the acceleration values and the points in time, and to disable the one or more functional components or features if the velocity exceeds a threshold velocity.
21. The system according to claim 20, wherein the processor is configured to: calculate a plurality of elapsed time values by determining a difference between each sequential pair of the points in time; calculate an estimated minimum velocity of the mobile device based on the acceleration values and the elapsed time values; and disabling the one or more functional components or features if the estimated minimum velocity exceeds a threshold velocity.
22. A mobile device comprising the system according to any one of the preceding claims.
23. A method for automatically limiting functionality of an electronic mobile device, the method comprising: storing, on a storage device of the mobile device, data embodying a predetermined model of a magnetic field surrounding or inside a vehicle; using a magnetometer of the mobile device to measure magnetic field characteristics of a magnetic field surrounding the mobile device; obtaining, by a sensor system of the mobile device, sensor information relating to a geographical location or acceleration of the mobile device; and by a processor of the mobile device operatively connected to the magnetometer and to the sensor system: based on the magnetic field characteristics and the predetermined model, determine if the mobile device is located inside or within a predetermined distance of a vehicle; based on the sensor information, determine if the mobile device is moving or is stationary; and if the mobile device is moving and is located inside or within the predetermined distance of the vehicle, disable one or more functional components or features of the mobile device.
24. A computer-readable non-transitory medium storing executable instructions which, when executed by a mobile device comprising a processor, cause the processor to: read, from a storage device of the mobile device, data embodying a predetermined model of a magnetic field surrounding or inside a vehicle; measure magnetic field characteristics of a magnetic field surrounding the mobile device using a magnetometer of the mobile device; obtain, by a sensor system of the mobile device, sensor information relating to a geographical location or acceleration of the mobile device; based on the magnetic field characteristics and the predetermined model, determine if the mobile device is located inside or within a predetermined distance of a vehicle; based on the sensor information, determine if the mobile device is moving or is stationary; and if the mobile device is moving and is located inside or within the predetermined distance of the vehicle, disable one or more functional components or features of the mobile device.
AU2023233221A 2022-10-03 2023-09-23 System and method for automatically limiting mobile device functionality Pending AU2023233221A1 (en)

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