GB2406469A

GB2406469A - A module for use with a mobile station and a method of operation

Info

Publication number: GB2406469A
Application number: GB0322412A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gerd Ries; Stephan Noennig
Original assignee: Motorola Inc
Current assignee: Motorola Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2003-09-25
Filing date: 2003-09-25
Publication date: 2005-03-30
Anticipated expiration: 2023-09-25
Also published as: GB2406469B; GB0322412D0

Abstract

A module is provided for communicating a localised usage policy to a mobile station. The module is operable to detect at least a first localised usage policy notification signal, and is further operable to communicate a signal related to the localised usage policy directly to the mobile station.

Description

A Module For Use With A Mobile Station And A Method Of Operation

Technical Field

The invention relates to a module for use with a mobile station and a method of its operation. In particular, it relates to a module operable to directly communicate with a mobile station.

Background

In some circumstances mobile communication devices such as mobile stations, and in particular digital mobile stations, can interfere with sensitive electronic equipment.

Examples include when the stations's user is on an aircraft, in a hospital or in a recording studio.

Whilst one may wish to rely on users to disable their mobile stations, this cannot be guaranteed.

Cavadino & Co. Ltd. provide a mobile 'phone detector that gives an alarm if such a device is on within a certain radius of the detector (see http://www.cavadino.com/blockers/CDETECTOR.html).

However this still cannot ensure compliance and itself may be an undesirable distraction, for example if installed in a cinema auditorium.

US 2003 0134660 Al (IBM) provides a means for an in-vehicle computer to take control of a mobile station via a two-way wireless protocol, for the purpose of enabling the user to control the mobile station via the onboard computer.

US 2003 0134627 Al (IBM) provides a means for an in- building computer to affect a mobile station via a two-way wireless protocol, either by disabling features or adding enhancements to the device.

US 2003 0133573 Al (IBM) provides a means for environmental control of electronic devices via a broadcast wireless protocol, to turn them off.

However, with reference to the above patent applications in the case of a mobile station, the power consumption and complexity of accepting any control mechanism may be excessive. Moreover, mobile stations of different types are subject to the same levels of control. This may be undesirable for example in the case of police radios versus domestic mobile 'phones.

The purpose of the present invention is to address the above problems.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a module for communicating a localised usage policy to a mobile station.

The module is operable to detect at least a first localised usage policy notification signal, and is further operable to communicate a signal related to the localised usage policy directly to the mobile station.

An example of a localised usage policy might be 'vibrate alert only' for a mobile station in a cinema auditorium.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a module for communicating a localised usage policy to a mobile station, as claimed in claim 1.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a mobile station, as claimed in claim 19.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides an emitter for emitting a localised usage policy notification signal, as claimed in claim 21.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides method of communicating a localised usage policy to a mobile station, as claimed in claim 24.

Further features of the present invention are as defined in the dependent claims.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Brief description of the drawings

FIG. 1 is a block schematic diagram of a mobile station and a module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.2 is a diagram of a transmitter, a mobile station and a module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a electromagnetic gate, a mobile station and a module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description

Referring to FIG. 1, a mobile station 120, such as a mobile telephone, is shown. The station 120 incorporates a controller 130, in practice one or more integrated circuits that control functions of the station 120.

A module 110 for communicating a localised usage policy to the mobile station 120 is also shown.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention wherein the module is internal to the station 120, for example in the form of a smart card, SIM, or integrated circuit.

FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment wherein the module is separate from the station 120, for example in the form of a direct infra-red or radio transmission enabled unit.

The module 110 may feature one or both of the above embodiments depending on cost constraints or the mode of communication desired by the manufacturer of a specific mobile station 120. For example, as a smart card, the module 110 may be inserted within devices that have an appropriate slot, or operate using a protocol such as Bluetooth_ if not inserted.

Thus the module is operably coupled 112 to the controller 130, typically either by a physical link in the case of FIG. 1 or by a wireless link in the case of FIG. 2.

Referring now to FIGs 2 and 3, in operation the module 110 detects at least a first localised usage policy notification signal (160, 180), and then communicates a signal 112 related to the localised usage policy directly to the mobile station 120.

The case shown in FIG. 2. relates to a notification signal transmitted from a local beacon, typically within an enclosed space in which the localised policy is to be adopted, such as an aircraft, surgical theatre or cinema auditorium.

The case shown in FIG. 3. relates to a notification signal produced substantially between two panels forming a 'gate' structure similar to those of electromagnetic shop security gates, at the entrance to a location in which the localised policy is to be adopted, such as an office block.

The localised usage policy notification signal (160, 180) may variously signify that implementation of a policy is desired, specify the type of policy, or indicate that implementation may cease.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the module 110 is operable to be powered by a current induced from a sufficiently strong alternating electromagnetic field 180.

In a similar embodiment of the present invention, the module 110 is operable to be powered by a current derived from a sufficiently strong transmitted signal 160.

Both the above embodiments provide the benefit that the module 110 can be a passive device that does not drain power from the mobile station, or require its own internal power source.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the module 110 is operable to be powered by the mobile station 120.

The module 110 may feature any or all of the above three embodiments depending on cost constraints or the mode of communication desired by the manufacturer of a specific mobile station 120.

In an embodiment of the present invention, to communicate a policy to the mobile station 120, the module 110 communicates to a control means 130 of the mobile station 120.

This communication may variously be; i. a signal from the module 110 that the control means interprets as a policy or cessation thereof, or ii. at least a first command from the module 110 that the control means 130 obeys, the module 110 interpreting the policy or cessation thereof first.

Thus in an embodiment of the present invention, the module 110 is operable to generate an output interpretable by a control means 130 of the mobile station 120. In addition, the control means 130 of the mobile station 120 is operable to interpret the aforesaid output to generate a command or series of commands that either implement or cease the localised usage policy, as appropriate, in a manner suitable for both the type of the mobile station 120 and/or the role of the mobile station 120.

This embodiment therefore requires the controller to interpret outputs of the module as commands. To operate with controllers not enabled in this fashion, then in an embodiment of the present invention the module 110 is operable to generate an output that comprises at least a first command to a control means 130 of the mobile station 120. The command or commands are either an interpretation of the localised usage policy or a cessation thereof, both being suitable for both the type of the mobile station 120 and/or the role of the mobile station 120.

The module 110 may feature the option to utilise either of the above embodiments depending on cost constraints or the mode of communication desired by the manufacturer of a specific mobile station 120.

The need for interpretation of the policy arises from the differing natures and facilities of the mobile stations 120 that may enter a location: For example, in a hospital intensive care ward, a 'switch off device' localised usage policy may be in place.

However, the manufacture of a TErrestrial Trunked RAdio (TETRA) radio operating in accordance with the TETRA standard protocols defined by ETSI (the European telecommunications standards institute), such as those used by the police and other emergency services, may wish for this policy to be interpreted as 'cease non-user initiated transmissions', an option available in the TETRA standard that substantially achieves the desired effect of the policy without preventing a police officer from receiving signals, or quickly making a call in an emergency.

By contrast, for a typical domestic market mobile telephone, manufacturers may wish to implement a 'switch off device' localised usage policy literally, so improving conformance with the policy, e.g. on an aeroplane.

Advantageously, by decoupling the general policy notification from the specific implementation, the module provides a necessary flexibility of response that, inter alla, removes the need for a two-way negotiation of policy via a complex protocol.

In addition to implementing a policy (for example, vibrate-only' in a cinema auditorium), it is desirable that the mobile station 120 is able to revert to its previous configuration once the location is left: In an embodiment of the present invention, after detection of at least a first localised usage policy notification signal 160, 180, the module 110 is operable to cease the implementation of the localised usage policy after a predetermined period of time, in a manner suitable for both the type of the mobile station 120 and/or the role of the mobile station 120.

In an embodiment of the present invention, after detection of at least a first localised usage policy notification signal 160, 180, the module 110 is operable to cease the implementation of the localised usage policy upon intervention by a user, in a manner suitable for both the type of the mobile station 120 and/or the role of the mobile station 120. This facility may additionally be limited to only certain types of policy.

The module may comprise one or both of the above embodiments depending on cost constraints or the level of user control desired by the manufacturer of a specific mobile station 120.

In addition to time-out and user-driven means of reverting to the previous configuration, means of utilising local usage policy notification signals also exist, which depend upon the nature of the signal, namely notification or cessation.

Several technologies for conveying a local usage policy notification signal (160, 180) to the module 110 are appropriate: Firstly, the module 110 may be operable to detect a transmitted wireless signal 160 that comprises a localised usage policy notification signal. Wireless transmission of a signal (by a beacon ultilising, for example, a radio transmission such as a BluetoothT or wireless LAN transmision) can continuously cover a public area that has many entrances, such as a meeting hall or train station, or a single large space such as a theatre. Note that this is distinct from the normal cellular or direct-mode communications made to the mobile station 120.

Secondly, the module may be operable to detect at least a first alternating electromagnetic field 180 that comprises a localised usage policy notification signal. In contrast to a wireless transmission that is broadcast over a large space, electromagnetic gates 170 such as those used to detect shop security tags on stolen goods provide the opportunity for emitting a policy signal as part of the alternating electromagnetic field 180 formed between the gates 170. Such gates 170 may be placed at the main entrance to a more compartmentalized building such as an office block. Current electromagnetic gates 170 variously employ Acousto- Magnetic, Electromagnetic, Swept-RF or Microwave methods for security purposes, but all have the common feature of an ability to generate an alternating electromagnetic field 180 local to an entrance or exit, typically between two panels. See htCp://www.aimi. org/technologies/eas/easoverview.htm for examples. Again it will be clear that such a filed 180 is distinct from the normal cellular or direct-mode communications made to the mobile station 120.

In the case of wireless transmission, reception of the policy notification signal 160 may be considered sufficient to denote that the module 110 is within the intended location.

A localised usage policy notification signal 160 can simply be a wireless transmission at a specific frequency, thus avoiding the need for a complex protocol.

Thus in an embodiment of the present invention, the module is operable to detect a transmitted wireless signal 160 that comprises a localised usage policy notification signal. Additionally, upon subsequent loss of detection of the localised usage policy notification signal 160, the module 110 is further operable to cease the implementation of the localised usage policy in a manner suitable for both the type of the mobile station 120 and/or the role of the mobile station 120.

For a policy conveyed by electromagnetic gates 170, the localised usage policy notification or cessation signal can simply be an alternating electromagnetic field 180 at a specific frequency, thus avoiding the need for a complex protocol.

For a policy notification signal conveyed by electromagnetic gates 170, it is desirable that a means exists to convey to the module 110 whether it is entering or exiting the intended location through said gates 170: In an embodiment of the present location, the module 110 is operable to detect at least a first alternating electromagnetic field 180 that comprises a localised usage policy notification signal. Additionally, upon detection for a second time of the alternating electromagnetic field 180 that comprises a localised usage policy notification signal, the module 110 is operable to cease the implementation of the localised usage policy in a manner suitable for both the type of the mobile station 120 and/or the role of the mobile station 120.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the module 110 is operable to detect at least a first alternating electromagnetic field 180 that comprises a localised usage policy notification signal. Additionally, upon detection of a second alternating electromagnetic field 180 that comprises a localised usage policy cessation signal, the module 110 is operable to cease the implementation of the localised usage policy in a manner suitable for both the type of the mobile station 120 and/or the role of the mobile station 120.

In a typical arrangement of the above embodiment, the electronic gates 170 emitting the cessation notification signal would be closer to the main entrance than those 1= emitting the policy notification signal. Upon entry, the module 110 or mobile station 120 (depending on whether the module 110 or controller 130 interprets the commands) would ignore the cessation notification and then implement the policy, whilst on exit the module 110 or mobile station 120 would ignore the existing policy and then implement the cessation.

The module 110 may comprise any or all of the above three embodiments.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the module 110 is operable to detect at least a first alternating electromagnetic field 180 that comprises a localised usage policy notification signal. Additionally, upon detection of at least a first alternating electromagnetic field 180, the module 110 is operable to determine whether it is travelling in a direction towards a notional 'exit' side of the alternating electromagnetic field 180 region. If so, the module 110 is operable to cease the implementation of the localised usage policy in a manner suitable for both the type of the mobile station 120 and the role of the mobile station 120.

This alternative embodiment relies upon there being a characteristic asymmetry to the electromagnetic field 180 that the module 110 is capable of detecting as it passes through; for example an amplitude, frequency or phase profile caused by some property of the electromagnetic gates (the emitter panels) 170 that varies over their width.

It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that a module 110 may be made operable to detect both wireless broadcast transmissions 160 and electromagnetic fields 180.

It will also be clear that policy notification and cessation signals will perforce be transposed to different operating frequencies for different proprietary transmitters 150 and/or gates 170, and so a module 110 may comprise a number of equivalent policy notification and cessation signals to cater for supported transmitter 150 and gate 170 types.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the module 110 is operable to detect notification signals 160, 180 for any or all of the following localised usage policies: i. the mobile station 120 should turn off or enter a stand-by mode; ii. the mobile station 120 should suspend or minimise all transmissions; iii. the mobile station 120 should switch to a silent call alert mode such as vibrate only.

To provide localised usage policy notification signals 160, a transmitter 150 may be adapted to broadcast such signals.

Alternatively, an electromagnetic gate 170 may be adapted to emit an alternating electromagnetic field 180 of which at least one property may be interpreted as a localised usage policy notification signal.

In its simplest form, an emitter 170 is operable simply to activate the alternating electromagnetic field 180 at a specific frequency in order to signify one localised usage policy or set of policies.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the emitter 170 is operable to adjust the frequency of the alternating electromagnetic field 180 to signify a selected localised usage policy or policies, or a cessation thereof.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the emitter 170 is operable to emit multiple frequencies in parallel.

In a yet further embodiment of the present invention, the emitter 170 is operable to control the relative phase of multiple emitted frequencies.

Typically, such frequencies will not coincide with those frequencies used for security purposes, unless it is desired that both functions are contingent.

Note that in addition to individual policies being associated with a given frequency, more than one policy may also be associated with a given frequency, with policies duplicated in combination at different frequencies.

A method of communicating a localised usage policy to a mobile station 120 is also proposed wherein; a module 110 detects at least a first localised usage policy notification signal; and the module directly communicates 112 a signal related to the localised usage policy to the mobile station 120.

It will be understood that the module, mobile station, transmitter and emitter as described above in various embodiments, provide at least one or more of the following advantages: Simplicity of the transmitting/emitting control system; Low or substantially no additional power consumption by the mobile station; Differing interpretation of same policy between differing device types) and No need for two-way protocols or negotiation.

Claims

Claims 1. A module for communicating a localised usage policy to a mobile

station, characterized by; i. the module being operable to detect at least a first localised usage policy notification signal; and ii. the module being operable to communicate a signal related to the localised usage policy directly to the mobile station.
2. A module according to claim 1, wherein the module is included in a mobile station.
3. A module according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the module is operable to communicate with the mobile station via a direct wireless link.
4. A module according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the module is operable to communicate with the mobile station via a physical link.
5. A module according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the module is operable to be powered by a current

induced from an alternating electromagnetic field.
6. A module according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the module is operable to be powered by a current induced from a broadcast wireless transmission.
7. A module according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the module is operable to be powered by the mobile station.
8. A module according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the module is operable to generate an output interpretable by a control means of the mobile station; and the control means of the mobile station is operable to interpret said output to generate a command or series of commands to either implement or cease the localised usage policy, as appropriate, in a manner suitable for both the type of the mobile station and/or the role of the mobile station.
9. A module according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the module is operable to generate an output that comprises at least a first command to a control means of the mobile station; the command or commands being either an interpretation of the localised usage policy or a cessation thereof, either being suitable for both the type of the mobile station and/or the role of the mobile station.
10. A module according to any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein after detection of at least a first localised usage policy notification signal, the module is operable to; cease the implementation of the localised usage policy after a predetermined period of time, in a manner suitable for both the type of the mobile station and/or the role of the mobile station.
11. A module according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein after detection of at least a first localised usage policy notification signal, the module is operable to; cease the implementation of the localised usage policy upon intervention by a user, in a manner suitable for both the type of the mobile station and/or the role of the mobile station.
12. A module according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the module is operable to detect at least a first

alternating electromagnetic field that comprises a

localised usage policy notification signal; and wherein upon detection for a second time of the

alternating electromagnetic field that comprises a

localised usage policy notification signal, the module is operable to; cease the implementation of the localised usage policy in a manner suitable for both the type of the mobile station and/or the role of the mobile station.
13. A module according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the module is operable to detect at least a first

alternating electromagnetic field that comprises a

localised usage policy notification signal; and wherein upon detection of a second alternating electromagnetic field that comprises a localised usage policy cessation signal, the module is operable to; cease the implementation of the localised usage policy in a manner suitable for both the type of the mobile station and/or the role of the mobile station.
14. A module according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the module is operable to detect at least a first

alternating electromagnetic field that comprises a

localised usage policy notification signal; and wherein upon detection of at least a first alternating

electromagnetic field, the module is operable to;

determine whether it is travelling in a direction toward a notional 'exit' side of the alternating

electromagnetic field region; and if so doing,

cease the implementation of the localised usage policy in a manner suitable for both the type of the mobile station and/or the role of the mobile station.
15. A module according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the module is operable to detect at least a first

alternating electromagnetic field that comprises a

localised usage policy notification signal.
16. A module according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the module is operable to detect a transmitted wireless signal that comprises a localised usage policy notification signal.
17. A module according to any one of claims 8 to 16, wherein the module is operable to detect a transmitted wireless signal that comprises a localised usage policy notification signal) and wherein upon subsequent loss of detection of the localised usage policy notification signal, the module is further operable ton cease the implementation of the localised usage policy in a manner suitable for both the type of the mobile station and/or the role of the mobile station.
18. A module according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the module is operable to detect notification signals for any or all of the following localised usage policies: i. the mobile station should turn off or enter a stand-by model ii. the mobile station should suspend all transmissions; iii. the mobile station should minimise all transmissions; iv. the mobile station should switch to a silent call alert mode.
19. A mobile station, operable to receive communications that are related to a localised usage policy from a module operable according to any one of the preceding claims.
20. A mobile station according to claim 19, wherein the mobile station is a TETRA radio.
21. An emitter for directly emitting a localised usage policy notification signal, comprising means of generating

an alternating magnetic field substantially in one

location, and characterized by; the emitter being operable to adjust at least a first characteristic of the alternating electromagnetic field to signify a selected localised usage policy or set of policies.
22. An emitter according to claim 21 wherein the emitter is operable to adjust the frequency of the alternating electromagnetic field to signify a selected localised usage policy or set of policies.
23. An emitter according to either one of claims 21 and 22 wherein the emitter is operable to adjust the frequency of the alternating electromagnetic field to signify cessation of a selected localised usage policy or set of policies.
24. A method of communicating a localised usage policy to a mobile station, characterized by; a module detecting at least a first localised usage policy notification signal; and the module directly communicating a signal related to the localised usage policy to the mobile station.
25. A module for communicating a localised usage policy to a mobile station according to claim 1 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.