WO2018232446A1

WO2018232446A1 - An in-vehicle mobile phone limited area immobilisation/restriction of use device

Info

Publication number: WO2018232446A1
Application number: PCT/AU2018/050593
Authority: WO
Inventors: Saja Obeid
Original assignee: Saja Obeid
Priority date: 2017-06-20
Filing date: 2018-06-14
Publication date: 2018-12-27

Abstract

An in-vehicle localised mobile/cell phone restriction of use system including a signal emitting assembly; a docking station; and computational software stored on a mobile/cell phone; wherein the signal emitting assembly is arranged to emit a wireless signal over an area around a driver in the vehicle; wherein the wireless signal is arranged to interact with the software; and wherein the software is arranged to restrict at least one function of the mobile/cell phone when interacting with the signal.

Description

AN IN-VEHICLE MOBILE PHONE LIMITED AREA IMMOBILISATION/RESTRICTION

OF USE DEVICE

Technical Field

[0001 ] The present invention generally relates to a localised, selected function mobile/cell phone immobilisation device.

Background Art

[0002] Mobile/cell phone jammers are known technology that can inhibit the use of a mobile/cell phone within a given distance from the mobile/cell phone jammer. As these jammers provide a blanket signal jam targeted the entire use of a mobile/cell phone is incapacitated.

[0003] There also exists mobile/cell phone restriction of use devices that block the use of a mobile/cell phone by taking measurements of movement. When the mobile/cell phone is moving it cannot be used. In many countries mobile phones are allowed to be used in a vehicle when they are placed in an approved docking station that minimise or eliminate the distractions inherent in using a phone in the car. This restriction of use device that relies on movement does not allow use in one of these approved docking stations.

[0004] Additionally, restricting the use of a mobile phone based on movement allows a user to use their mobile/cell phone when stationary, for example at traffic lights or a stop sign. These motion based restrictions can also have a speed limit below which use is restricted rather than restriction relying on a complete stop. This allows a user to use their mobile/cell phone when driving slowly, such as through school zones or busy commercial areas. This is illegal in many countries and poses a risk in high volume pedestrian areas where vehicles are most likely to be travelling slowly.

[0005] This restriction can also affect passengers in a vehicle, depriving them of the use of their mobile/cell phones.

[0006] There also exists mobile/cell phone restriction of use devices that inhibit the use of any text or visually based applications on the mobile/cell phone. This prevents a user from sending text messages or emails, but also stops a user from using map based navigation programs. Summary of Invention

[0007] It is an object of this invention to provide to ameliorate, mitigate or overcome, at least one disadvantage of the prior art, or which will at least provide the public with a practical choice.

[0008] In a first embodiment, the present invention seeks to provide an in-vehicle localised mobile/cell phone restriction of use system including:

a signal emitting assembly;

a docking station; and

computational software stored on a mobile/cell phone;

wherein the signal emitting assembly is arranged to emit a wireless signal over an area around a driver in the vehicle;

wherein the wireless signal is arranged to interact with the software; and wherein the software is arranged to restrict at least one function of the mobile/cell phone when interacting with the signal.

[0009] Preferably, the software is arranged to disable the ability to control the mobile/cell phone using control mechanisms on the phone.

[0010] Preferably, when the mobile/cell phone is in physical contact with the docking station, the software arranged to restrict at least one function of the phone cannot restrict those functions.

[001 1 ] Preferably, the signal is arranged to interact with the software using a wireless signal.

[0012] Preferably, the wireless signal is a Bluetooth signal.

[0013] Preferably, calls received by the mobile/cell phone when within the signal are arranged to be received through the docking station.

[0014] Preferably, the calls are arranged to be received through the docking station automatically without user input.

[0015] Preferably, the signal is limited to emitting over the area surrounding the driver. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a car fitted with an in car restriction of use system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a flow chart of the computerised system of a mobile/cell phone;

Figure 3 is top down view of the in car restriction of use system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a front view of the in car restriction of use system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the in car restriction of use system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the in car restriction of use system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 is a front view of an interface for use with the in car restriction of use system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 8 is a front view of an interface for use with the in car restriction of use system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 9 is a side view of a car restriction device according to the present invention is use; and

Figure 10 is a side view of a car restriction device according to the present invention is use.

Description of Embodiments

[0017] An embodiment of the present invention will now be explored with reference to Figures 1 to 7. [0018] Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention is directed to a signal emitting assembly 10 arranged to emit a wireless signal 12 (henceforth referred to as signal 12) that interacts with software in a mobile/cell phone to disable selected functions of a mobile/cell phone when in a designated area within a car 14. The signal emitting assembly 10 is linked to a docking station 16. The signal emitting assembly 10 is arranged to emit the signal 12 in a localised area surrounding an area around the driver 13. The range and direction of the signal 12 mean that it does not interact with any mobile/cell phones not in the region of the area around the driver 13.

[0019] In one embodiment, the docking station 16 is located separately to the assembly.

[0020] In one embodiment the signal emitting assembly 10 is hardwired to the ignition system of the car 14 and turns on when the ignition system is turned on and off when the ignition system is switched off.

[0021 ] The signal emitting assembly 10 includes a microcontroller and software designed to emit the wireless signal 12. In one embodiment the microcontroller and software are an in an Arduino^®. The skilled addressee will understand that alternative microcontroller and software combinations can be used and still fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0022] The signal 12 is designed to interact with the mobile/cell phone disabling certain functions when the mobile/cell phone is within the range of the signal 12. This effectively pairs the mobile/cell phone with the signal emitting assembly 10. When the mobile/cell phone is docked in the docking station 16 selected disabled functions through the software are enabled to enable additional interaction.

[0023] In one embodiment, the signal is an infrared signal. The infrared signal emitted by the signal emitting assembly 10 comprises of a number of separate signals that match the infrared proximity sensor signals of available mobile/cell phones. The signal emitting assembly 10 stores the infrared proximity sensor signals of the majority of available mobile/cell phones and can be updated as new models and brands are released. The signals emitted match these stored infrared proximity sensor signals.

[0024] In one embodiment the wireless signal has a transmission range of 100cm. [0025] Referring to Figure 2, modern mobile/cell phones that can be characterised as smart devices have an interface hierarchy 101 made up of components as illustrated. The components are made up of hardware 103, and an operating system 105 engaging with the hardware 103. The operating system 105 enables applications 107, which sit on the operating system 105 to interact with the hardware 103 and perform their function. The end user 109 uses the applications 107 to nominate and control the function that the application(s) is to perform.

[0026] Examples of operating systems 105 for smart devices are Android, iOS and Windows Phone. These examples are not exhaustive.

[0027] As noted above, modern mobile/cell phones have an infrared proximity sensor that disables the touch screen when a phone receives a call. This stops a user's cheek, ear or other body part from inadvertently initiating actions using the touch screen.

[0028] The operating system 105 acts to facilitate the function of all applications.

[0029] Software to interact with the software used in the signal emitting assembly 10 of the present invention is downloaded and installed onto the mobile/cell phone. With appropriate permissions being given by a user the software interacts with the operating system 105 to disable and/or alter the functioning of selected functions. This interaction is explored further below.

[0030] When a mobile/cell phone is within the range of signal 12, but not docked in the docking station the software to interact with the software used in the signal emitting assembly 10 will cause the screen of the mobile/cell phone to display a standby image such as a screen saver, or to be blank. This screen saver or blank screen cannot be manually exited when the mobile/cell phone is within the range of the signal 12. The mobile/cell phone can make and receive calls when in the signal 12 range. When calls are received the audio recording and transmission functions of the mobile/cell phone are transferred to the docking station 16. In one embodiment, the transfer to the docking station is automatic without the need for user input. This causes the mobile/cell phone to function in a hands free manner. In one embodiment, a call received in this manner is accepted by a user by pressing a receive button on the docking station 16. In an alternative embodiment a call is received with a voice command received and processed by the docking station 16. [0031 ] To make a call when the mobile/cell phone is within the range of the signal 12 a user must use an interface 30 on the docking station 16 as the display of the mobile/cell phone continues to show the standby image.

[0032] In one embodiment the interface 30 is the screen of the mobile/cell phone in the docking station.

[0033] When the mobile/cell phone is within range of the signal 12 a user will be able to receive audio notifications of events triggered in the phone, but will be unable to view the event. These events include, but are not limited to receiving a message, a calendar reminder, an email a location warning and others.

[0034] To avoid the restrictions placed on the mobile/cell phone from the assembly 10 a user must turn the ignition of the vehicle off (thereby cutting power to the docking station and stopping the signal 12), the mobile/cell phone is turned off, the mobile/cell phone is moved outside the range of the signal 12 or the mobile/cell phone is docked in the docking station 16.

[0035] In one embodiment the docking station 16 charges the mobile/cell phone. The charging can either be plugged or wireless. The charging and associated signals are used to disable the restrictions placed on the mobile/cell phone.

[0036] In one embodiment, the software downloaded on the mobile/cell phone causes the mobile/cell phone's infrared proximity sensor to operate at all times rather than just when a phone call is underway. With the signal 12 emitting infrared signals to match the proximity sensor infrared signal the touchscreen of the mobile/cell phone is constantly disabled when within the signal 12 range. The software can further cause the mobile/cell phone to display a blank screen. The mobile/cell phone will retain selected functionalities when mounted in the docking station 16.

[0037] The skilled addressee will recognise that alternative short range signal technologies can be used and still fall within the scope of the present invention. These alternative signal technologies can include ZigBee™, Bluetooth, ultra-wideband, NFC, Wi-Fi or induction wireless technologies that transmit short range signals. It is requires that the signal 12 emitted from the signal emitting assembly 10 only transmits its signal in the space of the area around the driver 13. This ensures that passengers are free to use their mobile/cell phones without the phone being restricted by the assembly 10. [0038] The drawings of the present invention illustrate both left hand drive and right hand drive vehicles to reflect the different available options. In each illustrative embodiment the region 13 depicts the area around the driver.

[0039] With specific reference to Figures 7 and 8, the docking station 16 is illustrated. The docking station includes a mobile/cell phone holder 24. The phone holder 24 includes vertical axis phone restraints 28 that extend from the vertical edges of the phone holder 24 and are designed to grip and hold a mobile/cell phone. In one embodiment the vertical axis phone restraints are adjustable to fit the width of a variety of mobile/cell phones.

[0040] The base of the phone holder 28 include horizontal axis phone support arms 26 to hold the phone in place. The phone can electronically engage and dock with the docking station 16 either wirelessly or with a plug, such as a mini USB plug, a Micro USB plug, a D sub-miniature plug, an OEM Lightning plug or otherwise. When electronically engaged with the docking station, the restriction on the use of the phone are removed and the phone can be used through the docking station as it would with a typical hands free car station. The mobile/cell phone is also charged when electronically engaged with the docking station.

[0041 ] In one embodiment, the docking station 16 is located in the middle of a vehicles centre console and is hardwired into the vehicles electric system. The phone holder 28 is directed towards the area around the driver 13 to direct the signal 12 over the area around the driver 13.

[0042] In one embodiment the signal emitting assembly 10 is located on the drivers' sun-visor.

[0043] In an alternative embodiment, the docking station is powered through the cigarette lighter plug of the vehicle.

[0044] The docking station 16 includes an interface 30 designed to allow the user to control their mobile/cell phone. The interface enables a user to enter numbers, initiate a call, hang-up a call, search databases and type text. In one embodiment the interface 30 includes an emergency contact button that calls a local emergency number for ambulance, police or other emergency services. [0045] In an alternative embodiment, the docking station 16 is designed into the console of the vehicle. The skilled addressee will recognise that alternative designs for the docking station can be used and still fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0046] In one embodiment the signal 12 has a range of 90cm.

[0047] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a mobile/cell phone 1 1 in an embodiment of the present invention where the docking station 16 is located separately to the assembly 10 and the assembly 10 is hardwired to the ignition. For convenience features of this embodiment that are similar or correspond to features of the above described embodiment have been referenced with the same reference numerals. The assembly 10 is located in the driver's sun visor.

[0048] Figure 9 illustrates where the ignition of the car is switched off. Therefore the assembly 10 cannot emit a signal and the mobile/cell phone is accessible to be interacted with.

[0049] Figure 10 illustrates where the ignition of the car is switched on. The assembly 10 is powered with the ignition and emits signal 12 around the driver 13. As the mobile/cell phone is within the signal 12 range the downloaded software in the mobile/cell phone 1 1 causes the mobile/cell phone to be inaccessible.

Variations and Modifications

[0050] Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. The present invention is not to be limited in scope by any of the specific embodiments described herein. These embodiments are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products, formulations and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein.

[0051 ] Reference to positional descriptions, such as lower and upper, are to be taken in context of the embodiments depicted in the figures, and are not to be taken as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term but rather as would be understood by the skilled addressee.

[0052] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0053] Also, future patent applications maybe filed in Australia or overseas on the basis of, or claiming priority from, the present application. It is to be understood that the following provisional claims are provided by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of what may be claimed in any such future application. Features may be added to or omitted from the provisional claims at a later date so as to further define or redefine the invention or inventions.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . An in-vehicle localised mobile/cell phone restriction of use system including: a signal emitting assembly;

a docking station; and

computational software stored on a mobile/cell phone;

2. The in-vehicle localised mobile/cell phone restriction of use system as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the signal emitting assembly includes a microprocessor and signal emitting software.

3. The in-vehicle localised mobile/cell phone restriction of use system as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the software is arranged to disable the ability to control the mobile/cell phone using control mechanisms on the phone when the mobile/cell phone receives a signal from the signal emitting assembly.

4. The in-vehicle localised mobile/cell phone restriction of use system as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the control mechanism includes activating infrared proximity sensors in the mobile/cell phone.

5. The in-vehicle localised mobile/cell phone restriction of use system as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the software directs the mobile/cell phone to activate the infrared proximity sensors constantly.

6. The in-vehicle localised mobile/cell phone restriction of use system as claimed in Claims 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein when the mobile/cell phone is in contact with the docking station the software arranged to restrict at least one function of the phone cannot restrict those functions.

7. The in-vehicle localised mobile/cell phone restriction of use system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless signal is arranged to interact with the software using an infrared signal.

8. The in-vehicle localised mobile/cell phone restriction of use system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein calls received by the mobile/cell phone when within the wireless signal are arranged to be received through the docking station.

9. The in-vehicle localised mobile/cell phone restriction of use system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal is limited to emitting over the area around the driver.

10. The in-vehicle localised mobile/cell phone restriction of use system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the docking station is physically separate to the signal emitting assembly.

1 1 . The in-vehicle localised mobile/cell phone restriction of use system as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the signal emitting assembly is hardwired to the ignition system.

12. The in-vehicle localised mobile/cell phone restriction of use system as claimed in Claim 10 or Claim 1 1 , wherein the signal emitting assembly is located on the driver side sun-visor.

13. The in-vehicle localised mobile/cell phone restriction of use system as claimed in Claims 10, 1 1 or 12, wherein the docking station is located on the centre console.

14. The in-vehicle localised mobile/cell phone restriction of use system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the docking station is arranged to charge a docked mobile/cell phone.

15. The in-vehicle localised mobile/cell phone restriction of use system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal emitting assembly includes an Arduino^®.