US 6,687,497 B1 · Method, system, and structure for disabling a communication device during the occurrence of one or more predetermined conditions

Abstract

A small transmitter built into the electric system of an environment, either stationary or potentially mobile, transmits a weak RF field capable of at least partially disabling a communication device in response to receiving a trigger signal. The trigger signal is generated by the electric system in response to the presence of one or more so-called “forbidden” conditions that require that the communication device be disabled. Disabling the communication device in this manner prevents the user from using the communication device under inappropriate conditions and thereby operates to greatly enhance public safety. Disabling the communication interface of the communication device may entail disabling all keypad functions of a cellular phone, for instance, disabling all but valid, predetermined emergency uses of the communication interface, or powering-down the communication device during the existence of the condition.

Claims8

Dependent claims

A method of selectively disabling a communication device in an environment, comprising the steps of:

generating a trigger signal indicative of the presence of one or more conditions within the environment for which the communication device is to be disabled;
an RF transmitter within the environment receiving the trigger signal;
the RF transmitter generating a weak RF signal in response to receiving the trigger signal;
the communication device receiving the weak RF signal;
a control element of the communication device disabling the communication device in response to receiving the weak RF signal, wherein disabling the communication device comprises:
determining whether an emergency portion of a communication interface has been programmed;
if the emergency portion has been programmed to automatically dial an emergency number when activated, enabling the emergency portion;
and
if the emergency portion has not been programmed to automatically dial an emergency number when activated, powering-down the communication device.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method, system, and structure for disabling a communication device during the occurrence of one or more predetermined conditions

Life of this patent

Method, system, and structure for disabling a communication device during the occurrence of one or more predetermined conditions

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims8