JP4527774B2 - Implementation of authorized mobile phone usage - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to the use of such devices in facilities, vehicles, and places with rules regarding the use of mobile phones and / or other BLUETOOTH® enabled devices.

  No one disputes the usefulness and convenience of wireless phones (ie mobile phones). Wireless telephones have become an everyday tool for many people and are often carried almost all day long when people move.

  As mobile phone models, particularly mobile phone models with built-in cameras, become more prevalent, the problem of proper usage is growing. For example, indiscriminate use of the camera, such as taking a picture at an inappropriate location, creates privacy violation issues. In addition, there is a problem that the ringing tone of the mobile phone becomes a public inconvenience. In addition to social issues, the use of mobile phones in certain restricted environments (eg, aircraft and hospitals) creates safety issues.

  For example, US federal regulations that require the mobile phone to be turned off in an aircraft in flight may interfere with the aircraft's function and / or its communication by using the mobile phone. This is because it has been confirmed that there is. Passengers abide by such regulations, but nevertheless may inadvertently forget to turn off the phone or even forget that a powered phone is in the bag. Currently there is no device that guarantees compliance with this regulation by detecting and identifying mobile phones that are powered on during flight.

  As one attempt to relieve the unrelated general public's concerns, many institutions have presented rules regarding the use of these mobile phones. For example, many health clubs and hot springs do not allow the use of wireless devices with cameras. To enforce these rules, health clubs often place large, easily visible signs at the entrance, and that users are not allowed to use mobile phones with cameras, or even cameras, on the premises. To warn and call attention. Such facilities have few staff members who monitor the use of prohibited wireless devices, and even fewer staff members who have the authority or competence to suspend it if unauthorized use is detected. Therefore, the non-use of mobile phones and other devices having such a camera function is mostly based on a self-reporting system based on autonomy, and it is desired to be observed.

  There is a need for improved technology that is easy, reliable, and safe to prevent unauthorized use of wireless devices in designated facilities, locations, vehicles, and the like.

  In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a communication protocol for implementing rules for how to use a wireless device comprises the step of setting at least one rule related to operation that is compulsorily applied to the wireless device. When the wireless device enters the physical application range of the usage rule, at least one rule is wirelessly transmitted to the wireless device. At least one rule is associated with a parameter of operation of the wireless device and the user is not allowed to override this at least one rule.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method for enforcing mandated usage rules regarding the operation of a radio device establishes a radio link and the radio device when the radio device is within the physical scope of the usage rules Receiving at least one rule associated with the operation of the at least one function. Instructions included in at least one rule of the wireless device are automatically implemented. At least one rule is associated with a parameter of operation of the wireless device and the user is not allowed to override this at least one rule.
The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description and the associated drawings.

  The present invention operates in combination with hardware and is based on whether the electronic device is in an area with restricted usage rules, based on the specific functionality of the wireless device (e.g. ringing, camera use, etc.) Implement a set of usage rules that disables the device, forcibly turns off the power, or disables the electronic device. Accordingly, the availability of the corresponding function of the wireless device (such as a mobile phone) is limited based on whether the wireless device is in a predefined area.

  In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a "rule-compliant" mobile phone or other wireless device can safely consider sensitive areas such as hospitals, movie theaters and the like. In places where the ringing tone is annoying, the mobile phone settings are automatically changed. For example, the ring tone may be disabled (or a silent call such as a vibration may be enabled instead). Similarly, camera functionality may be disabled to prevent industrial espionage when entering certain facilities that prohibit the use of such equipment, such as health clubs, hot springs, and corporate offices. .

  FIG. 1 illustrates a number of BLUETOOTH enabled devices (e.g., cell phones, portables) that are automatically controlled to implement one or more rules provided by a rule enforcement transceiver in accordance with the principles of the present invention. An information terminal (PDA), a pager, an electronic mail device such as a BLACKBERRY (trademark) device or a SMARTFHONE (trademark) device.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, various wireless devices, particularly piconet devices compliant with the BLUETOOTH® standard, enter the premises 111 (eg, hospital, aircraft, etc.) and the rule enforcement transceiver 150 Establish communication with.

  During operation, a suitable transmitter device 150 (referred to herein as a “rule transmitter” or “rule enforcement transceiver”) is placed near the entrance and / or exit, and the designated facility is subject to such rules throughout its area. Protected. This may or may not allow the corresponding functionality of the mobile phone based on specific sites, specific locations within the site and user specific criteria.

  Such a “rule” transmitter 150 can be based on technologies such as RF, BLUETOOTH®, infrared, etc., depending on the area of interest. Accordingly, the corresponding wireless device is similarly provided with a corresponding receiver that is based on technologies such as RF, BLUETOOTH (registered trademark), and infrared.

  In the presented example, the rule enforcement transceiver 150 serves as a master, and each of the wireless communication devices 100a-100d establishes a virtual link with the rule enforcement transceiver 150 via the piconet network.

  FIG. 2A shows an example of a rule table 207 that can be maintained by the rule enforcement transceiver 150 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The particular table used can take any form and / or include any rules, which limit the associated equipment.

  For example, as shown in the first entry in table 207, a “power off” rule may be associated with a mobile phone that enters the network that includes the rule enforcement transceiver 150.

  In the exemplary second entry of Table 207 shown in FIG. 2A, all personal digital assistants (PDAs) are forced to automatically turn off when receiving a rule with the power on. Rules to order apply. Of course, it is not necessary to receive and / or apply rules for devices that are already powered off.

  All devices of a specific type may be the target, and limited conditions may be applied. For example, all mobile phones may be instructed to turn off the power according to one rule. Alternatively, only mobile phones with cameras may be instructed to disconnect power, and mobile phones without cameras may continue to be allowed to operate (ie, rules may not apply).

In the third entry in table 207, a rule is applied that forces the pager to enter silent mode (ie, no ringing, only vibration).
In the fourth entry, an “other device” not specified in the other part of the table 207 is instructed to turn off the power.

  In the fifth entry in the table 207, the limiting condition can be applied to any / all devices. For example, a device with proof of state or government personnel (eg, police, military, fire department, etc.) may receive a rule that cancels all other rules. In this way, certain rules can override other rules.

  FIG. 2B illustrates how these rules may be applied to any one type of device, although the rules may be simple, detailed and complex according to the principles of the present invention. The plurality of rules are compiled by the rule enforcement transceiver 150 before being sent to the wireless devices 100a-100d, but preferably can be sent individually and interpreted by the individual wireless devices 100a-100d.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2B, time and / or day information can be incorporated into any particular rule. For example, rules restricted by time and / or day may be applied to any rule. As an example, perhaps in a hospital environment, the use of a mobile phone is restricted only at night, and in this case, a power-off rule is transmitted from the rule enforcement transceiver 150 to the BLUETOOTH (registered trademark) compatible phone 100a only at night.

  The rules transmitted from the rule enforcement transceiver 150 are mandatory for the corresponding radiotelephones 100a to 100d. Therefore, the desired operation such as power off, mode change, or invalidation of a specific function is “forced”. May be considered to be implemented.

FIG. 3 shows relevant portions of the BLUETOOTH®-compatible phone and rule enforcement transceiver shown in FIG.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the rule enforcement transceiver 150 includes a wireless transceiver that establishes a link with a corresponding wireless device, such as a BLUETOOTH® RF transceiver 254. The information exchange module 252 acquires the corresponding rule from the rule database 256 and transmits it to the corresponding wireless device using an appropriate protocol (such as BLUETOOTH (registered trademark)).

  As further shown in FIG. 3, the receiving wireless device, eg, BLUETOOTH® compatible phone 100a, has a wireless transceiver 206, an information exchange module 204 for matching, and an application or module 208 that implements the particular rules received. included. For example, when it is instructed to enter the silent mode, the information exchange module 204 activates the forced silent mode start module 208, and if there is a ringing tone or the like, it is invalidated and a device such as the vibrator 209 is disabled. You may activate the silent function using.

  The rule receiver receives rules specific to the site and the user, and also appropriately disables certain functions of the wireless device (eg, disables ringing, disables use of the camera, etc.). Based on the specific functions provided, a set of “rules” is created regarding specific rules or usages for various functions of the target BLUETOOTH®-compatible device (eg BLUETOOTH®-compatible mobile phone). The

FIG. 4 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating a rule enforcement transceiver that provides rule information to BLUETOOTH enabled devices such as phones, PDAs, etc., in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
Specifically, as shown in step 402 of FIG. 4, the user of the wireless device enters a site, place, aircraft, etc. that is subject to the rule enforcement transceiver 150.

  In step 404, a link is established between the wireless device and the rule enforcement transceiver 150 (in the example shown, BLUETOOTH® piconet, but not limited to BLUETOOTH®).

In step 406, information about the device is optionally exchanged with the rule enforcement transceiver to identify the type of device (eg, whether the wireless device is a cell phone, PDA, pager, or smartphone).
In step 408, rule enforcement transceiver 150 preferably obtains the rule corresponding to that type of device and combines it with a consistent rule before sending it to the wireless device.

  At step 409, upon receipt of one or more rules from the rule enforcement transceiver 150, the instructions of the received rules are automatically enforced regardless of whether or not the wireless device user agrees.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating a BLUETOOTH enabled device that is forced to change modes by receiving appropriate rules from a rule enforcement transceiver in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, at step 502, one or more rules are received from the rule enforcement transceiver 150.

  In step 504, upon receiving the rule, the receiving wireless device 100 automatically initiates the requested operation. The wireless device 100 warns the user about an imminent operation using a display or the like, but perhaps allows the user of the wireless device to reverse certain operations other than manually turning off the wireless device. Preferably not.

  In one embodiment, the presence of a “rule” signal and a base station allows the phone to operate based on rules that are specific to a particular site. If there is no rule signal, the wireless telephone (such as a mobile phone) resumes normal operation.

  As described above, it is preferable that the target wireless device can automatically return from the forcible operation after the designated time has elapsed by repeatedly transmitting the rule from the rule execution transceiver 150. As an example of a technique for realizing this scenario, a rule timeout timer may be set as shown in step 506.

At step 508, a timer is monitored to see if the rule timeout timer has expired.
In step 510, the wireless device checks for re-transmission of the corresponding rule. If no re-transmission is detected, the wireless device can return to unlimited usage within the premises.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating a BLUETOOTH® enabled device that is forced to power off by receiving an appropriate rule from a rule enforcement transceiver in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, a rule is received from the rule enforcement transceiver 150 at step 602.
In step 604, power-off of the corresponding wireless device (for example, BLUETOOTH (registered trademark) compatible device) is automatically (ie, forcibly) started.

Although generally disclosed and described in connection with wireless devices, and specifically in connection with BLUETOOTH®-compatible mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), pagers and email devices, the present invention Can be applied to many other portable electronic devices. Moreover, although the BLUETOOTH (registered trademark) piconet protocol has been described, other short-range wireless protocols (such as ZIGBEE (trademark)) may be used as the rule transmission mechanism.
Although the present invention has been described in connection with exemplary preferred embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will make various modifications to the above-described embodiments of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Would be able to.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, many BLUETOOTH enabled devices (eg, mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs)) that are automatically controlled to enforce one or more rules provided by a rule enforcement transceiver. ), A pager, an electronic mail device such as a BLACKBERRY (trademark) device and a SMARTFHONE (trademark) device. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a rule table that can be maintained by a rule-enforcing transceiver in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Although the rules may be simple, detailed, or complex according to the principles of the present invention, they are diagrams showing how a plurality of such rules are applied to any one type of device. It is a figure which shows the applicable part of a BLUETOOTH (trademark) corresponding | compatible telephone shown in FIG. 1, and a rule enforcement transceiver. 3 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating a rule enforcement transceiver that provides rule information to BLUETOOTH enabled devices such as phones, PDAs, etc., in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 4 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating a BLUETOOTH® enabled device that is forced to change modes by receiving appropriate rules from a rule enforcement transceiver in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 3 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating a BLUETOOTH® enabled device that is forcibly powered off by receiving appropriate rules from a rule enforcement transceiver in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Claims (10)

A method of enforcing rules for compulsory usage of wireless devices by means of a rule enforcement transceiver,
The wireless device receives from the rule enforcement transceiver at least one rule related to operation of at least one function of the wireless device when the wireless device enters a physical domain to which the usage rules apply. Establishing a wireless link to: and the wireless device automatically executing instructions included in the at least one rule of the wireless device;
The at least one rule corresponds to a type of the wireless device, and the correspondence is defined in a rule table maintained in the rule enforcement transceiver;
The method wherein the at least one rule is related to an operating parameter of the wireless device and is not overridable by a user of the wireless device. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the usage rule is forcible power-off of the wireless device. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the usage rule is a forced change of a mode of the wireless device. 4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the forced change of mode is the start of silent mode of the wireless device. The method of claim 1 , wherein the wireless device is a mobile phone. The method of claim 1 , wherein the wireless device is a personal digital assistant (PDA). The method of claim 1 , wherein the wireless device is an electronic mail device. The method of claim 1 , wherein the wireless link is a piconet network. 9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the piconet network conforms to a BLUETOOTH® standard. A device for enforcing rules for using wireless devices,
Means for setting at least one rule related to an operation that is forcibly executed by the wireless device; and the wireless device enters the physical region to which the usage rule applies, and Means for wirelessly transmitting the rule to the wireless device;
The at least one rule corresponds to a type of the wireless device, and the correspondence is defined in a rule table maintained in the rule enforcement transceiver;
The apparatus, wherein the at least one rule relates to an operating parameter of the wireless device and is not overridable by a user of the wireless device.

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