Method and system to minimize radiation exposure from mobile phones and devices

BACKGROUND

0001The disclosed subject matter is directed to minimizing the exposure to electromagnetic waves and non-ionizing radiation due to use of mobile appliances. This disclosure uses mobile device, mobile appliance, cell phone, cellular phone, wireless phone, wireless device, mobile phone and mobile radio, as well as phone, telephone, cell and radio interchangeably and the use of such terms is not exclusive and is intended to encompass all communication devices and apparatuses that transmit radio waves during communications and are held or located in close proximity to the user. More specifically, the invention relates to a mobile device according to the preamble of claim 1. A mobile device of this type is described in <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US20110159920A1"><text>US 2011/0159920A1</text></patcit>.

0002<patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US20020072337A1"><text>US 2002/0072337 A1</text></patcit> describes a cell phone shield using a foam padded earpiece which is attached to one side of the earpiece of a mobile phone using a double hinge mechanism. <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="US6631279B1"><text>US 6 631 279 B1</text></patcit> describes a cellular phone speaker and microphone assembly using a flexible air tube allowing a user to hold the cellular phone at a distance from his or her head.

0003Microwaves are absorbed by living tissues at 24 times the rate of their absorption by pure water. While the Specific Absorption rate, one standard by which cellular microwave absorption by the body is commonly measure, is typically based upon a penetration through an inert emulation of a human head, competent experimental work indicates that the level of absorption in living tissue is many times greater than the level of microwave absorption through an inert liquid, such as water.

0004In a <nplcit id="ncit0001" npl-type="s"><text>1983 article entitled An Optical Method for Investigating the Microwave Characteristics of DNA and other Biomolecules in Solution, by Mays L. Swicord and Christopher C. Davis, published in the journal Bioelectronmagnetics</text></nplcit>, experimental results were reported which determined that "A significant increase in the absorption of DNA solutions as compared with pure water has been observed that is consistent with microwave absorption by the longitudinal mode of the double helix". Thus, in their conclusion Swicord and Davis state that: However, the results presented in this work are in good agreement with the Prohofsky model of acoustic mode absorption by varying lengths of DNA. Prohofsky and Van Zandt predicted that 450 to 2000 base pair segments of synthetic DNA should absorb 10³ to 10⁴ times as strongly in the microwave region as an equivalent mass of water with a decrease in peak absorption due to water damping. The 1.7% dilution of DNA investigated by PFLOH spectroscopy in this work indicated a 40% increase in absorption above pure water at 8 GHz and at 10 to 12% increase at 12 GHz. The measured DC conductance of this DNA sample was quite low yet its absorption coefficient was still 25% higher at 8 GHz than a saline solution of 20 times greater DC conductance. We conclude therefore that the observed absorption of the DNA solution does not come from ionic behavior.

0005The observed absorption is suggestive of direct microwave absorption by the longitudinal acoustic mode of the double helix discussed by Prohofsky and coworkers. Based on the concentration of DNA solution which gave 40% more absorption than pure water at 8 GHz, the microwave absorption of DNA at this frequency is 24 times greater than an equivalent mass of water."

0006This finding that there are many orders of magnitude of increase in microwave absorption when DNA is present, may likely explain the considerable body of experimental evidence strongly indicating a relationship between long term mobile device use, and diseases involving DNA strand abnormality, such as brain cancer. As, due to the Inverse Square Law, the strength of a radio broadcast or any point source or radial field will be inverse to the square of the distance from the source, exposure levels will diminish rapidly with distance, and a device which occasions increased distance will thereby reduce signal strength absorbed by the human head.

0007<nplcit id="ncit0002" npl-type="b"><text>Scientific studies [i.e, H. Lai et al, from the University of Washington, 1984, 1988, and as presented in 1998, Vienna, Austria</text></nplcit>, and <nplcit id="ncit0003" npl-type="b"><text>2009 in Stavanger, Norway; O. Johansson, Associate Professor, Dept. of Neuroscience of the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, and Professor, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, as presented in 2009 at Stavanger, Norway</text></nplcit>; <nplcit id="ncit0004" npl-type="b"><text>Carl F. Blackman a founder of the Bioelectromagnetics Society, as presented in 2009, at Stavanger, Norway</text></nplcit>;<nplcit id="ncit0005" npl-type="b"><text> Martin Blank, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Columbia University, as presented in 2009 Stavanger, Norway</text></nplcit>, <nplcit id="ncit0006" npl-type="b"><text>Franz Adlkofer, M.D., doctorate from the Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry as presented at Stavanger Norway, 2009</text></nplcit>, also the following presenters at the <nplcit id="ncit0007" npl-type="s"><text>International EMF Conference 2009 at Stavanger, Norway: Lukas h. Margaritis, Ph.D., Greece; Elihu D. Richter, MD, M.P.H., Israel; Alvaro Agusto A. de Salles, Ph.D., Brazil; Fredrik Soderqvist, Ph.D., Sweden, Yuri G. Grigoriev M.D. Sci., Russia; Anton V. Merkulov Ph.D., Russia</text></nplcit>] have shown potential health risks, in some instances showing DNA breakage, as associated with human exposure to non-ionizing radio wave sources, including but not limited to those emitted from mobile telephone devices and handsets, including but not limited to cellular telephones, satellite telephones, cordless telephones, and also portable computers, including those equipped with wi fi connectivity capacity. Continuing research supports that such health risks as may be associated with proximity to non-ionizing radiation will be reduced if level of exposure is reduced.

0008As used here, the term "non-ionizing radiation," is in reference to types and frequencies of radiation which do not have the capacity to force electron shifting at an atomic level, including with molecular effect. As used here, the term "ionizing radiation" is in reference to types and frequencies of radiation which do have the capacity to force electron shifting at an atomic level, including with molecular effect.

0009Current electromagnetic field generating communication devices allow the transmission of electromagnetic field though the human head, and are typically held in direct contact with the head of the user. While the SAR standards currently viewed as "safe," by the FCC rely upon an assumption that the device involved is held at an inch from the head of the user, the practical experience of the typical end user is to hold the device in direct contact with the ear. The inch presumption, however, may be different for several manufactures, but generally lies within 1/2 to 1 1/4 inches. Microwave devices, including variants of mobile and portable telephone devices broadcast electromagnetic waves, including but not limited to the radio waves which serve as conduit for the transmission of information, by modulation of amperage or frequency or varying combinations thereof. As discussed above there is competent scientific data indicating that information carrying microwave broadcast near the human body will result in DNA damage and can result in the formation of cancers. In addition, other data indicates that cellular device users with smaller skulls may receive a microwave dosage in inverse relationship to relative skull size, and that, further, the shape of the interior of the skull, including as to concavity, may have a focusing effect, potentially resulting in "hot spots" of electromagnetic signal absorption.

0010Some of these deleterious effects have begun to be recognized and have led to some prior art solutions. These prior art solutions however are in contrast to the solutions described in the current application in that the prior art solutions are directed to controlling the emitted signal power level of the transmitter to reduce exposure levels. These prior art solutions include:

0011<patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="US7499722B"><text>U.S. Patent No. 7,499,722 to McDowell et al</text></patcit> entitled "Proximity Regulation system for Use with a Portable Cell Phone and a Method of Operation Thereof" discloses a portable cell phone including a sensor that determines the proximity of the sensor to a designated part of a user's body (including the head), and controls the transmit power level in response. Thus the transmit power level of the phone is controlled to various "allowable proximity transmit power levels" depending on the vicinity of the portable cell phone to different parts of the user's body.

0012<patcit id="pcit0005" dnum="US7146139B"><text>U.S. Patent No. 7,146,139 to Nevermann </text></patcit>entitled "System and Method for Reducing SAR levels" similarly discloses a mobile communications device having a sensor assembly for detecting proximity to a human body and a controller to reduce the average power level of the communication device to less than a predetermined acceptable level. Nevermann discloses that in some embodiments, the power level may be reduced only to the point necessary to maintain adequate signal strength, while in other embodiments the power level may be reduced as required regardless of signal strength in which case a communications link may be dropped.

0013<patcit id="pcit0006" dnum="US6934515B"><text>U.S. Patent No. 6,934,515 to Wallach </text></patcit>entitled "Electromagnetic Radiation Alerting Device for Use With a Cellular Telephone" discloses a phone that is operable in different modes selected by the user (such as "near", "normal" and "far" that are calibrated for different distances of the user's head from the antenna), a RF sampling unit for measuring the EMF generated by the cell phone's antenna during its active transmission times and an alerting unit (audio, buzzer, visual) that alerts the user when a predetermined radiation level is exceeded for the selected mode of operation.

0014<patcit id="pcit0007" dnum="US6456856A"><text>U.S. Patent No. 6,456, 856</text></patcit> entitled "Mobile Radio Equipment forming Antenna Pattern to Protect User From Radiation". This reference discloses a proximity detection device for measuring humidity or temperature and to detect the presence of human tissue in the vicinity of the device and to adjust transmit power in a directional antenna as a function of the data produced by the detector.

0015The prior art however fails to recognize that providing information to the user in the form of a warning or other alert may be beneficial in maintaining a minimum distance between the user and the mobile device. Without manifestly causing a change in the habits or manner of use of the mobile devices by the user, the prior art approach fails to adequately address the problem.

0016In order to address the detrimental effects described above and obviate the deficiencies of the prior art, the present subject matter discloses controlling the distance between the user, specifically the head, and the mobile device to a minimum distance to therefore reduce exposure. The advantageous reduction in exposure is realized due to the operation of the Inverse Square Rule on electromagnetic signal from cellular and other radio devices, in that there is a steep fall off of signal strength resultant from increased distance between the head of the user and the source of the signal, as a class, devices which result in increased operational distance between the user and the broadcast device will result in a diminution of signal absorption which, while situational variable, can be dramatic in practical effect. As described herein, the disclosed embodiment control the distance between the emitting devices and the user by influencing the user to maintain a minimum distance via alerts, interruptions and warnings. The present invention provides a mobile device according to claim 1, embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

0017These and many other advantages of the present subject matter will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains from a perusal of the claims, the appended drawings, and the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0018<ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li><figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref> illustrates an embodiment of a Sonic Switch Activation Distance Warning Device and Method.</li><li><figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref> illustrates a schematic of an embodiment of the sonic switch activation warning device.</li><li><figref idref="f0003">Figure 3</figref> shows an embodiment utilizing depth of field and pattern Recognition Based Proximity Warning.</li><li><figref idref="f0004">Figure 4</figref> is a flow chart of an embodiment in which the angle of incident is used to determine use of the mobile device and thus radiation exposure.</li><li><figref idref="f0005">Figure 5</figref> illustrates an embodiment for preventing excessive exposure of a user from a mobile device during communication where the mobile device actively determines the proximity of the mobile device to the user.</li><li><figref idref="f0006">Figure 6</figref> is an embodiment for preventing excessive exposure of a user from a mobile device during communication.</li><li><figref idref="f0007">Figure 7</figref> is an embodiment directly utilizing parameters of auto focus for proximity detection.</li><li><figref idref="f0008 f0009 f0010 f0011 f0012">Figure 8a-8e</figref> show an embodiment of the subject matter with physical separating devices enforcing the minimum distance which is not configured according to the invention.</li><li><figref idref="f0013 f0014 f0015">Figure 9a-9c</figref> illustrate an embodiment of the subject matter with a spring loaded arm(s) to maintain the minimum distance of the mobile device from the user which is not configured according to the invention.</li><li><figref idref="f0016 f0017 f0018 f0019">Figures 10a-10d</figref> illustrates several embodiments of removable physical separating devices enforcing the minimum distance.</li><li><figref idref="f0020 f0021">Figures 11a-11b</figref> illustrates an embodiment of the removable physical separating device attached to exemplary mobile device.</li><li><figref idref="f0022">Figure 12</figref> illustrates an embodiment of the removable physical separating device integrated into a mobile device case.</li></ul>

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0019Embodiments of devices and methods described herein reduce end user exposure to radiation. While these devices and methods are intended for protection from non-ionizing radiation, such as that emitted from cellular telephones, each embodiment and illustration may also be practiced with regard to ionizing radiation.

0020As to the handheld radio communication devices, embodiments discloses serve to reduce human user electromagnetic wave exposure from such devices through the strong encouragement of increased distance between the radio-wave source and the head of the user. Mobile devices incorporating the disclosed subject matter forcing the end user to keep the antenna of the device at least an inch from the head, or a greater distance if desired will not only be compliance with the SAR standards which apply to such devices, which standards are routinely violated by end-user proximity to the device while it is in use, but will as a result of the increase in distance between the broadcast source and the head, significantly reduce the level of microwave signal strength to which the end user would otherwise be exposed from the mobile device.

0021A disclosed embodiment works by integrating a sound broadcast device, hereafter sometimes referred to as sonar, which, when distance between the device and the head of the user is detected by sound signal return measurement, through the resulting closing or virtual rheostat variance in the performance of a switch, causes an audible warning sound, the intensity of which bears an inverse relationship to the distance between the cellular device involved and the head of the end user. In addition, the embodiment may be tuned such that in the instance of a time-measured proximity within assigned distance values, the Device response to such sound-measured proximity allow the completion or interruption of the circuits necessary for the handheld device transmission and reception signal.

0022<figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref> shows an embodiment of a mobile device utilizing a non-audible sound wave (Sonar, Sonic) to determine the distance and thus issue a warning to the user. As shown the mobile device 1 includes a sonic signal broadcast source (transmitter) 120, and a sonic signal recipient microphone device (receiver) 110 and an acoustic warning device (speaker) 130. The warning device while shown as acoustic in <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>, may also be visual, thermal, tactile or electrical and its depiction throughout the disclosure as one type is not intended to be exclusive. The warning signal may be emitted in increasing volume (intensity) and/or variation in sound frequency (tone), so as to cause a progressive proximity warning to the end-user and at higher transmit power levels actually interfere with the effective use of the device for communication. As a result of increase in intensity of the sonic signal return 105, the forced switching of the device, with respect to its broadcast ability, to the "off' condition, may be desirable. In addition a time circuit 140 on <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref> can be used so as to allow short term override of the warning or interruption, or to set time-based standards for warning signal initiation. All implementations of switches, including micro-switches, which may be employed to cause open or closed circuits for initiation of an information transmission signal (Warning Signal) in a mobile device, when the default condition, or as such switches may be used to vary the intensity of sonic warning signal issued.

0023<figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref> shows the embodiment of <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref> from the side view The calibrated acoustic broadcast signal from mobile device 1 equipped for radio broadcast, is so tuned that the discrete sound frequency, when reflected back from the body of the end-user and measured by the mobile device, will cause the recognition by the integrated device of the meeting of such proximity standards as the manufacturer may choose to employ so as in, by resulting warning as described herein and below so as to cause the end user to maintain desired distance from the subject handheld cellular device. The broadcast signal is received by the sonic signal reception device 110. A voice chip or similar module 150 may be used to analyze the received reflected signal. The Adjustable and controllable time circuit 140 may be used for time out, overrides and adjustment of warning signal intensity or frequency as emitted by the acoustic warning device 130. The voice chip, or time circuit may take the form of a microprocessor, a ASIC, or resident processor running application software or any combination thereof. The sound-activated switch as in this paragraph described (for which voice recognition chip and hardware at the current state of the art are well-suited) may cause the recognition by the integrated switching device of the meeting of such proximity standards as the manufacturer may choose to employ so as in, by resulting Warning as described herein and below so as to cause the end user to maintain desired distance from the subject handheld cellular device.

0024The addition of an increasing audible audio signal, increasing in inverse proportion to the distance from the cellular or similar device to the head or body of the end user, such that such increased audio signal shall constitute a warning to the end user of such decreased distance between the end user and said cellular or other radio broadcast device, so that said end user shall be thereby warned to increase the distance between the head of the end user and such cellular device until the audible warning from such cellular device (having integrated the Device and Method herein described) shall stop the audible broadcast of such Warning signal.

0025As noted throughout this specification, the emitted and received waves may be electromagnetic in nature and the warning signal also is not limited to the acoustic forms illustrated in <figref idref="f0001">Figures 1</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2</figref>.

0026While illustrations may include reference to a separate speaker system for the warning process, and while such separate speaker system may be a desired optional approach for a given manufacturer, the mobile device ear piece resident for audio communication can be optionally used for the broadcast of the intermittent calibrated acoustic signal, thereby eliminating the need for a separate speaker for that purpose, the ear piece or standard speaker may also be used to provide an audible warning rather than a separate warning device. Likewise the mobile device mouth piece resident for audio communication may also be used for the reception of the acoustic signal thus eliminating the need for a separate receiver.

0027Embodiments in which sound waves used to detect proximity may include sound frequencies within the audible range, but preferable maybe of such high frequency as not to be detectible by the typical human ear and thus not noticeably interfere with the desired communication.

0028Embodiments may also include intermittent broadcast of the calibrated sonic signal which, when reflected back, actuates portions of the mobile device, so that such brief sonic signal broadcast may be, when the mobile device is not in use, set to occur with such rarity or commonality as the manufacturer may desire, and including the possibility for end user adjustment of such regularity level of such broadcast should any such manufacturer wish to allow such limitation.

0029The warning signal or alert as described herein may be graduated in intensity so that, much like the graduated sound intensity capacity of common alarm clocks, the level of warning may increase with time of use of the mobile device and or with the measured proximity to the head of the end user. In addition, the alert may serve as an instruction for the user to attach a physical barrier as described below. It is also preferable the warning signal may be voluntarily disabled by the user, such disabling ability may advantageously be password protected to ensure at least parental control.

0030Embodiments described herein may additionally be actuated by the angle of the mobile device or angle of incident. By this is meant an angular position measurement switch such as of the sort used in currently marketed battery operated equipment which have automatic angular recognition, such as with the auto on/off function of the certain Bushnell equipment such as the 1 X 28 Red Dot Sight with auto on/off. Thus, when flat on a table, or within such other angular positions as the manufacturer may elect, the Method and Device may default to the off condition.

0031In addition the embodiments described herein may be implemented, via either electrical circuit or via software, so that the disclosed subject matter deployed will not interrupt broadcast and receipt of messages or voice whenever either the "speakerphone" or similarly named "speaker," aspect of the mobile device is engaged, or a headset is in use and thus the risk of exposure is greatly depreciated.

0032Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be implemented by integrating a sound broadcast device, hereafter sometimes referred to as sonar, which, when distance between the device and the head of the user is detected by sound signal return measurement, through the resulting closing or virtual rheostat variance in the performance of a switch, causes an audible warning sound, the intensity of which bears an inverse relationship to the distance between the cellular device involved and the head of the end user. In addition, the method and device can be so tuned at manufacture such that in the instance of a time-measured proximity within assigned distance values, the embodiment in response to such sound-measured proximity can in turn allow the completion or interruption of the circuits necessary for the handheld device broadcast and receive microwave signal.

0033<figref idref="f0003">Figure 3</figref> shows the depth of field and pattern recognition based proximity warning system enabled in a mobile device 1. The embodiment as illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">Figure 3</figref> includes a horizon sensing device 305, which may include but not limited to the use of accelerometer circuitry for determining an angular range within the vertical axis of the mobile telephonic or similar device, so as to encompass all angles consistent with direct handset to ear orientation for speech, which activates, or increases frequency of proximity detection and exposure determining processes. The mobile device includes intermittent broadcast "active" auto focus (typically infrared) module for broadcast, receipt, and processing of light data (so thereby to define a distance), and determining when a distance within predetermined parameters is reached. The embodiment also includes CMOS 395 or similar module light recipient device, which captures images at the depth of field range assigned by the auto-focus module, the image may then be processed by the image processor 390 and the pattern recognition programmed chip 380, where a search is conducted in a processor 370 for images consistent with aspects/characteristic of the human head, such as an "ear," (and which may, as a condition of sale, include an initial photograph of the ear of the end user) or other characteristics, so that when there is a coincidence of factors including a set distance from "ear," or other feature within programmed parameter (such as 1.25 inches) the warning signal is emitted from an indicator 350, which if audio is in increasing volume and/or variation in sound frequency, so as to cause a proximity warning to the end-user and if the transmission levels are sufficiently high cause interfere with the use of the device for sound transmission. The result of an increase in intensity of the sonic signal return, forces the switch 360 of the device, as to broadcast, to the "off" condition. In addition a timer circuit 340 can be used so as to allow short term or temporary override of the switch, or to set time-based standards for warning signal initiation. Each of the elements described in <figref idref="f0003">Figure 3</figref> may be implemented in processes and hardware resident on the mobile device 1 with only additional programming required.

0034The use of an active light signal to determine the distance may include but not limited to infrared, a laser, or other signal in the electromagnetic spectrum which may facilitate measuring the distance between the head of the end user and the cellular or similar device in which the described embodiment has been implemented. The use of light signal to measure distance from the head in the cellular telephonic and other radio wave broadcast contexts.

0035The receipt and chip-based processing of active light signal by CMOS 395 or similar means, or by photovoltaic structure, and including but not limited to any suitably programmed variant for the purpose of measuring the distance between the head of the end user and the mobile device.

0036The image recognition modules 390, 380 and 370 for the storing and retrieval of images, or aspects or characteristics of the user, may incorporate but are not limited to the pre-programmed image, taken at time of purchase, of the first purchasing end user, and as well as catalogs of images corresponding to the characteristics of the user such as the human ear, so that, through the use of the camera in company with such stored imagery and the processing of such imagery, the disclosed subject matter may recognize the human ear or other desired features, so that such recognition, at distances from head programmed as desired may be used to activate the warning signal or to interrupt cellular broadcast in such instances that the distance between the end user and the cellular headset user become within parameters defined as favorable by the manufacturer involved, all for the protection of the user from micro-wave or other wavelengths of radio signal, the strength of which declines rapidly over distance due to the operation of the inverse square law as previously discussed.

0037The proximity to the user may be determined by processing the image to determine the relative size of the features captured in the image with respect to the characteristics of those images as stored. Determining whether to provide an alert may also be based on a proximity from the user coupled with an analysis of the image. Such that if the image were to identify a table top such as the mobile device being placed face down, the actual proximity to that table would be irrelevant since the user would likely not be at risk for exposure, however if the minimum proximity has been breached and the image identifies a user's ear, a warning would advantageously be initiated.

0038The angular detection and thus management of the embodiments described herein may be by the use of accelerometers, electronic level circuitry (such as found variously, but in example in the Bushnell X 28 Trophy rifle scope, with its "auto on/off system) such that the intermittent broadcast of distance measuring light or other measurement electromagnetic signal may initiated only when a cellular handset or similar device falls within planes of the vertical corresponding to cellular telephone use for broadcast.

0039The use of resident auto-focus image acquisition chip equipment and circuitry with a mobile device or similar device, where a micro-processor is used to define a focus level, through comparison with an electronically stored database of suitable physical characteristics/aspects of the user such that through encounter of a predefined image sharpness level, corresponding to a desired and programmed depth of field, so that a range of distance may be determined to be within desired parameters for the initiation of a warning signal to the end user. If desired a time-in-contact parameter may also be incorporated, such that when a desired level of proximity to the head is encountered, such warning or broadcast signal interruption occurs to be within a safe limit.

0040The use of a simple fixed depth of field camera device, such as a CMOS module, but including all manner of lens, such that when a particular mixture of colors (such as corresponding to ranges of human head coloration near the ear), or when a particular level of shadings (such as corresponding to ranges of human head coloration near the ear) is encountered (recognized) by said image obtainment device, and a switch or series of microprocessor switches is there, by such image recognition at such passive depth of field so activated, that an audible warning thereby does arise, and, in the instance of prolonged exposure beyond such passively set depth of field, or within two or more such programmed depths of field as a range, broadcast signal may be thereby interrupted, thereby reducing the exposure of the end user of a cellular or similar device to micro-wave or other wave lengths of radio broadcast signal.

0041The implementation of current of switches, including micro-switches, which may be employed to cause circuitry closure for initiation of an information transmission signal in a mobile device or similar device, when the default condition, or as such switches may be used to vary the intensity of sonic warning signal issued by the installed Device and Method as set forth herein, or as otherwise used for audible signal issuance or broadcast signal cessation in response to defined proximity between user and handset.

0042In embodiment utilizing light transmissions the frequency of such light broadcast may be so tuned that the discrete frequency, when reflected back from the body of the end-user and measured by the mobile device, will cause the recognition, via CMOS and chipset, so programmed for such purpose, of the meeting the manufacturers proximity standards and thus result in a warning as described herein and below so as to cause the end user to maintain desired distance from the subject handheld mobile device.

0043As described above, the use of an increasing intensity warning signal may be advantageous. The warning signal increasing in inverse proportion to the distance from the cellular or similar device to the head or body of the end user, such that such increased signal shall constitute a Warning to the end user of such decreased distance between the end user and the mobile device. The increasing intensity also relays to the user a degree of relativity regarding their risk of exposure. The end user shall be thereby warned to increase the distance between the head of the end user and such cellular device until the warning from the mobile device preferable stops or at least diminishes. The intensity of the warning signal as noted may be an increase in volume, an increase or decrease in frequency, or an interruption.

0044While illustrations herein may include reference to a separate speaker system for the warning process, and while such separate speaker system may be a desired approach to implement the disclosed subject matter, the embodiments disclosed may alternatively make use of the "standard" speaker (ear piece) with which mobile devices are otherwise normally equipped, sans the Method and Device as hereby described. In plain language, the standard speaker can be optionally used for the broadcast of the intermittent calibrated acoustic signal, thereby eliminating the need for a separate speaker for that purpose.

0045<figref idref="f0004">Figure 4</figref> is a flow chart of an embodiment in which the angle of incident is used to determine use of the mobile device and thus radiation exposure. As shown in Block 401 angles of incident are established that corresponding with its use by the user for communication. These angles of incident or ranges of angles may be determined by a control period in which the angles of incident are compiled and associated with the mobile device status, such as associated with active communication session or with no communication sessions, this association may be determined manually or autonomous. The angles of incident may then be statistically processed to determine the likely range of angles that would indicate the mobile device is in use by the user. For example if over a control period 70 percent of the time when the phone is within 10 degrees of perpendicular from the horizon it is in use and over the same control period only 2 percent of the time when the phone is greater than 10 degrees from horizontal it is in use, a statistical analysis may establish the target angle of incidences being between + or - 10 from horizontal. Similarly, if over the control period the mobile device is never engaged in a communication session when within 10 degrees of horizontal the established angles of incident may be 10 to 170 degrees.

0046Once the angles of incident are established the mobile device monitors the angle of incident for correspondences with the established angles as shown in Block 403. The time during which the mobile device is at an angle corresponding to the established angles of incident is accrued as shown in Block 405, likewise the corresponding magnitude of the transmission power may also be factored in the accrual. Using the accrued time and a transmit power level of the mobile device, a value representing the total exposure of the user may be determined as shown in Block 407. The transmit power level of the mobile device may be a predetermined value, a peak value, a statistical measurement of the power level over the accrued time, such as an average, or some weighted value based on the actual operation of the mobile device.

0047The exposure value may then be compared to a predetermined threshold as shown in Block 409. The predetermined threshold may be a function of established safe exposure limit, peak transmit power levels of the mobile device, sensitivity of the user, such as age, size, or mobile phone use patterns etc. Similarly the threshold may also consider communication performance measures, recognizing that in sparse areas transmission power levels may necessarily be greater than those in urban areas for the same level of performance. Thus the exposure threshold for rural users may be necessarily higher than urban users. The threshold may also be representative of several thresholds, such as a session exposure limit, a daily exposure limit or weekly limit. If any of these thresholds are exceeded by the value the mobile device alerts the user as shown in Block 411. The process of monitoring the angles for use, accruing the time of use, determining a value and comparing the value to a threshold as described in Block 403, 405, 407, and 409 respectively may be continuously preformed or preformed periodically or as triggered.

0048As noted previously there are several mechanisms and methods by which the angle of incident of the mobile device may be determined which are commonly resident on some current mobile devices. Accelerometers, inclinometer, strain gauges, magnetometers, gyroscopes, GPS receivers and inertial systems and other transducer/processor combinations are envisioned as being appropriate for this function.

0049<figref idref="f0005">Figure 5</figref> illustrates an embodiment for preventing excessive exposure of a user from a mobile device during communication where the mobile device actively determines the proximity of the mobile device to the user. In this embodiment the mobile device is equipped with a wave source, and reflected wave receives, such as source 120 and received 110 of <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>.

0050In order to determine the proximity of the mobile device to the user, the device emits a wave from the source as shown in Block 501. As noted previously, the wave need not be limited to a sound or pressure wave, but can equally be an electromagnetic wave within or outside of the visible light spectrum and methods and systems described with respect to audio, sonic or audible signals are equally envisioned as electromagnetic waves. The mobile device also equipped with a received detect a reflection of the emitted wave as shown in Block 503. Based on the characteristics of the reflected wave, the proximity of the mobile device to the user, particularly the user's head region, is determined as shown in Block 505. The characteristics of the reflected wave may include time of reception (or time of arrival), phase , frequency, time, or attenuation. Given these characteristics and the known characteristics of the emitted wave the proximity may be determined. As noted previously, several waves of the same or varying characteristics may make up the emitted and reflected wave, and each may be analyzed, separately or combined to determine the proximity.

0051The mobile device then compares the determined proximity to a threshold as shown in Block 507. The threshold like those discusses with respect to other embodiments is a function of the transmit power level (average, peak, normal) of the mobile device and safe exposure levels. The threshold may also include user sensitivity, and accrued exposure. However, with respect to this embodiment it is the instantaneous exposure that is sought to be maintained below an unacceptable limit. This instantaneous exposure limit may however be influenced and advantageously adjusted as a function of accrued exposure and other factors as discussed above. If the comparison reveals the threshold has been exceeded, i.e. the minimum distance between the user and the mobile device has not been maintained, the user is alerted as shown in Block 509.

0052<figref idref="f0006">Figure 6</figref> is an embodiment for preventing excessive exposure of a user from a mobile device during communication. An image is obtained by the mobile device as shown in Block 601. The obtained image is in the proximity of the speaker of the mobile device oriented such that when in use would be adjacent to the users head. This image may be obtained with the aid of auto focus features often implemented in digital cameras and some mobile devices. The image is then evaluated for characteristics of the user as shown in Block 603. The evaluation may advantageously be performed using the image processor 390, pattern recognition software and chip 380 and processor 370 previously described with respect to <figref idref="f0003">Figure 3</figref>. The determined characteristics may then be compared to known characteristics as shown in Block 605.

0053The mobile device may use the comparison of the characteristics to determine a proximity of the mobile device to the users head or specifically the user's ear as shown in Block 607. Alternatively, the proximity may be determined as a function of an emitted wave as described above, or as a function of an resident auto focus feature as described herein. The determined proximity is then compared to a predetermined threshold as shown in Block 609. The threshold may be determined similarly to the thresholds previously discussed. If the threshold is exceeded, i.e. the minimum distance has been breached, the mobile device may alert the user as shown in Block 611. If the image capture is not of the user or not of a recognized portion of the user, the proximity may not be further determined since there would be limited exposure to the radiation.

0054Alternatively, as shown in <figref idref="f0007">Figure 7</figref>, for mobile devices with auto focus software, the mobile device may use parameters associated with the auto focus as shown in Block 701 to directly determine the proximity of the mobile devices to an object as shown in Block 703. Having the proximity, the mobile device may then compare this proximity to a threshold as shown in Block 705, and if the threshold is exceeded then the user may be alerted as shown in Block 707.

0055Other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter make use of physical barriers to maintain the minimum distance by the integration and deployment of a hinged fold-away plate with a switch which allows the completion of the circuits necessary for the mobile device to broadcast and receive radio signals. <figref idref="f0008 f0009 f0010 f0011 f0012">Figures 8a -8e</figref> are illustrations of a mobile device with a fold over switch. <figref idref="f0008">Figure 8a</figref> shows a mobile device 800 implementing a fold over physical barrier (flange) 801 in a stowed and locked condition. For purposes of illustration, a switch 805 is located such that when the barrier 801 is folded forward on its hinge, and locked into the position via a friction latch or other appropriate locking mechanism, the switch 805 is automatically activated by being depressed by the folding flange 801 when it is deployed and the mobile device is allowed to broadcast. Conversely, until the switch is activated by the deployment of the hinged flange or plate 801 some broadcast functions are disabled thus preventing exposure from the mobile devices radiation as shown in <figref idref="f0008">Figure 8a</figref>. While locked into the engaged position, the flange 801 enforces a mandatory space between the mobile device and the user.

0056<figref idref="f0009">Figure 8b</figref> also discloses a mobile device 800 with the hinged flanges 801, however in a deployed and locked position. The friction locks may be of a flexible variety which upon the application of sufficient downward pressure allow the flanges to be slowed. In the deployed state, the distance between the broadcast source and the users head may be brought into conformity with permissible SAR exposure by maintaining the distance between the mobile device and the user. The switch 805 as described early is depressed and allows broadcast transmissions as shown in <figref idref="f0009">Figure 8b</figref>.

0057<figref idref="f0010">Figure 8c</figref> shows a mobile device 800 with the hinged flange 801 in the stowed and locked condition and illustrates the appearance and utility of the device from the rear of the mobile device. Friction engaging retaining clips 803 or other fastening device may be used to secure the flange 801 in the stowed position. <figref idref="f0011">Figure 8d</figref> shows a mobile device 800 with the hinged flange 801 in a deployed condition and thus with the switch 805 depressed with broadcast capacity activated but deployed at the top and bottom of the mobile device 800 rather than from the sides. The hinges 811 may be common hinges, flexible material such as cloth or plastic or other mechanical fastener which allows for the continuous cycling of the barriers from deployed to stowed. <figref idref="f0012">Figure 8e</figref> shows the mobile device 800 with the hinged flanges 801 in stowed condition in the front rather than the rear or side and thus with the broadcast capacity inactive by depression of the switches 805. As noted the switches may enable/disable features of the mobile device by either being open or closed. The front fold variant may provide for lower cost levels. Additionally, it is envisioned that a permanent installation of plates (flanges) that provide from the minimum separation may be used, in such a configuration the broadcast switch would not be needed however the increase in bulkiness that may accompany such an embodiment may not be desirable to all. With the hinged embodiment by only allowing broadcast in the deployed condition, a minimum distance is maintained, signal absorption is significantly reduced and the overall dimensions may be minimized.

0058<figref idref="f0013 f0015">Figures 9a-c</figref> illustrate a mobile device 900 with a spring loaded arm(s) 905 to maintain the minimum distance from the user. <figref idref="f0013 f0014 f0015">Figure 9</figref> shows a mobile device 900 with a plurality of arms 905 for a physical barrier. For purposes of illustration, an anode 901 and a cathode 909 are illustrated such that when the arm 905 is fully extended and locked into position, the switch which results from the anode meeting the cathode is closed activating the circuit which allows broadcast. Activation and disablement of the broadcast ability as a result of deployment or storage of the physical barrier 905 (arms) may also be accomplished using other mechanical, hardware or software methods known in the art, such as light interruption or magnetic interference to list a few. The arms 905 may be bias deployed or stowed by spring 903.

0059<figref idref="f0014">Figure 9b</figref> discloses the physical barrier arms in the deployed and locked condition. The friction locks may be of the flexible variety, such as by thickening of the arm or mast itself at its terminus, which bed sufficiently upon the application of moderate downward pressure by the end use such that the portion of the arm which generally conforms in width to the thickness of the device and is at a 90 degree angle from the plane of the faceplate side of the mobile device, so that the arm 905 locks into place activating a switch to allow broadcast communication from the device. In the deployed state, the distance between the broadcast source and the users head may be maintained at a minimum distance.

0060<figref idref="f0015">Figure 9c</figref> shows the arms 905 of the physical barrier in a deployed condition in a perspective illustration of its deployment in a typical mobile device motif, showing with particularity the anticipated frictional latching. Latches 915 as shown biased buttons that retain the arms 905 when stowed in receptacles 917. The physical characteristics of the arms and deployment arrangements may vary from those disclosed and not depart from the disclosure if they readily maintain the minimum distance during broadcast of the mobile device. Other deployments such as telescoping, inflating and rotating are also envisioned.

0061<figref idref="f0016">Figure 10a</figref> illustrates an embodiment physical barrier 1000 including a sound tube which maintains the minimum distance during the broadcast of the mobile device and minimized sound attenuation. The physical barrier 1000 includes an ear interface ring 1010 which contacts the user's ear during use and is located on a distal end of the tube 1010 which in turn defines the passage 1030 with opening 1031 proximate to the ear interface ring 1010. Additionally, two other ring flanges 1012 and 1013 make up part of the other end of the tube 1011 and define a grove 1019. The groove 1019 in in <figref idref="f0016">Figure 10a</figref> retains an elastic band 1016 which removably attaches the physical barrier 1000 to a mobile device. The base 1014 of the physical barrier 1000 flares and defined to interface which contacts the mobile device and encloses the ear piece of the mobile device. A bracket 1015 extends over an end of the mobile device and assures the proper positioning of the physical barrier 1000 with respect to the ear piece of the mobile device. Sound emitting from the ear piece travels through the passage 1030 to the opening 1031 and into the users ear. Preferably the ear interface ring 1010 has smooth and/or cushioned edges as to not irritate the users ear.

0062<figref idref="f0017">Figure 10b</figref> illustrates another embodiment physical barrier 1000 including a sound tube which maintains the minimum distance during the broadcast of the mobile device and minimized sound attenuation. The physical barrier 1000 includes an ear interface ring 1010 which contacts the user's ear during use and is located on a distal end of the tube 1010 which in turn defines the passage 1030 with opening 1031 proximate to the ear interface ring 1010. Additionally, two other ring flanges 1012 and 1013 make up part of the other end of the tube 1011 and define a grove 1019. The groove 1019 in in <figref idref="f0017">Figure 10b</figref> may be used to retain an elastic band or a strap.. The base 1014 of the physical barrier 1000 defines the interface which contacts the mobile device and encloses the ear piece of the mobile device, the passage 1030 flares at the base 1014 to direct the sound from the ear piece towards the distal end of the passage 1030. A bracket 1015 extends over an end of the mobile device and assures the proper positioning of the physical barrier 1000 with respect to the ear piece of the mobile device. Two legs 1021 with protrusions 1022 form clip which retains the physical barrier on the mobile device as shown in <figref idref="f0020">Figures 11a</figref> and <figref idref="f0021">11b</figref>. The legs 1021 are flexible to allow for varying thicknesses of mobile devices and also serve to press the physical barrier against the mobile device to engage the physical barrier 1000 frictionally with the mobile device. Sound emitting from the ear piece travels through the passage 1030 to the opening 1031 and into the users ear.

0063<figref idref="f0018">Figure 10c</figref> illustrates yet another embodiment physical barrier 1000 including a sound tube which maintains the minimum distance during the broadcast of the mobile device and minimized sound attenuation. The physical barrier 1000 includes an ear interface cushion or ear bud 1018 which rests in the user's ear during use and is located on a distal end of the tube 1010 which in turn defines the passage 1030 with opening 1031 proximate to the ear bud 1018. Additionally, two ring flanges 1012 and 1013 make up part of the other end of the tube 1011 and define a grove 1019. The groove 1019 may be used to retain an elastic band or a strap, or serve as a mechanism to attach a larger interface cushion or ear bud 1018. Additionally a groove may be formed on the distal end of the tube 1011 for retaining the ear bud 1018 although not shown, other attachment mechanisms are similarly envisioned.. The base 1014 of the physical barrier 1000 defines the interface which contacts the mobile device and encloses the ear piece of the mobile device, the passage 1030 flares at the base 1014 to direct the sound from the ear piece towards the distal end of the passage 1030. A bracket 1015 extends over an end of the mobile device and assures the proper positioning of the physical barrier 1000 with respect to the ear piece of the mobile device. Two legs 1021 with protrusions 1022 form clip which retains the physical barrier on the mobile device as shown in <figref idref="f0020">Figures 11a</figref> and <figref idref="f0021">11b</figref>. Other fastening arrangements such as suction cups, clamps notches, etc. are also envisioned. In addition the physical barrier may be integrated into the case as shown in <figref idref="f0022">Figure 12</figref>. The embodiment of <figref idref="f0018">Figure 10c</figref> also shows the the passage 1030 is tapper to efficiency direct the sound to the opening 1031. The passage may be of any shape so long as the sound can be effectively transmitted to the user's ear, however it is preferably that its shape be cylindrical, conical, parabolic, hyperbolic or combination thereof.

0064<figref idref="f0019">Figure 10d</figref> illustrates a similar embodiment of a physical barrier 1000 including a sound tube which maintains the minimum distance during the broadcast of the mobile device and minimized sound attenuation. The physical barrier 1000 of <figref idref="f0016 f0017 f0018 f0019">Figure 10</figref> includes an ear interface cushion or ear bud 1018 not shown which rests in the user's ear during use and is located on a distal end of the tube 1010 which in turn defines the passage 1030 with opening 1031 proximate to the ear bud 1018. Additionally however, an enlarged ear interface ring 1010 is used to prevent the ear bud 1018 from protruding into the ear canal of the user if the mobile device where to be bumped while in use. In <figref idref="f0019">Figure 10d</figref>, the groove 1019 is shown that is formed on the distal end of the tube 1011 for retaining the ear bud 1018 of <figref idref="f0018">Figure 10c</figref>, again while not shown, other attachment mechanisms are similarly envisioned..

0065<figref idref="f0020">Figure 11a</figref> shows an isometric view of the attachment of the physical barrier 1000 to the mobile device 1100. As can be seen, the physical barrier 1000 attaches over the speaker of the mobile device 1100 and directs the sound to the distal end of the physical barrier 1000. The base 1014 of the physical barrier 1101 preferably is shaped to minimize sound leakage from its interface with the ear piece of the mobile device 1100. <figref idref="f0021">Figure 11b</figref> shows the engagement of the legs 1021 with the back of the mobile device 1100, thus effectively attaching the physical barrier 1101 to the mobile device 1100. The attachment of the physical barrier 1000 could also be by integrating into the mobile device a receiver slot in which the physical barrier could engage without clips, or a loop and hook attachment is also envisioned.

0066<figref idref="f0022">Figure 12</figref> shows flexible sound tunnel 1210 as a physical barrier that is integrated in the case 1220 of the mobile device 1200. In addition, two flexible legs or nipples 1290 extend from the case 1220 proximate the microphone to assist in maintaining the minimum distance from the transmitting antenna. In this embodiment, the physical barriers would be fully extended unless they were compressed by placing in a purse, pocket or case, and would reengage upon release from a confined space. Alternatively, the physical barriers, could be integrated into the mobile device 1200.

0067In the embodiments of the physical barrier devices shown above, the transmitting antenna element is assumed to be proximate the mobile devices ear piece and thus the length of the physical barrier would correspond to the minimum safe distance. However, the physical barrier's length could vary based on the actual location of the transmitting antenna element. Such that a transmitting antenna element located farther from the ear piece may allow for a physical barrier having a length less than a physical barrier associated with a mobile device where the transmitting antenna element is proximate to the ear piece. However, for practical reasons the physical barrier may advantageously be sized for the latter and thus would be equally effective for the former situation. Similarly the size of the flexible legs would be a function of the location of the transmitting antenna element.

0068Aspects of the disclosed subject matter include distance determination using sonic waves, radio waves, image detection, heat analysis, light refractions, or other methods. The warnings or alerts are envisioned to include audio, visual, tactile, thermal, and electrical indications. The warnings may also be accompanied or embodied by disconnection, disablement, enablement, attenuation, mode change, switching of antenna, modification of broadcast, change of protocol, etc of the radio device and/or operation.

0069An aspect of the disclosed subject matter is that the nature and amplitude of the warnings discussed above may also be a dynamic function of duration or distant and/or both. A threshold may also advantageously be incorporated. Time weights and exposure weights may also be incorporated into thresholds and used in comparing exposures to the thresholds.

0070An aspect of the disclosed subject matter is that the distance reference may be determined from the source of the transmitting antenna or generally from the device itself without regards to location of the transmitting antenna. The mechanism for determining distance may also detect type of material, i.e. flesh, fabric, this may be determined by using a plurality of wave frequencies coupled with their interaction with the type of material. For example certain frequency of sound waves or electromagnetic waves may be especially attenuated when reflected from soft tissue as opposed to a dash board, desk top or protective helmet. Analyzing the reflected waves or those waves which were not reflected may provide an indication of the material, and the risk of exposure to the user and in turn determining the type and nature of the warning.

0071Another aspect of the disclosed subject matter is that a bypass of the warning signal or interruption signal may be advantageously included in embodiments. In operations as described above when the exposure has surpassed a limit to such an extent as to cause a warning or interruption of communication, a bypass switch may be employed to override the warning/interruption for important or emergency calls. The bypass switch may be implemented as a manual switch, button, contact or as a voice command.

0072Still another aspect of the disclosed subject matter is that the broadcast required for communication control, such as reverse pilot signals, transmit and receive power control, identification, and time synchronization need not be encumbered by the implementation of the disclosed subject matter. Rather only those broadcasts where the payload is voice communication and thus the predominate mode of exposure is intended to be affected.

0073Yet another aspect of the disclosed subject matter is that the physical barriers described above may be made of metal, fiber, paper, plastic, polymer, rubber, ceramics or other durable material or semi rigid material and may also serve to absorb or deflect radiation emanating from the mobile device. The physical barriers may also be biased in the deployed or stowed condition and may be deployed or stowed upon answering, hanging up, dialing, turning on, turning off the mobile device, based on the proximity to the user, or the angle of incident of the mobile device.

0074Still another aspect of the disclosed subject matter is that the alarm may be advantageously delayed by the user. Preferable the delay may be set to 1-3 seconds, to allow for temporary violation of the minimum distance without the interruption of the alarm. In operation, the alarm would only sound if the minimum distance was violated for a period greater that the user set delay. Additionally, the alarm would only be sounded if upon comparison between the communication mode of the mobile device matched the targeted communication modes. The targeted communication modes to include, activation of the transmitter antenna of the mobile device, data transmissions from the mobile device, voice data transmission from the mobile device, pilot signal transmissions from the mobile device and control signal transmission from the mobile device. Communication modes that are preferably not targeted and thus would not result in the alarm if the minimum distance was violated include: reception of data by the mobile phone, reception of voice data by the mobile device, reception of control data by the mobile device, play back of stored messages by the mobile device and mobile device's transmitter antenna disabled.

0075Even further aspects of the discloses physical barriers are preferably shaped to minimize the attenuation of the sound from the speaker to the users ear. This sound tunnel maintains sound quality all while enforcing a safe distance from the user's head.

0076While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it is to be understood that the embodiments described are illustrative only and that the scope of the invention is to be defined solely by the appended claims when accorded a full range of equivalence, many variations and modifications naturally occurring to those of skill in the art from a perusal hereof.