Hands-free reminder for a wireless communications terminal

BACKGROUND

0001The present invention relates generally to wireless communications devices, and particularly to wireless communications devices configured to use a hands-free device.

0002In many areas of the country, such as New York State, it is illegal to converse on a cellular telephone while driving a vehicle unless the driver employs some sort of hands-free device. Those drivers caught conversing over the cellular phone without the use of a hands-free device face stiff monetary penalties. Of course, cellular users living in these “hands-free” jurisdictions are well aware of the laws and can therefore act accordingly. However, those that may be passing through these jurisdictions may never know of the ordinance until they receive a summons from law enforcement. Currently, neither the cellular telephone manufacturers nor the service carriers implement programs that adequately encourage drivers to utilize hands-free devices. Further, not every driver is aware of the geographical locations of every hands-free jurisdiction in the country, and the local ordinances are subject to change without notice. Therefore, what drivers need is a system and method that indicates whether they are in or near these hands-free jurisdictions.

SUMMARY

0003The present invention relates to a wireless communications device that indicates whether the device is proximate a geographical area requiring the use of a hands-free device while driving a vehicle. These geographical areas are typically defined by predetermined boundaries or locations, and are referred to herein as “hands-free zones.”

0004The wireless device includes a transceiver to communicate with a base station in a wireless communications network and a controller. The wireless device may also comprise a GPS receiver. A current location of the wireless device may be determined using the GPS receiver, or from signals transmitted by the wireless network. Location information associated with the hands-free zone is stored in the wireless device or in the network. An indication, for example a visual indication, an audible indication, or a text message, alerts the user of the wireless device if the wireless device is proximate the hands-free zone. As used herein, the term “proximate” means in or near the hands-free zone. Additionally, the controller may be configured to automatically enable/disable a hands-free only mode of operation on the wireless device upon entering/leaving the hands-free zone, respectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0005<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a block diagram of a wireless communications device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

0006<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates a possible wireless communications network according to one embodiment of the present invention.

0007<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates one possible method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

0008<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates pictorially how one embodiment of the present invention operates when a mobile terminal travels in and out of a hands-free zone.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0009Referring now to the drawings, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a block diagram of a wireless communications device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is indicated generally by the number <b>10</b>. The device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> represents a mobile terminal <b>10</b>. For example, in one embodiment, mobile terminal <b>10</b> is a cellular telephone. However, the present invention is not limited solely to use in cellular phones, but may be embodied in other wireless communication devices such as satellite telephones, personal communication services (PCS) devices, personal data assistants (PDAs), palm-top computers, and the like.

0010Mobile terminal <b>10</b> comprises a hands-free device <b>12</b>, a keypad <b>14</b>, a display <b>16</b>, a speaker <b>18</b>, a microphone <b>20</b>, an audio processing circuit <b>22</b>, a cellular transceiver <b>24</b> having an antenna <b>26</b>, a GPS receiver <b>28</b> having an antenna <b>30</b>, memory <b>32</b>, and a controller <b>34</b>. Hands-free device <b>12</b> may comprise a hands-free headset, for example, that allows a user to communicate with a remote party without having to hold mobile terminal <b>10</b>. Typically, hands-free device <b>12</b> is a peripheral device having an adaptor that mates with mobile terminal <b>10</b> via a system interface connector (not shown) or a corresponding jack (not shown). Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that a hands-free headset is but one possibility, and that hands-free device <b>12</b> might also encompass an external speakerphone or speaker system including a microphone that interfaces with mobile terminal <b>10</b> via a wireless interface such as BLUETOOTH. These types of hands-free devices may sit on a table or other flat surface, or may be vehicle mounted.

0011Keypad <b>14</b> and display <b>16</b> are part of a user interface disposed on a face of mobile terminal <b>10</b>. Keypad <b>14</b> includes an alphanumeric keypad as well as other optional navigation controls, and allows users to dial numbers, enter commands, play games, and select options from various menus stored in memory <b>32</b>. Display <b>16</b> displays information to the user including dialed digits, incoming caller identification, images, video sequences, call status information, menu options, text messages, and/or other service information. As will be described below in more detail, keypad <b>14</b> and/or display <b>16</b> may include backlighting to provide visual indications to the user.

0012Microphone <b>20</b> converts the user's speech into electrical audio signals, while speaker <b>18</b> converts audio signals into audible sounds for the user. Microphone <b>20</b> and speaker <b>18</b> send and receive signals to/from transceiver <b>24</b> via audio processing circuit <b>22</b>. Transceiver <b>24</b> is coupled to an antenna <b>26</b>, and is a fully functional cellular radio transceiver that operates according to standards well known in the art, including Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), TIA/EIA-136, cdmaOne, cdma2000, UMTS, and Wideband CDMA.

0013Mobile terminal <b>10</b> may include or be otherwise associated with a GPS receiver <b>28</b>. As is known in the art, GPS receiver <b>28</b> enables mobile terminal <b>10</b> to determine its location based on GPS signals received via antenna <b>30</b> from a plurality of GPS satellites orbiting the earth. These satellites include, for example, the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS) or NAVSTAR satellites, as well as the Russian equivalent GLONASS satellite system. While GPS receiver <b>28</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> as a separate component, it should be understood that controller <b>34</b> might also function to compute the current location of mobile terminal <b>10</b> based on the signals received and output by GPS receiver <b>28</b>.

0014Typically, the satellite signals include satellite-positioning data, called “ephemeris” data. Ephemeris data permits mobile terminal <b>10</b> to discern which satellites are visible to mobile terminal <b>10</b>, as well as their orbital positions, from any given point on the earth. Because mobile terminal <b>10</b> knows the positions of several visible satellites, GPS receiver <b>28</b> is able to determine the location of mobile terminal <b>10</b> by computing the relative time of arrival of signals transmitted simultaneously from the satellites. The ephemeris data received by GPS receiver <b>28</b> may be stored in memory <b>32</b> on mobile terminal <b>10</b> and updated periodically. However, as is known in the art, updating ephemeris data via GPS receiver <b>28</b> is often a time consuming process. Therefore, mobile terminal <b>10</b> may alternatively receive ephemeris data updates stored at the wireless communications network.

0015Memory <b>32</b> represents the entire hierarchy of memory in mobile terminal <b>10</b>, including both random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). Memory <b>32</b> stores operating instructions and data required for operation of mobile terminal <b>10</b>, temporary data and/or instructions necessary for various user applications, and as stated above, ephemeris data. Memory <b>32</b> includes devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and/or flash memory, and may be implemented as a discrete device, stacked device, or integrated with controller <b>34</b>.

0016Controller <b>34</b> may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, and may be any suitable microprocessor known in the art. This includes general purpose and special purpose microprocessors, as well as digital signal processors (DSPs). Controller <b>34</b> controls the operation of device <b>10</b> according to program instructions stored in memory <b>32</b>, and generates signals to control various functionality of mobile terminal <b>10</b>. For example, controller <b>34</b> may generate signals to display text messages received via transceiver <b>24</b>, or render visual, tactile, and/or audible indications to the user. As will be described later in more detail, controller <b>34</b> is configurable to generate signals that alert a user when mobile terminal <b>10</b> is proximate (i.e., in or near) a hands-free zone. Additionally, controller <b>34</b> may be configured to place mobile terminal <b>10</b> into and out of a “hands-free only” mode of operation. In this mode, the user of mobile terminal <b>10</b> would only be able to communicate with remote parties when hands-free device <b>12</b> is used with mobile terminal <b>10</b>.

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates a typical arrangement of a wireless communications network <b>40</b> suitable for use with mobile terminal <b>10</b> of the present invention. Network <b>40</b> comprises one or more base stations (BS) <b>42</b> connected to a mobile switching center (MSC) <b>46</b>. Each BS <b>42</b> may include one or more antennas <b>44</b>, and provides cellular services to mobile terminal <b>10</b> over a specified geographic region known as a cell. BS <b>42</b> facilitates communications between the user of mobile terminal <b>10</b> and a remote party, and transmits control signals to mobile terminal <b>10</b>. As described later in more detail, these signals may include, for example, ephemeris data updates or responses to location requests from mobile terminal <b>10</b>. Additionally, these signals may include control signals that cause mobile terminal <b>10</b> to automatically enable/disable a hands-free only mode of operation.

0018MSC <b>46</b> routes calls to and from mobile terminal <b>10</b> through BS <b>42</b>, and communicates with a Home Location Register (HLR) <b>48</b>, a Visitors Location Register (VLR) <b>50</b>, and a Location Server (LS) <b>52</b>. HLR <b>48</b> and VLR <b>50</b> store information concerning the location and activity status of mobile terminal <b>10</b>. As is known in the art, HLR <b>48</b> and VLR <b>50</b> may or may not be co-located with MSC <b>46</b>, or may be integrated with MSC <b>46</b>.

0019LS <b>52</b> typically serves a plurality of cells in addition to serving the cell covered by BS <b>42</b>, and preferably includes a GPS database <b>52</b><i>a </i>and a cell database <b>52</b><i>b</i>. The GPS database <b>52</b><i>a </i>contains, for example, up-to-date ephemeris data received from the satellites <b>54</b> orbiting the earth. As stated above, BS <b>42</b> may periodically transmit the ephemeris data stored in GPS database <b>52</b><i>a </i>to mobile terminal <b>10</b> for storage in memory <b>32</b>. Cell database <b>52</b><i>b </i>stores information regarding the location of the cells in the geographic area served by location server <b>52</b>. This information might include, for example, coordinates defining the boundary of geographical areas identified as hands-free zones, or alternatively, the coordinates of base stations that serve the cells in the hands-free zones.

0020As previously stated, the present invention alerts the user if mobile terminal <b>10</b> is in or is entering the hands-free zone. To determine whether mobile terminal <b>10</b> is in or entering a hands-free zone, the present invention uses the current location of mobile terminal <b>10</b> and location information relating to the geographical area of the hands-free zone. The location information relating to the hands-free zone may be stored in memory <b>32</b> on mobile terminal <b>10</b>, or may be stored on a server in network <b>40</b>. Based on this determination, the present invention will indicate whether mobile terminal <b>10</b> is in or entering the hands-free zone to the user, and optionally control the functionality of mobile terminal <b>10</b>.

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates one method <b>60</b> according to one embodiment of the present invention. Method <b>60</b> begins by determining the current location of mobile terminal <b>10</b> (box <b>62</b>). For example, mobile terminal <b>10</b> might periodically determine its current location using GPS receiver <b>28</b>. In this case, GPS receiver <b>28</b> or controller <b>34</b> may determine the current location of mobile terminal <b>10</b> using methods known in the art. Alternatively, mobile terminal <b>10</b> could receive its current location from network <b>40</b>. In this case, network <b>40</b> has the ability to determine the current location of mobile terminal <b>10</b> using assisted GPS methods, base station triangulation methods, time-of-arrival methods, and methods based on changes in received signal strength (RSSI). Further, network <b>40</b> and/or controller <b>34</b> may also be able to determine distance of mobile terminal <b>10</b> from a given base station <b>12</b>, as well as its velocity and direction, using any of these methods. However, the present invention is not limited to the methods specifically mentioned herein, and may use any method known in the art to determine the location, distance, velocity, and direction of mobile terminal <b>10</b>.

0022Once the current location of mobile terminal <b>10</b> is known, the present invention will determine if mobile terminal <b>10</b> lies within or near a hands-free zone (box <b>64</b>). This may be done by controller <b>34</b> comparing the current location of mobile terminal <b>10</b> to location information stored in memory <b>32</b>. This location information might include coordinates defining the hands-free zone boundaries, or might include the coordinates defining the specific locations of the base stations <b>42</b>. Where the location information is stored cell database <b>52</b><i>b</i>, LS <b>52</b> may undertake the comparison, and generate a signal to mobile terminal <b>10</b> via base station <b>42</b>. This signal may be sent over a control channel, for example, to mobile terminal <b>10</b> indicating that mobile terminal <b>10</b> has entered the hands-free zone.

0023If it is determined that mobile terminal <b>10</b> lies within or is near the hands-free zone, the user is alerted (box <b>66</b>). Controller <b>34</b> may alert the user based on its own computations, or alternatively, in response to receipt of a signal received over a control channel from base station <b>42</b>. Controller <b>34</b> may alert the user by causing, for example, an LED to light, causing the backlighting of keypad <b>14</b> and/or display <b>16</b> to flash, displaying a symbol or text message on display <b>16</b>, rendering an audible beep or voice warning through speaker <b>18</b>, activating a tactile generator, or any combination thereof. In cases where the user is currently on a call, controller <b>34</b> might render a tone or series of tones through speaker <b>18</b>, similar to a call waiting tone.

0024It should be noted that the present invention is configured to determine whether the location of mobile terminal <b>10</b> is relatively static within the hands-free zone. That is, in addition to the current location of mobile terminal <b>10</b>, distance, direction, and/or velocity may be considered to determine whether the user is traveling in a vehicle, or whether the user is in a restaurant or simply walking down the street. If these variables indicate that mobile terminal <b>10</b> is at a relative standstill or moving below some predetermined velocity, the present invention may not alert the user.

0025The present invention may also use the distance, direction, and/or velocity of mobile terminal <b>10</b> to determine whether mobile terminal <b>10</b> is entering or about to enter the hands-free zone. By way of example, if the current location of mobile terminal <b>10</b> is within a predetermined distance from the boundary of the hands-free zone, and the direction of travel and/or velocity is such that mobile terminal <b>10</b> will imminently enter the hands-free zone, controller <b>34</b> may alert the user. This may, of course, require tracking the current location of mobile terminal <b>10</b> over time.

0026Additionally, controller <b>34</b> may be configured to enable a hands-free only mode of operation when mobile terminal <b>10</b> is within, or is entering, the hands-free zone (box <b>68</b>). In one embodiment, controller <b>34</b> may enable transceiver <b>24</b> to transmit/receive signals to/from the network <b>40</b> only if controller <b>34</b> detected a hands-free device <b>12</b> connected to mobile terminal <b>10</b>. In an alternate embodiment, controller <b>34</b> might disable speaker <b>18</b> and microphone <b>20</b>, and route all incoming and outgoing audio to the hands-free device <b>12</b>. The user could override this functionality by disabling the hands-free only mode through a menu selection. This may permit passengers in vehicles, for example, to communicate without the use of hands-free device <b>12</b>. In cases where there is an on-going call, controller <b>34</b> may delay enabling the hands-free only mode until the user terminated the call.

0027As mobile terminal <b>10</b> travels through the hands-free zone, controller <b>34</b> and/or network <b>40</b> periodically re-compute the current location of mobile terminal <b>10</b> (box <b>70</b>). As long as mobile terminal <b>10</b> remains in the hands free zone, the alerts may be periodically replayed for the user. The present invention may only periodically replay the alert for the user by comparing a counter against a threshold (box <b>72</b>). If the counter is less than the threshold, the counter may be incremented but the alert may not be replayed. The alerts may only be replayed if the counter were greater than the threshold (box <b>74</b>). Other methods of throttling the frequency of repeat alerts may be used, such as by using a predetermined duration (e.g., once every minute).

0028Once it has been determined that the current location of mobile terminal <b>10</b> is no longer within the hands-free zone (box <b>70</b>), the present invention will alert the user (box <b>76</b>). Unlike the alerts indicating entry into the hands-free zone, this alert might be played once for the user. In addition, controller <b>34</b> may disable the hands-free only mode on mobile terminal <b>10</b> (box <b>78</b>), but not during an on-going call.

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a pictorial representation of mobile terminal <b>10</b> as it moves between jurisdictions. For illustrative purposes, mobile terminal <b>10</b> is a cellular phone traveling in a vehicle at sufficient velocity. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, jurisdiction A is identified as a hands-free zone, while jurisdictions B and C are not. Each jurisdiction is served by one or more base stations <b>42</b> shown here as antennas <b>44</b><i>a</i>-<b>44</b><i>c</i>. Beginning in jurisdiction C, mobile terminal <b>10</b> determines its current location using GPS receiver <b>28</b>. Because memory <b>32</b> stores coordinates defining the boundaries of jurisdiction A, controller <b>34</b> determines that mobile terminal <b>10</b> is about to enter a hands-free zone. Controller <b>34</b> alerts the user accordingly, and enables the hands-free only mode of operation when mobile terminal <b>10</b> passes into jurisdiction A. The alerts may continue throughout the travels of mobile terminal <b>10</b> in jurisdiction A. When mobile terminal <b>10</b> leaves jurisdiction A to enter jurisdiction B, controller <b>34</b> alerts the user that he or she is leaving a hands-free jurisdiction, and disables the hands-free only mode of operation. Alternatively, mobile terminal <b>10</b> may receive its current location, and/or an indication that mobile terminal <b>10</b> is in or near the hands-free zone, from signals transmitted from antennas <b>44</b><i>a</i>-<b>44</b><i>c. </i>

0030The present invention may be configurable such that a user may choose the type of alert, vary how often to repeat the alert, and whether to automatically enable/disable the hands-free only mode of operation. Further, the user may disable functionality of the present invention altogether to permit use within a hands-free zone without a hands-free device. This may allow the user to use mobile terminal <b>10</b> normally if, for example, the user's vehicle became disabled.

0031The present invention may also be configured to alert the user and/or enable/disable the hands-free only mode in situations other than those specifically described above. In an alternate embodiment, for example, the present invention is configured to alert the user of mobile terminal <b>10</b> whenever the user attempts to use mobile terminal <b>10</b> to place or receive a call while traveling within the hands-free jurisdiction. In this embodiment, the present invention may periodically determine the location and the velocity of mobile terminal <b>10</b>, for example, to determine whether mobile terminal <b>10</b> is traveling in a vehicle. When the user attempts to place an outgoing call, or alternatively receives an incoming call, the present invention may alert the user if the velocity of mobile terminal <b>10</b> is at or above a threshold velocity. In this case, the present invention may also enable the hands-free only mode as previously described, thus, permitting the user to communicate only with the use of hands-free device <b>12</b>. If, however, the velocity is below the threshold velocity, the user could communicate with remote parties with or without the use of hands-free device <b>12</b>. Network operators, the user, or the manufacturer of mobile terminal <b>10</b> may configure the threshold velocity.

0032In another embodiment, the present invention network <b>40</b> may examine the data stored in HLR <b>48</b> and/or VLR <b>50</b>. In this embodiment, network <b>40</b> may send control signals via a control channel to mobile terminal <b>10</b> whenever mobile terminal <b>10</b> registers with the network <b>40</b>, or alternatively, when mobile terminal <b>10</b> is being handed-off to base station <b>42</b>. In these cases, the control signals could cause controller <b>34</b> on mobile terminal <b>10</b> to alert the user and/or enable/disable the hands-free only mode as described above. This embodiment may be used, for example, to alert only those users who are traveling outside of their home area.

0033The present invention may be carried out in other ways than those specifically set forth herein without departing from essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.