Other

James William Heath

Benjamin Charles Levitan

Systems and methods are presented to allow or prohibit any or all services between a network and a node in the network based upon the geographic location and rate of travel of the node. One exemplary application is for the prevention of texting while driving. For example, in FIG.: Typical Wireless Communications Network, the location and rate of travel of the mobile station, (MS),, can be determined from the use of Global Positioning System, (GPS), information received by the MS, (), and transmitted to the network. The MS, (), may have any or all of its subscriber services enabled or disabled by the network based upon the speed that the MS, (), is traveling and/or its geographical location. Other methods are possible to determine the location and rate of travel of a mobile station as well. In the preferred exemplary embodiment, it is possible for a mobile wireless network to determine the location and speed of an MS. The preferred exemplary embodiment will disallow the operation of features like text messaging or speaking on the mobile phone, when an individual is driving over a range of predetermined speeds. Additionally, this embodiment would disallow the operation of similar features in specific locations, like schools, and jails. In this embodiment it is also possible to allow any MS to access predetermined destinations for emergencies, like 911, at any time. This embodiment also allows services at otherwise forbidden speeds and/or locations to specific MSs or end-users. In this way public safety officials are not restricted and 'hotspot' service can be offered on buses or trains. This enhancement to the network would permit more fine-grained control over where and when services can be allowed.

Growing community of inventors

Raleigh, NC, United States of America

James William Heath