WO2005109369A1 - Mobile telephone safety system with motion detection - Google Patents

Mobile telephone safety system with motion detection Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005109369A1
WO2005109369A1 PCT/US2004/010451 US2004010451W WO2005109369A1 WO 2005109369 A1 WO2005109369 A1 WO 2005109369A1 US 2004010451 W US2004010451 W US 2004010451W WO 2005109369 A1 WO2005109369 A1 WO 2005109369A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cellular telephone
active cellular
telephone
intersection
response
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2004/010451
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Thompson Demetrius
Original Assignee
Advancemontech International, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Advancemontech International, Inc. filed Critical Advancemontech International, Inc.
Priority to PCT/US2004/010451 priority Critical patent/WO2005109369A1/en
Priority to US11/187,442 priority patent/US7308247B2/en
Publication of WO2005109369A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005109369A1/en
Priority to US11/984,240 priority patent/US7986934B2/en
Priority to US12/286,036 priority patent/US20090066491A1/en

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Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08GTRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/09Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
    • G08G1/0962Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions having an indicator mounted inside the vehicle, e.g. giving voice messages
    • G08G1/0967Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits
    • G08G1/096708Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where the received information might be used to generate an automatic action on the vehicle control
    • G08G1/096716Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where the received information might be used to generate an automatic action on the vehicle control where the received information does not generate an automatic action on the vehicle control
    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08GTRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/01Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled
    • G08G1/052Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled with provision for determining speed or overspeed
    • G08G1/054Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled with provision for determining speed or overspeed photographing overspeeding vehicles
    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08GTRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/09Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
    • G08G1/0962Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions having an indicator mounted inside the vehicle, e.g. giving voice messages
    • G08G1/0967Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits
    • G08G1/096766Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where the system is characterised by the origin of the information transmission
    • G08G1/096783Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where the system is characterised by the origin of the information transmission where the origin of the information is a roadside individual element

Definitions

  • the present invention is in the field of cellular telephonic communication and more specifically to a system for enforcing safe use of cellular telephones while driving.
  • WO 96/01531 uses the cellular telephone system to determine the location and speed of a vehicle carrying an active cellular telephone. It is proposed that this system be used for an automatic parking system (to record the presence of a vehicle in a parking slot & charge for that parking, etc.), as a speed radar system that could automatically charge speeding violations to a user's telephone bill or as a theft deterrent to locate stolen vehicles.
  • WO 98/16077, WO 98/25158 and WO 98/59256 disclose the use of a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver in conjunction with the cellular network to derive similar information.
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • Japanese laid-open patent application H 10-42371 deals with another aspect of the driving while phoning problem. That application discloses a vehicle mounted unit that jams any cellular signals while the car is in operation. Of course, this makes the reception of important calls impossible.
  • United States Patent No. 6,262,657 to Okuda et al. obviates some of these problems by automatically issuing a driver alert (received over the telephone) when driving characteristics become erratic while a cellular phone is being used.
  • both of these solutions require a separate unit mounted in the vehicle. Thus, a user is not protected in rental cars or cars other than his or her usual vehicle.
  • the present invention is a service available from the cellular telephone provider.
  • the individual cellular user has the option of subscribing to one or more of the features either on a cost per occurrence basis or a monthly fee or some combination of occurrence and fee.
  • the features can be mandated by a governmental entity and paid for by a tax, or in some instances by fines for violating certain driving laws or regulations.
  • a first aspect is a speed/position detection system based on one of the prior art method discussed above.
  • the cellular provider is aware of the location and speed of an active telephone. If the relative speed and location indicates that the telephone is in an automobile, the system will respond depending on which options the user has elected. The system may broadcast a warning to the specific phone (e.g., "Warning! Do not drive and use the telephone"). Alternatively, the system may terminate the call or warn and then terminate the call after a set period. In any case, the action and exact time can be printed on the cellular telephone bill along with a suitable charge. In addition, the cellular system can correlate the position with local speed limits and determine if the vehicle is exceeding those limits. Breaking the speed limit can also elicit specific warnings and call terminations. Depending on the laws of the jurisdiction any of these violations could also result in an automatic fine levied on the telephone user.
  • a warning to the specific phone e.g., "Warning! Do not drive and use the telephone”
  • the system may terminate the call or warn and then terminate the call after a set period.
  • the action and exact time can be printed on the
  • a second aspect of the system involves a special piece of hardware installed at traffic light-controlled intersections.
  • the hardware may include a stop line sensor and directional antenna linked to a transponder module that is in communication with the timer controlling the traffic light (automatic traffic control system).
  • the transponder module is conveniently placed in the same box as the timer.
  • Many traffic light systems already have suitable in road sensors.
  • the directional antenna may be placed at the curb, in the road surface or another convenient location and receives signals essentially only from a narrow region representing the entry to the intersection.
  • Cellular telephones that subscribe to the inventive service broadcast a special coded identity signal at regular intervals or in response to a "challenge" signal.
  • the transponder transmits the "challenge" signal at regular intervals (preferably less than one second) either continuously or in relation to the changing of the signal light or in relation to vehicles crossing the stop line sensor.
  • the "challenge” signal is sent at a relatively low power so that only telephones within a hundred meters or so respond.
  • This arrangement can be used in several different ways to unambiguously identify a vehicle crossing the stop line.
  • each vehicle crosses the stop line its presence is recorded by the sensor and the "challenge" signal is transmitted to coincide with the sensor activation.
  • the directional antenna receives the identity signal only from a limited region including the stop line. Thus, any identity signal received must come from a cellular telephone at the stop line sensor because only telephones in that region are picked up by the antenna.
  • a small transponder of the RF-ID (radio frequency identification) type is optionally mounted on the driver's side window (or other appropriate location).
  • This transponder can be in the form of a small window decal and responds to a signal sent by the directional antenna.
  • the response signal of the transponder is used to determine whether the detected cell phone in the vehicle is being used by the vehicle's driver. For example, upon activation by the directional antenna the transponder can emit a special coded "chirp".
  • the chirp signal is received by the cell phone which either retransmits the signal or send some other type of response signal.
  • the time the signal takes to travel from the transponder to the cell phone can be measured allowing the distance from the transponder to the cell phone to be determined. If the driver is holding the cell phone, that distance will be less than about one meter (the distance requirement can be changed based on configuration of a given automobile, etc.).
  • the cell phone identity signal received by the directional antenna along with optional information about the distance of the cell phone from the window mounted transponder is transmitted to the cellular telephone central switch or any other location where the computers running the service are located. Essentially, the identity of each subscribing telephone crossing the stop line could be ascertained.
  • the goal of the service is to identify cell phone carrying vehicles that run either a red or a yellow light or are involved in another violation.
  • the decision of whether a vehicle has violated a yellow or red light can be made by the local transponder module, which has all the data about signal light status. In that case, only information on violations of yellow and red lights is forwarded to the central computer.
  • the system can forward all of the signal and sensor information to a central computer, which then makes the decisions.
  • the computer can store all the intersection crossing information for each subscriber for a limited amount of time.
  • the character of responses can be pre-selected by the subscriber or may be set by the system, for example in response to local regulations.
  • System responses include issuing a vocal warning to the subscribing cellular phone (if the phone is in use) which might consist of something like "you just ran a yellow light" or "you just ran a red light.” Following the warning, any telephone call in progress can be terminated as part of the response. In addition, a warning can be placed on the next cell phone bill indicating the time and location of the violation, and a special charge can be included on the bill. Depending on local law information can be used to asses a fine. The subscriber might also have the option of ordering a printout from a certain intersection and time for contesting a traffic citation, etc.
  • the cell phone data can act as an independent confirmation or denial of a photographic citation.
  • a subscribing driver with an active cellular phone in the vehicle
  • a user can contact the service provider to have a record of his or her intersection crossing sent out. In some cases, this record will confirm the automatic photographic citation; however, in other cases it may show that the vehicle did not actually cross the limit line when the signal was red. Again, the information can appear on the cellular bill and/or be specially requested by the consumer to document a contested automatic photographic system citation.
  • the ability of the invention to determine whether the cell phone in question is being held by the driver allows the benefits of the system along with the ability to demonstrate that the driver was not using the phone in a situation where laws prohibit simultaneous cell phone use and operation of a motor vehicle.
  • FIGURE 1 is a diagram of a typical traffic signal controlled intersection to illustrate one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGURE 2 is a diagram of vehicle equipped with a window mounted transponder to demonstrate how determination of driver use of the cell phone is made.
  • Detailed Description of the Invention The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the general principles of the present invention have been defined herein specifically to provide enhanced safety services for cellular telephones.
  • a first aspect of the present invention is a cellular telephone service that warns or otherwise responds to speed and other aspects of a driver's use of a cellular telephone.
  • the prior art discloses a number of systems for determining the location and motion (speed) of an active cellular telephone. Many of these systems rely on some form of triangulation between cellular phone transponders and the active telephone. Other systems rely on the presence of a Global Positioning System (GPS) located within the telephone. Still other systems combine these methods.
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • the present invention is not the method of determining location and motion; rather it is the use of this information in commerce once the information is obtained. It is envisioned that the cellular telephone provider will have enabled a location/motion sensing system. There are significant market forces favoring such a move. For example, such a system can be extremely useful for locating stolen automobiles and for pinpointing locations during a "91 1 " or similar emergency call.
  • the present invention can provide an additional revenue source for the telephone companies and local government entities that work with the providers (see especially the details below concerning traffic signals).
  • the user pays a basic subscription fee for the service and pays an additional fee each time the service reports an event.
  • the basic subscription can be free with more substantial fees charged for each event.
  • the subscriber can chose an event to be reported whenever a cellular call is made from a moving vehicle. This is the most stringent condition and will not be selected by all users. Whenever the system detects that a cellular phone is moving at a speed exceeding normal human walking (say ten miles per hour), the status of that phone is set to "moving vehicle". Depending on the service selected any active phone call counts as an event.
  • the system records the event, charges for the event, and responds to the event. Response can vary depending on user selection.
  • the first level of response can be an audible warning ("Don't drive and phone") injected into the phone transmission. This can be followed by additional warnings or call termination if the call does not end or vehicle motion cease within a set amount of time. Alternatively, automatic call termination alone can be the response.
  • the system can refuse to initiate or receive calls if the status of the phone is "moving vehicle". This could be especially attractive to parents of driving teenagers. The parents could have the cell phone accounts of their children set so that cell phone calls could not be made from a moving vehicle. This would not inhibit legitimate emergency uses of the pone.
  • the basic invention is a service provided by the cellular Phone Company and/or mandated by the local regulatory authority that provides a response to call from a moving cellular telephone.
  • the system can also define an "over speed” status. Ideally, this is derived by determining the average speed of a "moving vehicle” status phone and comparing it to the legal speeds in the location occupied by the phone. Again, the responses can include a number of warnings and eventual call termination or blocking. If regulatory authorities are involved, automatic fines and citations can issue.
  • the speed warning to the user can serve a genuine safety function. Even is the phone is not being used to make a call but is merely turned on, the "over speed” status can be set and warning (and charges) printed on the next cellular telephone bill. This should serve as a deterrent for the user to improve his or her driving. Again, the warnings on the cellular phone bill would be especially interesting to parents.
  • a second aspect of the current invention involves the interaction of cellular telephones and traffic signal-controlled intersection (intersections also include rail crossings and other places where traffic control is important). If a call is in progress while the vehicle crosses the controlled intersection various warnings, printed messages (specifically requested by the user and/or on the monthly bill) and/or call terminations can be instituted depending on the status of the crossing (ran yellow light or ran red light). If regulatory authorities are involved, citations and fines can be levied. If the phone is active but no call is being made, the intersection information can simply appear on the cellular phone bill along with a charge. These responses should encourage more responsible and careful driving.
  • the cellular telephone intersection data may prove useful to challenge a photographic citation. Further, it is possible for the invention to determine whether the cellular phone is being used by the driver or a passenger. Generally, warnings and call terminations would not be applied to a phone operated by a passenger where the system can determine that the driver is not using the phone.
  • the system is intended to interface with a traffic signal-controlled intersection (part of an automatic traffic control system) whether or not that intersection is equipped with an automatic photographic citation system.
  • the basic parts of the system are stop line sensors (to indicate a vehicle crossing the stop line) and a control system in communication with the traffic signal timing mechanism and the stop line sensor. In addition, there may be additional road sensors in the system.
  • the transponder control system receives the sensor information and the traffic light status information and can thus determine whenever a vehicle passes the stop line and whether the light is green, yellow or red (or is about to change) when this occurs.
  • a convenient location for the transponder is with the timer electronics that control the intersection signals. Yellow or red crossings by a cellular telephone (in a moving vehicle) can give rise to warning or other system responses. It is necessary for the control system to determine whether the vehicle contains an active cellular telephone that subscribes to the service and then direct the proper responses (warnings, terminations and charges) to that telephone.
  • One embodiment has the transponder log all cellular identifying information that is coincident with a vehicle crossing the stop line.
  • Fig. 1 shows a typical intersection with two roads 10 and 12 crossing. Traffic lights 20 are located at each corner under control of a timer (not shown). The right hand lane at each corner has a stop line sensor 22 while the left lane has a "right turn" sensor 24. If the intersection has more than one lane in each direction, the arrangement of sensors would be adjusted accordingly as is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.
  • the transponder control system must determine the presence of a cellular telephone at each sensor. This can be accomplished through a directional antenna 26 or 26' either at the curb or embedded within the roadway.
  • the directional antenna 26, 26' receives cell phone signals from vehicles coincident with the sensor.
  • the transponder can relay all of this information (along with the signal status information) back to a central location where a determination is made whether the cellular phone subscribes to the service. Alternatively, only information from a yellow or red violation can be sent back (this tremendously decreases the amount of data that must be processed at a central location). For each potential yellow or red violation the control system monitors the right turn sensor 24 (and associated directional antenna 26, 26') in the seconds following a potential violation. If the same vehicle subsequently appears crossing the right turn sensor 24, then the potential violation is cancelled.
  • a possible problem with this approach is that there are a considerable number of non-compatible cellular services available. It could be a needless complexity for the transponder control system to be able to process such a range of signals. Although it is possible to equip the transponder -with circuitry to handle all possible cellular systems, it is simpler to only supply electronics for the one or two cellular companies that supply the inventive service in a given region. A further simplification is to have the transponder control system record signals only from actual subscribers to the inventive service. One means of achieving this is to have the subscribing telephones issue a special identifying signal constantly or only when they receive a special request signal.
  • the control system would issue the special request only at the precise moment that a vehicle crosses the stop line sensor 22 during a yellow or red light.
  • the subscribing telephones within range of the control system (a hundred meters or less) would answer with their identifying signal but only the vehicle at the sensor 22 would be within range of the directional antenna 26, 26'.
  • the special request signal can be broadcast through the directional antenna 26, 26', thereby further reducing the number of responding cellular telephones. lf this same vehicle is detected at the right turn sensor 24 within a few seconds, no violation has occurred.
  • ATC automatic traffic control
  • the inventive system as disclosed this far does not differentiate between driver and passenger operation of a cellular telephone. This may particularly pose a problem as more regulations against driver operation of a cellular telephone come into force. As explained, the inventive system can be used to determine violations of such regulations. While it is possible to pass regulations that attach the violation to any operating cell phone within the violating vehicle, fairness and due process suggest that only a cell phone operated by the vehicle driver should be fined. Therefore, the system is also provided with an optional means to differentiate driver operation of a cellular telephone from passenger operation of a cellular telephone. This optional detection is best achieved by adding hardware to define positions within a vehicle.
  • the system provides a simple means of achieving differentiation of driver operation of a cellular telephone from passenger operation of a cellular telephone. This can be differentiated based on the position of the active telephone within the vehicle. Generally, a driver operated cellular telephone will be within a radius of about one meter of the lower left hand corner or the vehicle windshield (left hand drive autos). Telephones not within this radius have a very high probability of being operated by a passenger as opposed to the driver. The exact measurement can be adjusted on an individual basis according to dimensions of a given vehicle.
  • the present inventive system provides a means of determining whether a telephone is within the critical radius. If it is, it is treated as a driver operated telephone and is treated to warnings, fines, etc. as explained above.
  • Some type of transmitter is located at the lower left hand corner of the vehicle windshield (or similar appropriate location). This transmitter sends a signal in response from a triggering signal sent by the control system when an apparent violation (red/yellow crossing) is occurring.
  • the transmitter receives the triggering signal (transmitted, for example, by the direction antenna 26, 26'), it immediately transmits a coded signal that is received by the cellular telephone which immediately broadcasts a response signal which can be received and interpreted by the transponder control system.
  • Fig. 2 shows a diagram of a simple implementation of the just described system for determining driver operation of the cellular telephone.
  • the transmitter 50 is in the form of an "inspection decal" placed on the inside surface of the lower left hand corner of the windshield 52.
  • the transmitter is in the form of a small integrated circuit and an antenna embedded within the decal.
  • the technology used is that of RF-ID (radio frequency identification).
  • an antenna in this case the direction antenna 26, 26') transmits a radio signal that is received by the embedded antenna. This signal provides electrical power as well as data to the integrated circuit.
  • the circuit can respond with a radio signal or if a piezo- electric transducer is included in the package, a sound signal can be sent into the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
  • RF-ID technology the hardware can be kept very simple and inexpensive since no power cable, etc. are required. It is also possible to provide a very small transmitter 50 containing a small long life lithium or similar battery. In either case the electronic technology is simple and inexpensive.
  • the traffic signal cellular system uses a control system that detects violations of the intersection by comparing crossing of the sensor 22 with the status of the traffic light. Identity of active cellular telephones in the vehicle crossing the sensor is determined. The determination can consist of directed reception of typical cellular signals from the crossing vehicle. The typical cellular signal contains information allowing identification of the cellular account so that a proper response can be made if the telephone is a subscriber to the service. Alternatively, the system can be made more precise by having only subscribing telephones issue a special identifying signal in response from a challenging signal from the control system. Preferably, the challenging signal is issued only at the moment a vehicle is detected crossing the signal. This enhances the precision with which the identifying signal can be linked to a vehicle borne telephone. Addition of an in vehicle transmitter (for example, RF-ID based) allows discrimination between a cellular telephone operated by the vehicle's driver and one operated by a passenger.
  • an in vehicle transmitter for example, RF-ID based
  • the above description illustrates one method the inventor proposes for identification of cellular telephones crossing an intersection.
  • the invention first determines when, in relation to the status of a traffic signal, a vehicle crosses the "stop line" of an intersection. This information is obtained by comparing information from a road sensor (e.g., wire or switch buried in the roadway or an optical system with computerized means to determine when a vehicle cross the "stop line") with signal information from the signal timer. Signal information could also be obtained from optical sensors, etc. that actually observe the signal lights. The presence of an active cellular telephone in the vehicle is detected at the stop line.
  • a road sensor e.g., wire or switch buried in the roadway or an optical system with computerized means to determine when a vehicle cross the "stop line
  • Signal information could also be obtained from optical sensors, etc. that actually observe the signal lights.
  • the presence of an active cellular telephone in the vehicle is detected at the stop line.
  • a directional system that receives cellular signals from only a limited region [i.e., the stop line) or by a "challenge system” that directionally beams a signal just to a vehicle crossing the stop line to elicit a response from any active onboard cellular telephone.
  • Other systems such as the motion/location system mentioned above may also be sufficiently precise to unambiguously identify the cellular phone crossing the stop line— such systems are also usable with the present invention.
  • the information on the stop line crossing of active cellular telephones is compared to information showing which subscribers have elected the intersection system. Those subscriber accounts receive a response depending on whether the crossing is a violation of the red or yellow light or other defined traffic violation.
  • the responses can range from audible warnings (if a call is in progress) to call terminations and warnings/documentation printed on the cellular phone bill. Each response would also incur a charge to the bill.
  • the subscriber would have the option of obtaining a special printout as an attempt to demonstrate to the traffic authorities that a violation had not been made. If the governmental traffic regulations permitted, the system could also issue an automatic citation to the offending cellular telephone.
  • the phone would belong to a passenger (as opposed to the driver) nevertheless, the system would record a traffic violation. The passenger would then face the task of obtaining reimbursement from the driver. This potential problem can be obviated by the driver-phone detection method discussed above.

Abstract

A cellular telephone service ensures safe user of cellular telephone by charging a subscriber for any of a number of vehicular events. When an event is detected, the system can issue a vocal warning to the subscribing telephone or terminate the call in addition to or instead of a warning. Events can be triggered by any telephone call made from or to a moving vehicle. Events can be triggered by exceeding a certain speed. The system also integrates with traffic-light controlled intersections. Events are provoked by a vehicle carrying an active cell phone entering a device-equipped intersection when the light is either yellow or red. At an intersection equipped with an automatic photographic citation system, the invention provides independent documentation of time and light status of a cell phone equipped vehicle entering the intersection.

Description

CELLULAR TELEPHONE SAFETY SYSTEM
Background of the Invention Area of the Art The present invention is in the field of cellular telephonic communication and more specifically to a system for enforcing safe use of cellular telephones while driving.
Description of the Prior Art Within the last fifteen years, the cellular telephone has evolved from a bulky, expensive device that was rarely seen to an inexpensive, tiny device of ubiquitous presence. One has only to walk through a shopping mall to see that virtually every person from sub-teenagers to octogenarians is talking on a cell phone. In a mall this causes minor inconveniences as the telephone users pay more attention to their conversations than to their walking and collide with each other or with stationary objects. Unfortunately, the same pattern is repeated in automobiles. Almost every car has a cell phone, and conversing drivers often lose track of their driving as they communicate. To make matters worse relatively few cars have "hand-free" telephone devices. Thus, to the inattention caused by talking on the phone must be added the dangers of one handed driving and of looking at the phone buttons rather than the road. States and municipalities are passing laws against "driving while phoning" but these laws are, at best, difficult to enforce.
The cellular telephone system is a technological wonder, and a number of driving-related enhancements to that system have been proposed. WO 96/01531 uses the cellular telephone system to determine the location and speed of a vehicle carrying an active cellular telephone. It is proposed that this system be used for an automatic parking system (to record the presence of a vehicle in a parking slot & charge for that parking, etc.), as a speed radar system that could automatically charge speeding violations to a user's telephone bill or as a theft deterrent to locate stolen vehicles. WO 98/16077, WO 98/25158 and WO 98/59256 disclose the use of a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver in conjunction with the cellular network to derive similar information.
Japanese laid-open patent application H 10-42371 deals with another aspect of the driving while phoning problem. That application discloses a vehicle mounted unit that jams any cellular signals while the car is in operation. Of course, this makes the reception of important calls impossible. United States Patent No. 6,262,657 to Okuda et al. obviates some of these problems by automatically issuing a driver alert (received over the telephone) when driving characteristics become erratic while a cellular phone is being used. However, both of these solutions require a separate unit mounted in the vehicle. Thus, a user is not protected in rental cars or cars other than his or her usual vehicle.
An independent development in the arena of driving safety is the camera equipped road intersection. The traffic light or signal is mainstay of urban and suburban traffic control. Intersections in most well-traveled areas are controlled by traffic signals. These devices are largely responsible for bringing some semblance of order to traffic flow by periodically stopping the traffic on one route to allow traffic on an intersecting or crossing route to traverse an intersection. The change of signals from yellow and then to red should ensure orderly and safe traffic flow. Unfortunately, there are at least two problems: lack of driver attention and drivers attempting to beat the system. Lack of attention can arise from numerous causes including use of a cellular telephone. The urge to "beat the system" is to some extent a byproduct of the signal system itself. The change from green to yellow is made to allow prudent drivers to stop safely before they enter the intersection. Because the signal in the crossing direction remains red during the yellow portion of the cycle, cars caught in the intersection have a chance to safely exit before cross traffic begins to flow. The problem is that drivers soon learn that it is "legal" (but not necessary safe or prudent) to enter the intersection after the light turns yellow. Therefore, drivers often accelerate (instead of stopping) when they see a yellow light. This results in cars being in the intersection after the light turns red. It also results in collisions as drivers in the crossing direction enter the intersection in response to a green light. In some intersections, a delay is added so that the crossing light does not become green until sometime after the yellow to red transition. This would seem to be a way to guarantee safety, but it often has the opposite effect. This is because yellow light runners intent on beating the system learn to trust the delay and are even more apt to enter the intersection against a yellow signal. There are also a small number of scofflaws who simply ignore the red signal and stop at nothing (short of a collision).
This problem has been addressed by a growing number of intersections equipped with an automatic camera system that snaps a picture of any car entering the intersection after the signal turns yellow. The photographs are then used to legally fine the offenders with an automatic "photographic citation". On paper, the system is relatively simple. A sensor in the pavement at the stop line detects the crossing of each automobile. This sensor is linked electronically to the traffic signal timing device. If the signal is red when a car passes over the sensor, this initiates a photography sequence that snaps a picture of the car after a slight delay so that the car is centered in the intersection. There has been considerable controversy over these systems because there is a possibility that the photographed car may not be the same car that tripped the sensor. In addition, the driver has no independent way of proving the status of the light when the vehicle crossed the stop line.
Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide enhanced safety for a vehicle driver using a cellular telephone without requiring complex vehicle mounted hardware; It is an additional object of the present invention to enhance safety of a cellular phone equipped car crossing an intersection controlled by traffic lights;
It is a further object of the present invention to provide independent verification of traffic signal compliance for a cellular phone equipped car crossing an intersection equipped with automatic monitoring cameras; and
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a means for detecting whether the cellular phone in a vehicle crossing an intersection is being used by the driver of the vehicle. The present invention is a service available from the cellular telephone provider. There are at least two different aspects to the system, which can be independently available. The individual cellular user has the option of subscribing to one or more of the features either on a cost per occurrence basis or a monthly fee or some combination of occurrence and fee. Alternatively, the features can be mandated by a governmental entity and paid for by a tax, or in some instances by fines for violating certain driving laws or regulations. A first aspect is a speed/position detection system based on one of the prior art method discussed above. Through the speed/position detection system, the cellular provider is aware of the location and speed of an active telephone. If the relative speed and location indicates that the telephone is in an automobile, the system will respond depending on which options the user has elected. The system may broadcast a warning to the specific phone (e.g., "Warning! Do not drive and use the telephone"). Alternatively, the system may terminate the call or warn and then terminate the call after a set period. In any case, the action and exact time can be printed on the cellular telephone bill along with a suitable charge. In addition, the cellular system can correlate the position with local speed limits and determine if the vehicle is exceeding those limits. Breaking the speed limit can also elicit specific warnings and call terminations. Depending on the laws of the jurisdiction any of these violations could also result in an automatic fine levied on the telephone user.
A second aspect of the system involves a special piece of hardware installed at traffic light-controlled intersections. The hardware may include a stop line sensor and directional antenna linked to a transponder module that is in communication with the timer controlling the traffic light (automatic traffic control system). The transponder module is conveniently placed in the same box as the timer. Many traffic light systems already have suitable in road sensors. The directional antenna may be placed at the curb, in the road surface or another convenient location and receives signals essentially only from a narrow region representing the entry to the intersection. Cellular telephones that subscribe to the inventive service broadcast a special coded identity signal at regular intervals or in response to a "challenge" signal. The transponder transmits the "challenge" signal at regular intervals (preferably less than one second) either continuously or in relation to the changing of the signal light or in relation to vehicles crossing the stop line sensor. The "challenge" signal is sent at a relatively low power so that only telephones within a hundred meters or so respond. This arrangement can be used in several different ways to unambiguously identify a vehicle crossing the stop line. In a preferred arrangement as each vehicle crosses the stop line, its presence is recorded by the sensor and the "challenge" signal is transmitted to coincide with the sensor activation. At the same time, the directional antenna receives the identity signal only from a limited region including the stop line. Thus, any identity signal received must come from a cellular telephone at the stop line sensor because only telephones in that region are picked up by the antenna.
In addition, a small transponder of the RF-ID (radio frequency identification) type is optionally mounted on the driver's side window (or other appropriate location). This transponder can be in the form of a small window decal and responds to a signal sent by the directional antenna. The response signal of the transponder is used to determine whether the detected cell phone in the vehicle is being used by the vehicle's driver. For example, upon activation by the directional antenna the transponder can emit a special coded "chirp". The chirp signal is received by the cell phone which either retransmits the signal or send some other type of response signal. The time the signal takes to travel from the transponder to the cell phone can be measured allowing the distance from the transponder to the cell phone to be determined. If the driver is holding the cell phone, that distance will be less than about one meter (the distance requirement can be changed based on configuration of a given automobile, etc.).
The cell phone identity signal received by the directional antenna along with optional information about the distance of the cell phone from the window mounted transponder is transmitted to the cellular telephone central switch or any other location where the computers running the service are located. Essentially, the identity of each subscribing telephone crossing the stop line could be ascertained. The goal of the service is to identify cell phone carrying vehicles that run either a red or a yellow light or are involved in another violation. The decision of whether a vehicle has violated a yellow or red light can be made by the local transponder module, which has all the data about signal light status. In that case, only information on violations of yellow and red lights is forwarded to the central computer. Alternatively, the system can forward all of the signal and sensor information to a central computer, which then makes the decisions. In addition, the computer can store all the intersection crossing information for each subscriber for a limited amount of time.
The character of responses can be pre-selected by the subscriber or may be set by the system, for example in response to local regulations.
System responses include issuing a vocal warning to the subscribing cellular phone (if the phone is in use) which might consist of something like "you just ran a yellow light" or "you just ran a red light." Following the warning, any telephone call in progress can be terminated as part of the response. In addition, a warning can be placed on the next cell phone bill indicating the time and location of the violation, and a special charge can be included on the bill. Depending on local law information can be used to asses a fine. The subscriber might also have the option of ordering a printout from a certain intersection and time for contesting a traffic citation, etc.
If the intersection is equipped with an automatic photographic citation system, the cell phone data can act as an independent confirmation or denial of a photographic citation. For example, if a subscribing driver (with an active cellular phone in the vehicle) is "caught" by the automatic photographic system, a user can contact the service provider to have a record of his or her intersection crossing sent out. In some cases, this record will confirm the automatic photographic citation; however, in other cases it may show that the vehicle did not actually cross the limit line when the signal was red. Again, the information can appear on the cellular bill and/or be specially requested by the consumer to document a contested automatic photographic system citation. The ability of the invention to determine whether the cell phone in question is being held by the driver allows the benefits of the system along with the ability to demonstrate that the driver was not using the phone in a situation where laws prohibit simultaneous cell phone use and operation of a motor vehicle.
Description of the Figures FIGURE 1 is a diagram of a typical traffic signal controlled intersection to illustrate one embodiment of the present invention. FIGURE 2 is a diagram of vehicle equipped with a window mounted transponder to demonstrate how determination of driver use of the cell phone is made. Detailed Description of the Invention The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the general principles of the present invention have been defined herein specifically to provide enhanced safety services for cellular telephones.
Phone Speed and Motion. A first aspect of the present invention is a cellular telephone service that warns or otherwise responds to speed and other aspects of a driver's use of a cellular telephone. As mentioned above, the prior art discloses a number of systems for determining the location and motion (speed) of an active cellular telephone. Many of these systems rely on some form of triangulation between cellular phone transponders and the active telephone. Other systems rely on the presence of a Global Positioning System (GPS) located within the telephone. Still other systems combine these methods. The present invention is not the method of determining location and motion; rather it is the use of this information in commerce once the information is obtained. It is envisioned that the cellular telephone provider will have enabled a location/motion sensing system. There are significant market forces favoring such a move. For example, such a system can be extremely useful for locating stolen automobiles and for pinpointing locations during a "91 1 " or similar emergency call.
Once the location/motion system is available, the present invention can provide an additional revenue source for the telephone companies and local government entities that work with the providers (see especially the details below concerning traffic signals). For location/motion service, the user pays a basic subscription fee for the service and pays an additional fee each time the service reports an event. Alternatively, the basic subscription can be free with more substantial fees charged for each event. The subscriber can chose an event to be reported whenever a cellular call is made from a moving vehicle. This is the most stringent condition and will not be selected by all users. Whenever the system detects that a cellular phone is moving at a speed exceeding normal human walking (say ten miles per hour), the status of that phone is set to "moving vehicle". Depending on the service selected any active phone call counts as an event. The system records the event, charges for the event, and responds to the event. Response can vary depending on user selection. The first level of response can be an audible warning ("Don't drive and phone") injected into the phone transmission. This can be followed by additional warnings or call termination if the call does not end or vehicle motion cease within a set amount of time. Alternatively, automatic call termination alone can be the response. In addition, the system can refuse to initiate or receive calls if the status of the phone is "moving vehicle". This could be especially attractive to parents of driving teenagers. The parents could have the cell phone accounts of their children set so that cell phone calls could not be made from a moving vehicle. This would not inhibit legitimate emergency uses of the pone.
Other responses of the system are possible and the invention is not limited to those responses already listed. The basic invention is a service provided by the cellular Phone Company and/or mandated by the local regulatory authority that provides a response to call from a moving cellular telephone.
Besides the "moving vehicle" status, the system can also define an "over speed" status. Ideally, this is derived by determining the average speed of a "moving vehicle" status phone and comparing it to the legal speeds in the location occupied by the phone. Again, the responses can include a number of warnings and eventual call termination or blocking. If regulatory authorities are involved, automatic fines and citations can issue. Here the speed warning to the user can serve a genuine safety function. Even is the phone is not being used to make a call but is merely turned on, the "over speed" status can be set and warning (and charges) printed on the next cellular telephone bill. This should serve as a deterrent for the user to improve his or her driving. Again, the warnings on the cellular phone bill would be especially interesting to parents.
Cellular Telephone and Signal-Controlled Intersections. A second aspect of the current invention involves the interaction of cellular telephones and traffic signal-controlled intersection (intersections also include rail crossings and other places where traffic control is important). If a call is in progress while the vehicle crosses the controlled intersection various warnings, printed messages (specifically requested by the user and/or on the monthly bill) and/or call terminations can be instituted depending on the status of the crossing (ran yellow light or ran red light). If regulatory authorities are involved, citations and fines can be levied. If the phone is active but no call is being made, the intersection information can simply appear on the cellular phone bill along with a charge. These responses should encourage more responsible and careful driving. If the intersection that is crossed is equipped with an automatic photographic citation system, the cellular telephone intersection data may prove useful to challenge a photographic citation. Further, it is possible for the invention to determine whether the cellular phone is being used by the driver or a passenger. Generally, warnings and call terminations would not be applied to a phone operated by a passenger where the system can determine that the driver is not using the phone. The system is intended to interface with a traffic signal-controlled intersection (part of an automatic traffic control system) whether or not that intersection is equipped with an automatic photographic citation system. The basic parts of the system are stop line sensors (to indicate a vehicle crossing the stop line) and a control system in communication with the traffic signal timing mechanism and the stop line sensor. In addition, there may be additional road sensors in the system. For one thing, it is usually necessary to determine whether a vehicle crossing the stop line sensor goes on straight through the intersection or makes a right turn (in countries that drive on the left side of the road, all the description concerning right turns should be adjusted appropriately). This can be achieved with additional "right turn" sensors either within the intersection (not shown) or around the corner as shown in Fig. 1 .
The transponder control system (not illustrated) receives the sensor information and the traffic light status information and can thus determine whenever a vehicle passes the stop line and whether the light is green, yellow or red (or is about to change) when this occurs. A convenient location for the transponder is with the timer electronics that control the intersection signals. Yellow or red crossings by a cellular telephone (in a moving vehicle) can give rise to warning or other system responses. It is necessary for the control system to determine whether the vehicle contains an active cellular telephone that subscribes to the service and then direct the proper responses (warnings, terminations and charges) to that telephone.
Any active cellular telephone constantly transmits identifying information. One embodiment has the transponder log all cellular identifying information that is coincident with a vehicle crossing the stop line. Reference is made to Fig. 1 that shows a typical intersection with two roads 10 and 12 crossing. Traffic lights 20 are located at each corner under control of a timer (not shown). The right hand lane at each corner has a stop line sensor 22 while the left lane has a "right turn" sensor 24. If the intersection has more than one lane in each direction, the arrangement of sensors would be adjusted accordingly as is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.
The transponder control system must determine the presence of a cellular telephone at each sensor. This can be accomplished through a directional antenna 26 or 26' either at the curb or embedded within the roadway. The directional antenna 26, 26' receives cell phone signals from vehicles coincident with the sensor. The transponder can relay all of this information (along with the signal status information) back to a central location where a determination is made whether the cellular phone subscribes to the service. Alternatively, only information from a yellow or red violation can be sent back (this tremendously decreases the amount of data that must be processed at a central location). For each potential yellow or red violation the control system monitors the right turn sensor 24 (and associated directional antenna 26, 26') in the seconds following a potential violation. If the same vehicle subsequently appears crossing the right turn sensor 24, then the potential violation is cancelled.
A possible problem with this approach is that there are a considerable number of non-compatible cellular services available. It could be a needless complexity for the transponder control system to be able to process such a range of signals. Although it is possible to equip the transponder -with circuitry to handle all possible cellular systems, it is simpler to only supply electronics for the one or two cellular companies that supply the inventive service in a given region. A further simplification is to have the transponder control system record signals only from actual subscribers to the inventive service. One means of achieving this is to have the subscribing telephones issue a special identifying signal constantly or only when they receive a special request signal. In the second case, the control system would issue the special request only at the precise moment that a vehicle crosses the stop line sensor 22 during a yellow or red light. The subscribing telephones within range of the control system (a hundred meters or less) would answer with their identifying signal but only the vehicle at the sensor 22 would be within range of the directional antenna 26, 26'. Alternatively, the special request signal can be broadcast through the directional antenna 26, 26', thereby further reducing the number of responding cellular telephones. lf this same vehicle is detected at the right turn sensor 24 within a few seconds, no violation has occurred. If it is not detected by the right turn sensor 24, a violation is transmitted to the central computer which makes the response (warning and/or call termination and/or bill charge and/or regulatory fine/citation) programmed for that particular user. Transmission to the central computer can be by dedicated phone line or by cellular phone transmission as desired. An additional function of the transponder control system, which function may encourage cities to install the system, can be to retime and synchronize the traffic lights according to an input from a traffic control computer through wire or cellular connection. Because the system can also transmit data on the number of cars crossing the sensors 22, 24, it provides traffic flow data that is used to calculate dynamic retiming of the lights. Many large cites already have automatic traffic control (ATC) systems. The present invention can use the ATC data and can be interfaced with the ATC either to take advantage of the data pathways of the ATC or to act to supplement or modify the ATC.
While it is generally agreed that operating a cellular telephone while driving is undesirable, there is no problem with passengers operating a cellular telephone. The inventive system as disclosed this far does not differentiate between driver and passenger operation of a cellular telephone. This may particularly pose a problem as more regulations against driver operation of a cellular telephone come into force. As explained, the inventive system can be used to determine violations of such regulations. While it is possible to pass regulations that attach the violation to any operating cell phone within the violating vehicle, fairness and due process suggest that only a cell phone operated by the vehicle driver should be fined. Therefore, the system is also provided with an optional means to differentiate driver operation of a cellular telephone from passenger operation of a cellular telephone. This optional detection is best achieved by adding hardware to define positions within a vehicle. However, in keeping with the goal to minimize bulky or difficult to install custom hardware, the system provides a simple means of achieving differentiation of driver operation of a cellular telephone from passenger operation of a cellular telephone. This can be differentiated based on the position of the active telephone within the vehicle. Generally, a driver operated cellular telephone will be within a radius of about one meter of the lower left hand corner or the vehicle windshield (left hand drive autos). Telephones not within this radius have a very high probability of being operated by a passenger as opposed to the driver. The exact measurement can be adjusted on an individual basis according to dimensions of a given vehicle.
Therefore, the present inventive system provides a means of determining whether a telephone is within the critical radius. If it is, it is treated as a driver operated telephone and is treated to warnings, fines, etc. as explained above. Some type of transmitter is located at the lower left hand corner of the vehicle windshield (or similar appropriate location). This transmitter sends a signal in response from a triggering signal sent by the control system when an apparent violation (red/yellow crossing) is occurring. When the transmitter receives the triggering signal (transmitted, for example, by the direction antenna 26, 26'), it immediately transmits a coded signal that is received by the cellular telephone which immediately broadcasts a response signal which can be received and interpreted by the transponder control system. Clearly, the farther an operating cellular telephone is from the transmitter, the longer it will take to respond. This delay can be accurately measured and translated into the distance between the transmitter and the cellular telephone. In this way the system can determine if the cellular telephone is being operated by the vehicle driver.
While modern electronics can readily detect the time an electromagnetic signal takes to travel from the transmitter (at the lower left corner of the windshield, for example) to the cellular telephones within the vehicle, such a determination requires a considerable degree of precision. The determination is made simpler if the signal from the transmitter is sound as opposed to electromagnetic radiation because sound waves move much more slowly. In such a case, a transmitter would produce a brief "chirp" of data encoded in sound. Such data could either elicit a special response from the cellular telephone (resulting in transmission of an identifiable signal signifying that the phone "heard" the chirp), or the chirp could be directly transmitted by the telephone as is any other sound reaching the telephone's microphone. In either case it would be possible to determine the length of time the chirp took to travel from the transmitter to the cellular telephone. Fig. 2 shows a diagram of a simple implementation of the just described system for determining driver operation of the cellular telephone. In this diagram the transmitter 50 is in the form of an "inspection decal" placed on the inside surface of the lower left hand corner of the windshield 52. The transmitter is in the form of a small integrated circuit and an antenna embedded within the decal. The technology used is that of RF-ID (radio frequency identification). Essentially, an antenna (in this case the direction antenna 26, 26') transmits a radio signal that is received by the embedded antenna. This signal provides electrical power as well as data to the integrated circuit. The circuit can respond with a radio signal or if a piezo- electric transducer is included in the package, a sound signal can be sent into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Through the use of RF-ID technology, the hardware can be kept very simple and inexpensive since no power cable, etc. are required. It is also possible to provide a very small transmitter 50 containing a small long life lithium or similar battery. In either case the electronic technology is simple and inexpensive.
To recap, the traffic signal cellular system uses a control system that detects violations of the intersection by comparing crossing of the sensor 22 with the status of the traffic light. Identity of active cellular telephones in the vehicle crossing the sensor is determined. The determination can consist of directed reception of typical cellular signals from the crossing vehicle. The typical cellular signal contains information allowing identification of the cellular account so that a proper response can be made if the telephone is a subscriber to the service. Alternatively, the system can be made more precise by having only subscribing telephones issue a special identifying signal in response from a challenging signal from the control system. Preferably, the challenging signal is issued only at the moment a vehicle is detected crossing the signal. This enhances the precision with which the identifying signal can be linked to a vehicle borne telephone. Addition of an in vehicle transmitter (for example, RF-ID based) allows discrimination between a cellular telephone operated by the vehicle's driver and one operated by a passenger.
The above description illustrates one method the inventor proposes for identification of cellular telephones crossing an intersection. The invention first determines when, in relation to the status of a traffic signal, a vehicle crosses the "stop line" of an intersection. This information is obtained by comparing information from a road sensor (e.g., wire or switch buried in the roadway or an optical system with computerized means to determine when a vehicle cross the "stop line") with signal information from the signal timer. Signal information could also be obtained from optical sensors, etc. that actually observe the signal lights. The presence of an active cellular telephone in the vehicle is detected at the stop line. This can be achieved by either a directional system that receives cellular signals from only a limited region [i.e., the stop line) or by a "challenge system" that directionally beams a signal just to a vehicle crossing the stop line to elicit a response from any active onboard cellular telephone. Other systems such as the motion/location system mentioned above may also be sufficiently precise to unambiguously identify the cellular phone crossing the stop line— such systems are also usable with the present invention.
The information on the stop line crossing of active cellular telephones is compared to information showing which subscribers have elected the intersection system. Those subscriber accounts receive a response depending on whether the crossing is a violation of the red or yellow light or other defined traffic violation. As mentioned above, the responses can range from audible warnings (if a call is in progress) to call terminations and warnings/documentation printed on the cellular phone bill. Each response would also incur a charge to the bill. The subscriber would have the option of obtaining a special printout as an attempt to demonstrate to the traffic authorities that a violation had not been made. If the governmental traffic regulations permitted, the system could also issue an automatic citation to the offending cellular telephone. In some cases, the phone would belong to a passenger (as opposed to the driver) nevertheless, the system would record a traffic violation. The passenger would then face the task of obtaining reimbursement from the driver. This potential problem can be obviated by the driver-phone detection method discussed above.
The following claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what essentially incorporates the essential idea of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred embodiment can be configured without departing from the scope of the invention. The illustrated embodiment has been set forth only for the purposes of example and that should not be taken as limiting the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS I claim: 1 . A method of using detected speed of an active cellular telephone comprising the steps of: providing means for detecting speed of an active cellular telephone; allowing a cellular telephone subscriber to elect a response to detected speed of said subscriber's active cellular telephone; and having a cellular telephone service provider implement the elected response.
2. The method according to Claim 1 , the response is selected from the group consisting of an auditory warning transmitted to said subscriber's active cellular telephone, blocking calls to or from said subscriber's active cellular telephone, dropping calls to or from said subscriber's active cellular telephone, and printing a message on a telephone bill to said cellular subscriber.
3. The method according to Claim 1 , wherein the response further includes making a charge to a telephone bill of said cellular subscriber.
4. The method according to Claim 1 , wherein the means to detect also detects a relationship between the speed and a legal vehicle speed at a vicinity occupied by the active cellular telephone, and wherein the response is made according to this relationship.
5. A method of using detected motion of a vehicle carrying an active cellular telephone crossing a traffic intersection comprising the steps of: detecting motion of a vehicle carrying an active cellular telephone entering an intersection; and determining a relationship between a state of traffic signals at the traffic intersection and the detected motion.
6. The method according to Claim 5, wherein an automatic response to the determined relationship is elected and implemented.
7. The method according to Claim 6, the automatic response is selected from the group consisting of an auditory warning transmitted to said active cellular telephone, blocking calls to or from said active cellular telephone, dropping calls to or from said active cellular telephone, printing a message on a telephone bill to said cellular active cellular telephone, and issuing a traffic citation to said active cellular telephone.
8. The method according to Claim 6, wherein the response further includes making a charge to a telephone bill to said cellular subscriber.
9. The method according to Claim 6, wherein the step of detecting discriminates between motion of the vehicle going straight through the intersection and motion of the vehicle making a turn at the intersection.
10. The method according to Claim 6, wherein the step of detecting includes a transmission from the active cellular telephone in response to a challenge signal.
1 1 . The system according to Claim 5, wherein the step of determining a relationship comprising means to compare the time of entry into the intersection with the status of traffic signals at the intersection.
12. The system according to Claims 5 or 1 1 comprising means to determine and indicate when the vehicle has entered the intersection against a red light.
13. The system according to Claims 12 comprising means to make a response to entering the intersection against a red light
14. The system according to Claim 13, the response is selected from the group consisting of an auditory warning transmitted to the active cellular telephone, blocking calls to or from the active cellular telephone, dropping calls to or from the active cellular telephone, printing a message on a telephone bill for the active cellular telephone, and issuing a citation to an owner of the active cellular telephone.
1 5. The system according to Claim 13, wherein the response further includes making a charge to a telephone bill for the active cellular telephone.
16. The system according to Claims 5 or 1 1 comprising means to determine and indicate when the vehicle has entered the intersection against a yellow light
17. The system according to Claims 16 further comprising means to make a response to entering the intersection against a yellow light
18. The system according to Claim 17, the response is selected from the group consisting of an auditory warning transmitted to the active cellular telephone, blocking calls to or from the active cellular telephone, dropping calls to or from the active cellular telephone, and printing a message on a telephone bill for the active cellular telephone.
19. The system according to Claim 17, wherein the response further includes making a charge to a telephone bill for the active cellular telephone.
20. The system according to Claims 5 or 1 1 comprising means for detecting a transmission from the active cellular telephone in response to a challenge signal.
21 . The system according to Claims 5 or 1 1 comprising means for determining whether the active cellular telephone is being held by the driver of the vehicle.
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US11/984,240 US7986934B2 (en) 2004-04-05 2007-11-14 Cellular telephone safety system
US12/286,036 US20090066491A1 (en) 2004-04-05 2008-09-26 Wireless safety system for trains, buses and trucks

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