WO2012154929A1

WO2012154929A1 - A method for limiting the use of a mobile communications device

Info

Publication number: WO2012154929A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/037266
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ciaran Hynes; Brendan Mckenna
Original assignee: 10N2 Technologies Inc.
Priority date: 2011-05-11
Filing date: 2012-05-10
Publication date: 2012-11-15
Also published as: WO2012154939A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for limiting the use of a mobile communications device, the mobile communications device comprising a user interface having at least a display, the steps of the method comprising acquiring the physical speed at which the mobile communications device is travelling using a speed acquiring element; comparing the physical speed to a preset threshold speed; limiting the functionality of the mobile communications device if the physical speed thereof is above the preset threshold speed.

Description

"A METHOD FOR LIMITING THE USE OF A MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE"

INTRODUCTION

It is widely known that the use of mobile communications devices to make phone calls while driving can lead to erratic, careless and dangerous driving. Many jurisdictions have forbidden the use of mobile phones by a driver. Some bans totally forbid use, while others forbid the use of handheld mobile phones, thereby allowing the use of 'hands- free' kits to engage in phone calls. However, as well as the ability to make phone calls, mobile phones also possess messaging technology, while more modern cell phones posses the ability to browse the internet. Compared to phone calls, messaging, including text message and emailing, and internet browsing require the user to read from the phone's display. If that user is driving at the same time, the user must be distracted from the road and his mirrors. Furthermore, if a user is entering data into the phone, for example creating an outgoing message, or navigating a website, this will often require him to take at least one hand off the steering wheel and to take his gaze from the road. It is therefore acknowledged that it is very dangerous to engage in messaging or the like while driving. But even though there is acknowledged danger, it can still be very tempting for a user to engage in such practices.

A number of systems have been proposed to deter or prevent drivers from using their phones while driving. Some users who are particularly safety conscious may choose to obtain or implement one of these existing systems themselves. Other users may have such a system forced upon them, for example by a parent, employer or insurance company. A user who has chosen to use the system may be trusted to be reasonably diligent in its use. On the other hand, unwilling users may not be pleased to have their phone usage limited, and may take steps to bypass the limitation. To maintain the desired safety standards, it is important to ensure that a driver cannot simply choose to bypass a system attempting to limit their phone usage. Furthermore, in a time when many 'hacks' are available, for example on the Internet, to alter the functionality of various mobile communications devices, it is important that any safety-oriented phone usage limiting system be secure and difficult to override. Preferably, such a system would be difficult to override both during a journey i.e. a temporary override, and as a long term override, for example, disabling the system completely.

It is important to note, however, that in many cases users may simply be a passenger in a vehicle and as such, are not engaging in a dangerous activity by using the mobile communications device. The mobile communications device usage of such users should not be adversely affected by a safety-oriented phone usage limiting system.

European Patent No. 1 916 854 describes a system whereby the speed at which the phone is moving is calculated and features of the phone are disabled if the phone is travelling above a certain speed. The system provides for an override to be used if the user is not driving, but is a passenger, in a car or train for example, however that override would also be available to the driver. The document does not outline the mechanism by which the features of the phone are disabled.

US 2009/224931 discloses a method for limiting the use of a mobile communications device having a user interface wherein the method involves determining the physical speed at which the mobile communications device is travelling. If the speed of the mobile communications device is above a certain threshold, the user is alerted to the fact that a safety system limiting the functionality of the phone is about to be implemented. The user may then choose to allow or decline this limitation in functionality. Again, this document does not explain how the limitation in functionality is implemented on the mobile communications device. Other systems have been disclosed wherein some form of technology is used to determine that the user of a phone moving above a certain is driving. For example, US 2009/0002147 discloses a system for limiting the use of a mobile communications device in a vehicle, however, it does so in a manner requiring interaction with a further device in the vehicle. For example, a near field communications sensor, or a button on the passenger side of a car that must be activated by the user of the mobile communications device.

Further, US Patent Application Publication No. 201 1/0039581 discloses a system whereby the phone communicates with the steering wheel of a vehicle via RFID technology. In this way, if the phone is too near the steering wheel, it is determined that the user is the driver. This is a complex system - it requires the installation of hardware in the car, and is therefore tied to that particular car.

Throughout the specification, the terms mobile communications device, mobile device, phone, mobile phone or the like have been used interchangeably.

It is an object therefore of the present invention to provide a method for limiting the use of a mobile communications device that overcomes at least some of the above- mentioned problems.

STATEMENTS OF INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided a method for limiting the use of a mobile communications device, the mobile communications device comprising a user interface having at least a display, the steps of the method comprising

(a) acquiring the physical speed at which the mobile communications device is travelling using a speed acquiring element;

(b) comparing the physical speed to a preset threshold speed;

(c) limiting access to the functionality of the mobile communications device if the physical speed thereof is above the preset threshold speed;

characterised in that

the mobile communications device comprises a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM); and

the steps of the method are carried out by an application running on the SIM that relays commands to the mobile communications device using the SIM

Application Tool Kit (SAT).

In this way, the method of the invention can detect a phone moving at a speed indicating presence in a vehicle and then limit the phone's functionality. Furthermore, as the method is being implemented on the SIM, the method is completely inaccessible to the user, as the user of a mobile communications device has no access to SIM applications, other than the access defined by that application. The SIM is the most secure part of the phone, therefore implementing the method of the invention as a SIM application relaying commands via the SAT interface prevents the user from over-riding the method of the invention so as to regain full functionality of the mobile communications device. This prevents users who are unwilling to limit usage of their phone while driving from seeking over-rides to a usage-limiting method. It would not be possible to deactivate the SIM application implementing the method of the invention, nor re-program it to allow a user implement a temporary over-ride, for example on a journey by journey basis.

In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a method in which the step of limiting access to the functionality of the mobile communications device comprises the SIM application substantially monopolizing the user interface. In this way, the user cannot access the functionality of the phone as he cannot access the interface to that functionality.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a method in which the step of the SIM application substantially monopolizing the user interface comprises the SIM application substantially monopolizing the display. In this way, the user will not get any standard visual indications or visual feedback on what the phone is doing. As operating a mobile phone almost always involves navigating a visual menu on the display, if the menu is not visible, it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to make use of the functions of the mobile communications device.

In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a method in which the step of limiting access to the functionality of the mobile communications device comprises the SIM application sending one or more commands to the mobile communications device that cause the display of the mobile communications device to display a message. In this way, the method of the invention will take over the display of the user interface, by making it display a message from the SIM application. The message may simply be a blank screen, or a notification that functionality has been limited due to the speed at which the phone is moving, or other message. In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a method comprising additional steps of

(d) presenting an attention verification test to a user via the user

interface;

(e) receiving a user response to the attention verification test via the user interface;

(f) ceasing limiting the functionality of the mobile communications device if an appropriate user response is received.

In this way, the message displayed is an attention verification test, and a user who passes will be deemed to be able to pay sufficient attention to the mobile communications device to pass the test and is therefore unlikely to be driving. In this way, users whose mobile communications device is equipped with the application implementing the method of the invention and who are travelling at speed but who are not driving will not be subjected to limited functionality. This is particularly useful for passengers in a car, train or the like. The attention verification test may be a test of user reaction speed, user reaction accuracy or a combination thereof such that an appropriate response to the attention verification test may require a certain percentage accuracy within a preset period. In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a method comprising the further step of

(g) if an inappropriate user response is received, presenting a further message comprising a further attention verification test to the user via the user interface after a preset delay has expired. In this way, during the delay period, no user-initiated user interaction with the mobile communications device is possible until the next attention verification test is presented. This should encourage a driver to desist in attempting to use the mobile communications device.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention there is provided a method further comprising the step of increasing the time period of the preset delay if a further inappropriate user response is received. In this way, a user who repeatedly fails the attention verification test will be locked out of the mobile communications device for increasingly longer periods of time, thus ensuring minimal interaction between the user, presumed to be a driver, and the mobile communications device. In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a method in which the step of limiting the functionality of the mobile communications device comprises limiting user- initiated functionality. In this way, incoming communications on the mobile communications device such as phone calls may be accessed by the user. Preferably the attention verification test comprises a plurality of sub-tests. In this way, the attention verification test may comprise a series of tests or tasks to be accomplished.

In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a method wherein mobile communications device is further equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) transceiver, the method comprising the additional steps of: determining whether the GPS transceiver on the mobile communications device is active or inactive; and limiting access to the functionality of the mobile communications device if the GPS receiver is in active. In this way, a user attempting to override the method of the invention by preventing the GPS system of the mobile communications device from supplying speed information will have their access to the functionality of the phone limited.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a method in which the GPS transceiver is implemented on the SIM. Implementing a GPS transceiver on the SIM is a particularly efficient way of ensuring that location, and therefore speed of travel, information is available to the method of the invention, regardless of the functionality of the user's handset.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention there is provided a method wherein the mobile communications device is entirely disabled until the GPS transceiver is turned on. In this way, full functionality of the mobile phone is turned off unless the user is prepared to allow the method of the invention acquire speed information from the GPS transceiver.

In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a method in which the step of limiting the functionality of the mobile communications device includes terminating or idling reception and transmission of signals to and from the mobile communications device, respectively. In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a method wherein the step of limiting the functionality of the mobile communications device includes terminating or idling one or more of a group consisting of a GPS receiver, a GPS transmitter, a voice receiver, a voice transmitter, a data receiver, or a data transmitter. In this way, operation of the phone as a communications device is prevented. According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a SIM adapted to carry out the method of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be more clearly understood from the following description of an embodiment thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile communications device adapted to implement the method of the invention; and

Fig. 2 is a flow chart of the method of the invention. Referring to the drawings, and initially to Fig. 1 thereof, there is shown a mobile communications device indicated generally by the reference numeral 100, in which the method of the invention may be implemented. The mobile communications device 100 comprises a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) 102 and a user interface 104. The SIM 102 further comprises memory 106 and a processor 108). The user interface comprises a display 1 10 and a data entry unit 1 12. The user interface 104 may comprise a unitary interface such as a touch-screen, wherein the display 1 10 and data entry unit 112 are combined, or may comprise a separate display 1 10 and data entry unit 1 12. It will be understood that the mobile communications device 100 may comprise additional components such as a Power Supply Unit (PSU) and radio unit but these are not shown for the sake of clarity.

The application 1 14 to implement the method of the invention is stored in the SIM memory 106 and is executed by a SIM operating system (not shown) on the SIM processor 108. There is further shown a speed acquiring element 1 16, which is adapted to calculate the speed at which the mobile communications device 100 is moving and provide the speed information to the SIM application 1 14. The speed acquiring element 1 16 may be implemented on SIM itself, on the mobile communications device 100 or may be an external device in communication with the SIM application.

The mobile communications device 100 may further comprise a Global Positioning System (GPS) transmitter/receiver (transceiver) 120. The GPS transceiver may be implemented on the mobile communications device 100 or on the SIM 102.

Referring now to Fig. 2, in which like parts have been given the same reference numerals as before, there is shown a flowchart of the method of the invention. In step 200, the method detects that the mobile communications device 100 is powered on, and then, in step 202, the method begins to monitor the user interface 104 for input from the user. If no user input is detected, the method continues to monitor until user input is detected. When user input is detected, the method proceeds to step 204 where the speed at which the mobile communications device 100 is moving is acquired. Next in step 206, the acquired speed is compared to a preset threshold speed. An exemplary threshold speed is between nineteen and twenty kmph (equivalent to 12 mph). This threshold speed was chosen as it is extremely unlikely that a person would be moving at this speed on their own without the assistance of a vehicle of some sort. If the mobile communications device 100 is moving below the threshold speed, the method moves to step 208 comprising two sub-steps, the first sub-step 210, the method allows the user to access the full functionality of the mobile communications device 100. In the second sub- step 212, the method begins a countdown clock for a predetermined period of time. Typically, this period of time is about fifteen seconds but may be longer or shorter. In step 214, the application 1 14 monitors the user interface 104 for activity during the countdown period. If user activity is detected, the method returns to step 210, including resetting the countdown timer. If no activity is detected for the countdown timer period the method returns to step 202, where user input is monitored, and when present, the method proceeds to step 204 to check the speed at which the mobile communications device 100 is moving. In this way, if a user is continually using their mobile communications device, their usage will not be interrupted by the application. In this situation, the term continually implies interaction with the data entry unit at least once within each countdown period of the countdown clock of step 212.

Returning now to step 206, if the speed is above the preset threshold, the mobile communications device 100 is deemed to be moving in a vehicle and the method proceeds to check, in step 216, if the user is permitted to access the full functionality of the mobile communications device 100. Step 216 comprises presenting the user with an Attention Verification Test (AVT) by way of the display 1 10 of the user interface 104 and receiving a response from the user by way of the data entry unit 1 12. In step 218, the method checks if the user response is adequate to prove that the user is paying sufficient attention to the mobile communications device 100. If the user passes the AVT, the method passes to step 210, allowing the user access to the full functionality of the mobile communications device 100 before returning to step 202. If the user does not pass the AVT, the method moves to step 220 where a count of the number of failed AVTs is incremented, and the user's access to the functionality of the mobile communications device is limited by a message from the SIM application 1 14 being displayed on the display 1 10 of the mobile phone 100. Then the method moves to step 224 where a delay, which is dependent on the failed AVT count, is implemented before the method returns to step 202. In this way, if the user fails to provide a suitable response to the AVT, she will have to wait for a period of time until she is presented with another AVT. In the waiting period, she will not have access to the functionality of the mobile communications device, as the display 1 10 will be monopolized by the message or messages from the SIM application 1 14. The waiting period gets longer each time the user fails the AVT. The failed AVT count may be reset if the user passes an AVT or if the mobile communications device has been moving at a speed below the threshold speed for a preset period.

Referring now to step 200, the mobile communications device 100 may inform the SIM operating system of its capabilities on start up. A class n terminal, as defined according to ETSI Standard 102.223, will inform the SIM operating system on start-up of its support for geographical location reporting. Once the mobile communications device 100 is powered on, the application 1 14 notifies the SIM operating system that an action must be performed as soon as the SIM operating system has started-up. The SIM operating system then requests that a Proactive Command is sent as soon as a request is received from the mobile communications device 100. An exemplary Proactive Command comprises a response "91XX" to the first command sent to the SIM operating system by the mobile communications device 100. The mobile communications device 100 then uses a FETCH command to retrieve the Proactive Command from the SIM operating system.

Referring now to step 202, the application 1 14 monitors the user interface using the GET INPUT Proactive Command until the mobile communications device is turned off. When the user presses a key on the data entry unit 1 12, the mobile communications device returns the response to the GET INPUT Proactive Command to the SIM.

Referring now to step 204, the speed at which the mobile communications device 100 is travelling may be acquired in a number of different ways, depending on the functionality of the mobile communications device 100. From step 200, the SIM operating system is aware of the capabilities of the mobile communications device 100 with regards to geographical location reporting and the application 1 14 tailors the Proactive Command to that capability. There are three possible Pro-active Commands that may be presented by the application 1 14 to the mobile communications device 100, depending on the class of mobile communications device. In the case of a class n mobile communications device, the mobile communications device comprises a GPS application (not shown) to provide GPS information on the mobile communications device. In this case the Proactive Command is GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION REQUEST with parameters indicating the requirement for speed measurements. The speed information (or an error message) is subsequently sent back to the application 1 14 on the SIM using the ENVELOPE command GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION REPORTING. In this case, the speed acquiring element 1 16 is provided by the GPS application of the mobile communications device.

The SIM itself may incorporate a GPS receiver in which case the SIM application 1 14 requests the geographical information directly from the SIM-based GPS receiver. In this case, the speed acquiring element 116 is provided by the GPS application of the SIM.

In the case of class e mobile communications device, the Proactive Command is OPEN CHANNEL, which relates to a packet data service bearer. Once a packet data service is opened, the mobile communications device informs the application 1 14. The application 1 14 then uses the SEND DATA Proactive Command to send a request for location information to a Mobile Location Centre (MLC) (not shown) and the RECEIVE DATA Proactive Command to receive the speed information back from the MLC. The data sent and received using these commands may be according to the 3GPP standard TS 23.271 for Uplink Time Difference of Arrival (U-TDOA) measurements. The 3GPP standard includes details on the data that needs to be sent to and received from an MLC to support getting location information using the UTDOA method. In this case, the speed acquiring element 1 16 is provided by the MLC.

For mobile communications devices that are neither class e nor class n, but are able to run SIM applications using the SIM Application Toolkit, the Proactive Command used is SEND SHORT MESSAGE. An SMS message is sent requesting the speed of the user equipment from a location server (not shown). In this case the information is sent back from the location server via an SMSPP data download short message. In this case, the speed acquiring element 116 is the location server.

Referring now to step 216, the application 1 14 uses a series of DISPLAY TEXT and GET INPUT Proactive Commands to present the user with a sequence of characters and to receive the user's response thereto. The DISPLAY TEXT command causes a message to the user to be displayed on the display 1 10 requesting that the user enter a specific character, generally a digit, using the data entry unit 1 12. The application 1 14 then retrieves the entered character using the GET INPUT command. In order to enter a valid response, the user's response must be the correct character and must be entered within a specific time period. As part of this step 216, the application 1 14 will maintain a pair of timers (not shown) to control how long each character is displayed on the display 1 10 and to verify that the user has entered a response within the required time. Typically, each character is displayed for approximately 0.5 seconds, and the user response must be received within 2 seconds but each of these timings may vary.

Throughout the method, the step of limiting the user's access to the mobile communications device comprises the application 114 monopolizing the user interface 104, in particular the display 1 10, of the mobile communications device such that the user cannot use the user interface to access the functionality. If the button or menu option to create a text message is not visible, then the user cannot select it. The step of monopolising the user interface comprises using the DISPLAY TEXT Proactive Command to display a message on the display 1 10. This is combined with a timer to control how long the message is displayed, and thus how long the functionality of the mobile communication device is limited. It is possible that a series of DISPLAY TEXT commands may be required to ensure the user interface 104 is monopolised for the required period of time. The message may comprise a black screen, a symbol indicating the access is prevented, or some other notification that the user is not currently permitted to access the functionality of the mobile communications device.

When the method of the invention is allowing a user full access to the mobile communications device, the application 114 does not monopolise the user interface. It interacts therewith using the GET INPUT Proactive Command to monitor the user interaction with the device, and continues the monitor the speed of the mobile communications device, but the application is operating in the background and the user is not aware of it.

In an optional alternative method according to the invention, the user is presented with a question, between steps 206 and 216, asking if they are currently the driver of the vehicle. If the user answers that they are the driver, then the application 1 14 will limit their access to the functionality of the mobile communications device 100. If the user answers that they are not a driver, the method proceeds to step 216.

The method of the invention may include further steps to ensure that the user does not bypass the safety features of method by switching off the GPS functionality on their mobile communications device. In step 230, the method checks that the GPS transceiver 120 is turned on. If the GPS transceiver 120 is on, the method proceeds to steps 202 and monitors the user interface. However, if the GPS transceiver 120 is switched off, the method proceeds to step 232, where the user is asked to switch on the GPS transceiver 120. The method then checks again, in step 234, if the GPS transceiver 120 has been turned on. If the GPS transceiver 120 has not been activated, the method moves to step 236, where the method displays a message on the display, and so limits the user's access to the functionality of the mobile communications device as described previously. If the GPS transceiver 120 has been turned on, the method proceeds to step 202, where it begins monitoring the user interface for interaction from the user.

At the times in the method when the user's access to the mobile communications device has been limited, for example at steps 222, 224 or 236, the GPS transceiver 120, if present may be turned off, or switched into an idle mode, so as to conserve energy. This will cause the GPS transceiver 120 to cease searching for GPS satellites or local cell towers to acquire location information. The SIM application 1 14 may be adapted to allow a GPS system on a mobile communications device be used for navigation even while the user's access to the functionality of the mobile communications device has been limited by the SIM application 114. Those skilled in the art have the ability to white-list applications such as the one outlined here but monopolise other applications.

The application 1 14 that implements the method of the invention may be installed on the mobile communications device 100 in one of two ways. The first option is to carry out the installation at the personalisation stage of the mobile communications device 100. The term personalisation will be understood to refer to the process of entering mobile network operator specific information, SIM applications using the SAT interface and other SIM specific information on the SIM. This is in general carried out at manufacture or prior to the SIM being made live on the communications network. Personalisation is normally carried out by the SIM manufacturer but may also be carried out by a third party or by a network operator. It is possible for the full personalisation of the mobile communications device to take place in a number of stages with one or more stages being carried out by a different party. Loading the application 1 14 can be carried out at any stage in the personalisation process, for example at a Point-Of-Sale location. In this way the owner of the mobile communications device, who may be different to the user thereof, may choose to install the application for implementing the method of the invention on purchase of the mobile communications device.

Alternatively the application 1 14 may be installed on the mobile communications device after it has been purchased, by transmission over the mobile communications network. This may be referred to as a push operation. 3GPP and ETSI standards specify protocols and procedures necessary to enable a SIM application using the SIM Application Toolkit interface to be downloaded to a SIM remotely using the Short Message Service. The mobile operator who issues the SIMs must know the keys required to authorise the download and have a platform which can pack the application into the required amount of properly formatted short messages.

The same network transmission download process can also be used to send configuration changes or upgrades, such as changes to the various timings or the speed threshold, to the application 1 14 after installation. However, such upgrades and changes are controlled by the network and not the user.

In North America, many wireless carriers operate on the code division multiple access standard, CDMA2000, to send and receive voice, text and other data transmissions. CDMA cell phones do not have a SIM card so the SIM application 1 14 of invention cannot not be part of a CDMA handset. Nevertheless, CDMA cell phones have the ability receive, to store and execute software applications. New CDMA cell phone can be manufactured with built-in anti-texting application (not shown) or its equivalent or for CDMA cell phones already in use, the service provider may push an anti-texting application or its equivalent to its served cell phone. As an alternative, the anti-texting software could be automatically downloaded to CDMA cell phones without notice to the cell phone owner.

The anti-texting application may be implemented with any mobile phone that carries a GPS receiver, including SIM-card phones, CDMA phones and other phones with GPS receivers. The basic operation is as follows. An anti-texting vendor provides a link to a mobile phone. The vendor may be a mobile carrier, an independent vendor, an enterprise that provides mobile phones to its members, or an internet service provider who provides email, browsing and ancillary services to mobile phone users. The link may be provided the phone user via an email or an SMS message, or a posting on a web site. When the phone user accepts the link, the anti-texting program is downloaded and installed on the mobile phone. The anti-texting program may be based on speed measured by the GPS receiver carried on the phone. Some recent studies have shown that any use of a mobile phone while driving may increase the likelihood of accidents. In addition to preventing a driver from texting during driving, the anti-texting application may inhibit all use of the mobile phone. In effect, the phone would not be available for phone calls including and not limited to hands free operation, email, browsing, display of photos or videos, playing music, accessing contacts or any of the thousands of applications currently available for smart phones.

The anti-texting application provides a feature that disables all use of the phone when the phone is moving. The anti-texting program has a global inhibiting function which requires the GPS receiver 120 to be turned on as a prerequisite for using any feature of the mobile phone.

In a further embodiment of the invention for use with class n handsets, the SIM application 1 14 is adapted to identify if the GPS receiver is active. If the GPS receiver is inactive and the user attempts to use the phone, the display on the mobile communications device provides the user with a menu option to turn on the GPS receiver. If the user does not turn on the GPS receiver 120, the phone is rendered inoperable by the invention. Once the GPS receiver 120 is turned on, the method of the invention reverts to monitoring the speed of the mobile communications device and allowing or limiting usage thereon as appropriate. This global inhibiting function may be used in combination with the Attention Verification Test to enable a passenger in a moving vehicle to freely use all features of the phone. This feature may make use of a GPS receiver implemented on the SIM or implemented separately on the mobile communications device. A similar feature may also be implemented in the CDMA anti- texting application.

In another embodiment, the invention further comprises a feature for saving power and thus increasing battery life on the mobile communications device. The mobile communications device may include one or receivers, transmitters or combined receiver/transmitters for handling GPS signals, voice signals and data signals. For example, a GPS receiver 120 may be running while the application 1 14 monopolizes the user interface. In such a situation the application 1 14 will terminate operation of the GPS receiver or place the GPS receiver 120 in an idle state. In this was the GPS receiver will temporarily cease searching for satellite transmissions until the application 1 14 is terminated. This is achieved by sending a command from the SIM application via the SAT interface, requesting the GPS receiver 120 to cease polling. Of course, the feature may be applied to the voice receiver and transmitter, and other applications as well as the GPS receiver and transmitter 120. Otherwise, conventional hardware running on the device may continue to seek reception or transmission of wireless signals representative of GPS, voice and data.

It will be understood by the person skilled in the art that the push installation of the application implementing the method of the invention or of the anti-texting application can be made at any time, with or without the permission of the cell phone user. For example, a state government or the federal government could mandate that all cell phone users download the a suitable phone usage limitation application by a selected activation date. If a user fails to download the usage limitation application, texting and other faculties of the cell phone could be disabled by the cell phone carrier until the cell phone user downloads the usage limitation application. After the activation date, the cell phone carrier would query each cell phone seeking access to its cell service and would deny all service or limit service to only voice transmissions if the cell phone seeking service did not respond positively to the query about the presence and operation of usage limitation.

Throughout the specification, the term monopolize and its variations will be understood to have their standard meaning, that is, wherein one element is under the substantially exclusive control of another element. In the case of the present invention, the SIM application maintains substantially exclusive control of the display of the user interface. The term substantially here allows for slight variations in the operation of the SIM application on different mobile communications device handsets, where in some cases, some externally initiated actions may have access to the display. For example, notification of incoming calls may be displayed on the user interface, while the user interface is being monopolized by the SIM application. Furthermore, in the majority of cases, the SIM application will have an option to allow emergency communications.

In the specification the terms 'comprise', 'comprises', 'comprised' and 'comprising' or any variation thereof and the terms 'include', 'includes', 'included' or 'including' or any variation thereof are considered to be totally interchangeable and they should all be afforded the widest possible interpretation.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment herein described, but may be varied in both construction and detail within the terms of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for limiting the use of a mobile communications device, the mobile communications device comprising a user interface having at least a display, the steps of the method comprising

(b) comparing the physical speed to a preset threshold speed;

characterised in that

the steps of the method are carried out by an application running on the SIM that relays commands to the mobile communications device, using the SIM

Application Tool Kit (SAT).

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 in which the step of limiting access to the functionality of the mobile communications device comprises the SIM application substantially monopolizing the user interface.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2 in which the step of the SIM application substantially monopolizing the user interface comprises the SIM application substantially monopolizing the display.

4. A method as claimed in any previous claim in which the step of limiting access to the functionality of the mobile communications device comprises the SIM application sending one or more commands to the mobile communications device that cause the display of the mobile communications device to display a message.

5. A method as claimed in claim 4 in which the method comprises the additional steps of

(d) presenting an attention verification test to a user via the user interface; (e) receiving a user response to the attention verification test via the user interface;

6. A method as claimed in claim 5 in which the method comprises the further step of

(g) if an inappropriate user response is received, presenting a further message comprising a further attention verification test to the user via the user interface after a preset delay has expired.

7. A method as claimed in claim 6 further comprising the step of increasing the time period of the preset delay if a further inappropriate user response is received.

8. A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the step of limiting access to the functionality of the mobile communications device comprises limiting user- initiated functionality.

9. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein mobile communications device is further equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) transceiver,

the method comprising the additional steps of:

determining whether the GPS transceiver on the mobile communications device is active or inactive; and

limiting access to the functionality of the mobile communications device if the GPS receiver is in active.

10. A method as claimed in claim 9 in which the GPS transceiver is implemented on the SIM.

1 1. A method as described in claim 9 or 10 wherein the mobile communications device is entirely disabled until the GPS receiver is turned on.

12. The method as described in any previous claim in which the step of limiting the functionality of the mobile communications device includes terminating or idling reception and transmission of signals to and from the mobile communications device, respectively.

13. The method as described in claim 12 wherein the step of limiting the functionality of the mobile communications device includes terminating or idling one or more of a group consisting of a GPS receiver, a GPS transmitter, a voice receiver, a voice transmitter, a data receiver, or a data transmitter.

14. A SIM adapted to carry out the method of any previous claim.