Method and apparatus for controlling input to a mobile computing device located inside a vehicle

Abstract

A wireless transmission system is provided that includes a transmission apparatus that transmits a wireless signal indicative of a vehicle parameter. The system includes a mobile computing device having an input device for accepting user input and a wireless transceiver configured to receive the wireless signal. The mobile computing device includes a processor that communicates with the wireless transceiver and the input device. The processor is configured to run an application that disables the input device if the vehicle parameter exceeds a threshold. The processor is further configured to detect if the application is disabled.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A wireless transmission system comprising:
 a transmission apparatus that transmits a wireless signal indicative of a vehicle parameter; and   a telephone having an input device for accepting user input and a wireless transceiver configured to receive the wireless signal, the telephone including a processor that communicates with the wireless transceiver and the input device, the processor being configured to run an application that disables the input device if the vehicle parameter exceeds a threshold, the processor being further configured to detect if the application is disabled.   
     
     
         22 . A wireless transmission system as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the telephone is a smart phone. 
     
     
         23 . A wireless transmission system as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the processor creates a log of each time the application is disabled. 
     
     
         24 . A wireless transmission system as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the processor sends an alert if the application is disabled. 
     
     
         25 . A wireless transmission system as recited in  claim 24 , wherein the alert is sent to a previously established owner contact. 
     
     
         26 . A wireless transmission system as recited in  claim 24 , wherein the alert is sent to a third party. 
     
     
         27 . A wireless transmission system as recited in  claim 26 , wherein the third party is an insurance company. 
     
     
         28 . A wireless transmission system as recited in  claim 26 , wherein the third party is an entity responsible for managing a number of vehicles and drivers. 
     
     
         29 . A wireless transmission system comprising:
 a transmission apparatus that transmits a wireless signal indicative of a vehicle parameter; and   a telephone having an input device for accepting user input and a wireless transceiver configured to receive the wireless signal, the telephone including a processor that communicates with the wireless transceiver and the input device, the processor running an application that disables the input device if the vehicle parameter exceeds a threshold, the processor creating a log that includes the vehicle parameter when the input device is disabled.   
     
     
         30 . A wireless transmission system as recited in  claim 29 , wherein the vehicle parameter is speed of the vehicle. 
     
     
         31 . A wireless transmission system as recited in  claim 29 , wherein the transmission apparatus is in communication with an on board diagnostic system of a vehicle, the on board diagnostic system being configured to detect the vehicle's GPS location, the log including the vehicle's GPS location when the input device is disabled. 
     
     
         32 . A wireless transmission system as recited in  claim 29 , wherein the processor is configured to detect the telephone's GPS location, the log including the telephone's GPS location when the input device is disabled. 
     
     
         33 . A wireless transmission system as recited in  claim 29 , wherein the log includes dates and times when the input device is disabled. 
     
     
         34 . A wireless transmission system as recited in  claim 29 , wherein the transmission apparatus is in communication with an on board diagnostic system of a vehicle, the on board diagnostic system being configured to store accident data that is included in the log. 
     
     
         35 . A wireless transmission system as recited in  claim 34 , wherein the processor compares the accident data with dates and times when the input device is disabled. 
     
     
         36 . A method comprising:
 transmitting a wireless signal indicative of a vehicle parameter to a telephone device having an input device for accepting user input and a wireless transceiver configured to receive the wireless signal;   running an application using a processor of the telephone;   disabling the input device using the application if the vehicle parameter exceeds a threshold; and   creating a log using the application, the log including vehicle data at a time when the input device is disabled.   
     
     
         37 . A method as recited in  claim 36 , wherein the log includes dates and times when the input device is disabled. 
     
     
         38 . A method as recited in  claim 36 , further comprising pairing the application to an on board diagnostic system of a vehicle, the on board diagnostic system being configured to detect the vehicle data. 
     
     
         39 . A method as recited in  claim 38 , wherein the vehicle data includes at least one of engine status, speed of travel and location. 
     
     
         40 . A method as recited in  claim 38 , wherein the on board diagnostic system is configured to record accident data, the log including the accident data.