WO2011133489A2

WO2011133489A2 - Device and software to govern certain functions based upon predetermined conditions

Info

Publication number: WO2011133489A2
Application number: PCT/US2011/032951
Authority: WO
Inventors: Manny Negreiro
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-04-19
Filing date: 2011-04-19
Publication date: 2011-10-27
Anticipated expiration: 2012-10-19
Also published as: WO2011133489A3

Abstract

A cellular telephone feature set can include a subset of restrictable features, such as voice communication, email, Internet browsing, text messaging, etc. A restriction would limit the operation of the restrictable features based upon recognition of a restriction governing condition. The restricting governing condition can be velocity, a courtesy transmission, a geographic fence, or any other restricting condition. A courtesy transmission can be provided at areas such as theaters, restaurants, hospitals, schools, and other environments suggesting a courtesy for others. An override can be offered for those features that allow those features to maintain operation when in a restricting governing condition. An override can be provided via a password, a proximity emitter, use of a hands free device, and any other reasonable means.

Description

DEVICE AND SOFTWARE TO GOVERN CERTAIN FUNCTIONS BASED UPON

PREDETERMINED CONDITIONS

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This Non-Provisional Utility Patent Application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/325,592 filed on April 19, 2010, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

Technical Field

(0002] The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus and method for governing the operation of selected functions of a cellular telephone. More particularly, the present disclosure presents a system that utilizes a velocity, a proximity to an activation control element, or a geographic location for governing the use of selected function.

Background of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for governing the operation of selected functions of a cellular telephone.

[0004] The use of certain functions of a cellular telephone is known to be considered distracting. This is particularly concerning if the user is driving while using the cellular telephone. Functions that may be considered as distracting include talking on the telephone, entering and reading text messages, emails, and the like, browsing the Internet, playing games, and the like. The concern stemming from the distraction is such that the use of these functions while the user is driving is the subject of legislation. Some regions already have considered use of certain functions illegal while driving. Other regions are debating legislation.

[0005] Legislation relies on the user adhering to the respective laws. Enforcement of the laws is difficult, as the law enforcement officer needs to witness the user actually performing these tasks. Further, the burden of proof becomes difficult, as the evidence can come down to a "he said she said" argument.

[0006] Second, the use of certain functions can be considered as inconsiderate when being performed in certain environments. Examples include movie theaters, restaurants, meetings, and the like. Movie theaters promote the concern for courtesy with a short video that is presented prior to the showing of the movie. Restaurants place small cards on the tables to remind patrons of the request for courtesy to others.

[0007] Further, certain governmental agencies and other organizations prohibit the use of cellular telephones. Examples include airports, customs inspection areas, casinos, and the like. With the integration of still and video cameras into cellular telephones would further direct a restriction of use requirement, as photography is restricted under certain conditions.

[0008] What is desired is a means to ensure that the concerning functions are only used in a safe manner, ensuring that the user does not endanger themselves or others.

Summary of Invention

[0009] The present invention provides a system that governs the use of selected functions of a cellular telephone when subjected to specific conditions.

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention provides a cell phone feature subset control method comprising the steps of.

activating a condition directing cellular telephone, the condition directing cellular telephone includes functionality comprising at least one restridable feature; identifying a restriction governing condition; restricting operation of at least one restrictable feature of the set of cellular

telephone features when the restriction governing condition is determined, wherein the restricting condition is at least one of

a) velocity of the condition directing cellular telephone being greater than a

predetermined rate,

b) when the condition directing cellular telephone is determined to be in a

location considered a courtesy location, wherein the courtesy location is determined by receipt of a remotely provided courtesy request wireless signal, and c) when the condition directing cellular telephone is determined to be in a location considered a courtesy location, wherein the courtesy location is determined by a preprogrammed geographic fence.

[0011] A second aspect of the present invention restricts the use of at least one restrictable feature selected from an exemplary feature list consisting of.

a. voice communication;

b. read and / or write text messaging;

c. read and / or write email;

d. browse a contacts list;

e. browse a songs list;

f. picture viewing;

9 internet browsing;

h. playing games; and

i. viewing television.

[0012] In yet another aspect, is the inclusion of an override option, wherein the override option allows the user to continue with a normal function of one or more features from the at least one restrictable feature.

[0013] While in another aspect, the override includes an entry of a password.

[0014] Whereas in another aspect, the override utilizes a proximity sensor, wherein the cellular telephone is fully operational when the phone is positioned proximate a proximity controller device.

[0016] In another aspect, the proximity controller device is selected from a proximity controller device group comprising:

a. a magnet

b. a light, c. an RF transmitter, and

d. ultrasound. [0016] And in another aspect, the override requires maintaining at least one finger in contact with an element of the cellular phone, such as holding down one or more keys.

[0017] In another aspect, the velocity is determined via at least one of.

a. a Global Positioning System (GPS) integrated into the cellular telephone, b. an accelerometer that is integrated into the cellular telephone,

c. use of triangulation and calculating the time delta between two positions, and d. an interaction with a speed sensing device located external to the cellular telephone, such as a Bluetooth interface to a vehicle's speedometer.

[0018] In yet another aspect, the courtesy request signal is provided via a

transmitter or antenna located in a courtesy controlled environment.

[0019] While in another aspect, the courtesy controlled environment is selected from an exemplary courtesy controlled environment group comprising:

a. a movie theater, b. a restaurant,

c. a library,

d. a school,

e. a courthouse,

f. a police station, g a meeting room,

h. an airplane,

i. a customs passage area, and j- a hospital.

[0020] In yet another aspect, the courtesy request signal can be powered on or off based upon a respective condition. An example would be a courtesy signal provided within a movie theater would be powered on at the beginning of the movie and would remain on until the movie ends. [0021] In yet another aspect, functionality can be restricted to a geographic region, such as a city, county, state, country, and the like. The region can be recognized via a GPS database, a courtesy location signal provided by a cell tower, and a regional registration of the cellular telephone.

[0022] In yet another aspect, the system provides the user with the ability to add or remove a feature from the cell phone feature subset.

[0023] In yet another aspect, the invention can be provided and distributed as an application for cellular telephones.

[0024] In yet another aspect, the override can be active for a period of time as follows. a. permanently while under the current courtesy condition,

b. temporarily governed via a predetermined number of messages, and c. temporarily governed via a predetermined number of minutes.

[0025] In yet another aspect, emergency 9-1-1 access will remain available under any governed condition.

[0026] While another aspect can provide an automated override, such as a signal within a train to override a velocity governing condition.

[0027] In another aspect, the condition directing software can be integrated into the condition directing cellular telephone by at least one of the following methods:

a. programmed during the manufacturing process,

b. programmed at the distribution location,

c. programmed at the retail sales location, and

d. programmed by the consumer using a network interface.

[0028] In yet another aspect, the condition directing software can be provided in an active state at anytime the condition directing cellular telephone is activated or the condition directing software can be toggled between an active state and an inactive state as desired by the consumer. It is understood that any other operation may be used to toggle the condition directing software between an active state and an inactive state. [0029] These and other aspects of the present invention are best understood as described in the detailed description and respective figures presented herein.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0030] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like numerals denote like elements and in which:

[0031] FIG. 1 presents an exemplary isometric view illustrating a velocity calculation of a cellular telephone;

[0032] FIG. 2 presents an exemplary flow diagram representative of a cellular telephone velocity control for selected device functions;

[0033] FIG. 3 presents an exemplary isometric view illustrating a proximity control system for operably controlling selected device functions;

[0034] FIG. 4 presents an exemplary flow diagram representative of a cellular telephone proximity control for selected device functions;

[0035] FIG. 5 presents an exemplary regional boundary control system for controlling selected device functions within a specified region;

[0036] FIG. 6 presents several exemplary override options for temporarily activating a restricted feature; and

[0037] FIG. 7 presents another exemplary override option for temporarily activating a restricted feature.

[0038] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0039] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "rear", "right" , "front", "vertical", "horizontal", and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary

embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0040] It has been recognized that the use of certain features of a cellular telephone are distracting to the user while driving. This distraction has been known to cause a wide range of accidents, from minor scrapes and dents (i.e. fender benders) to accidents resulting in fatalities. Various governmental agencies have recognized this scenario and are either in the process of or have already passed legislation restricting the use of cellular telephones under certain conditions, such as while driving. While their intentions are good, enforcement of the legislation is difficult. A speed operated feature control process 150, as detailed in FIG. 2 and graphically represented in FIG. 1, provides an automated means ensuring against the use of certain features of a cellular telephone 100 while driving. Exemplary features that could be included in a listing of resectable features comprising:

a. voice communication; b. disabling of certain keys on the device keyboard;

c. reading and / or writing text messaging;

d. reading and / or writing email;

e. browsing a contacts list;

. browsing a songs list;

g. viewing pictures; h. browsing an internet;

i. playing games;

J. viewing television;

k. GPS; and

1. Disabling the transmitter/receiver circuit.

[0041] The cellular telephone 100 comprises a display 104 and operational electronics 106 integrated into a phone housing 102. The display 104 can be a touch screen, providing a user interface for the phone operator. Alternately, the user interface can include a display 104 and a separate mechanical user interface, such as a numeric keyboard, an alphanumeric keyboard, a trackball, a touchpad, and the like. The operational electronics 106 includes circuitry, firmware, and software to provide the cellular telephone 100 with complete functionality. The term software is utilized throughout to represent any means for providing a condition directing system, which can be implemented using circuitry, firmware, and / or software either independently or in combination thereof. It is desired that the software be upgradeable, allowing the user to obtain and install new software providing new features. The operational electronics 106 can include a transceiver for communications with a cellular or other network, a Global Positioning System (GPS), display drivers, user entry drivers, power regulating hardware and software, and the like.

[0042] The cellular telephone 100 can utilize certain functions provided by the operational electronics 106 to determine the velocity 152 (rate of travel 110) of the cellular telephone 100 as presented in the exemplary flow diagram speed operated feature control process 150. This can be accomplished via the GPS system, using triangulatioo to determine a first position and a second position, then calculating the distance between the two positions and dividing the calculated distance by the time of travel, and the like. Alternately, the operational electronics 106 can include a

transceiver, which communicates with a speed indicator of the vehicle. Once the speed is determined, the speed operated feature control process 150 compares the current speed with the predetermined controller speed to determine if the cellular telephone 100 is subjected to a velocity that is above a predetermined minimum feature restricting speed 154. If the cellular telephone 100 is traveling at a rate slower than the predetermined controller speed, the cellular telephone 100 continues with a standard operation 160. When encountering conditions where the cellular telephone 100 is traveling at a velocity greater than then predetermined controller speed, the cellular telephone 100 disables 162 certain preselected features of the cellular telephone.

[0043] An optional override feature can be incorporated in the speed operated feature control process 150. Details of several embodiments of the override are presented later herein. The speed operated feature control process 150 determines if an override is allowed 156 for at least a portion of the group of preselected features. If the override is not allowed, the speed operated feature control process 150 continues to disable 162 the preselected features of the cellular telephone. Wherein the override is allowed, the process determines if an acceptable override is provided 158. If an acceptable override is provided, the cellular phone continues to function in accordance with the standard operation 160. It is recognized that the preselected features of the cellular telephone can be individually controlled by the speed operated feature control process 150, wherein a portion of the features do not allow an override and the balance of the features allow an override.

[0044] As available features for cellular telephones increase, cellular phone etiquette continues to decrease. Courtesy reminders are presented in certain environments to remind patrons of desired cellular phone etiquette. A located operated courtesy control process 250, as detailed in FIG. 4 and graphically represented in FIG. 3, provides an automated means for deactivating or modifying (such as by lowering the ring volume) certain features of a cellular telephone 100 based upon a signal from a remote transmitter requesting the cellular telephone 100 be placed into a courtesy mode. A located operated courtesy control environment 200 is defined as desired to be controlled, the region being defined about a courtesy controlling location 210.

Exemplary located operated courtesy control environments 200 include:

a. a movie theater,

b. a movie theater,

c. a restaurant,

d. a casino,

e. a library, f. a school, g- a governmental agency,

h. a courthouse,

i. a police station, j a meeting room,

k. an airplane, and

1. a hospital.

[0045] The exemplary embodiment presents at least one courtesy controlling si<

220 being provided within the courtesy controlling location 210. The courtesy controlling signal 220 can be of any reasonable protocol, including Radio Frequency (RF) having an encoded signal, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Infra-Red (IR), and the like. The preferred courtesy controlling signal 220 would be a standardized signal transmitted for and received by any cellular telephone 100. The courtesy controlling signal 220 is preferably of a strength that is limited to a range proximating a perimeter defined by the located operated courtesy control environment 200. It is recognized the courtesy controlling signal 220 can be placed and oriented to aid in defining the area within the perimeter of the located operated courtesy control environment 200. The cellular telephone 100 receives 252 the courtesy controlling signal 220, interprets the courtesy controlling signal 220 and begins considering the courtesy request. Upon receipt and interpretation of the courtesy controlling signal 220, the cellular telephone 100 determines if an override is allowed 254. If the override is not allowed, the located operated courtesy control process 250 continues to disable 262 the preselected features of the cellular telephone 100. Wherein the override is allowed, the process determines if an

acceptable override is provided 256. If an acceptable override is provided, the cellular phone continues to function in accordance with the standard operation 260. It is recognized that the preselected features of the cellular telephone can be individually controlled by the located operated courtesy control process 250, wherein a portion of the features do not allow an override and the balance of the features allow an override. It would be desirable for the audio signal, such as an audible alert, a speaker, and the like to become disabled when the cellular telephone 100 is determined to be within the courtesy control environment 200. [0046] It is understood that a transmitter can provide a governing signal to a specific cellular telephone 100 or a group of cellular telephones 100. Each phone comprises an electronic identification serial number (EISN). The cellular telephone 100 communicates with each cellular tower to inform the system which geographic region the cellular telephone 100 is located. The tower to phone communications is provided by control signals, unknown to the user. The system can utilize this information to communicate and govern the functions of the cellular phone via messages targeting the specific cellular telephones 100. The cellular telephone 100 receives the controller signal, interprets the signal accordingly, and restricts the use of the predetermined functions as directed. Any override potential is acted upon based upon predetermined criteria.

[0047] A third exemplary means for limiting use of predetermined functions can be provided via a geographic fence 300. The geographic fence 300 is defined by a geographic peripheral boundary 310. The geographic peripheral boundary 310 can be defined by a series of coordinates, such as a first coordinate 312, a second coordinate 314, a third coordinate 316, through a nth coordinate 318. it is understood the number of coordinates are respective to the size and shape of the geographic peripheral boundary 310. The cellular telephone 100 identifies the phone location 320, and then compares the phone location 320 to the geographic peripheral boundary 310. If the cellular telephone 100 determines the phone location 320 is within the geographic peripheral boundary 310, the cellular telephone 100 proceeds with a process similar to the located operated courtesy control process 250. The defining elements of the geographic peripheral boundary 310 can be provided via a signal transmission from a network, preprogrammed into the cellular telephone 100, or the like. Alternately, a geographic fence can be defined by a coverage area created by the signal strength of a cellular tower or grouping of cellular towers.

[0048] Providing a system for governing the use of the restrictable features provides a portion of the overall solution. There are scenarios where a user might need to override the restriction of use. A first solution would be to remove the scenario which governing the restricted feature, such as walking out of a movie theater or stopping the motion of the cellular telephone 100. A second solution allows the user to override the restriction while remaining within the restriction governing scenario. Several exemplary embodiments of a manually intervening override are provided below: a. use of a hands free device 400,

b. entering a password 430,

c. proximity of the cellular telephone 100 to a supplemental proximity element 410,

d. contacting and holding down an override key 420 or combinations thereof, and

e. permanently configured as at least partially override, such as for police

officers when working in a Police station.

[0049] An automated override can be provided, wherein the environment provides an override signal to the cellular telephone 100. The override signal directs the cellular telephone 100 to override any automated condition, such as velocity, which may be governing the use of the restrictable features. An example would be wherein the cell phone user is riding within a train. The cellular telephone 100 determines the velocity exceeds the allowable speed, and therefore restricts use of the restrictable features. Since riding in a train differs from driving a car, the restrictable features should not be governed. The override signal ensures proper use of the cellular telephone 100. The cellular telephone 100 can be registered with centralized registration database (or series of regional registration databases). The registered cellular telephone 100 can be governed through a network interfacing with the respective registration database. The system can utilize the network to administer any or all of the restrictions, including activating, deactivating, and the like, thereof.

[0050] The cellular telephone 100 can identify when the user is using a hands free device 400, as illustrated in FIG. 6. When the cellular telephone 100 recognizes the use of the hands free device 400, the cellular telephone 100 overrides the restriction for any features that are deemed respective to a hands free application. This can include voice communication, voice activated controls such as for browsing or audible messaging. Features that require hand entry and reading, such as text entry and reading, would remain restricted.

[0051] A second exemplary override utilizes a proximity override emitter system 410 as illustrated in FIG. 6. The proximity override emitter system 410 has a proximity override emitter 412, which emits a proximity override signal 414. The cellular telephone 100 receives the proximity override signal 414 and determines that the cellular telephone 100 is located proximate a proximity override emitter system 410. When the cellular telephone 100 recognizes the proximity of the proximity override emitter system 410, the cellular telephone 100 overrides the restriction for any features currently being governed. An exemplary scenario would be within a vehicle, wherein the proximity override emitter 412 would be located near the passenger door or rear seat region. The strength of the proximity override signal 414 would be limited to distance that only reaches to the passenger seat or rear seat, and would not have enough strength to interact with a cellular telephone 100 used by the driver.

[0052] A third exemplary override requires the user to maintain contact with at least one override contact point 420. The user would be required to maintain contact with at least one of the override contact points 420 while using the restricted feature. The override contact point 420 can be located on the keyboard, on the side of the phone housing 102, and the like. The software can allow for brief interrupts of contact to provide the user with continuous operation, as it is expected that the user would occasionally adjust or reposition the finger contacting the override contact point 420.

[0053] A fourth exemplary override is an entry of a password, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The override password system 430 directs the user to enter a password via a voice entry, keyboard entry using a keyboard 432, and the like. Upon completion of the password, the user selects an enter button 434 to direct the cellular telephone 100 to begin the override validation and activation process. The user can enter any sequence of characters in an order associated with a stored password or set of passwords. The characters can be case sensitive alphanumeric entries as well as other punctuating characters.

[0054] The override can be active for a period of time as follows:

a. permanently while under the current courtesy condition,

[0055] Due to the nature of the Emergency 9-1-1 , that function will remain operative under any device controlling condition. [00S6] Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that aii matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.

Industrial Applicability

[0057] The invention has application to the telephone industry.

Claims

What is claimed is:

Claim 1 A method of governing at least one restrictable feature of a set of cellular telephone features, the method comprising the steps of: activating a condition directing cellular telephone, the condition directing cellular telephone includes functionality comprising at least one restrictable feature; identifying a restriction governing condition; and restricting operation of at least one restrictable feature of the set of cellular

telephone features when the restriction governing condition is determined.

Claim 2 The method of governing at least one restrictable feature of a set of cellular telephone features as recited in claim 1 , wherein the restricting condition is at least one of: velocity of the condition directing cellular telephone being greater than a

predetermined rate, when the condition directing cellular telephone is determined to be in a location considered a courtesy location, wherein the courtesy location is determined by receipt of a remotely provided courtesy request wireless signal, and when the condition directing cellular telephone is determined to be in a location considered a courtesy location, wherein the courtesy location is determined by a preprogrammed geographic fence.

Claim 3 The method of governing at least one restrictable feature of a set of cellular telephone features as recited in claim 1 , the method further comprising a step of offering a user of the cellular telephone an override option, wherein the override option allows continued operation of at least one of the at least one restrictable features when the override option is activated.

Claim 4 The method of governing at least one restrictable feature of a set of cellular telephone features as recited in claim 3, the method further comprising a step of initiating the override option when at least one of the following override conditions is established: use of a hands free device in conjunction with the cellular phone, entering a password into the cellular phone as requested by an override option, proximity of the cellular telephone to a supplemental proximity element where the supplemental proximity element established an override condition, and contacting and holding down at least one key established as an override key.

Claim S The method of governing at least one restrictable feature of a set of cellular telephone features as recited in claim 1 , wherein the restricting condition utilizes the velocity of the cellular telephone compared to a predetermined rate, wherein the velocity of the cellular telephone is determined velocity is determined by at least one of: a Global Positioning System (GPS) integrated into the cellular telephone, an accelerometer integrated into the cellular telephone, use of triangulation and calculating the time delta between two positions, and an interaction with a speed sensing device located external to the cellular telephone and in signal communication therewith.

Claim 6 The method of governing at least one restrictable feature of a set of cellular telephone features as recited in claim 1 , wherein the restricting condition is determined to be in a location considered a courtesy location, wherein the courtesy location is determined by a preprogrammed geographic fence.

Claim 7 The method of governing at least one restrictable feature of a set of cellular telephone features as recited in claim 6, further comprising a step of restricting an audio output when the cellular telephone is determined to be within a courtesy location.

Claim 8 The method of governing at least one restrictable feature of a set of cellular telephone features as recited in claim 1 , wherein the restricting condition is determined to be in a location considered a courtesy location, wherein the courtesy location is determined by receipt of a remotely provided courtesy request wireless signal.

Claim 9 The method of governing at least one restrictable feature of a set of cellular telephone features as recited in claim 8, further comprising a step of restricting an audio output when the cellular telephone is determined to be within a courtesy location.

Claim 10 A method of governing at least one restrictable feature of a set of cellular telephone features, the method comprising the steps of: activating a condition directing cellular telephone, the condition directing cellular telephone includes functionality comprising at least one restrictable feature; identifying a restriction governing condition; and restricting operation of at least one restrictable feature of the set of cellular

telephone features when the restriction governing condition is determined, where the restriction governing condition occurs when a velocity of the condition directing cellular telephone exceeds a predetermined rate.

Claim 11 The method of governing at least one restrictable feature of a set of cellular telephone features as recited in claim 10, the method further comprising a step of determining if the cellular telephone is located within a courtesy location, wherein the courtesy location is determined by receipt of a remotely provided courtesy request wireless signal.

Claim 12 The method of governing at least one restrictable feature of a set of cellular telephone features as recited in claim 16, further comprising a step of restricting an audio output when the cellular telephone is determined to be within a courtesy location.

Claim 13 A method of governing at least one restrictable feature of a set of cellular telephone features, the method comprising the steps of: activating a condition directing cellular telephone, the condition directing cellular telephone includes functionality comprising at least one restrictable feature; identifying a restriction governing condition; and restricting operation of at least one restrictable feature of the set of cellular

telephone features when the restriction governing condition is determined, wherein the restricting condition is at least one of: velocity of the condition directing cellular telephone being greater than a predetermined rate, when the condition directing cellular telephone is determined to be in a

location considered a courtesy location, wherein the courtesy location is determined by receipt of a remotely provided courtesy request wireless signal, and when the condition directing cellular telephone is determined to be in a

location considered a courtesy location, wherein the courtesy location is determined by a preprogrammed geographic fence.

Claim 14 The method of governing at least one restrictable feature of a set of cellular telephone features as recited in claim 18, the method further comprising a step of offering a user of the cellular telephone an override option, wherein the override option allows continued operation of at least one of the at least one restrictable features when the override option is activated.

Claim 15 The method of governing at least one restrictable feature of a set of cellular telephone features as recited in claim 19, the method further comprising a step of initiating the override option when at least one of the following override conditions is established: use of a hands free device in conjunction with the cellular phone, entering a password into the cellular phone as requested by an override option, proximity of the cellular telephone to a supplemental proximity element where the supplemental proximity element established an override condition, and contacting and holding down at least one key established as an override key.