System for controlling a personal electronic device
A system and method of controlling a personal electronic device is described. The system includes a personal electronic device coupled to a sensor that can detect a safety signal. The system can also include a safety signal source.
1 - 38 . (canceled)
39 . A method comprising:
defining a danger area in which RF transmissions may be unsafe;
positioning one or more safety signal sources at or around the danger area;
transmitting a first radio frequency (RF) safety signal from the one or more safety signal sources, the first RF safety signal having a first unique identification code to identify itself as a first type of safety signal;
transmitting a second radio frequency (RF) safety signal from the one or more safety signal sources, the second RF safety signal having a second unique identification code to identify itself as a second type of safety signal;
the first type of safety signal operable to cause all electronic devices within the danger area to enter into a safe mode;
the second type of safety signal operable to disable RF communications on any electronic devices capable of RF communications;
the first type of safety signal being incorporated into a normal communications protocol of the electronic device;
the second type of safety signal being incorporated into the normal communications protocol of the electronic device;
directing the first type of safety signal to a zone of interest using beamforming techniques; and
directing the second type of safety signal to a zone of interest using beamforming techniques.
40 . The method as in claim 39 wherein the safe mode comprises powering down the electronic devices.
41 . The method as in claim 39 wherein the danger area comprises one of a passenger area of an airplane, a hospital or a blasting zone.
42 . The method as in claim 39 wherein the first safety signal is transmitted periodically and the electronic devices will automatically exit the safe mode if a predetermined time has elapsed prior to receiving the periodic re-transmission of the first safety signal.
43 . (canceled)
44 . The method as in claim 39 wherein the second safety signal is transmitted periodically and the electronic devices will automatically re-enable RF communications if a predetermined time has elapsed prior to receiving the periodic re-transmission of the second safety signal.