Method and system for controlling an electronic device
The present invention is a method and system for controlling an electronic device. In one embodiment, a controller is coupled with a position determining component, and a motion detecting component. In one embodiment, the motion detecting component detects motion of the electronic device and generates a signal to the controller indicating the motion. The controller, in response to the signal, causes the position determining component to determine the geographic location of the electronic device. The geographic location is compared with a pre-defined zone and, in response to the comparing, a command is generated for controlling the electronic device.
1. A position tracking system comprising:
a position tracking service provider; and
an electronic device coupled with an initiating device, said initiating device comprising:
a controller;
a position determining component coupled with said controller;
a motion detecting component coupled with said controller, wherein said motion detecting component generates an interrupt signal to said controller in response to detecting movement of said electronic device; and
wherein said controller:
causes said position determining component to determine a geographic location in response to receiving said interrupt signal;
compares said geographic location with a pre-defined zone; and
generates a command for controlling said electronic device in response to said comparing.
2. The position tracking system of claim 1 , wherein said controller uses a current time parameter to determine said command.
3. The position tracking system of claim 1 , wherein said position determining component uses a position determining system to determine said geographic location.
4. The position tracking system of claim 3 , wherein said position determining system is a satellite-based position determining system.
5. The position tracking system of claim 3 , wherein said position determining system is a terrestrial-based position determining system.
6. The position tracking system of claim 1 , further comprising a wireless communications component coupled with said controller.
7. The position tracking system of claim 6 , wherein said controller automatically causes said wireless communications component to transmit a message conveying said geographic location to said position tracking service provider when said geographic location is determined within a pre-determined time parameter.
8. The position tracking system of claim 7 , wherein said controller automatically causes said position determining component to transition to an idle operating state for a pre-determined time period after transmitting said message.
9. The position tracking system of claim 6 , wherein said controller automatically causes said wireless communications component to transmit a second message to said position tracking service provider when said geographic location cannot be determined within said pre-determined time period.
10. The position tracking system of claim 6 , wherein said controller automatically causes said wireless communications component to transmit a second message to said position tracking service provider when said geographic location cannot be determined within said pre-determined time period.
11. The position tracking system of claim 6 , wherein said controller automatically causes said wireless communications component to transmit a third message to said position tracking service provider when said initiating device has not detected movement of said position reporting device within a pre-determined time parameter.
12. The position tracking system of claim 1 , wherein said initiating device is disposed within said electronic device.
13. The position tracking system of claim 1 , wherein said electronic device is selected from the group comprising a cellular telephone, a portable computer, and an automotive electrical system.