Apparatus and method for controlling electronic device
An electronic control device transmits a function control signal within a predetermined area. Other electronic devices within the predetermined area receive the function control signal. The function control signal initiates a control program in an electronic device in the predetermined area that adjusts one or more user setting conditions of the electronic device, such as audio volume level, display brightness level, etc. The original user setting conditions are returned to their prior values when the device exits the predetermined area or otherwise stops receiving the function control signal.
1. An apparatus for controlling an electronic device within a predefined area, the apparatus comprising:
a trigger signal providing unit for generating a trigger signal based on predetermined criteria;
a function control unit, connected to the trigger signal providing unit, wherein the function control unit receives the trigger signal from the trigger signal providing unit, and generates a function control signal in response to the trigger signal, wherein the function control signal includes a function type specification that specifies a function of a control subject in the electronic device, and a control message that specifies a setting condition for controlling the function of the control subject; and
a wireless communication unit, connected to the function control unit, for receiving the function control signal and transmitting the function control signal to an electronic device in the predefined area,
wherein the function control signal initiates a control program in the electronic device that causes the electronic device to compare a current setting condition of the control subject with the control setting of the function control signal, and store the current setting condition and then change the setting condition to the setting condition specified by the function control signal until the function control signal is completed, at which time the control program restores the setting condition of the control subject of the electronic device with the previously stored current setting condition, and wherein the control program in the electronic device is not accessible by a user of the electronic device.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the wireless communication unit transmits the function control signal via a short range wireless technology.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the wireless technology includes one of Bluetooth, Zigbee, and infrared transmission technology.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the function control signal instructs the electronic device to adjust a volume of an audio unit of the electronic device.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the function control signal instructs the electronic device to adjust a brightness setting of a display screen of the electronic device.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the electronic device comprises a mobile telephone.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the trigger signal providing unit generates the trigger signal based on a timer output.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the trigger signal providing unit generates the trigger signal based on detection of an incoming call signal.
9. A method for controlling an electronic device that is within a predefined area, the method comprising the steps of:
generating a trigger signal in response to predetermined criteria;
generating a function control signal in response to the trigger signal, wherein the function control signal includes a function type specification that specifies a function of a control subject in the electronic device, and a control message that specifies a setting condition for controlling the function of the control subject; and
transmitting the function control signal, with a wireless transmission unit, within the predefined area,
wherein when the function control signal is received by the electronic device, the function control signal initiates a control program in the electronic device that causes the electronic device to store a current setting condition of the function type in the electronic device specified by the function control signal to the setting condition specified by the function control signal, and restore the previously stored current setting condition upon completion of the function control signal, and wherein the control program in the electronic device is not accessible by a user of the electronic device.
10. The method for controlling an electronic device of claim 9 , wherein the function control signal is transmitted via a short range wireless technology.
11. The method for controlling an electronic device of claim 10 , wherein the wireless technology includes one of Bluetooth, Zigbee, and infrared transmission technology.
12. The method for controlling an electronic device apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the function control signal instructs the electronic device to adjust a volume of an audio unit of the electronic device.
13. The method for controlling an electronic device of claim 9 , wherein the function control signal instructs the electronic device to adjust a brightness setting of a display screen of the electronic device.
14. The method for controlling an electronic device of claim 9 , wherein the electronic device comprises a mobile telephone.
15. The method for controlling an electronic device of claim 9 , wherein the trigger signal is generated based on a timer output.
16. The method for controlling an electronic device of claim 9 , wherein the trigger signal is generated based on detection of an incoming call signal.