Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SMARTPHONE LOCK BOX SYSTEM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to smartphone accessories, and
specifically to a container for
retaining a smartphone or other mobile computing device within the container,
and tracking and
logging the amount of time the smartphone is retained in the container,
preventing access to the
smartphone, eliminating distractions while working, studying or other
activities, and tracking
and logging the frequency that the user checks or removes the smartphone from
the container.
State of the Art
[0002] Individuals spend increasing amounts of time using their
smartphones. This includes
significant usage in the workplace, during study hours, and the like. In fact,
there is a growing
concern about addictiveness of smartphones, particularly with teenagers and
college students.
This increased use of smartphones is bleeding over into increased use in the
workplace, causing
inefficiencies and posing concern for companies. With regard to students,
parents often have
trouble getting their student-aged children to put their smartphones down for
homework,
housework, or other activities. Parents often use a student's smartphone as an
incentive to get
the student to perform a task. Additionally, certain uses of smartphones
during operation of
vehicles of any type is a safety concern by distracting users/drivers during
operation that can lead
to accidents and the like.
[0003] Accordingly, what is needed is a container, for placing a
smartphone in, that tracks
and reports the amount of time that the smartphone is secured in the
container, the time of day
when the smartphone is secured in the container, the frequency with which it
is removed, and
reports the phone owner's accessing the device. The container does not have to
physically lock
but merely provide a physical barrier from being a distraction to the owner.
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DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The disclosed invention relates to smartphone accessories,
and specifically to a
container for securing a smartphone, where the container tracks and reports
the amount of time
the smartphone is secured in the container and the frequency that the user
checks or removes the
phone from the container.
[0005] An embodiment includes a smartphone lock box system
comprising: a container with
a lid, wherein the container holds a mobile computing device and limits
physical tactile
engagement to the mobile computing device and the lid is clear to provide
visual access to the
mobile computing device; and a close proximity communication system comprising
a sensing
element integrated into the container, wherein the sensing element is sensed
by the mobile
computing device running a lock box application to determine that the mobile
computing device
is within the container, wherein a display of the mobile computing device is
visible through the
clear lid and displays an indication of at least one of: an amount of time the
mobile computing
device has been within the container; an amount of time elapsed of a
predetermined established
time the mobile computing device should be in the container; or an
accumulation of amounts of
time the mobile computing device has been within the container during a
designated period of
time even if the mobile computing device was removed and replaced within the
container during
the designated period of time.
[0006] Another embodiment includes a smartphone lock box system
comprising: a container
with a clear portion, wherein the container holds a mobile computing device
and limits physical
tactile engagement to the mobile computing device and the clear portion
provides visual access
to the mobile computing device; and a close proximity communication system
comprising a
sensing element integrated into the container, wherein the sensing element is
sensed by the
mobile computing device running a lock box application to determine that the
mobile computing
device is within the container, wherein a display of the mobile computing
device is visible
through the clear portion and displays an indication of at least one of an
amount of time the
mobile computing device has been within the container; an amount of time
elapsed of a
predetermined established time the mobile computing device should be in the
container; or an
accumulation of amounts of time the mobile computing device has been within
the container
during a designated period of time even if the mobile computing device was
removed and
replaced within the container during the designated period of time.
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[0007] Another embodiment includes a smartphone lock box system
comprising. a mobile
computing device operating a lock box application; a container, wherein the
container holds the
mobile computing device and limits physical tactile engagement to the mobile
computing device;
and a sensing device of the mobile computing device, wherein the sensing
device determines that
the mobile computing device is within the container during operation of the
lock box application.
[0008] Another embodiment includes a smartphone lock box system for
clocking in for work
comprising. a single mobile computing device of an employee, the single mobile
computing
device operating a lock box application, a container with a clear front
portion, wherein the
container holds only the single mobile computing device and limits physical
tactile engagement
with the mobile computing device; and a close proximity communication system
comprising a
passive close proximity sensing element integrated into or coupled to the
container and a sensing
device of the mobile computing device, wherein the sensing device determines
that the mobile
computing device is within the container during operation of the lock box
application in response
to the mobile computing device being placed in close proximity to the passive
close proximity
sensing element only when within the container, wherein a display screen of
the mobile
computing device is visible through the clear front portion and displays an
indication of clocking
in and an accumulation of amounts of time the mobile computing device has been
within the
container during a designated period of time less the time the mobile
computing device is
removed until replaced within the container and senses the passive sensing
element again during
the designated period of time, and wherein the lock box is located at a
business office or at a
home of the employee.
[0009] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
invention will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art from the following more particular
description of the invention
and the accompanying drawings.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] A more complete understanding of the present invention may
be derived by referring
to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the
Figures, wherein
like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the Figures, and:
[0011] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a smartphone lock box
system according to an
embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a smartphone lock box
system on a student desk
according to an embodiment;
[0013] FIG. IC is a perspective view of a smartphone lock box
system for use in an
employment environment according to an embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 1D is a perspective view of a smartphone lock box
system on a workplace desk
according to an embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the smartphone lock box
system of FIG. 1 according
to an embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a smartphone lock box system
with the lid open and
holding a mobile computing device according to an embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a smartphone lock box system
according to an
embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a sleeve of a smartphone
lock box system with a
mobile computing device being slid into it according to an embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a sleeve of a smartphone
lock box system with a
mobile computing device retained within it according to an embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a sleeve of a smartphone
lock box system in a work
environment with a mobile computing device being slid into it according to an
embodiment;
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[0021] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a sleeve of a smartphone
lock box system in a work
environment with a mobile computing device retained within it according to an
embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 7C is a perspective view of a sleeve of a smartphone
lock box system in a work
environment with a mobile computing device being slid out of it according to
an embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a smartphone lock box system
coupled to a backpack
according to an embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a smartphone lock box system
coupled to a table
according to an embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a smartphone lock box
system coupled to a scooter
according to an embodiment; and
[0026] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a smartphone lock box
system coupled to a car
according to an embodiment.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0027] As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention
relate to mobile
computing device accessories, and specifically to a container for retaining a
mobile computing
device within the container and tracking the amount of time the mobile
computing device is
retained within the container.
[0028] It is increasingly recognized that smart phones have become
a significant distraction
to teens, students and workers. Many millennials check their phones over 100
times a day and
spend hours engaged with the device each day. Numerous studies cite that
smartphone device
addiction is a significant parenting and learning issue. Also, the workplace
has recognized that
constant checking of smart phones leads to disengagement and distraction from
work, affecting
productivity for certain companies. Recently, a leading phone maker has
recognized that the
devices are being overutilized and has encouraged solutions to monitor and
limit usage.
[0029] Disclosed is a smartphone lock box system that can be used
to track and record time
that a smartphone is locked or secured in a box with limited physical tactile
engagement. The
smartphone lock box system includes a box or container for locking a mobile
computing device
such as a smartphone or tablet into, so that the mobile computing device
cannot be physically
utilized while in the box. The smartphone lock box system can be used by
employers and
employees to have the employees check in their smartphones to limit
distractions while working.
The smartphone lock box system, when used in a workplace environment, records
and reports
the amount of time the mobile computing device is locked or secured in a
retaining unit and the
frequency and duration of any times an employee removes the phone from the
retaining unit.
Each employer and work group can establish acceptable limits of access and set
the system to
only alert or report when overuse is recognized. Also, the system can provide
a report of
cumulative smartphone-free time worked, start time, end time and frequency of
distractions for a
certain worker at their station.
[0030] The smartphone lock box system can be used by parents and
children to get the
children to leave their smartphones alone while doing homework or housework,
or to just spend
time without using the smartphone. The smartphone lock box system records and
reports the
amount of time and time of day the mobile computing device is locked or
secured in the box.
Parents can use the smartphone lock box system to incentivize a child to not
use their mobile
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computing device for certain amounts of time or at certain times of the day.
The smartphone
lock box system helps young adults get away from their smartphones, and helps
parents monitor
and track the mobile computing device usage of their children. Parents use the
smartphone lock
box system to encourage and reward their children for paying attention to
schoolwork and
become less reliant on technology.
[0031] FIGs. 1-4 depict embodiments of a smartphone lock box system
110. Smartphone
lock box system 110 is used to lock a smartphone or other mobile computing
device into a box
so that the smartphone cannot be accessed for a certain period of time. The
smartphone lock box
system can be used by parents who want to encourage and reward their children
for paying
attention to schoolwork, housework, family, or to just become less reliant on
their smartphones.
[0032] Smartphone lock box system 110 includes a box or container
112 with a lid 114. Box
or container 112 is configured to contain a mobile computing device 116 Lid
114 is coupled to
box or container 112 so that mobile computing device 116 cannot be accessed
while it is retained
in box or container 112. Box or container 112 has a sensing element 118
integrated into box or
container 112. Sensing element 118 is sensed by the mobile computing device
116 when a lock
box software application 126 is running on mobile computing device 116. Lock
box application
126 runs on mobile computing device 116 to sense the sensing element 118 of
the box or
container 112 to determine that the mobile computing device 116 is within a
close proximity of
the sensing element 118 and therefore within the box or container 112. The
lock box software
application 126 also operates to control the smartphone lock box system 110.
The lid 114 may
be clear or the lid 114 and the box or container 112 may both be clear,
allowing the mobile
computing device 116 to be viewed from outside of the box or container 112
while it is within
the box or container 112 and the lid 114 is in a closed position.
[0033] Mobile computing device 116 can be any type of mobile device
with computing
capability, such as a smartphone, a cellular telephone, a mobile computer, a
computing tablet or
pad, or any other device that can be mobile and has computing capabilities.
Mobile computing
device 116 is a smartphone in the embodiment shown in the figures, but this is
not meant to be
limiting. Additionally, the box or container 112 may be any type of retaining
unit, such as a
basket, a container, a multi-slot shelving system, a locker or set of lockers,
and the like.
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[0034] Mobile computing device 116 has a lock box application 126
loaded onto mobile
computing device 116 in this embodiment. Lock box application 126 controls
smartphone lock
box system 110 and records and reports when mobile computing device 116 is
secured in box or
container 112, and for how long. Lock box application 126 is a software
application in this
embodiment, but this is not meant to be limiting.
[0035] According to particular embodiments, communication link 120
between the sensing
element 118 and the mobile computing device 116 operating the software
application may be
any type of close-proximity communication link. For example, and without
limitation, the
communication link 120 may be a Near Field Communication ("NFC") link. NFC is
related to
radio-frequency identification (RFID) with the exception that NFC is designed
for use by devices
within close proximity to each other. Devices using NFC may be active or
passive. A passive
device has information that is readable by other devices; however, the passive
device cannot read
information of another device. Active devices can read and send information.
An example of an
active device is a smartphone. In active NFC, each device is active and, when
a device sends
data, it generates an RF field, and when waiting, the device does not generate
an RF field. In
other words, the RF field is alternately generated by each device. In passive
NFC, the RF field is
only generated by one device. NFC devices may also provide secure
communication by using a
secure channel and encryption when sending sensitive information.
[0036] In general, there are three current signaling technologies
for NFC devices to talk to
each other. These signaling technologies are referred to as NFC-A, NFC-B and
NFC-F. When
devices first communicate, they communicate the signal type and then transmit
data in
compliance with the specified protocol.
[0037] NFC-A corresponds with RFID Type A communication. In Type A
communication,
Miller encoding is used with amplitude modulation at 100 percent. A signal
sent between
devices must change from 0 to 100 percent to register the difference between
sending a "1" and a
"0." Data is transmitted at 106 Kbps when using Type A communication.
[0038] Similar to NFC-A, NFC-B corresponds with RFID Type B
communication. Type B
uses Manchester encoding. Amplitude modulation is at 10 percent, wherein a 10-
percent change
from 90%, for low, to 100%, for high, is used. A change from low to high
represents a "0" while
high to low represents a "1.-
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[0039] NEC-F refers to a faster form of RFID transmission known as
FeliCa. FeliCa is a
technology similar to NEC but faster and currently more popular. It is used
for a variety of
services such as subway tickets, credit card payments, and identification at
office buildings and
other locations with limited access.
[0040] The system 10 may utilize various types of NEC
communication, including active or
passive NEC, as well as using various types of signals. The NEC provides close-
proximity
communication between the mobile computing device 116 and the sensing element
118 of the
lock box or container 112 only when the mobile computing device 116 is placed
within the lock
box or container 112 while operating the lock box software application 126.
[0041] Box or container 112 is designed to hold mobile computing
device 116. Box or
container 112 has a lid 114 that is moveable between an open and a closed
position, wherein, in
the open position, the mobile computing device 116 may be placed within or
removed from the
box or container 112. When in the closed position, and the mobile computing
device is within
box or container 112, it retains the mobile computing device 116 within the
box or container 112
and prevents direct physical tactile engagement to the mobile computing device
112 while still
providing visual access to the mobile computing device 116. Box or container
112 can be made
in different sizes for different mobile computing device sizes. In some
embodiments, box or
container 112 can be made large enough to hold multiple mobile computing
devices 116
Smartphone lock box system 110 may be used by churches or schools to contain a
number of
mobile computing devices 116. In some embodiments, box or container 112 will
be able to
contain and communicate with a plurality of mobile computing devices 116.
[0042] Sensing element 118 is integrated into box or container 112
to provide box or
container 112 with specific communication ability. Sensing element 118 as
stated previously
may be sensed by the mobile computing device 116 operating the lock box
software app 126
using communication link 120. This communicates to the mobile computing device
116 that the
mobile computing device is within the box or container 112 and the system 110
can identify that
the mobile computing device 116 is within the box or container 112 for data
gathering and
reporting purposes.
[0043] Again, it is contemplated that any type of close-proximity
sensing element and
communication link may be utilized between sensing element 118 and the mobile
computing
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device 116. For example, and without limitation, it may be NFC communication,
Bluetooth
communication, may be a scannable code by a camera of the mobile computing
device 116 when
it is placed within the box or container 112 or any type of close-proximity
communication.
[0044] In some embodiments, mobile computing device 116 can be
charged while in box or
container 112 using a power connection 138 between box or container 112 and
mobile
computing device 116, or from an external power supply into the box or
container 112 with
connection 128. The box or container 112 may be a form of a mobile charging
device.
[0045] In embodiments depicts in FIGs. 1C-1D, the smartphone lock
box system 110 may
include lock boxes 112 being used in by a business, workplace, team manager,
supervisor or
employer-employee environment. Additionally, this may operate in at a home or
home office
allowing an employee access to the system 10 from home when working from home.
The use of
smartphones in the workplace or when working from home is a drain of the
productivity of the
workforce. The insertion of a smartphone within a lock box or container 112
may operate as a
-clock in- and -clock out" function for the employee. As depicted in FIGs. 1C-
1D, the lock box
or container 112 may be located at a workstation in an office or a workstation
in a home of the
employee and may be connected to a computer at the workstation either in the
office at the
business location or at the home of the employee. The employee or the like may
place his or her
smartphone or other mobile computing device 116 within the lock box or
container 112. The
sensing element 118 and the mobile computing device 116 operating the lock box
software
application engage to determine the mobile computing device 116 is within the
container 112.
This may be by the mobile computing device 116 sensing the sensing element
118, such as by
any type of close-proximity communication link. The mobile computing device
116 within the
lock box or container 112 may then communicate with the system 110 through the
network
connection of the mobile computing device 116. Further, lock box data,
including the
information of the employee using the lock box or container 112 and the time
that the
smartphone 116 is within each lock box or container 112 may be reported to a
server through the
network connection of the mobile computing device 116. In other embodiments,
lock box data,
including the information of the employee using the lock box or container 112
and the time that
the smartphone 116 is within each lock box or container 112 may be reported to
a server through
the wireless network of the mobile computing device 116 by operation of the
lock box
application. The server may automatically produce and deliver to a supervisor,
or the like, a
report that depicts the usage of the smartphone lock boxes by the employees.
This lock box data
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can be utilized to determine effectiveness of employees and the effects of
smartphone
accessibility on productivity of the employees. This system is operable from
the home of the
employee as discussed above. This allows the employee to work even in
instances where there
may be illness, weather or other reasons that would inhibit an employee from
being able to travel
to the work. Further, this is useful for employees that have flexibility to
work from multiple
locations or who even travel. The lock box 12 may be portable and can travel
with the employee
to clock-in regardless of the employee's location.
[0046] In some embodiments, the system may require the employee to
utilize biometric
scans in order to initiate operation of the mobile application before it can
operate the clock-in
feature or the clock out feature of the application. The biometric scans may
be a facial scan,
fingerprint scan or the like from biometric recognition software of the mobile
computing device
116. Further, the server may be programmed to create and to send one or more
verification
messages to the mobile computing device 116 requiring a biometric scan to
verify the employee
is still nearby the mobile computing device while it is in the lock box 12.
The one or more
verification messages may be sent at random times or intervals. The use of
biometric scans may
operate as a deterrent to employees from clocking in at home and then leaving
or having
someone else clock in for them on a different mobile device by simply entering
a user name and
password on another mobile computing device.
[0047] When operating within the work environment, the lock box or
container 112, in some
instances, may not be utilized as a clocking in feature but may operate to
track smartphone usage
by the employee when the employee should be working. In these embodiments, the
system 110
may determine whether the employee had his or her smartphone 116 within the
lock box or
container 112 at times when the employee is clocked in and in a status of at
work. Further, the
system 110 may be configured to account for breaks by the employee, such as 15-
minute breaks,
lunch breaks and the like during the day, wherein the employee removes his or
her smartphone
116 from the lock box or container 112 during the break. This will lead to
employees that still
have the ability to utilize the phone during breaks and reduce distraction
from the smartphone
during times when the employee is working. Employers may also have the ability
to vary the
settings to allow employees to access their phones a certain number of times
in a workday, for a
certain amount of time in a workday, or a combination of certain number of
times and amount of
time in a workday. In other words, as previously stated, each employer and
work group can
establish acceptable limits of access and set the system to only alert or
report when over use is
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recognized. Also, the system 110 can provide a report of cumulative
distraction free time
worked, start time and end time and frequency of distractions for a certain
worker at their station.
[0048] The system 110 in a workplace environment, may include a
clear lid 114 or a clear lid
114 and clear box or container 112 (as described below with regard to FIGs. 1A-
1B), wherein
the mobile computing device 116 is visually accessible and/or audibly
accessible for alerting an
employee of certain types of messages or calls that come through the
smartphone 116 that may
be an emergency or otherwise urgent. This still allows the employee to avoid
distractions
without the concern of missing an urgent call from sources, like a child, a
child's school,
emergency alerts, government alerts, Amber alerts, weather alerts, and the
like.
[0049] Further still, as shown in FIGs. 7A-7C depicted is a sleeve
or pouch 140 functioning
as the container 112 used in a workplace environment. In operation, the sleeve
140 may include
a front clear portion 142, wherein the mobile computing device 116 is slidable
within the sleeve
and the clear portion 142 of the sleeve MO provides visual access to the
mobile computing
device 116. The sleeve 140 may include a sensing device 118 and operates as
previously
described above to determine that the mobile computing device 116 is inserted
within the sleeve
140. As shown in FIG. 7A, the mobile computing device 116 may operate a work
box app (with
is the same as the lock-box application 126) that may be customized for a
particular company's
usage. The work box app may operate by displaying on display 124 an indication
that the app is
running but not located within the sleeve or pouch 140 and thereby direct the
user to slide the
mobile computing device 116 into the container 140 in order to clock-in.
[0050] As the phone is completely inserted within the sleeve or
pouch 140, as shown in FIG.
7B, the mobile computing device 116 running the lock box software application
is activated and
senses the sensing element 118 and determines that the mobile computing device
116 is within
the sleeve or pouch 140 and display 124 reflects this determination and begins
displaying
information related to the amount of time the mobile computing device is
within the sleeve or
pouch 140. This information displayed may include current time, clock-in time,
time intervals
that the mobile computing device was removed from the container, cumulative
clocked-in time
and the like. For example, FIG. 7B depicts the current time, a start of day
clock-in time,
interruption times for each instance the phone was removed from the container
140, and
cumulative time worked The interruption times may be instances of breaks,
pulling a phone out
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for personal use, a lunch break and/or the like. This information is viewable
through the clear
portion 142 of the sleeve or pouch 140.
[0051] At the end of the work day, as shown in FIG. 7C, the user
may slide the mobile
computing device 116 from the sleeve and the work box app operating on the
mobile computing
device may display on display 124 an indication of the clock-out time and the
total time worked
in that particular day. All of this data may be reported to a server and be
retrieved by the
employer, supervisor and the like
[0052] In embodiments shown in FIGs. lA and 1B, lid 114 of box or
container 112 may be
clear to allow a display 124 of the mobile computing device 112 to be viewed
when box or
container 112 is closed. Display 124 displays information related to mobile
computing device
116 and smartphone lock box system 110. When mobile computing device 116 is
locked or
secured in box or container 112, display 124 can show the amount of time that
mobile computing
device 116 has been in box or container 112. Or, display 124 can display the
amount of time that
mobile computing device 116 still needs to be in box or container 112, for
example. Parents can
set up reward systems for their children to encourage them to leave their
mobile computing
device 116 in box or container 112 for a certain amount of time, for example,
or during certain
times of the day. Display 124 can provide feedback on when mobile computing
device 116
should be in box or container 112 and when and how long mobile computing
device 116 has
been in box or container 112. Display 124 can display information from mobile
computing
device 116 viewable through the clear lid 114 and/or clear box or container
112. For example,
mobile computing device 116 and lock box app 126 can be programmed to send
messages from
certain individuals or entities to display 124, or other important or
emergency information.
There may be messages or contacts that have priority status, and this
information can be set to be
sent to display 124 while mobile computing device 116 is in box or container
112, so that the
user can see these priority messages through the clear lid 114 and/or the
clear box or container
112.
[0053] Smartphone lock box system 110 is used to track and report
the times that mobile
computing device 116 is locked or secured in box or container 112 and limits
access by the
owner to the mobile computing device 116 and further reports the frequency of
which the phone
is removed from the box or container 112. The system 110 operates to limit
access, but still
gives the ability to access the phone if needed Children, teens, and adults
are often distracted by
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their smart phones and have difficulty getting tasks done and getting
disconnected from
technology. Smartphone lock box system 110 helps individuals disconnect from
their
technology and provides a way to track the amount of disconnect. Box or
container 112 uses
sensing element 118 that communicated with the mobile computing device 116
operating a
mobile application, wherein operation of the mobile application includes a
close proximity
communication system. As the phone operating the mobile application is placed
within the box
or container 112, it is located proximate the sensing element 118 and the
mobile computing
device 116 determines by sensing the sensing element 118 that the mobile
computing device 116
is within the box or container 112. The system 110 tracks and reports the
times and periods that
mobile computing device 116 is in box or container 112. Parents can use
smartphone lock box
system 110 to monitor and understand their children's use of mobile computing
device 116,
wherein the parent may utilize his or her external mobile computing device to
monitor the status
of the smartphone in the box 12. Children and students can earn rewards for
having their mobile
computing device 116 be in box or container 112 at certain times or for
certain lengths of time.
Parents can apply more valuable rewards for having mobile computing device 116
be in box or
container 112 at certain times. For example, a child may get a larger reward
for putting mobile
computing device 116 in box or container 112 at designated study times, than
for sleeping times.
Smartphone lock box system 110 can be used by parents to control how long
children use their
mobile computing device 116, and make the child choose when they won't be
using mobile
computing device 116. Smartphone lock box system 110 can be used by parents,
teachers,
students, employers, or any other individual or group to track and report when
and how long one
or more mobile computing device 116 is inside box or container 112.
[0054] Referring to FIGs. 5 and 6, another embodiment includes a
sleeve or pouch 140 that
operates as the box 112. The sleeve 140 includes a front clear portion 142,
wherein the mobile
computing device 116 is slidable within the sleeve and the clear portion 142
of the sleeve 140
provides visual access to the mobile computing device 116.
[0055] The sleeve 140 may include a sensing device 118 and operates
as previously
described above to determine that the mobile computing device 116 is inserted
within the sleeve
140. As shown in FIG. 5, as the phone is slid into the sleeve 140, the lockbox
software
application may be running on the mobile computing device 116 and displaying
on display 124
an indication that the app is running but not located within the sleeve or
pouch 140. As the
phone is completely inserted within the sleeve or pouch 140, as shown in FIG.
6, the mobile
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computing device 116 running the lock box software application is activated
and senses the
sensing element 118 and determines that the mobile computing device 116 is
within the sleeve or
pouch 140 and display 124 reflects this determination and begins displaying
information 150
related to the amount of time the mobile computing device is or should be
within the sleeve or
pouch 140. This is viewable through the clear portion 142 of the sleeve or
pouch 140.
Additionally, the display 124 may display a countdown bar to show the passing
of time
graphically. It will be understood that other graphical representation of the
passage of time the
mobile computing device 116 is within the container 140 may be utilized
without departing from
the scope of the invention.
[0056] Additionally, embodiments of the present invention include
the mobile computing
device 116 running the lock box software application that activates a sensor
of the phone to
determine that the mobile computing device 116 is within the box 112 or sleeve
140. The sensor
of the phone may be a camera, an accelerometer, an audible sensor, a magnetic
connection and
the like. For example, the camera or light sensor of the camera may operate to
determine if the
light is dimmed while the app is operating in order to determine it is within
a container 112 or
use of microphones, touch capabilities and the like to determine that the
mobile computing
device 116 is within the container 112.
[0057] In some embodiments, multiple boxes may be linked together
electronically, wherein
a study group of students can all have their respective smartphone in a lock
box or container 112
and communicate with the other lock boxes 112 to ensure that all members of
the study group
are providing full attention to the study session or group project being
worked on without
distraction of a phone. In certain embodiments, special rewards for a group
studying in this
fashion. Further, in other scenarios, such as incentives from coaches or
advisors, tutors, teacher
assistants, labs and the like where members of a team or the like have certain
study hours agreed
to by the team and the teams study hours may be monitored by use of the lock
box or container
112.
[0058] Embodiments may be utilized in various ways without
departing from the scope of
the invention. The following include some configurations of the system 110.
Fabric applications
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[0059] Embodiments of the smartphone lock box system 110 may be
utilized in fabric
formed items. For example, FIG. 8 depicts the use with a backpack 200. This
allows the
smartphone lock box system 110 to be with the student no matter where the
student is, such as,
but not limited to, school, a library, a home, a dorm room, a coffee shop and
the like. Other
fabric items not shown may include, without limitation, a purse, a Zuca,
luggage and the like.
These types of systems can operate as a smartphone lock box in any location
that an individual
is, such as at school, in a library, in a dorm room and the like.
Furniture units
[0060] Embodiments of the smartphone lock box system 110 may be
utilized in furniture
items. For example, FIG. 9 depicts the use with a table 210. Other furniture
items not shown
may include, without limitation, a conference room table, desk, nightstand and
the like. The
table 210 can be home dining table, a restaurant table, and end table and the
like. In dining type
tables, the system 110 can operate to create an ecosystem where users are
utilizing smartphones
less and connecting on a more personal level. The system 110 operates to
display to each user
the amount of unplugged time that he our she has engaged in while dining. This
can be reported
to a server for storage and later for reporting.
Vehicle units
[0061] Embodiments of the smartphone lock box system 110 may be
utilized in vehicles.
For example, FIG. 10 depicts the use with an electric scooter 220. This allows
for vehicles like a
scooter 220, such as a bicycle, motorcycle and the like, to have a hands-free
capability during
operation of the scooter 220 or other similar vehicle. Other vehicles not
shown may include,
without limitation, a cockpit for and airplane or helicopter, a bus, a
motorcycle, a truck, a boat, a
bike, a moped, and the like. It may be used by drivers or by passengers such
as in a back seat for
a child. As another example, FIG. 11 depicts the system 110 may be used in a
vehicle like a car
230. The system 110 may include an adapter to plug into the vehicle in order
to charge the
mobile computing device 116 within the container 112 or 140. Additionally, in
these
embodiments, a navigation system may be utilized by mobile computing device in
order to
provide navigation services to the vehicle driver.
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[0062] The system 110 for use with vehicles provides safety by
reducing distractions, such
as, but not limited to, texting while driving that smartphones or other mobile
computing devices
116 present for drivers. In some embodiments, the mobile computing device 116
may utilize an
accelerometer or GPS device in order to determine the speed of travel of the
mobile computing
device 116. At a predetermined speed threshold, the mobile computing device
116 automatically
initiates the system 110 by operating the lock box application 126. In some
embodiments, the
lock box application 126 may run in the background in order to initiate
operation upon reaching
the threshold speed. This disables the functionality of the phone when
inserted within the
container 112 or 140 to prevent touch access of the phone. The system 110 may
include the
mobile computing device 116 automatically disengaging the system 110 in
response to the speed
dropping below the threshold level for a predetermined amount of time. The
time the mobile
computing device 116 is operating to disable features is sent to a server for
storage and reporting
[0063] Additionally, the system 110 in operation with a vehicle may
record the time that it is
in the container. This can be utilized by insurance companies in order to
determine discounts for
safe driving, wherein the discounts are tied to the mobile computing device
116 being inserted
within the container when a driver is driving. Additionally, the data may be
stored and utilized
as evidence of the driver not texting or engaging with a phone while driving.
In other
embodiments, it can be utilized to track mileage.
Appliance Units
[0064] Embodiments of the smartphone lock box system 110 may be
utilized in appliances
such as, but not limited to a refrigerator, a stove, a microwave, and the
like.
Miscellaneous uses
[0065] Embodiments of the smartphone lock box system 110 may be
utilized in various
ways. For example, and without limitation with a plastic bag or accessory that
has a bendable
display; as a pocket protector unit that can be put in and removed from a
pocket of a shirt; as a
charging unit for the mobile computing device or external devices such as,
without limitation, a
sleeve that attaches to laptop and powers phone, a system 110 built into
workplace computer or
monitor, of phone at call centers, and may be integrated into a battery pack.
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[0066] Further, it is contemplated that operation of the system 110
may have the ability for a
user to control all connected devices. For example, all devices that can talk
to each other, like a
smartphone, a tablet, a laptop and the like can all be limited in
communication ability by the
placing of the smartphone within a container of the system 110. Thereby
ensuring that the user
does not receive communications on any connected device and ensuring removal
of distractions.
[0067] In additional embodiments, each of the types of lock box
containers may be utilized
in order to record the amount of time that the smartphone is within any
container within a single
day. The system 110 may then allow users to set goals for amount of time away
from the screen
of the mobile computing device 116. It can track all times the mobile
computing device 116 is
within any container and store the same in a central repository. Multiple
users may then compete
for most time away from devices, rewards may be earned by reaching certain
levels of non-
screen time and the like. Permitted group data may also be collected and
shared with the user,
such as family having all phones in a multiple device container and track and
view all dining
time away from mobile computing devices in a predetermined amount of time,
such as a week.
[0068] In this embodiment, the present invention includes a method
of using a smartphone
lock box system. The method includes coupling a plurality smartphone lock
boxes to a server,
wherein each smartphone lock box is associated with an individual employee;
placing a plurality
of smartphones of employees within a plurality of smartphone lock boxes,
wherein one
smartphone is placed within one smartphone lock box; sensing whether the
plurality of
smartphones are within the plurality of smartphone lock boxes in response to a
sensor in each
smartphone lock box sensing the presence of a smartphone, wherein each
smartphone lock box
communicates to the server the time the smartphone is placed within the
smartphone lock box
and communicates to the server the time the smartphone is removed from within
the smartphone
lock box; automatically storing all times communicated from the smartphone
lock boxes in a
memory of the server; and automatically generating a report of times that each
smartphone lock
box associated with each individual employee contained a smartphone to
determine the time that
each individual employee's smartphone is within the smartphone lock box.
[0069] Embodiments may be available on or through the internet,
such as through domain
names reserved and owned by Applicant that include freshmanprotection.com or
the like.
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[0070] The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented
in order to best
explain the present invention and its practical application and to thereby
enable those of ordinary
skill in the art to make and use the invention. However, those of ordinary
skill in the art will
recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been presented for
the purposes of
illustration and example only. The description as set forth is not intended to
be exhaustive or to
limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and
variations are possible
in light of the teachings above.
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