The disclosure includes an apparatus comprising a diagnostic unit configured to communicate with a rules engine to determine whether a transmission detected in a vehicle is classified as driver wireless device usage based on passenger data indicating whether a passenger is present in the vehicle. The disclosure also includes a system comprising a shielding unit configured to transmit a noise signal to interrupt a transmission detected in a vehicle, and a diagnostic unit configured to communicate with a rules engine to determine whether the detected transmission is classified as driver wireless device usage based on the passenger data indicating whether a passenger is present in the vehicle, and engage the shielding unit if the transmission is classified as driver wireless device usage.

A method for temporarily blocking incoming and outgoing wireless communication is provided with a mobile-phone disrupting unit and a motion sensor in a vehicle. A current speed of the vehicle is monitored with the motion sensor and then a plurality of communication disrupting signals is emitted by the mobile-phone disrupting unit if the current speed of the vehicle exceeds a minimum-speed threshold. When the current speed drops to the minimum-speed threshold or a lower speed, the process of emitting the plurality of disrupting signals is disabled so that the user can utilize the mobile phone. The mobile-phone disrupting unit and the motion sensor is either operatively integrated into the vehicle or housed within a self-containing enclosure.

Disclosed herein is a method and system for detecting, monitoring and/or controlling one or more of mobile services for a mobile communication device (also referred to herein as a Controllable Mobile Device or CMD), and in particular, when the device is being used and the vehicle, operated by the user of the device, is moving. In addition, one aspect of the invention generally relates to a method and system for modifying a user's driving behaviors, in particular to a system and method for modifying a user's unsafe driving behaviors, e.g., using one or more services of a controllable mobile device while driving, by providing a score to the user rating indicating that they are using a mobile device in a distracting way, or driving in a manner that indicates that they are distracted.

A method for temporarily blocking incoming and outgoing wireless communication is provided with a mobile-phone disrupting unit and a motion sensor in a vehicle. A current speed of the vehicle is monitored with the motion sensor and then a plurality of communication disrupting signals is emitted by the mobile-phone disrupting unit if the current speed of the vehicle exceeds a minimum-speed threshold. When the current speed drops to the minimum-speed threshold or a lower speed, the process of emitting the plurality of disrupting signals is disabled so that the user can utilize the mobile phone. The mobile-phone disrupting unit and the motion sensor is either operatively integrated into the vehicle or housed within a self-containing enclosure.

Disclosed herein is a method and system for detecting, monitoring and/or controlling one or more of mobile services for a mobile communication device (also referred to herein as a Controllable Mobile Device or CMD), and in particular, when the device is being used and the vehicle, operated by the user of the device, is moving. In addition, one aspect of the invention generally relates to a method and system for modifying a user's driving behaviors, in particular to a system and method for modifying a user's unsafe driving behaviors, e.g., using one or more services of a controllable mobile device while driving, by providing a score to the user rating indicating that they are using a mobile device in a distracting way, or driving in a manner that indicates that they are distracted.

The disclosure generally relates to techniques that may reduce power consumption and improve user experience when using a personal navigation device or other mobile device to navigate along familiar routes or road segments. In particular, in response to a current position associated with the device corresponding to a familiar road segment (e.g., based on an index indicating how often the road segment was previously traversed), voice assistance and a display may be disabled and/or a frequency at which a receiver acquires signals to determine the current position may be reduced. Furthermore, a navigation application executing on the device may be automatically exited if the familiar road segment further includes a route destination. In other use cases, road segment familiarity and travel histories may be used in route planning, managing incoming calls or messages, and media playback, among other things.

A method includes receiving, in a vehicle computer, a message from a first user device including data concerning movement of the first user portable device. The computer associates the movement data with one of a left vehicle door opening and a right vehicle door opening.

Disclosed herein is a method and system for detecting, monitoring and/or controlling one or more of mobile services for a mobile communication device (also referred to herein as a Controllable Mobile Device or CMD), and in particular, when the device is being used and the vehicle, operated by the user of the device, is moving. In addition, one aspect of the invention generally relates to a method and system for modifying a user's driving behaviors, in particular to a system and method for modifying a user's unsafe driving behaviors, e.g., using one or more services of a controllable mobile device while driving.

A vehicular control system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) disposed at a vehicle. The ECU includes electronic circuitry and associated software. The electronic circuitry of the ECU is operable to receive transmissions and to transmit signals. The vehicular control system, responsive to receiving at the ECU at least one transmission indicative of one or more mobile devices at an interior cabin of the vehicle, determines location of the one or more mobile devices at the interior cabin of the vehicle. Responsive to determination that a determined mobile device is located at a driver seat region of the interior cabin of the vehicle, and responsive to determination that the vehicle is moving at a speed above a threshold speed, the vehicular control system transmits a blocking signal to at least partially disable operation of the determined mobile device located at the driver seat region of the interior cabin.