Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for managing predetermined functions on a mobile device, the operating system (OS) installed on the device including an event application programming interface (API) configured to enable voice over internet protocol (VoIP) applications to assume priority over other applications and functions of the mobile device when VoIP calls are detected. A mobile device management software application installed and running on the mobile device emulates a VoIP software application and uses event API calls to trick the OS into believing that a VoIP call has been detected and, in response, causes the OS to block or interfere with one or more predetermined functions on the mobile device based on the status and location of the mobile device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for detecting the presence and location of a mobile communication device within a vehicle includes a monitoring device mounted within the vehicle, the monitoring device includes a primary antenna for detecting cellular data signals originating from within the vehicle. One or more external antenna components mounted at different locations within the vehicle further help to pinpoint the location of detected cellular data signals and correspondingly the location of the mobile device. The external antenna components further help to eliminate and distinguish cellular data signals coming from outside the vehicle and from other mobile communication devices that are not within the driver space of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and monitoring devices for collecting and transmitting operational data about a vehicle to a separate receiving device located within the vehicle, wherein the monitoring device includes a housing mounted to the vehicle and a power supply that powers electronic components contained within the housing, the electronic components include a microprocessor, memory in electronic communication with the microprocessor and configured to store the operational data, one or more sensors for detecting and determining the operational data about the vehicle, wherein the microprocessor causes the operational data to be stored in the memory, and a data transmission module, controlled by the microprocessor and configured to retrieve the operational data from the memory and to transmit the retrieved operational data to the separate receiving device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and monitoring devices for collecting and transmitting operational data about a vehicle to a separate receiving device located within the vehicle, wherein the monitoring device includes a housing mounted to the vehicle and a power supply that powers electronic components contained within the housing, the electronic components include a microprocessor, memory in electronic communication with the microprocessor and configured to store the operational data, one or more sensors for detecting and determining the operational data about the vehicle, wherein the microprocessor causes the operational data to be stored in the memory, and a data transmission module, controlled by the microprocessor and configured to retrieve the operational data from the memory and to transmit the retrieved operational data to the separate receiving device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for managing predetermined functions on a mobile device within a moving vehicle, the mobile device having an operating system (OS) that includes an event API installed therein that is configured for two-way communication with an external control device, the control device being installed within the vehicle and further configured to communicate with a software application installed and running in memory resident on the mobile device. In response to initiation of a predetermined function on the mobile device, a notification message is transmitted by the event API to the control device. The control device then communicates with the software application to determine a desired action for the mobile device to take with respect to the predetermined function. The control device then instructs the mobile device on the action to take on the predetermined function by transmitting an action message to the event API.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for preventing access to a prohibited function on a mobile device when the mobile device is in a vehicle, the mobile device having an operating system (OS) installed thereon. The system includes a control device installed within the vehicle and a software application installed and running in memory resident on the mobile device. If a prohibited function is active or attempts to become active on the mobile device, the software application causes the mobile device to transmit a notification signal to the control device. In response, the control device transmits an OS-level command, such as a home or power key press, back to the mobile device. Upon receipt of the OS-level command, the operating system of the mobile device prevents access to the prohibited function without any direct interference or interruption of the prohibited function by the software application installed on the mobile device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for determining the location of one or more mobile devices within a vehicle comprising: (a) a controller located within the vehicle and configured to transmit at least two audio signals, a first audio signal directed generally into a driver space within the vehicle and a second audio signal directed generally into a passenger space within the vehicle, and (b) software code stored in memory of the mobile device and having instructions executable by a processor that performs the steps of: (i) detecting the at least two audio signals, (ii) sampling the at least two audio signals for a predetermined period of time; (iii) performing digital signal processing on the sampled at least two audio signals; and (iv) based on the results of the digital signal processing, determining whether the mobile device was located within the driver space of the vehicle during the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A system and computer executable instructions running on a mobile device for controlling one or more functions of the mobile device in response to vehicle state data. The mobile device includes a processor and memory coupled to the processor, wherein a receiver in electronic communication with the processor detects a data signal transmission. A default rules-based policy, initially stored in memory of the mobile device, defines how the various functions of the mobile device perform in response to the vehicle state data. A customized rules-based policy is subsequently uploaded into the memory of the mobile device and replaces at least some of the default rules-based policy. Software within the mobile device confirms that the data signal transmission is from an approved transmitter and, if so, causes one or more of the functions on the mobile device to perform in accordance with the customized rules-based policy based.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for determining the location of one or more mobile devices within a vehicle comprising: (a) a controller located within the vehicle and configured to transmit at least two audio signals, a first audio signal directed generally into a driver space within the vehicle and a second audio signal directed generally into a passenger space within the vehicle, and (b) software code stored in memory of the mobile device and having instructions executable by a processor that performs the steps of: (i) detecting the at least two audio signals, (ii) sampling the at least two audio signals for a predetermined period of time; (iii) performing digital signal processing on the sampled at least two audio signals; and (iv) based on the results of the digital signal processing, determining whether the mobile device was located within the driver space of the vehicle during the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for controlling and limiting use of functions, such as calling, texting, chatting, emailing, Internet surfing, and similar applications, on a mobile device when the mobile device is in a moving vehicle, includes use of an on-board computer installed within the vehicle, a transmitter in electronic communication with the on-board computer that periodically transmits speed data of the vehicle to a receiver installed on the mobile device, wherein the mobile device includes suitable software and a rules-based policy that define and control when and which functions of the mobile device are disabled or interrupted by the software when the vehicle is in motion above a minimum threshold speed. Policies are set by default but may be customized for particular individuals, devices, or circumstances. Policies may also be customized for particular groups or subgroups of employees or contractors for company or legal compliance to reduce distracted driving.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for controlling and limiting use of functions, such as calling, texting, chatting, emailing, Internet surfing, and similar applications, on a mobile device when the mobile device is in a moving vehicle, includes use of an on-board computer installed within the vehicle, a transmitter in electronic communication with the on-board computer that periodically transmits speed data of the vehicle to a receiver installed on the mobile device, wherein the mobile device includes suitable software and a rules-based policy that define and control when and which functions of the mobile device are disabled or interrupted by the software when the vehicle is in motion above a minimum threshold speed. Policies are set by default but may be customized for particular individuals, devices, or circumstances. Policies may also be customized for particular groups or subgroups of employees or contractors for company or legal compliance to reduce distracted driving.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for controlling and limiting use of functions, such as calling, texting, chatting, emailing, Internet surfing, and similar applications, on a mobile device when the mobile device is in a moving vehicle, includes use of an on-board computer installed within the vehicle, a transmitter in electronic communication with the on-board computer that periodically transmits speed data of the vehicle to a receiver installed on the mobile device, wherein the mobile device includes suitable software and a rules-based policy that define and control when and which functions of the mobile device are disabled or interrupted by the software when the vehicle is in motion above a minimum threshold speed. Policies are set by default but may be customized for particular individuals, devices, or circumstances. Policies may also be customized for particular groups or subgroups of employees or contractors for company or legal compliance to reduce distracted driving.