Abstract: One embodiment involves activating an alert in a vehicle when approaching a point of interest (POI) during a hands-free voice call. The vehicle's GPS location is compared to the latitude and longitude of selected POIs stored in a memory device, triggering an alert when within a predetermined distance. Another embodiment provides a system for vehicles to detect traffic light phase changes using an edge device to receive SPAT messages from the traffic light. An alert is issued based on the vehicle's position relative to the traffic light and the timing of the signal phase. In a third embodiment, a method for transferring GPS navigation system software uses an SDK to contact a server and load data, allowing different users to utilize the same SDK.

Abstract: A warning system installed directly in a vehicle's infotainment system, comprising a wireless communication device, a component detecting whether a condition of the vehicle's is such as to turn on the wireless communication device, and software integrated into the vehicle's infotainment system that determines if the vehicle is approaching a hazard or potential hazard, and a component that issues a warning if the foregoing determinations are positive. A method is also provided for detecting whether a condition of the vehicle's is such as to turn on the wireless communication device. The method determines if the vehicle is approaching a hazard or potential hazard and issues a warning if the foregoing determinations are positive.

Abstract: A method for improving safety for the rider on a bicycle or electric scooter by fitting it with a device capable of receiving a signal that indicates a potentially dangerous location is near. A computer program determines the current location of the bicycle or scooter, whether it is moving, if there is a signal indicative of a potentially dangerous location, and if the bicycle or electric scooter is within a predetermined distance from the potentially dangerous location, whereupon it sounds an alarm. The potentially dangerous location can be a traffic light, a school zone, a railway crossing, a stop sign, a yield sign, or a bridge. In a particular embodiment, the device is a wireless communication device having an active voice mode. The program must determine that wireless communication device is in an active voice mode before sounding the alarm.

Abstract: A method for providing safety when a text messages is received on a device capable of receiving a text message and displaying the text message on a screen while in a moving vehicle, comprising determining whether a text message is received on the device. If a text message is received, determining if the vehicle is moving. If the vehicle is not moving, then the received message is displayed. If the vehicle is determined to be moving more than a predetermined speed, then the screen of the cell phone is blackened or blanked until it is determined that the vehicle is no longer moving. Upon determining that the vehicle in no longer moving, then the received message is displayed.

Abstract: A method for improving safety for use with a navigation GPS map system that can display the current location of a vehicle that contains the navigation system on a map generated by the system, the method warning of an approaching point of interest selected from a traffic light, a school zone, or a railway crossing that the vehicle is approaching by displaying an icon of the traffic light, school zone or railway crossing. The display can be limited to when a wireless communication device in the vehicle is in an active voice mode.

Abstract: A method for improving safety for use with a navigation GPS map system that can display the current location of a vehicle that contains the navigation system on a map generated by the system, the method warning of an approaching point of interest selected from a traffic light, a school zone, or a railway crossing that the vehicle is approaching by displaying an icon of the traffic light, school zone or railway crossing. The display can be limited to when a wireless communication device in the vehicle is in an active voice mode.

Abstract: A method for providing safety when attempting to text messages using a device capable or receiving and sending messages from a short message service (“SMS”), comprising upon the device receiving an SMS: (a) determining if the device is active; (b) determining if the device is moving at a speed above a predetermined level; and (c) if both (a) and (b) are positive, then displaying a message warning against texting while driving.

Abstract: A system for increasing the safety of using cellular telephones stores the geographic coordinates of intersections and other traffic features of a local area in a server. The server is interfaced to the cellular telephone network. A programmable GPS enabled telephone handset determines its location upon start-up and transmits that location to through the cellular network to the server. The server responds by transmitting the coordinates of intersections and traffic features surrounding the present location of the telephone handset. As the handset changes location, it determines its new location and compares it to the coordinates provided by the server. If the telephone handset is within a moving vehicle (as determined by the rate of motion of the handset), an audible alarm is issued when the handset comes within a set distance of one of the intersections or traffic features. In this manner a driver speaking on the telephone is alerted before driving into an intersection or other significant traffic feature.

Abstract: A method for improving safety in a moving vehicle comprising a train, bus or truck having a wireless device not in active voice mode and capable of receiving a signal indicative of a nearby traffic light. The following steps are exercised by means of a computer program operating within the vehicle: (a) determining if the location of the vehicle is within a predetermined distance from the traffic light; (b) determining if the vehicle is moving; and (d) issuing an audible alarm whereby a driver in the vehicle is warned of proximity to the traffic light. In particular embodiments, the program determines if the traffic light is a red light or is calculated to be red by the time the vehicle reaches the intersection. In a preferred embodiment, the wireless device is capable of receiving a GPS signal and uses the signal to provide position specific information.

Abstract: A system for increasing the safety of using cellular telephones stores the geographic coordinates of intersections and other traffic features of a local area in a server. The server is interfaced to the cellular telephone network. A programmable GPS enabled telephone handset determines its location upon start-up and transmits that location to through the cellular network to the server. The server responds by transmitting the coordinates of intersections and traffic features surrounding the present location of the telephone handset. As the handset changes location, it determines its new location and compares it to the coordinates provided by the server. If the telephone handset is within a moving vehicle (as determined by the rate of motion of the handset), an audible alarm is issued when the handset comes within a set distance of one of the intersections or traffic features. In this manner a driver speaking on the telephone is alerted before driving into an intersection or other significant traffic feature.

Abstract: A system for increasing the safety of using cellular telephones stores the geographic coordinates of intersections and other traffic features of a local area in a server. The server is interfaced to the cellular telephone network. A programmable GPS enabled telephone handset determines its location upon start-up and transmits that location to through the cellular network to the server. The server responds by transmitting the coordinates of intersections and traffic features surrounding the present location of the telephone handset. As the handset changes location, it determines its new location and compares it to the coordinates provided by the server. If the telephone handset is within a moving vehicle (as determined by the rate of motion of the handset), an audible alarm is issued when the handset comes within a set distance of one of the intersections or traffic features. In this manner a driver speaking on the telephone is alerted before driving into an intersection or other significant traffic feature.

Abstract: A system for increasing the safety of using cellular telephones stores the geographic coordinates of intersections and other traffic features of a local area in a server. The server is interfaced to the cellular telephone network. A programmable GPS enabled telephone handset determines its location upon start-up and transmits that location to through the cellular network to the server. The server responds by transmitting the coordinates of intersections and traffic features surrounding the present location of the telephone handset. As the handset changes location, it determines its new location and compares it to the coordinates provided by the server. If the telephone handset is within a moving vehicle (as determined by the rate of motion of the handset), an audible alarm is issued when the handset comes within a set distance of one of the intersections or traffic features. In this manner a driver speaking on the telephone is alerted before driving into an intersection or other significant traffic feature.