Cell Phone Texting External Monitoring Apparatus and Method

摘要

An apparatus and method for monitoring and discriminating cell phone use (voice and text) in a vehicle from the exterior of the vehicle is provided. Cell phone use indicator lights are positioned on the exterior of a vehicle and wirelessly connected to or hardwired to cell phone use detection sensors located in seats and/or within the vehicle cabin to provide site specific information about specific cell phone use in the vehicle based on radio wave frequencies emitted by one or more cell phones in use in the vehicle. One or multiple indicator lights grouped in cluster arrangements to simulate the seat arrangement in a vehicle can be implemented. The apparatus may also be used in aircraft to monitor passenger electronic device use remotely from within the aircraft.

主权项

1. An apparatus for externally monitoring cell phone use in a vehicle cabin comprising:
a vehicle having a passenger cabin; a cell phone use detection system secured in the vehicle and having at least two cell phone use detection sensors secured in separate positions in the vehicle cabin, wherein the at least two detection sensors detect the frequency of radio waves emitted by cell phones; and, at least one cell phone use indication light positioned on the exterior of the vehicle and connected to the cell phone use detection system, wherein the at least one indication light is activated by the cell phone use detection system, when cell phone use is detected, in a predetermined lighting and/or color selection, the lighting and/or color selection of which indicates either use of a cell phone for a voice call, or cell phone use for text messaging.