WO2011140591A1

WO2011140591A1 - Electronic device control in response to movement

Info

Publication number: WO2011140591A1
Application number: PCT/AU2011/000538
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthew King; Philip Tyrie; Philip Little
Original assignee: Expedio Management Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2010-05-10
Filing date: 2011-05-10
Publication date: 2011-11-17

Abstract

A system for controlling an electronic device, the system including a movement sensor for detecting movement of the device and converting the detected movement in to at least one movement signal, and processing means for converting the at least one movement signal in to a motion estimation signal, comparing a value of the motion estimation signal with a threshold value and controlling the device to perform either a first action or a second action depending on the outcome of the comparison.

Description

ELECTRONIC DEVICE CONTROL IN RESPONSE TO MOVEMENT

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to electronic devices and, in particular, to controlling electronic devices in response to movement of such devices.

Although the present invention will be described with particular reference to controlling a display of a vehicle-mounted computer in response to whether or not the vehicle and, hence, the computer are moving, it will be appreciated that the present invention may be used to control a computer in other ways, to control an electronic device other than a computer, or to control an electronic device which is not mounted in a vehicle.

Background Art

There has been a growing acceptance and usage of vehicle-based mobile computer systems for a wide variety of functions. Emergency services, couriers, transport workers, technicians and mobile sales teams are all relying on information from a vehicle-mounted mobile computer.

In many jurisdictions, legislation exists that prohibits a driver's usage of mobile computers whilst a vehicle is in motion. Even where legislation does not exist, it is accepted that human interaction with computers and other microprocessor-based electronic devices can be hazardous as it can distract the driver of the vehicle. Nevertheless, there are some specific instances where such interaction may be considered necessary, or can be carried-out with a reduced risk hazard. Such instances may be, for example, the use of such devices by the emergency services, or by couriers or the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) applications.

A solution to manage in-vehicle usage of computers is to either limit the power supplied to the computer when the vehicle is in use or to have the computer display mounted so that it faces away from the driver so that the driver cannot see the screen and is therefore not distracted. Whilst this is effective, it means that applications such as GPS, Courier Schedules and Emergency Service Applications that are permissible by law under this legislation can only be seen by the passenger or by the driver when they stop the vehicle. Some current vehicle-based solutions in this field rely on hardware-only solutions wired in to a vehicle to determine whether a vehicle is "capable" of movement rather than actually moving (e.g. whether or not a handbrake of the vehicle has been activated), or on GPS monitoring which is prone to problems with signal quality when driving amongst tall buildings or where communication with the GPS satellite constellation is lost (e.g. underground car parks, tunnels, etc.)

When applied within vehicles, current solutions, such as solutions which monitor the status of a vehicle's handbrake, often require vehicle modification, may not be applicable to all vehicle types, or may be subject to 'bypass' techniques.

Examples of some specific earlier related systems can be found in the following patent documents: US2004/0186632 A1 (ARAI); US 6266589 B1 (BOIES ET AL); WO 2005/055046 A1 (VOLVO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION); Derwent Abstract Accession No. 2005-708035/73, JP 2005/274180 A (ALPINE KK); WO 2005/023598 A1 (MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC IND CO LTD); Derwent Abstract Accession No. 2004-807773/80, JP 2004/318515 A (CALSONIC CORP); Derwent Abstract Accession No. 2004- 769489/76, JP 2004/301546 A (MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP); Derwent Abstract Accession No. 2003-869246/81 , JP 2003/267165 A (NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD); Derwent Abstract Accession No. 2003-630685/60, JP 2003/178392 A (HITACHI LTD); and US 2002/0070852 A1 (TRAUNER ET AL).

It is against this background that the present invention has been developed.

Summary of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to overcome, ^' or at least ameliorate, one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art mentioned above, or to provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. According to a first broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for controlling an electronic device, the system comprising a movement sensor for detecting movement- of the device and converting the detected movement in to at least one movement signal, and processing means for converting the at least one movement signal in to a motion estimation signal, comparing a value of the motion estimation signal with a threshold value and controlling the device to perform either a first action or a second action depending on the outcome of the comparison.

The system may be used to control a variety of electronic devices. In a preferred form, the system is used to control a computer.

Preferably, the movement sensor is an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, or a pyro-infrared sensor. It is preferred that the accelerometer is a multi-axis accelerometer. It is also preferred that the accelerometer is a Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) accelerometer. In a particular preferred form, the movement sensor is an Analog Devices™ ADXL335™ tri-axial MEMS accelerometer.

Preferably, the movement sensor detects movement of the electronic device in three orthogonal directions, and converts the detected movement in each of those directions in to a respective movement signal.

Preferably, the processing means includes a first processor, and a second processor which is part of the electronic device and which is able to communicate with the first processor. It is preferred that the first processor is a microcontroller.

Preferably, the processing means converts the at least one movement signal in to the motion estimation signal by filtering each movement signal, combining each filtered movement signal in to a combined signal, and filtering the combined signal. Preferably, each movement signal is filtered with a bandpass filter. Preferably, the band-pass filter has a bandwidth of 0.4 Hz to 250 Hz. Preferably, the filtered signals are combined together by calculating the square root of the sum of the squares of the filtered signals. Preferably, the combined signal is filtered with a first output filter to produce a first motion estimation signal, and the first motion estimation signal is filtered with a second output filter to produce a second motion estimation signal. Preferably, the first output filter is a low-pass filter. Preferably, the first output filter has a bandwidth of 0.4 Hz. Preferably, the second output filter is a low-pass filter. Preferably, the second output filter has a bandwidth of 0.12 Hz.

In a first preferred form, the processing means controls the device to perform the first action if the motion estimation signal value is greater than the threshold value, and controls the device to perform the second action if the motion estimation signal value is less than the threshold value. In a second preferred form, the processing means controls the device to perform the first action if the motion estimation signal value is greater than or equal to the threshold value, and controls the device to perform the second action if the motion estimation signal value is less than the threshold value. In a third preferred form, the processing means controls the device to perform the first action if the motion estimation signal value is greater than the threshold value, and controls the device to perform the second action if the motion estimation signal value is less than or equal to the threshold value. Preferably, the first action is. to blank a display of the device, and the second action is to allow the display of the device to display an image. In a preferred form, the first action is to blank a display of the device or limit access to one or more nominated functions, and the second action is to allow a display of the device to operate in an unrestricted fashion.

Preferably, the system also includes an orientation sensor for detecting the orientation of the electronic device and converting the detected orientation in to an orientation signal, and the processing means determines from the orientation signal if the detected orientation is the same as a first orientation or a second orientation, and controls the device to perform the second action if it is determined that the detected orientation is the same as the second orientation. Preferably, the first orientation is when a display of the device faces a driver of a vehicle, and the second orientation is when the display faces a passenger of the vehicle.

According to a second broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling an electronic device, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting movement of the device;

converting the detected movement in to at least one movement signal; converting the at least one movement signal in to a motion estimation signal;

comparing a value of the motion estimation signal with a threshold value; and

controlling the device to perform either a first action or a second action depending on the outcome of the comparison.

The method may be used to control a variety of electronic devices. In a preferred form, the method is used to control a computer.

Preferably, the detecting step includes detecting accelerating movement of the electronic device.

Preferably, the detecting step includes detecting movement of the electronic device in three orthogonal directions, and the step of converting the detected movement includes converting the detected movement in each of those directions in to a respective movement signal.

Preferably, the step of converting the at least one movement signal in to the motion estimation signal includes filtering each movement signal, combining each filtered movement signal in to a combined signal, and filtering the combined signal. Preferably, each movement signal is filtered with a band-pass filter. Preferably, the band-pass filter has a bandwidth of 0.4 Hz to 250 Hz. Preferably, the filtered signals are combined together by calculating the square root of the sum of the squares of the filtered signals. Preferably, the combined signal is filtered with a first output filter to produce a first motion estimation signal, and the first motion estimation signal is filtered with a second output filter to produce a second motion estimation signal. Preferably, the first output filter is a low-pass filter. Preferably, the first output filter has a bandwidth of 0.4 Hz. Preferably, the second output filter is a low-pass filter. Preferably, the second output filter has a bandwidth of 0.12 Hz.

In one preferred form, the device is controlled to perform the first action if the motion estimation signal value is greater than the threshold value, and the device is controlled to perform the second action if the motion estimation signal value is less than the threshold value. In a second preferred form, the device is controlled to perform the first action if the motion estimation signal value is greater than or equal to the threshold value, and the device is controlled to perform the second action if the motion estimation signal value is less than the threshold value. In a third preferred form, the device is controlled to perform the first action if the motion estimation signal value is greater than the threshold value, and the device is controlled to perform the second action if the motion estimation signal value is less than or equal to the threshold value. Preferably, the first action is to blank a display of the device, and the second action is to allow the display of the device to display an image. In a preferred form, the first action is to blank a display of the device or limit access to one or more nominated functions, and the second action is to allow a display of the device to operate in an unrestricted fashion.

Preferably the method also includes the steps of:

detecting an orientation of the electronic device;

converting the detected orientation in to an orientation signal;

determining from the orientation signal if the detected orientation is the same as a first orientation or a second orientation; and

controlling the device to perform the second action if it is determined that the detected orientation is the same as the second orientation. Preferably, the first orientation is when a display of the device faces a driver of a vehicle, and the second orientation is when the display faces a passenger of the vehicle.

According to a third broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use in controlling an electronic device, the apparatus comprising a movement sensor for detecting movement of the device and converting the detected movement in to at least one movement signal, and processing means for converting the at least one movement signal in to a motion estimation signal and outputting a value of the motion estimation signal.

The apparatus may be used in controlling a variety of electronic devices.

In a preferred form, the apparatus is used in controlling a computer.

Preferably, the movement sensor is an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, or a pyro-infrared sensor. It is preferred that the accelerometer is a multi-axis accelerometer. It is also preferred that the accelerometer is a Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) accelerometer. In a particular preferred form, the movement sensor is an Analog Devices™ ADXL335™ tri-axial MEMS accelerometer. Preferably, the movement sensor detects movement of the electronic device in three orthogonal directions, and converts the detected movement in each of those directions in to a respective movement signal.

Preferably, the processing means is a computer processor. In a preferred form, the computer processor is a microcontroller.

Preferably, the processing means converts the at least one movement signal in to the motion estimation signal by filtering each movement signal, combining each filtered movement signal in to a combined signal, and filtering the combined signal. Preferably, each movement signal is filtered with a band- pass filter. Preferably, the band-pass filter has a bandwidth of 0.4 Hz to 250 Hz. Preferably, the filtered signals are combined together by calculating the square root of the sum of the squares of the filtered signals. Preferably, the combined signal is filtered with a first output filter to produce a first motion estimation signal, and the first motion^' estimation signal is filtered with a second output filter to produce a second motion estimation signal. Preferably, the first output filter is a low-pass filter. Preferably, the first output filter has a bandwidth of 0.4 Hz. Preferably, the second output filter is a low-pass filter. Preferably, the second output filter has a bandwidth of 0.12 Hz.

Preferably, the processing means is able to determine from an orientation signal which is converted from a detected orientation of the electronic device whether the detected orientation is the same as a first orientation or a second orientation. It is preferred that the motion estimation signal value is set to a value of zero if it is determined that the detected orientation is the same as the second orientation.

According to a fourth broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for use in controlling an electronic device, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting movement of the device;

converting the detected movement in to at least one movement signal; converting the at least one movement signal in to a motion estimation signal; and

outputting a value of the motion estimation signal.

The method may be used in controlling a variety of electronic devices. In a preferred form, the method is used in controlling a computer. Preferably, the detecting step includes detecting accelerating movement of the electronic device.

Preferably, the method also includes the step of determining from an orientation signal which is converted from a detected orientation of the electronic device whether the detected orientation is the same as a first orientation or a second orientation. It is preferred that the motion estimation signal value is set to a value of zero if it is determined that the detected orientation is the same as the second orientation.

According to a fifth broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for use in controlling an electronic device, the method comprising the steps of:

converting at least one movement signal in to a motion estimation, signal; and

outputting a value of the motion estimation signal.

The method may be used in controlling a variety of electronic devices. In a preferred form, the method is used in controlling a computer. Preferably, the step of converting the at least one movement signal in to the motion estimation signal includes filtering the at least one movement signal, combining each filtered movement signal in to a combined signal, and filtering the combined signal. Preferably, each movement signal is filtered with a band- pass filter: Preferably, the band-pass filter has a bandwidth of 0.4 Hz to 250 Hz. Preferably, the filtered signals are combined together by calculating the square root of the sum of the squares of the filtered signals. Preferably, the combined signal is filtered with a first output filter to produce a first motion estimation signal, and the first motion estimation signal is filtered with a second output filter to produce a second motion estimation signal. Preferably, the first output filter is a low-pass filter. Preferably, the first output filter has a bandwidth of 0.4 Hz. Preferably, the second output filter is a low-pass filter. Preferably, the second output filter has a bandwidth of 0.12 Hz,

Preferably, the method also includes the step of determining from an orientation signal which is converted from a detected orientation of the electronic device whether the detected orientation is the same as a first orientation or a second orientation. It is preferred that the motion estimation signal value is set to a value of zero if it is determined that the detected orientation is the same as the second predefined orientation. '

According to a sixth broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a processor-readable storage medium on which is stored instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method according to the fifth broad aspect of the present invention as hereinbefore described.

According to a seventh broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a processor programmed to carry out the method according to the fifth broad aspect of the present invention as hereinbefore described.

According to an eighth broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for use in controlling an electronic device, the method comprising the steps of:

comparing a motion estimation signal value with a threshold value; and controlling the device to perform either a first action or a second action depending on the outcome of the comparison. The method may be used in controlling a variety of electronic devices. In a preferred form, the method is used in controlling a computer.

In a first preferred form, the device is controlled to perform the first action if the motion estimation signal value is greater than the threshold value, and the device is controlled to perform the second action if the motion estimation signal value is less than the threshold value. In a second preferred form, the device is controlled to perform the first action if the motion estimation signal value is greater than or equal to the threshold value, and the device is controlled to perform the second action if the motion estimation signal value is less than the threshold value. In a third preferred form, the device is controlled to perform the first action if motion estimation signal value is greater than the threshold value, and the device is controlled to perform the second action if the motion estimation signal value is less than or equal to the threshold value. Preferably, the first action is to blank a display of the device, and the second action is to allow the display of the device to display an image. In a preferred form, the first action is to blank a display of the device or limitaccess to one or more nominated functions, and the second action is to allow a display of the device to operate in an unrestricted fashion.

According to a ninth broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium on which is stored instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to the eighth broad aspect of the present invention as hereinbefore described.

According to a tenth broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer programmed to carry out the method according to the eighth broad aspect of the present invention as hereinbefore described.

According to an eleventh broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for use in controlling an electronic device, the method comprising the steps of:

converting at least one movement signal in to a motion estimation signal; comparing a value of the motion estimation signal with a threshold value; and

controlling the device to perform either a first action or a second action depending on the outcome of the comparison. The method may be used in controlling a variety of electronic devices. In a preferred form, the method is used in controlling a computer.

Preferably, the step of converting the at least one movement signal in to the motion estimation signal includes filtering the at least one movement signal, combining each filtered movement signal in to a combined signal, and filtering the combined signal. Preferably, each movement signal is filtered with a bandpass filter. Preferably, the band-pass filter has a bandwidth of 0.4 Hz to 250 Hz. Preferably, the filtered signals are combined together by calculating the square root of the sum of the squares of the filtered signals. Preferably, the combined signal is filtered with a first output filter to produce a first motion estimation signal, and the. first motion estimation signal is filtered with a second output filter to produce a second motion estimation signal. Preferably, the first output filter is a low-pass filter. Preferably, the first output filter has a bandwidth of 0.4 Hz. Preferably, the second output filter is a low-pass filter. Preferably/ the second output filter has a bandwidth of 0.12 Hz.

In a first preferred form, the device is controlled to perform the first action if the motion estimation signal value is greater than the threshold value, and the device is controlled to perform the second action if the motion estimation signal value is less than the threshold value. In a second preferred form, the device is controlled to perform the first action if the motion estimation signal value is greater than or equal to the threshold value, and the device is controlled to perform the second action if the motion estimation signal value is less than the threshold value. In a third preferred form, the device is controlled to perform the first action if the motion estimation signal value is greater than the threshold value, and the device is controlled to perform the second action if the motion estimation signal value is less than or equal to the threshold value. Preferably, the first action is to blank a display of the device, and the second action is to allow the display of the device to display an image. In a preferred form, the first action is to blank a display of the device or limit access to one or more nominated functions, and the second action is to allow a display of the device to operate in an unrestricted fashion.

According to a twelfth broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium on which is stored instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to the eleventh broad aspect of the present invention as hereinbefore described.

According to a thirteenth broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer programmed to carry out the method according to the eleventh broad aspect of the present invention as hereinbefore described.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In order that the invention may be more fully understood and put into practice, a preferred embodiment thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 depicts an apparatus for use in controlling a computer;

Figure 2 depicts a Main application window of a computer software application for use with the apparatus illustrated in figure 1 displaying a motion sensor having an active status on a communications port identified as COM3;

Figure 3 depicts the Main application window of the computer software application displaying a motion sensor having a disabled status;

Figure 4 depicts the Main application window of the computer software application displaying a motion sensor having a status of being unable to read a signal- Figure 5 depicts an Administration application window of the computer software application after the "Application settings" tab control in the window has been selected;

Figure 6 depicts the Administration application window of the computer software application after the "Nominated program settings" tab control in the window has been selected;

Figure 7 depicts the Administration application window of the computer software application after the "Blank screen settings" tab control in the window has been selected; Figure 8 depicts the Administration application window of the computer software application after the "Motion sensor settings" tab control in the window has been selected;

Figure 9 depicts the Administration application window of the computer software application after the "Motion sensor settings" tab control in the window has been selected which includes a graphical representation of a motion estimation signal which is output by the apparatus depicted in figure 1 and a threshold value;

Figure 10 depicts an alternative application window of the computer software application which includes a graphical representation of a motion estimation signal which is output by the apparatus depicted in figure 1 and a threshold value;

Figure 11 depicts a blank screen of the computer software application displayed when there are rio specified nominated programs;

Figure 12 depicts a blank screen of the computer software application displayed when nominated programs are specified;

Figure 13 depicts a computer which is able to be controlled with the computer software and the apparatus illustrated in figure 1 ;

Figure 14 depicts a processor and memory device of the computer illustrated in figure 4; and

Figure 15 depicts an orientation sensor connected to an input of the processor of the apparatus illustrated in figure 1.

Best Mode(s) for Carrying out the Invention In the drawings, like features have been referenced with like reference numbers.

Referring to figure 1 , a system 20 for controlling the operation of an electronic device which is mounted in a vehicle such as a car includes an apparatus 30. Apparatus 30 includes a motion or movement sensor 31 for detecting movement of the vehicle and hence the electronic device, and for converting the detected movement in to a plurality of movement signals. The movement sensor 31 is an Analog Devices™ ADXL335™ tri-axial MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems) accelerometer which is able to detect movement of the electronic device in three orthogonal directions which are referred to as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. Other types of accelerometer may be used as the movement sensor 31. Also, a. gyroscope, magnetometer, pyro-infrared sensor or other motion sensor may be used instead of an accelerometer.

Sensor 31 converts the movement which is detected in each of those directions in to an X-axis movement signal 32, a Y-axis movement signal 33, and a Z-axis movement signal 34, respectively. The X-axis movement signal 32, Y- axis movement signal 33, and the Z-axis movement signal 34 are each output by the sensor 31 to a respective input of a computer processor 35 of the apparatus 30. Processor 35 is part of a processing means of the system 20, and functions as a signal processing system which processes each of the signals 32, 33, 34. Processor 35 is in the form of a microcontroller which includes a memory device (not depicted) for storing instructions and data, and a central processing unit (not depicted) for executing the instructions and processing the data which are stored in the memory. _.

The instructions which are stored in the memory of the processor 35 and which are executed by the central processing unit of the processor 35 are able to cause the processor 35 to convert the movement signals 32, 33, 34 in to a first motion estimation signal and a second motion estimation signal. They are also able to cause the processor 35 to output a value of the first motion estimation signal from a first Output 38, and to output a value of the second motion estimation signal from a second output 39.

The processor 35 converts the movement signals 32, 33, 34 into the first motion estimation signal by filtering each of the movement signals 32, 33, 34 with a respective band-pass filter 40. Each band-pass filter 40 has a bandwidth of 0.4 Hz to 250 Hz. The filtered movement signals 32, 33, 34 are then combined at 41 by calculating the L2Norm vector sum (3 axis Pythagorean sum) of the signals 32, 33, 34. The L2Norm vector sum of the signals 32, 33, 34 is calculated by taking the square root of the sum of the squares of the filtered signals 32, 33, 34. The combined signal is then filtered with a first output filter 42 to produce the first motion estimation signal, a value of which is then able to be output from the first output 38. The first motion estimation signal is a first RMS (root mean squared) average acceleration signal. The first output filter-42 is a low-pass filter which has a bandwidth of 0.4 Hz.

The processor 35 converts the movement signals 32, 33, 34 into the second motion estimation signal by filtering the first motion estimation signal which is output from the first output filter 42 with a second output filter 43. The processor 35 is then able to output a value of the second motion estimation signal from the second output 39. The second motion estimation signal is an RMS average acceleration signal. The second output filter 43 is a low-pass filter which has a bandwidth of 0.12 Hz.

Various other filter methods, summations schemes and bandwidths may be used to generate the motion estimation signals.

The apparatus 30 is attached, or otherwise secured relative to the electronic device so that the movement sensor 31 is able to detect movement of the electronic device along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The electronic device can be a notebook computer 50 (see figure 4).

The computer 50 includes display means in the form of a monitor or visual display 51 , a container such as a box 52 for housing various components of the computer 50 such as the motherboard, processor, disk drives and power supply of the computer 50, a keyboard 53 which is located on top of, and which is integrated with the box 52, and any suitable peripheral devices such as a mouse (not depicted). Together, the display 51 , keyboard 53 and peripheral devices provide a Human or Man Machine Interface ("HMI") for a computer software application ("application") which is stored and run on the computer 50, and which also forms part of the system 20. The HMI enables a user to interact with the application.

The application, which is called "Blank-IT", can be written in any suitable language, and in the described embodiment is developed in the C# programming language as is well-known to persons skilled in the art.

The computer 50 includes a processor 54 and a storage medium or memory device 55. The processor 54 also forms part of the processing means of the system 20. The processor 54 and memory device 55 are for the storage and running of a computer operating system such as Windows®, and one or more software applications, including the application of the embodiment of the present invention. The use and operation of computers using software applications is well-known to persons skilled in the art and need not be described in any further detail herein except as is relevant to the present invention.

The user of the application inputs data for interaction with and processing by the application via a graphical user interface ("GUI") which is part of the HMI and which is displayed on the display 51. The HMI presents a graphical display to the user through which the user inputs and reads data therefrom.

The use of graphical user interfaces and the inputting and reading of data therefrom is well-known to persons skilled in the art and need not be described in any further detail herein except as is relevant to the present invention.

The processor 35 of the apparatus 30 and the processor 54 of the computer 50 are able to communicate with each other through a communications (COM) port of the computer 50 so that when the application is executed on the computer processor 54 that processor 54 is able to process the first motion estimation signal value and/or the second motion estimation signal value which are respectively output from the first output 38 and the second output 39. To accomplish this, apparatus 30 may for example be attached/connected to the computer 50 via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port of the computer 50. Alternatively, the apparatus 30 may be attached/connected to the computer 50 Via a USB port of a mount/docking platform for the computer 50. In yet another form, the apparatus 30 may be integrated within the computer 50 internally by the licensed Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Moreover, the apparatus 30 may be a standalone device with a 'sender' or alert functionality which enables the apparatus 30 to communicate with the computer 50.

Any suitable communication protocol can be used to facilitate the communication of information or data between the apparatus 30 and the computer 50, or other components of the system 20, and between the system 20 and other devices, including wired and wireless, as are well known to persons skilled in the art and need not be described in any further detail herein except as is relevant to the present invention.

The application is opened by selecting an icon or menu item in the GUI which is displayed on the display means 51.

As illustrated in figures 2 to 4 of the drawings, in the embodiment described, upon execution the application is operable to generate and present to the user via the HMI a first or "Main" application window 60 on the display 51. The Main window 60 is operable to provide an overview of a current status of the movement sensor 31 and to provide core functionality control..

In this regard, window 60 includes button controls 61 , 62, 63, and 64, and checkbox control 65 for controlling various aspects relating to the display of the Main window 60. Clicking on button control 61 ("Minimise/Hide") with a mouse cursor (not depicted) which is displayed on the display 51 minimises the size of/hides the Main window 60. Clicking on button control 62 ("Maximise") maximises the size of the Main window 60. Clicking on button control 63 ("Close") closes the Main window 60 and the application. In the event that security such as a password is set for the application, and described in further detail below, activation of the Close button control 63 requires the security to be satisfied (such as a correct password entered) via the GUI before the application will close.

Clicking on button control 64 ("Configure") launches a second or "Administration" window 100 operable to enable various application settings to be configured. In the event that security such as a password is set for the application, activation of the Configure button control 64 requires the security to be satisfied (such as a correct password entered) via the GUI before the Administration window 100 is shown and access to the functions facilitated thereby provided.

Checking and unchecking checkbox control 65 ("Active") respectively enables and disables the movement sensor 31 and all active sensors in embodiments of the invention where more than one sensor is provided. In the event that security such as a password is set for the application, disabling of the movement sensor 31 requires the security to be satisfied (such as a correct password entered) via the GUI before it will be disabled. Enabling of the movement sensor 31 does not require the security to be satisfied in the embodiment described.

Identifiers for sensors included in the system 20 and their operational status is displayed in a "Status" box 102 of the Main window 60. In figures 2 to 4 of the drawings the movement sensor 31 is identified by the identifier "Blank-IT Motion Sensor". Possible descriptions for the operational status of the movement sensor 31 in the embodiment described are: "Active" on communication port 3 ("COM3") - signifying a case in which movement signals from the movement sensor 31 are being received or read via communication port 3; "Disabled" - signifying a situation in which movement signals from the movement sensor 31 are not being read or received and are not intended to be; and "Unable to Read Sensor" - identifying a fault condition in which case movement signals from the movement sensor 31 are not being read or received as intended to be or the movement sensor 31 is unable to read a signal. These conditions are illustrated in figures 2, 3, and 4, respectively. In an alternative embodiment of the invention where more than one sensor is provided, an identifier for each sensor, and a corresponding description describing each sensors status, are displayed in the status box 102.

As described above, on activation of the Configure button control 64 the application is operable to generate and present to the user via the HMI the Administration window 100 on the display 51 , as illustrated in figures 5 to 9. The Administration window 100 provides control of administrator configuration settings to configure operation of the application and the system 20.

In addition to having Minimise/Hide button control 61 , Maximise button control 62, and Close button control 63 which operate in a similar manner as in the case for the Main window 60, the Application window 100 includes control buttons 104, 106, and 108.

Clicking on control button 104 ("OK") saves data entered and changes made to the configuration settings via the GUI and closes the Application window 100. Clicking on control button 106 ("Cancel") closes the Application window 100 without saving or recording any of the data entered or changes made in the memory device 55. Clicking on control button 108 ("Reload") reverts unsaved changes to previously saved or recorded values.

Four tab controls are displayed in the Application window 100, namely an

"Application settings" tab control 66, a "Nominated program settings" tab control 67, a "Blank screen settings" tab control 68, and a "Motion sensor settings" tab control 110.

Positioning the mouse cursor over Application settings tab control 66 and then clicking on that control displays a password text box 1 12, as illustrated in figure 5. Activation of the password text box enables an authorised user with appropriate security permissions, such as an administrator, to set a security password for the application via the GUI. Once the password is set the application is operable to require the password to be entered before allowing any protected functions or operations to be performed, including disabling the application, closing the application, or changing settings within the application or system 20. In alternative embodiments of the invention, security methods other than, or additional to, password techniques can be used for granting access to control and operations of the application and system 20 including, for example, biometric authentication methods.

Positioning and executing the mouse cursor over the Nominated program settings tab control 67 displays the Nominated programs settings tab 1 14 depicted in Figure 6. Nominated software programs - programs that the system 20 will control or allow access to or execution of according to an action being undertaken (as will be described in further detail below) - and the path where they are stored on the memory device 55 of the computer 50 is displayed in a "Nominated programs" table 116 of the Nominated programs settings tab 114. In addition to listing nominated programs and their corresponding file paths or directories, the nominated programs table 116 operates much as a text box allowing nominated programs to be selected and their identifier or name and file path edited via the GUI. In figure 5, two nominated programs are listed in the nominated programs table, (1) a software application entitled "Navigation Aid" having a file path of C:\Program Files\NavAid\navigator.exe, and (2) a software application entitled "GPS Tracker" having a file path of C:\Program Files\NavAid\tracker.exe.

Control buttons 1 18 ("Add") and 120 ("Remove") are provided on the Nominated programs settings tab 114. Clicking on the Add control button 118 executes a standard Windows® operating system file selection dialog enabling a user to add a nominated program via the GUI. Clicking on the Remove control button 120, whilst a particular nominated program in the Nominated programs box 116 is selected, removes the selected nominated program.

When the mouse cursor is positioned and executed over the Blank screen settings tab control 68 the Blank screen settings tab 122, depicted in Figure 7, is displayed. The Blank screen settings tab 122 provides control of configuration settings to configure blank screen(s) to be displayed under control of the application according to an action being undertaken (as will be described in further detail below). The following controls are provided and displayed on the Blank screen settings tab 122: a "Display message" text box control 124; a "Text colour" box control 126; a "Background colour" box control 128; a "Font" box control 130; a "Nominated program launcher location" selection box control 132; a "Reactivation button location" selection box control 134; and a "Require manual reactivation" checkbox control 136.

Execution of the Display message text box control 124 enables a message (such as "Protected by Blank-IT") to be entered via the GUI that will be displayed when the display is blanked (blank screen) under control of the application according to an action being undertaken, as depicted in Figure 11. Text colour box control 126 shows the colour of the text of the message to be displayed on the blank screen. Clicking on a coloured section of the text colour box control 126 executes a standard Windows® operating system colour palette enabling a user to select an alternative text colour via the GUI. Background colour box control 128 shows the colour of the background of the blank screen. Clicking on a coloured section of the background colour control box 128 executes a standard Windows® operating system colour palette enabling a user to select an alternative background colour via the GUI. The Font box control 130 shows the font of the text of the message to be displayed on the bank screen. Clicking on the Font box control box 130 executes a standard Windows® operating system font selector enabling a user to select an alternative font via the GUI. Clicking on the Nominated program launcher location selection box control 132 enables a user to select, via the GUI, an area or portion of the display that a nominated program launcher button 137 (operable to launch a nominated program) will be shown on the blank screen, as depicted in Figure 12.

Clicking on the Reactivation button location selection box control 134 enables a user to select, via the GUI, an area or potion of the display that a "reactivation" button control (not shown) will be shown on the blank screen, if manual reactivation of the system 20 is enabled. Checking and unchecking Require manual reactivation checkbox control 136 respectively enables and disables a requirement for manual reactivation of the system 20 once an action has been undertaken. Manual reactivation requires the user to provide confirmation via operation of the reactivation button that the circumstance or situation triggering the action has passed (i.e. the vehicle is no longer in motion in the embodiment described as will be described in further detail below); The application is operable to reactivate the system 20 (i.e. return to normal operation) if such confirmation is provided and the movement signals from the movement sensor 31 affirm the confirmation (i.e. no motion is being detected).

Positioning the mouse curser over the "Motion sensor settings" tab control 110 and then clicking on that control displays a Motion sensor settings tab 138, depicted in figures 8 and 9, in the Administration window 00, having a "Port name" editable textbox control 69, a "Scan" button control 70, a "Threshold" editable textbox control 71 , and a slide control 72.

The communications port through which the application communicates with the apparatus 30 (or the port name of the communications port that the movement sensor 31 is connected to) is entered in to the Port name textbox control 69 either manually by positioning the mouse cursor in the control 69 and typing the name of the communications port in to the control 69 using the keyboard 53, or by positioning the mouse cursor over the Scan button control 70 and clicking on that control. Clicking on the control 70 causes the communications port to be automatically detected or located and for its name to · be automatically entered in to the Port textbox control 69. In the embodiment depicted in figures 8 and 9, the application communicates with the apparatus 30 through the "COM3" port, and the name of that port has therefore been entered in to the textbox control 69.

A threshold value to which a value of either the first motion estimation signal or the second motion estimation signal can be compared is entered in to the Threshold textbox control 71. This is a cutoff threshold for motion detection in the embodiment described. The threshold value can be entered in to the Threshold textbox control 71 either manually by positioning the mouse cursor in the control 71 and typing a numeric threshold value in to the control 71 using the keyboard 53, or by sliding a slide 73 of the slide control 72 to an appropriate position. Slide 73 is able to be moved by positioning the mouse cursor over the slide 73, clicking the cursor on the slide 73 by pressing a button of the mouse, and moving the cursor while the button on the mouse used to click on the cursor remains depressed. The mouse button is released once the slide 73 has been moved to the desired position. The Threshold textbox control 71 is linked to the slide 73 of the slide control 72 and mirrors its value - adjusting the slide 73 adjusts the value in the Threshold textbox control 71 , and vice versa.

The threshold value is the value of the motion estimation signal (either the first motion estimation signal or the second motion estimation signal) which is output by the apparatus 30 and which the application uses to determine whether the computer 50 is experiencing significant movement or is only experiencing no or insignificant movement. If the motion estimation signal is greater than the threshold value, the application interprets this to mean that the computer 50 is experiencing significant movement such as movement caused by forward or backward travel of the vehicle in which the computer 50 is mounted. Conversely, if the motion estimation signal is less than the threshold value, the application interprets this to mean that the computer 50 is experiencing no or insignificant movement such as movement of the vehicle due to vibration of the vehicle's engine. This enables the application to distinguish significant actual movement of the vehicle and computer 50 from 'background' signals generated by engine vibration of the vehicle.

The threshold value which is set depends on the operating environment of the computer 50. For example, the threshold value which is used when the computer 50 is mounted in a light passenger vehicle will be different to the threshold value which is used when the computer 50 is mounted in a truck.

The particular values entered in to the Port name textbox control 69 and the Threshold textbox control 71 can be saved to a long-term storage device of the computer 50 such as a hard disk drive by positioning the mouse cursor over the OK button control 104 and then clicking on that control using the mouse as described previously. Also, previously saved values can be reloaded so that the application 60 operates using those values by positioning the mouse cursor over the Reload button control 108, clicking on that control with the mouse, and selecting from a list of saved values the particular saved values which are to be reloaded, as also previously described.

While the application is active, it will constantly query the apparatus 30. It does this by requesting the apparatus 30 to output the current value of either the first or second motion estimation signal from the appropriate output 38, 39. After requesting the motion estimation signal value, the application waits a small period of time until the apparatus 30 is ready to output the value. The application then reads the value which is output by the apparatus 30. The application then compares the value with the threshold value. If the motion estimation signal value is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the apparatus 30 (and therefore the computer 50) is considered to be in motion. If the motion estimation signal value is less than the threshold value, the vehicle, apparatus 30, and the computer 50 are considered to be stationary. If the application is unable to read the signal from the apparatus 30, or the signal is invalid, the vehicle, apparatus 30, and the computer 50 are considered to be stationary. A Calibration view window 80 of the application is also displayed on the Motion sensor settings tab 138. Window 80 is able to display a graph 81 of both a motion estimation signal 82 (as a black line, for example) and a threshold value 83 (as a red line, for example) over a time interval. The motion estimation signal 82 comprises the value of the first or second motion estimation signal which is output from the apparatus 30 to the computer 50 over a time interval. The threshold value 83 is the value loaded in to the "Threshold" textbox 71 of the application window 60. A horizontal axis 84 of the graph 81 represents time, and a vertical axis 85 of the graph 81 represents the value of the motion estimation signal 82 and the threshold value 83. In this manner a visual representation of the current motion sensor signal compared to the threshold cutoff is generated and presented to the user.

On activation of a "Start" control button 140 the application is operable to begin collecting calibration graph data and generating and displaying the graph 81 in the Calibration view window 80. When a "Stop" control button 142 is clicked the application is operable to cease collecting calibration graph data and generation and display of the graph 81 in the Calibration view window 80. On activation of a "Reset" control button 144 the application is operable to reset the calibration graph 81 in the Calibration view window 80 to a default condition.

The application processes the motion estimation signal 82 by comparing its value at a particular point in time with the threshold value 83. If the motion estimation signal value is greater than or equal to the threshold value 83, the application controls the computer 50 to perform a first action. If the motion estimation signal value is less than the threshold value 83, the application controls the computer 50 to perform a second action. If, for example, the application has been configured so that the first action is to blank the display 51 of the computer 50 and the second action is to allow the display 51 to display an image, the display 51 will be blanked (as depicted in Figure 1 1 ) if the motion estimation signal value is greater than or equal to the threshold value 83, and the display 51 will be allowed to display an image if the motion estimation signal value is less than the threshold value 83.

In an embodiment of the invention, the application can be configured so that the first action is to blank the display 51 of the computer 50 and limit access to specified nominated programs or functions via the above described nominated- program launcher displayed on the blank screen, and the second action is to allow the display 51 to operate in an unrestricted fashion. In such an embodiment the display 51 will be blanked with access limited only to the specified nominated programs or functions (as depicted in Figure 12) if the motion estimation signal value is greater than or equal to the threshold value 83, and the display 51 will be allowed to display in an unrestricted. fashion if the motion estimation signal value is less than the threshold value 83. In this embodiment, clicking on a displayed nominated program launcher button will launch the corresponding specified nominated program (or function) allowing it to be used while the screen is blanked, but denying use of all other programs or functions.

In an embodiment of the invention depicted in figure 10, a slide control 86 and a Threshold non-editable textbox control 87 are also displayed in the Calibration view window 80. The threshold value 83 can be varied by sliding a slide 88 of the slide control 88 to the desired threshold value 83. The threshold value 83 is not only displayed graphically in the graph 81 , it is also displayed as a number in the Threshold textbox 87. Changes to the threshold value 83 which are made in the application window 80 can be saved by clicking on a "Save" button control 89, and can be cancelled by clicking on a "Cancel" button control 90.

Figure 6 depicts an orientation sensor 200 for detecting the orientation of the computer 50 and converting the detected orientation in to an orientation signal. Sensor 200 may for example be a switch which is able to detect the orientation of a 'swing-away' type bracket (not depicted) on which the computer 50 is mounted, and which outputs the orientation signal as a switch signal depending on the orientation of the bracket. The bracket may be mounted in a vehicle such as a car such that the bracket is able to be swung between a 'driver-facing' orientation and a 'passenger-facing' orientation. In the 'driver- facing' orientation, the computer 50 faces the driver so that the driver is able to view the display 51. In the 'passenger-facing' orientation, instead of facing the driver, the computer 50 faces a passenger in the vehicle so that the passenger and not the driver is able to view the display 51.

The orientation signal which is output by the sensor 200 is read by the microcontroller processor 36 which compares it to a first orientation and a second orientation. The first orientation is when the bracket and hence the computer 50 are in the 'driver-facing' orientation, and the second orientation is when the bracket and hence the computer 50 are in the 'passenger-facing' orientation. If the orientation signal indicates that the bracket and therefore the computer 50 is in the 'passenger-facing' or 'safe' orientation, the first and second motion estimation signal values which are output from the first and second outputs 38, 39 are forced to zero which corresponds to the vehicle and hence the computer 50 being stationary. The estimation signal values are therefore forced to zero even if they were originally greater than the threshold value. The reason this is done is so that the display 51 is able to safely display an image to the passenger even if the vehicle (and therefore the computer 50) in which the computer 50 is mounted is moving, as there are no safety or legal issues with the passenger being distracted by images displayed on the display 51 .

If the orientation signal indicates that the bracket and therefore the computer 50 are in the 'driver-facing' orientation, the first and second motion estimation signal values which are output from the first and second outputs 38, 39 are not forced to zero, and are instead output unaltered from the outputs 38, 39.

The action to be taken and the functionality/applications to allow when motion is detected by the application can be controlled and customised using the software administration interface of the application. As part of this, the reading and processing of the orientation signal by the apparatus 30 can be enabled and disabled using the software administration interface of the application.

Closing the application enables the computer 50 to function normally and for the display 51 to continue to display images to the vehicle driver even when the vehicle and hence the computer 50 are not stationary.

System 20 therefore provides a means to detect when the computer 50 is in motion, and to either enable204849/disable or restrict functionality of the computer 50 or perform another defined action when motion of the computer 50 is detected. System 20 enables the operation of computers which are mounted within vehicles or which are otherwise subject to motion to comply with legislative and occupational health and safety requirements which concern preventing vehicle drivers from being distracted by such devices while they are driving. System 20 can also be used in other scenarios where motion of a computer device needs to be detected.

System 20 can be used to enable/disable or restrict functionality of the computer 50 or to have the computer 50 perform another defined action. System 20 is not necessarily limited to causing the computer to blank its display 51 or enable the display 51 to display images. The actions which the computer 50 is supposed to perform depending on whether or not motion is detected (i.e. whether or not the motion estimation value is greater than or equal to the threshold value) can be configured using the application which forms part of the system 20. For example, the system 20 may cause the computer 50 to monitor or alter computer functionality, depending on whether the computer 50 is stationary or in motion. In particular, it could enable or disable one or more other applications from being executed by the computer 50, such as the nominated programs. In embodiments of the invention, more actions than a first action or a second action may be initiated depending on the comparison.

System 20 can continuously monitor the motion status of the computer

50, or it can periodically monitor the motion status of the computer 50.

System 20 can determine 'motion' of the computer 50 as opposed to merely 'acceleration/deceleration' of the computer 50, and will still function correctly even if the vehicle in which the computer 50 is mounted is cruising at a constant speed.

Gravitational variances are filtered out by the system 20 so that the output of the movement sensor 31 is not incorrectly interpreted. Such variances may occur if the vehicle and hence the apparatus 30 and computer 50 are on a tilt or incline, for example.

System 20 can detect motion across vertical, horizontal and inclined planes. This is because the movement sensor 31 is able to sense movement in three orthogonal planes.

Compared to at least some existing solutions for controlling the operation of a computer or other electronic device in a vehicle, the system 20 is able to provide a solution which is more accurate, consistent and portable, and which is applicable across more environments and usage situations. The system 20 is able to achieve these advantages by detecting actual motion of the computer with a more accurate and less obtrusive device (i.e. apparatus 30), rather than monitoring a potential for movement (i.e. detecting whether or not a handbrake of the vehicle has been activated) or relying on a feed from a potentially inaccurate extraterrestrial source (i.e. the method of detecting movement using a GPS).

The system 20 also allows for situations where a computer can be used legitimately/unhindered within a vehicle if correctly mounted on a swing-away type bracket.

System 20 may be used in a wide range of vehicle types and also outside of a vehicle to address any situation where motion (or change in motion status) of an electronic device needs to be detected. For example, it may be used to prevent use of a laptop computer or other electronic device by a pilot or other person in an aircraft while the aircraft is in motion, or in other potentially dangerous transport situations. It could also be used as a monitoring device for monitoring whether an electronic device is moved/stolen. It could also be used for detecting movement beyond specified thresholds such as vibration sensing, monitoring wind -sway' or other stability related monitoring. Moreover, it could be used for alerting when motion of an electronic device ceases.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications to the invention described herein will be apparent without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. The variations and modifications as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth.

Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms.

Also, future patent applications maybe filed in Australia or overseas on the basis of, or claiming priority from, the present application. It is to be understood that the following provisional claims are provided by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of what may be claimed in any such future application. Features may be added to or omitted from the provisional claims at a later date so as to further define or re-define the invention or inventions.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, that reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system for controlling an electronic device, the system comprising a movement sensor for detecting movement of the device and converting the detected movement in to at least one movement signal, and processing means for converting the at least one movement signal in to a motion estimation signal, comparing a value of the motion estimation signal with a threshold value and controlling the device to perform either a first action or a second action depending on the outcome of the comparison.

2. The system according to claim 1 , . wherein the electronic device comprises a computer.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the movement sensor comprises at least one of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer and a pyro-infrared sensor.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the accelerometer is a Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) accelerometer.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the movement sensor detects movement of the electronic device in three orthogonal directions, and converts the detected movement in each of those directions in to a respective movement signal.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processing means comprises a first processor, and a second processor which is part of the electronic device and which is able to communicate with the first processor.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the first processor is a microcontroller.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the processing means converts the at least one movement signal in to the motion estimation signal by filtering each movement signal, combining each filtered movement signal in to a combined signal, and filtering the combined signal.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein each movement signal is filtered with a band-pass filter.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the band-pass filter has a bandwidth of 0.4 Hz to 250 Hz.

1 1. The system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the filtered signals are combined together by calculating the square root of the sum of the squares of the filtered signals.

12. The system according to any one of claims 8 to 11 , wherein the combined signal is filtered with a first output filter to produce a first motion estimation signal, and the first motion estimation signal is filtered with a second output filter to produce a second motion estimation signal.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the first output filter is a low- pass filter:

14. The system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the first output filter has a bandwidth of 0.4 Hz.

15. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the second output filter is a low-pass filter. 16. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein second output filter has a bandwidth of 0.12 Hz.

17. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the processing means controls the device to perform the first action if the motion estimation signal value is greater than the threshold value, and controls the device to perform the second action if the motion estimation signal value is less than the threshold value. 18. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the processing means controls the device to perform the first action if the motion estimation signal value is greater than or equal to the threshold value, and controls the device to perform the second action if the motion estimation signal value is less than the threshold value.

19. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the processing means controls the device to perform the first action if the motion estimation signal value is greater than the threshold value, and controls the device to perform the second action if the motion estimation signal value is less than or equal to the threshold value.

20. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the first action is to blank a display of the device, and the second action is to allow the display of the device to display an image.

21. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the first action is to blank a display of the device or limit access to one or more nominated functions, and the second action is to allow a display of the device to operate in an unrestricted fashion.

22. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 21 , further comprising an orientation sensor for detecting the orientation of the electronic device and converting the detected orientation in to an orientation signal, and the processing means determines from the orientation signal if the detected orientation is the same as a first orientation or a second orientation, and controls the device to perform the second action if it is determined that the detected orientation is the same as the second orientation.

23. The system according to claim 22, wherein the first orientation is when a display of the device faces a driver of a vehicle, and the second orientation is when the display faces a passenger of the vehicle. 24. A method of controlling an electronic device, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting movement of the device;

comparing a value of the motion estimation signal with a threshold value; and

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the electronic device comprises a computer.

26. The method according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the detecting step comprises detecting accelerating movement of the electronic device.

27. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the detecting step comprises detecting movement of the electronic device in three orthogonal directions, and the step of converting the detected movement comprises converting the detected movement in each of those directions in to a respective movement signal.

28. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the step of converting the at least one movement signal in to the motion estimation signal comprises filtering each movement signal, combining each filtered movement signal in to a combined signal, and filtering the combined signal.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein each movement signal is filtered with a band-pass filter.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the band-pass filter has a bandwidth of 0.4 Hz to 250 Hz. 31. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the filtered signals are combined together by calculating the square root of the sum of the squares of the filtered signals.

32. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 31 , wherein the combined signal is filtered with a first output filter to produce a first motion estimation signal, and the first motion estimation signal is filtered with a second output filter to produce a second motion estimation signal.

33. The method according to claim 32, wherein the first output filter is a low- pass filter.

34. The method according to claim 32 or 33, wherein the first output filter has a bandwidth of 0.4 Hz. 35. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the second output filter is a low-pass filter.

36. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 35, wherein the second output filter has a bandwidth of 0.12 Hz.

37. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 36, wherein the device is controlled to perform the first action if the motion estimation signal value is greater than the threshold value, and the device is controlled to perform the second action if the motion estimation signal value is less than the threshold value.

38. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 36, wherein the device is controlled to perform the first action if the motion estimation signal value is greater than or equal to the threshold value, and the device is controlled to perform the second action if the motion estimation signal value is less than the threshold value.

39. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 36, wherein the device is controlled to perform the first action if the motion estimation signal value is greater than the threshold value, and the device is controlled to perform the second action if the motion estimation signal value is less than or equal to the threshold value. 40. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 39, wherein the first action is to blank a display of the device, and the second action is to allow the display of the device to display an image.

41. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 39, wherein the first action is to blank a display of the device or limit access to one or more nominated functions, and the second action is to allow a display of the device to operate in an unrestricted fashion.

42. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 41 , wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

detecting an orientation of the electronic device;

converting the detected orientation in to art orientation signal;

controlling the device to perform the second action if it is determined that the detected orientation is the same as the second orientation.

43 The method according to claim 42, wherein the first orientation is when a display of the device faces a driver of a vehicle, and the second orientation is when the display faces a passenger of the vehicle.

44. An apparatus for use in controlling an electronic device, the apparatus comprising a movement sensor for detecting movement of the device and converting the detected movement in to at least one movement signal, and processing means for converting the at least one movement signal in to a motion estimation signal and outputting a value of the motion estimation signal.

45. The apparatus according to claim 44, wherein the electronic device comprises a computer.

46. The apparatus according to claim 44 or 45, wherein the movement sensor comprises at least one of an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, or a pyro-infrared sensor.

47. The apparatus according to claim 46, wherein the accelerometer is a multi-axis accelerometer

48. The apparatus according to claim 46 or 47, wherein the accelerometer is a Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) accelerometer.

49. The apparatus according to any one of claims 44 to 48, wherein the movement sensor detects movement of the electronic device in three orthogonal directions, and converts the detected movement in each of those directions in to a respective movement signal.

50. The apparatus according to any one of claims 44 to 49, wherein the processing means comprises a computer processor. 51. The apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the computer processor is a microcontroller.

52. The apparatus according to any one of claims 44 to 51 , wherein the processing means converts the at least one movement signal in to the motion estimation signal by filtering each movement signal, combining each filtered movement signal in to a combined signal, and filtering the combined signal.

53. The apparatus according to claim 52, wherein each movement signal is filtered with a band-pass filter.

54. The apparatus according to claim 53, wherein the band-pass filter has a bandwidth of 0.4 Hz to 250 Hz. 55. The apparatus according to any one of claims 52 to 54, wherein the filtered signals are combined together by calculating the square root of the sum of the squares of the filtered signals.

56. The apparatus according to any one of claims 52 to 55, wherein the combined signal is filtered with a first output filter to produce a first motion estimation signal, and the first motion estimation signal is filtered with a second output filter to produce a second motion estimation signal.

57. The apparatus according to claim 56, wherein the first output filter is a low-pass filter.

58. The apparatus according to claim 56 or 57, wherein the first output filter has a bandwidth of 0.4 Hz. 59. The apparatus according to any one of claims 56 to 58, wherein the second output filter is a low-pass filter.

60. The apparatus according to any one of claims 56 to 59, wherein the second output filter has a bandwidth of 0.12 Hz.

61. The apparatus according to any one of claims 44 to 60, wherein the processing means is able to determine from an orientation signal which is converted from a detected orientation of the electronic device whether the detected orientation is the same as a first orientation or a second orientation.

62. The apparatus according to claim 61 , wherein the motion estimation signal value is set to a value of zero if it is determined that the detected orientation is the same as the second orientation.

63. A method for use in controlling an electronic device, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting movement of the device;

outputting a value of the motion estimation signal.

64. The method according to claim 63, wherein the electronic device comprises a computer.

65. The method according to claim 63 or 64, wherein the detecting step comprises detecting accelerating movement of the electronic device. 66. The method according to any one of claims 63 to 65, wherein the detecting step comprises detecting movement of the electronic device in three orthogonal directions, and the step of converting the detected movement comprises converting the detected movement in each of those directions in to a respective movement signal.

67. The method according to any one of claims 63 to 66, wherein the step of converting the at least one movement signal in to the motion estimation signal comprises filtering each movement signal, combining each filtered movement signal in to a combined signal, and filtering the combined signal.

68. The method according to claim 67, wherein each movement signal is filtered with a band-pass filter.

69. The method according to claim 68, wherein the band-pass filter has a bandwidth of 0.4 Hz to 250 Hz.

70. The method according to any one of claims 67 to 69, wherein the filtered signals are combined together by calculating the square root of the sum of the squares of the filtered signals.

71. The method according to any one of claims 67 to 70, wherein the combined signal is filtered with a first output filter to produce a first motion estimation signal, and the first motion estimation signal is filtered with a second

5 output filter to produce a second motion estimation signal.

72. The method according to claim 71 , wherein the first output filter is a low- pass filter. 0 73. The method according to claim 71 or 72, wherein the first output filter has a bandwidth of 0.4 Hz.

74. The method according to any one of claims 71 to 73, wherein the second output filter is a low-pass filter.

5

75. The method according to any one of claims 71 to 74, wherein the second output filter has a bandwidth of 0.12 Hz.

76. The method according to any one of claims 63 to 75, wherein the method0 further comprises the step of determining from an orientation signal which is converted from a detected orientation of the electronic device whether the detected orientation is the same as a first orientation or a second orientation.

^* 77. The method according to claim 76, wherein the motion estimation signal5 value is set to a value of zero if it is determined that the detected orientation is the same as the second orientation.

78. A method for use in controlling an electronic device, the method comprising the steps of:

0 converting at least one movement signal in to a motion estimation signal; and

outputting a value of the motion estimation signal.

79. The method according to claim 78, wherein the electronic device comprises a computer.

80. The method according to claim 78 or 79, wherein the step of converting the at least one movement signal in to the motion estimation signal comprises filtering the at least one movement signal, combining each filtered movement signal in to a combined signal, and filtering the combined signal.

81. The method according to claim 80, wherein each movement signal is filtered with a band-pass filter.

82. The method according to claim 81 , wherein the band-pass filter has a bandwidth of 0.4 Hz to 250 Hz. 83. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 82, wherein the filtered signals are combined together by calculating the square root of the sum of the squares of the filtered signals.

84. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 83, wherein the combined signal is filtered with a first output filter to produce a first motion estimation signal, and the first motion estimation signal is filtered with a second output filter to produce a second motion estimation signal.

85. The method according to claim 84, wherein the first output filter is a low- pass filter.

86. The method according to claim 84 or 85, wherein the first output filter has a bandwidth of 0.4 Hz. 87. The method according to any one of claims 84 to 86, wherein the second output filter is a low-pass filter.

88. The method according to any one of claims 84 to 87, wherein the second output filter has a bandwidth of 0.12 Hz.

89. The method according to any one of claims 78 to 89, wherein the method further comprises the step of determining from an orientation signal which is converted from a detected orientation of the electronic device whether the detected orientation is the same as a first orientation or a second orientation.

90. The method according to claim 89, wherein the motion estimation signal value is set to a value of zero if it is determined that the detected orientation is the same as the second predefined orientation.

91. A processor-readable storage medium on which is stored instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 78 to 90. 92. A processor programmed to carry out the method according to any one of claims 78 to 90.

93. A method for use in controlling an electronic device, the method comprising the steps of:

comparing a motion estimation signal value with a threshold value; and controlling the device to perform either a first action or a second action depending on the outcome of the comparison.

94. The method according to claim 93, wherein the electronic device comprises a computer.

95. The method according to claim 93 or 94, wherein the device is controlled to perform the first action if the motion estimation signal value is greater than the threshold value, and the device is controlled to perform the second action if the motion estimation signal value is less than the threshold value.

96. The method according to claim 93 or 94, wherein the device is controlled to perform the first action if the motion estimation signal value is greater than or equal to the threshold value, and the device is controlled to perform the second action if the motion estimation signal value is less than the threshold value.

97. The method according to claim 93 or 94, wherein the device is controlled to perform the first action if motion estimation signal value is greater than the threshold value, and the device is controlled to perform the second action if the motion estimation signal value is less than or equal to the threshold value.

98. The method according to any one of claims 93 to 97, wherein the first action is to blank a display of the device, and the second action is to allow the display of the device to display an image.

99. The method according to any one of claims 93 to 97, wherein the first action is to blank a display of the device or limit access to one or more nominated functions, and the second action is to allow a display of the device to operate in an unrestricted fashion.

100. A computer-readable storage medium on which is stored instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 93 to 99.

101. A computer programmed to carry out the method according to any one of claims 93 to 99. 102. A method for use in controlling an electronic device, the method comprising the steps of:

103. The method according to claim 102, wherein the electronic device comprises a computer.

104. The method according to claim 102 or 103, wherein the step of converting the at least one movement signal in to the motion estimation signal comprises filtering the at least one movement signal, combining each filtered movement signal in to a combined signal, and filtering the combined signal.

105. The method according to claim 104, wherein each movement signal is filtered with a band-pass filter. 106. The method according to claim 105, wherein the band-pass filter has a bandwidth of 0.4 Hz to 250 Hz.

107. The method according to any one of claims 104 to 106, wherein the filtered signals are combined together by calculating the square root of the sum of the squares of the filtered signals.

108. The method according to any one of claims 104 to 107, wherein the combined signal is filtered with a first output filter to produce a first motion estimation signal, and the first motion estimation signal is filtered with a second output filter to produce a second motion estimation signal.

109. The method according to claim 108, wherein the first output filter is a low-pass filter. 110. The method according to claim 108 or 109, wherein the first output filter has a bandwidth of 0.4 Hz.

111. The method according to any one of claims 108 to 110, wherein the second output filter is a low-pass filter.

112. The method according to any one of claims 108 to 111, wherein the second output filter has a bandwidth of 0.12 Hz.

1 13. The method according to any one of claims 102 to 1 12, wherein the device is controlled to perform the first action if the motion estimation signal value is greater than the threshold value, and the device is controlled to perform the second action if the motion estimation signal value is less than the threshold value.

1 14. The method according to any one of claims 102 to 1 12, wherein the device is controlled to perform the first action if the motion estimation signal value is greater than or equal to the threshold value, and the device is controlled to perform the second action if the motion estimation signal value is less than the threshold value.

1 15. The method according to any one of claims 102 to 112, wherein the device is controlled to perform the first action if the motion estimation signal value is greater than the threshold value, and the device is controlled to perform the second action if the motion estimation signal value is less than or equal to the threshold value. .

116. The method according to any one of claims 102 to 115, wherein the first action is to blank a display of the device, and the second action is to allow the display of the device to display an image.

1 17. The method according to any one of claims 102 to 115, wherein the first action is to blank a display of the device or limit access to one or more nominated functions, and the second action is to allow a display of the device to operate in an unrestricted fashion.

118. The method according to any one of claims 102 to 15, wherein the method further comprises a step of determining from an orientation signal which is converted from a detected orientation of the electronic device whether the detected orientation is the same as a first orientation or a second orientation.

119. The method according to claim 119, wherein the motion estimation signal value is set to a value of zero if it is determined that the detected orientation is the same as the second orientation. 120. A computer-readable storage medium on which is stored instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 102 to 119. 21. A computer programmed to carry out the method according to any one of claims 102 to 119.

122. A system for controlling an electronic device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 123. A method of controlling an electronic device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

124. An apparatus for use in controlling an electronic device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

125. A method for use in controlling an electronic device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

126. A processor-readable storage medium substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

127. A processor substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 128. A computer-readable storage medium substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.