Problem: Death by Texting -> Solution: The Masterphone System

SEATTLE - Jan. 20, 2015 - PRLog -- The CDC defines three main types of distraction - visual, manual, and cognitive - and points out that texting is especially dangerous because it combines all three. Proposed technological solutions for non-voluntary prevention of texting, except for one, involve at least one of: (1) special phones; (2) special cars; or (3) special cellular provider hardware infrastructure. Obviously, such solutions would be expensive to implement and cannot be quickly deployed. The exception is the patented Masterphone^TM System. Implemented solely with software and using existing infrastructure, the Masterphone System can be deployed quickly.

To be practical, a technology solution cannot be voluntary - it must be mandatory. Plus, it must allow passengers to text even while a driver is prevented. While some persons will stay true to a no-texting pledge, too many won’t pledge or follow-through. Even though all US states but 11 ban texting by law, a recent CDC survey shows 31% of US drivers reported texting while driving within the previous 30 days. The reason? Texting is HIGHLY ADDICTIVE. A 2010 study published by CNN quoted neuroscientist Michael Seyffert as saying, “Neuro-imaging studies have shown that those kids who are texting have that area of the brain light up the same as an addict using heroin.” Just ask any addict to make a pledge to stop. The result is generally predictable, regardless of whether they pledge or not.

In the Masterphone System, a driver alone in a vehicle is prevented from texting. A driver with passengers must register their phone as a Masterphone - a single button push or voice command - and then their passengers can text. Only licensed drivers may register a Masterphone (no children). GPS tracking and analysis determines that two or more phones are in the same vehicle. Time stamped data is transferred and analyzed to compare position and speed of phones connected to different cellular networks.

To date, the technology is covered by 3 US patents and 2 British patents, with additional patents pending. To expedite the deployment of this system, the first cellular service provider to engage and commit to a pilot project will receive extremely advantageous terms on patent licensing. The technology should also be interesting to NHTSA and DOT.

Remember, every day 9 lives are lost to driver distraction - and most are Death by Texting. To learn more please visit www.safetexting.org.  #SafeTexting

About Osann IP Consulting:
Robert Osann is an Intellectual Property consultant, inventor, and veteran of five VC-backed Silicon Valley startups - including founder/CEO at two. To date he has 50 US and 3 British patents issued and over 12 patents pending.  Since 2007, he has sold a total of 8 patents and 10 applications to 4 different buyers in 5 transactions, including smartphone patent portfolios at ICAP patent auctions in 2007 and 2011. Visit Osann IP Consulting.  Other patents offered for sale or license may be viewed at www.silaero.com.