US 10219199

US Patent 10219199, titled "Mobile device mode enablement responsive to a proximity criterion," was issued to Telcom Ventures LLC on February 26, 2019. The inventors are Peter D. Karabinis and Rajendra Singh. The patent's filing date was November 1, 2017.

Abstract:
The patent describes a system and method where a detector enables a mode of a first device (e.g., a smartphone) or a second device when a proximity criterion is met between the first device and an entity. This enablement is also responsive to at least one of a position, velocity, and Time-of-Day. The second device is distinct from and not associated with the entity, and the entity itself is not involved in providing communication services to either the first or second device.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Independent Claim 1 (Method): This claim outlines a method for a smartphone to interact wirelessly with an entity using two distinct wireless communication methods (air interfaces). The smartphone first detects that it is close to an entity. In response to this proximity and a detected physiological parameter (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, etc.), the smartphone establishes a short-range wireless connection with the entity using a first air interface, which operates on unlicensed frequencies, to exchange information. Separately, and without the entity's involvement, the smartphone also receives a communications service from a wireless network via a second air interface, which uses licensed frequencies. The key aspect is that the first (short-range, unlicensed) air interface is not used for the broader communications service received from the wireless network, and the information exchange with the entity is independent of this communication service.

• Independent Claim 10 (System): This claim describes a system that includes a smartphone designed to carry out the method described in Claim 1. The smartphone is configured to detect proximity to an entity. Based on this proximity and a physiological parameter, it establishes a short-range wireless communication link with the entity via a first air interface (unlicensed frequencies) to exchange information. Additionally, the smartphone is capable of receiving a separate communications service from a wireless network using a second, different air interface (licensed frequencies), without the entity being involved in this service. The first air interface is specifically excluded from providing this communications service to the smartphone.

Litigation Status (as of April 26, 2026):
The provided patent information indicates active litigation related to this patent. Specifically, there are records of US cases filed in the California Northern District Court, Texas Eastern District Court, and Florida Southern District Court. Additionally, several PTAB (Patent Trial and Appeal Board) cases (IPR2025-01419, IPR2025-01234, IPR2025-00972) were filed in 2025, although they were "Not Instituted - Procedural." While these active cases in district courts and the PTAB could potentially lead to appeals at the CAFC, the provided information does not explicitly list any dockets for the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) in 2026 for patent 10219199.