US Patent 9930481 Switching mobile devices to auto-silent mode

Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for controlling a mobile device of interest. In order to automatically turn or keep the ringer off for the mobile device of interest, the number of other mobile devices within a defined proximity and maintaining a minimum time threshold in the presence of the other mobile devices within the defined proximity are evaluated. Upon determining there is at least a minimum number of other mobile devices within the defined proximity and the mobile device of interest maintains the minimum time threshold in the presence of the other mobile devices within the defined proximity, the mobile device of interest automatically turns the ringer off.