Smart safety device console system and method

Abstract

A smart safety device console system includes a smart safety device console assembly having a smart safety device body adapted to accommodate the smart safety device and a button configured to control incoming communications to and outgoing communications from an electronic device while a vehicle equipped with the smart safety device console system is in use. The smart safety device console system is beneficial for improving vehicle safety associated with the use of electronic devices.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is related to, and claims priority from, authorized U.S. patent application No. 16 / 277,990, filed on February 15, 2019, and is a continuation-in-part of, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of prior art vehicle safety and, more particularly, to a containment system for electronic equipment. Background Art

[0004] The following includes information that may be helpful in understanding the present disclosure. No admission is made that any of the information provided is prior art or material to the presently described or claimed invention, nor is any admission made that any publication or document specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0005] Electronic devices such as phones, tablets, and smart glasses are becoming increasingly common. These devices can be used for a variety of tasks, including messaging, phone conversations, social media, navigation, and photography. Because electronic devices offer so many functions, many people find it difficult to stop using them when they shouldn't, such as when operating a vehicle. Many traffic accidents are caused by distractions caused by electronic devices, which is dangerous for public road safety.

[0006] Previous attempts to address this issue have involved disabling all functions and communications to and from electronic devices. However, electronic devices offer a variety of resources that can be useful to the driver or operator. Furthermore, when messages or calls go unanswered, family members or friends can become concerned. Therefore, a suitable solution is needed.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 8,412,123 to Virginia E. Foster relates to a radio-opaque container for communication equipment on a vehicle. The radio-opaque container for communication equipment on a vehicle described has a bottom connected to four walls, a pivoting lid sealed to the walls, a connector from the container to the vehicle, a locking mechanism to hold the lid closed, and an electrical circuit between the locking mechanism and the vehicle, the radio-opaque container engaging the locking mechanism only when the vehicle's electrical system is turned on. In an emergency, the contents of the container remain accessible to the vehicle operator, but the container is opened only when the vehicle's power is turned off. The container forms a Faraday cage around the contents, preventing the equipment placed therein from activating and distracting the vehicle operator. In an alternative embodiment, the container includes a shelf therein. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In view of the shortcomings inherent in the aforementioned prior art, the present disclosure provides a novel device for controlling the use of personal electronic devices while driving. The smart safety device console system disclosed herein has a component installed in a vehicle. The component has a safety device body that ensures that electronic devices such as personal electronic devices (mobile phones, etc.) are protected from physical access during use of the vehicle, but provides some access to the functions of the electronic devices during driving. In some embodiments, the component communicates with the (mobile phone) provider and with the vehicle. In some embodiments, the provider provides Internet services. Sensors that receive information about the vehicle are used to implement certain functions of the smart safety device console system. These sensors may include proximity sensors, motion sensors, speed sensors, audio sensors and audio loudness sensors, as well as collision sensors. The components of some embodiments provide power to electrical accessories such as external electrical accessories or provide data communication with electrical accessories such as external electrical accessories. These accessories may include a transmitter configured to communicate with a controller and a processor.

[0009] In some embodiments, a button enables a user to interact with an electronic device while keeping the device out of physical reach of the driver or another user while the vehicle is being operated. Sometimes, access to services is achieved by accessing a virtual assistant on a component, device, or accessory device. In some embodiments, an electrical accessory emits a fragrance.

[0010] In some implementations, a software application executing on the electronic device executes instructions that cause the device to register with the component and cause the device to communicate with the component.

[0011] Some versions of the security device body are configured to include sound-isolating material that can suppress the sound of the electronic device from reaching the user. The security device body may also include a charger or docking station for the electronic device.

[0012] Some versions employ a control module that selectively blocks or allows vehicle operation depending on whether an electronic device is secured in the smart security device. For example, the module can use the presence of a registered smartphone to signal the control module to remain "off" until the smartphone is secured in the smart security device. Some versions include an ultraviolet disinfection device or lamp within the smart security device to provide the additional functionality of disinfecting the electronic device while it is secured in the smart security device.

[0013] In some embodiments, a method for securing an electronic device and improving vehicle safety using the system may prevent the vehicle from moving or starting if the electronic device is not properly secured in the smart safety device. Some of these embodiments allow access to services provided by the electronic device through an interface that does not compromise the safety of the vehicle occupants, even while the vehicle is being operated. For example, a virtual assistant may be used to provide auditory control of electronic device services during vehicle operation.

[0014] For the purposes of summarizing the present invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention have been described. It should be understood that not all of these advantages may be achieved according to any one particular embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention may be implemented or practiced in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages taught, without necessarily achieving other advantages that may be taught or suggested. Features of the present invention that are considered novel are specifically pointed out and explicitly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The drawings that accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure: smart safety device console systems and methods constructed and operative in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a smart safety device console system during an “in use” condition according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 A three-dimensional cutaway view of the intelligent safety device console system.

[0018] Figure 3According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 A perspective view of the intelligent safety device console system.

[0019] Figure 4 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 Front view of the Smart Safety Device Console system.

[0020] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using a smart safety device console system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals represent like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] As described above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a housing system for electronic devices, and more particularly, to a smart safety device console system and method for improving vehicle safety while using functions on electronic devices.

[0023] Generally, the present invention includes a console that can be compatible with various electronic devices such as smart phones, smart watches and smart glasses. The system can be installed in the area between the operator and the passengers in any vehicle such as a train, ship, truck or car, commonly referred to as a "center console". By locking the electronic device in the safety device of the present invention, the vehicle operator can concentrate on the operation, and the passenger does not have to worry about whether the operator is texting, checking social media websites on the electronic device, or whether the operator is distracted in other ways. In some versions, the smart safety device allows the driver to use the typical hands-free technology provided by the phone manufacturer or car manufacturer or both the phone manufacturer and the car manufacturer. In these or other embodiments, the smart safety device can have a screen or other controls to access the hands-free function when the phone is securely fixed. Related functions can make parents allow children who use the car to only use the hands-free function (when the phone is locked) to answer calls or make calls to parents or someone designated by their parents.

[0024] Figure 1-4 Various views of the smart safety device console system 100 are shown. Figure 1The smart safety device console system 100 is shown during an "in use" condition 50, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, an operator 40 can use the smart safety device console system 100 to improve vehicle safety associated with the use of an electronic device 21. As shown, the smart safety device console system 100 can include a smart safety device console assembly 110, which includes a smart safety device body 1 adapted to house the electronic device 21. The smart safety device body 1 can isolate the electronic device 21 from handheld use. For example, the system 100 can lock the electronic device 21 within the system 100 while the vehicle 45 is in operation.

[0025] The smart safety device console assembly 110 may also include a button 2 configured to control incoming communications to and outgoing communications (e.g., text messages) from the electronic device 21 when the vehicle 45 equipped with the smart safety device console system 100 is in use. The smart safety device console assembly 110 may communicate with a provider and with the vehicle 45 and may control the use of the electronic device 21 in connection with operating the vehicle 45. The provider may provide telephone service or internet service to the electronic device 21.

[0026] The vehicle 45 can be equipped with the smart safety device console system 100 in such a manner that the smart safety device console assembly 110 has a hardwired connection to the vehicle 45 and, in some embodiments, is securely, permanently, or semi-permanently mounted in the vehicle 45. The vehicle 45 can power the smart safety device console system 100. Alternatively, the smart safety device console assembly 110 can include a battery for powering the smart safety device console system 100. The smart safety device console system 100 can utilize AC power or DC power distributed throughout the smart safety device console assembly 110 via a power supply (e.g., a vehicle battery). Other power supply means can be used, and both hardwired and non-hardwired versions can be employed.

[0027] The smart safety device console assembly 110 can be electrically connected to sensors that sense the condition of the vehicle 45. Proximity sensors, motion sensors, speed sensors, audio sensors, collision sensors, or any combination of sensors can monitor the condition of the vehicle 45. The sensors can provide one or more functions to the smart safety device console assembly 110, such as sending an automatically generated message from the electronic device 21 to a desired message recipient when a collision sensor is triggered. For example, the collision sensor can indicate that the vehicle 45 has been involved in a collision. The desired message recipient can be a family member, a friend, or a third party (i.e., the police). The sensing method can vary. The smart safety device console system 100 can also include a power connector 3, such as a cigarette lighter socket, along an external portion of the smart safety device body 1 for communicating with and providing power to one or more external electrical accessories from the smart safety device console assembly 110.

[0028] Another aspect of the present invention provides an electronic device 21 for loading or executing a software application (app). The app can register the electronic device 21 with the smart safety device console assembly 110 and facilitate communication between the electronic device 21 and the smart safety device console assembly 110. An operator can register the app using a phone number or other known identification method associated with the electronic device 21. The app can be linked to a phone service so that the phone number can be stored in a national database operated by the phone service. The app can communicate with a vehicle 45 equipped with the smart safety device console system 100, allowing the app to perform one or more vehicle functions (e.g., unlocking the vehicle, rolling down the windows, etc.). Furthermore, the app can allow for customization of the features of the smart safety device console assembly 110. In some embodiments, when the safety device is opened, the smart safety device console system 100 transmits a specific signal to the app, such as a signal reminding the user to update the app and a signal allowing transmission of update material to the electronic device 21, even while the electronic device is secured within the smart safety device console assembly 110. In some embodiments, the update occurs while the electronic device 21 is charging within the smart safety device console assembly 110. In other embodiments, updating occurs in the smart safety device console assembly 110 when the electronic device 21 is not charging. According to one embodiment, the smart safety device console system 100 may be arranged as a kit 105 and may also include a set of instructions 107 .

[0029] Figure 2 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 1The smart safety device console system 100 is a system for controlling a vehicle 45. As described above, the smart safety device console system 100 may include a smart safety device console assembly 110 including a smart safety device body 1 adapted to accommodate a device 21. Inputs and outputs as described herein may include sending text or voice recorded messages. External electrical accessories may include a transmitter 7, a virtual assistant 9, a fragrance dispenser 8, or a combination thereof. The power connector 3 may be communicatively coupled to the smart safety device console assembly 110, allowing the external electrical accessories to communicate with a supplier and a vehicle 45. Each of the external electrical accessories may be connected to an adapter or otherwise connected to an energized electrical contact within the power connector 3.

[0030] The smart safety device body 1 may further include a left wing 13 and a right wing 14 configured to move between an open state and a closed state. When in the open state, a user can insert or remove an electronic device 21 from the smart safety device body 1. When in the closed state, the smart safety device body 1 can effectively isolate the electronic device 21 from handheld use. The left wing 13 and the right wing 14 may include an inner lining 5. In addition, the inner lining 5 may extend around the entire smart safety device body 1. The inner lining 5 may include sound-isolating material that attenuates the sound of the electronic device 21 and prevents the sound from reaching the operator 40 of the vehicle 45. Unless otherwise suppressed, the sound generated by the electronic device 21 may distract the operator 40.

[0031] The smart safety device body 1 may include an internal shell 4 having one or more walls, a left wing 13 and a right wing 14. The smart safety device body 1 may have various shapes and sizes suitable for the vehicle 45. For example, the smart safety device body 1 may include a curved surface on one or more walls, or be substantially 3D rectangular or square. The internal shell 4 may have an ultraviolet disinfection device 12 to eliminate bacteria on one or more surfaces contained within the smart safety device body 1. The internal shell 4 may also include a sunglass holder 15, a wallet holder 16, a charging unit 17 and an electrical connector 18 (USPQ electric) docking station 19, a battery 20, a colored LED light strip 10, or any combination of these. The colored LED light strip 10 can be customized (i.e., change the light color) via an app. In addition, the internal shell may include Figure 2 Other items not shown in the figure include, for example, cooling fans.

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 1In the perspective view of the smart safety device console system 100, the left wing 13 and the right wing 14 can be opened on opposite sides (as shown) or they can be opened on the same side.

[0033] The smart safety device assembly 110 can communicate with a control module that prevents operation of the vehicle 45 when the assembly 110 does not "sense" a connection with the electronic device 21, and allows operation of the vehicle 45 when the assembly 110 senses a connection with the electronic device 21. The assembly 110 can also monitor whether the smart safety device body 1 is open or closed. The operation sensor can detect conditions such as connection or open or closed status (discussed previously) and send information about the condition to the control module. The assembly 110 or the app can require the electronic device 21 to register with the app before responding to the condition. In some embodiments, this allows all electronic devices 21 to be considered.

[0034] Figure 4 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 Front view of the smart safety device console system 100.

[0035] The virtual assistant device 9 can communicate with the electronic device 21 (loaded with an app) and the button 2 and can be configured to enable voice input and output communications between the virtual assistant device 9 and the electronic device 21 upon receiving a signal from the button 2. Well-known virtual assistant devices 9 include the AMAZON ECHO, ALEXA (Amazon's Alexa smart speaker), and the GOOGLE ASSISTANT (Google Assistant), all of which can be pre-equipped with one or more speakers and microphones to enable voice input and output communications. Voice input and output communications can include requesting and receiving information ranging from weather forecasts to any encyclopedia question. Furthermore, the operator 40 can personalize the voice input and output communications via the virtual assistant device 9 to provide a male, female, celebrity, or other voice. The virtual assistant device 9 can include a tether and a suction cup 6 so that the virtual assistant device 9 can be secured to the windshield of a vehicle 45.

[0036] Virtual assistant device 9 can communicate with a navigation system (e.g., GARMIN technology) in vehicle 45 or onboard electronic device 21. Connecting virtual assistant device 9 allows electronic device 21 to remain in smart safety device body 1 while operator 40 uses such navigation technology. Operator 40 can engage button 2 to provide voice input. Voice input can provide operator 40 with one or more services, such as, but not limited to: sending a voice-recorded message processed on virtual assistant device 9 to a desired recipient via a telephone service (e.g., notifying a desired recipient when operator 40 is unable to respond due to driving, or sending an approximate time when operator 40 is free to respond based on information received by the navigation system); purchasing one or more items via an internet service; requesting a list of songs to be played on the radio; entering personal information associated with operator 40 stored on electronic device 21; requesting a specific response based on personal information (e.g., bank account information); and the like. Voice output can provide operator 40 with one or more services, such as reminders from the calendar on electronic device 21, reminders of ongoing conversations on electronic device 21, automatic updates to electronic device 21, responses to voice input, and the like.

[0037] The transmitter 7 can communicate with the controller and processor. The app can include switches that enable communication between the transmitter 7 and the controller, and between the transmitter 7 and the processor. The operator 40 can manually activate the switch by interacting with the app, or the navigation system can activate the switch by sending a signal that the desired destination (e.g., home) is less than a predetermined distance away. The controller and processor can be communicatively coupled to one or more functions within the desired destination to turn these functions on / off. These functions can include control functions for the alarm system, temperature, propane fireplace, lighting system, sound system, and kitchen accessories, etc.

[0038] Figure 5is a flow chart illustrating a method for using a smart safety device console system 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, the method for using the smart safety device console system 500 may include one or more components or features of the smart safety device console system 100 described above. As shown, the method for using the smart safety device console system 500 may include the following steps: step 501, providing a smart safety device console assembly 110 (as previously described) including a smart safety device body 1; step 502, registering an electronic device 21 using an app that communicates with the smart safety device assembly 110; step 503, inserting the electronic device 21 into the smart safety device body 1; step 504, connecting the electronic device 21 to the charging unit 17; step 505, sensing the connection between the electronic device 21 and the charging unit 17; step 506, shutting down the smart safety device body 1; step 507, sensing that the smart safety device body 1 is shut down; step 508, allowing the vehicle 45 to start; and step 509, initializing the button 2 for controlling incoming and outgoing communications to and from the electronic device 21.

[0039] It should be noted that step nine 509 is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Figure 5 , so as to distinguish them from the other steps of the method of use 500. It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be performed in many different orders according to user preferences. In the claims, the use of "steps" should not be interpreted as "steps for..." and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, where appropriate, other methods for using the smart security device console system 100 are taught (note: for example, different orders of steps in the above list; removal or addition of certain steps, inclusion or exclusion of certain maintenance steps, etc.), taking into account issues such as design preferences, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc.

[0040] The embodiments of the invention described are exemplary, and many modifications, variations, and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing summary is intended to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public, and particularly scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the field who are unfamiliar with patent or legal terminology or language, to quickly ascertain the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application from a cursory inspection.

Claims

1. An intelligent safety device console system, comprising a component installed in a vehicle, the component comprising: a safety device body that secures an electronic device from physical access during use of a vehicle, wherein the safety device body opens and closes and, when closed, secures the electronic device from physical access, wherein the safety device body includes a left wing and a right wing that are configured to move between an open state and a closed state, wherein the left wing and the right wing are each configured to allow the electronic device to be inserted into or removed from the safety device body when in the open state, and to isolate the electronic device from handheld use when in the closed state, wherein the left wing and the right wing include an inner lining, and wherein the inner lining includes a sound-isolating material that attenuates and inhibits sounds from the electronic device from reaching an operator of the vehicle; as well as buttons that control input to and output from the electronic device, wherein the component communicates with a supplier and with the vehicle, and wherein the component communicates with one or more vehicle sensors to receive status information about the vehicle, the one or more vehicle sensors being any one or any combination of a proximity sensor, a motion sensor, a speed sensor, an audio sensor, an audio loudness sensor, or a collision sensor; a port for communicating with or supplying power to at least one electrical accessory; wherein the button initiates communication with the electronic device or virtual assistance of the electrical accessory.

2. The intelligent safety device console system according to claim 1, in, The electrical accessory includes a transmitter configured to communicate with a controller and a processor.

3. The intelligent safety device console system according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic device executes software application instructions that cause the electronic device to register with the component and cause the electronic device to communicate with the component.

4. The intelligent safety device console system according to claim 3, wherein: The safety device body includes sound insulating material. 5 . The smart safety device console system of claim 4 , further comprising a control module that allows vehicle operation when the electronic device is secured.

6. A method comprising: A smart safety device console assembly is provided for a vehicle, the smart safety device console assembly comprising: a safety device body adapted to prevent physical access to the electronic device while a user is operating the vehicle, wherein the safety device body opens and closes and, when closed, secures the electronic device from physical access, wherein the safety device body includes a left wing and a right wing configured to move between an open state and a closed state, each of the left wing and the right wing configured to allow the electronic device to be inserted into or removed from the safety device body when in the open state, and to isolate the electronic device from handheld use when in the closed state, wherein the left wing and the right wing include an inner lining, and the inner lining includes sound-isolating material that attenuates and inhibits sound from the electronic device from reaching an operator of the vehicle; and buttons that control input to and output from the electronic device, wherein the component communicates with a supplier and with the vehicle; and wherein the component communicates with one or more vehicle sensors to receive information about the condition of the vehicle, the one or more vehicle sensors being any one or any combination of a proximity sensor, a motion sensor, a speed sensor, an audio sensor and an audio loudness sensor, or a collision sensor; wherein the user can open or close the safety device body to access the interior of the safety device body; and wherein, during use of the vehicle, the intelligent safety device console component controls the use of the device; registering the electronic device with the smart security device console component; securing the electronic device in the safety device body; connecting the electronic device to a charging unit, the charging unit being disposed in the body of the security device; sensing a connection between the electronic device and the charging unit; closing the safety device body, and operating the vehicle; providing a port for communicating with or supplying power to at least one electrical accessory in the intelligent security device console assembly; The button initiates communication with a virtual assistant of the electronic device or the electrical accessory.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: Engage the button.

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