Application Termination via Dedicated Kill Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle computing systems face challenges in terminating error-prone applications while in use, as users cannot easily shut down or restart them while driving, leading to potential system hang-ups or errors.
Innovation Solution
A processor-based system that receives an application launch command and monitors for a distinct application kill command, allowing for the termination of the application without requiring users to stop the vehicle, using gestures such as short or long presses to manage application execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users turn off or unplug the device to terminate an error-prone application, then the application is terminated, but the vehicle cannot be driven safely and the user cannot continue using the computing system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device shutdown function into a more granular application-level termination capability. Instead of requiring complete device shutdown to terminate a problematic application, the system provides a dedicated kill button that selectively terminates only the offending application while keeping the rest of the computing system operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The kill button serves as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the application termination process. This intermediate control element provides a safe, controlled way to terminate applications without requiring extreme measures like device shutdown, bridging the gap between application-level control and system-level termination.
2Ease of operation
If users continue using the computing system while driving, then convenience is maintained, but error-prone applications can cause system hang-ups that cannot be resolved
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for potential application failures by providing a pre-configured kill button that is always accessible. This preliminary action capability allows users to quickly terminate problematic applications before they cause complete system hang-ups, maintaining system stability during continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing system provides self-service capability through the kill button, enabling users to independently resolve application errors without external intervention or device shutdown. The system monitors and manages its own application states, allowing users to terminate problematic applications while maintaining overall system operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system provides comprehensive application control features, then application management capability is improved, but the interface complexity and driver distraction risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential application termination function from the complex suite of application management features. By isolating the kill button as a standalone, simple control element, the system provides comprehensive application management capability through a single, easy-to-use interface element that minimizes driver distraction.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing a complex menu system where users navigate through multiple options to terminate applications, the patent inverts the approach by providing a direct, immediate termination control. The kill button is placed prominently and requires minimal interaction, simplifying the interface while maintaining versatile application management capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a processor configured to receive a first input corresponding to an application launch command. The processor is also configured to launch a selected application based on the first input. Further, the processor is configured to monitor for a second input, different from the first input, corresponding to an application kill command, while the selected application is executing and, upon receipt of the second input, terminate the application.