Audio Centric Driver Communication via Social Bubble

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication methods for drivers are limited, lacking controlled and efficient means to facilitate communication between drivers, especially in dynamic environments, which can lead to increased driving stress and accidents.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented system and method that creates an audio-centric social network allowing drivers to communicate with others in close proximity through a 'social bubble' based on vehicle and driver characteristics, with modules for command validation and delivery optimization to ensure safe and constructive interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If drivers use traditional communication methods (hand motions, car horn, vehicle lights), then communication can be initiated without knowing driver identity, but communication efficiency and control are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of communication initiationVSAvoidcommunication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a communication server, social network, and audio transmission infrastructure. This intermediary enables drivers to communicate efficiently by mediating between senders and receivers through structured protocols, identifying drivers via vehicle characteristics, and transmitting audio commands through designated channels, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of initiation and communication efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical communication methods (hand motions, horns, lights) with an audio-centric electronic communication system. Audio commands transmitted through the network replace physical gestures and mechanical signals, enabling more efficient and controlled communication while maintaining ease of use through voice-based interaction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If drivers use cell phones with hands free sets, then communication can be conducted verbally, but communication is limited to drivers who know each other's identity and contact information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal communication platform that serves multiple functions: it enables verified driver identification, establishes communication based on vehicle characteristics rather than pre-existing contacts, and provides audio-based interaction. This multi-functional system allows any driver with a registered vehicle to communicate with any other driver in the network without requiring prior knowledge of identity or contact information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses vehicle characteristics (make, model, color, license plate) as digital copies or identifiers of drivers. Instead of requiring direct human identification or contact information exchange, the system creates virtual representations of drivers through their vehicle attributes, enabling communication based on these copies rather than personal knowledge

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Speed

If audio commands are transmitted directly to drivers in the social bubble, then communication speed is fast, but command validation and sentiment analysis are skipped

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidcommand validation
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary validation and sentiment analysis actions before the actual command transmission. The system pre-processes audio commands by analyzing sentiment, validating appropriateness, and determining positivity before delivery to the target driver. This preliminary action ensures reliability is established beforehand, allowing for fast subsequent transmission without compromising validation thoroughness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If the system analyzes and validates commands before delivery, then communication reliability is improved, but command delivery time is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommand validationVSAvoidcommand delivery time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous validation and sentiment analysis processes that operate concurrently with command generation and transmission preparation. Rather than sequential processing, the system performs validation actions continuously throughout the communication cycle, maintaining useful action without idle time, thereby minimizing overall delivery time while ensuring thorough validation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS10848454B2System and method for facilitating driver communication via an audio centric network
Publication Date: 2020.11.24 GENESEE VALLEY INNOVATIONS LLC
  • US10848454B2 patent drawing
  • US10848454B2 patent drawing
  • US10848454B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer-implemented system and method for facilitating communication via an audio centric network are provided. A plurality of drivers are monitored, and a location of at least one of the drivers is determined. A social bubble comprising a network of other drivers proximate to the driver is determined based on the identified location. A command is received from the driver, and the command is transmitted to one or more of the drivers in the social bubble.