Body Area Network Driver Device Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods to prevent drivers from using portable electronic devices while operating a vehicle either restrict all passengers or only target specific devices paired with the car key, failing to effectively manage driver access without impacting passengers.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a body area network (BAN) signal transmitted through a vehicle device to a portable electronic device, allowing the device to detect when the driver is operating the vehicle and restrict its functionality, while allowing passengers to continue using their devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a jamming signal is sent throughout the vehicle to prevent driver use of portable electronic devices, then driver distraction is prevented, but passenger access to electronic devices is also blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle interior is segmented into driver zone and passenger zone with separate detection and control systems. The driver area includes weight sensors and BAN signal receivers, while passenger areas have independent device access. This segmentation allows selective restriction of driver device usage without affecting passengers.
Solution Approach 2:
Different functional zones are created within the vehicle with different access permissions. The driver's seating area, steering wheel, and dashboard are configured with restriction capabilities, while passenger areas maintain normal device access. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by applying restrictions only where needed.
2Reliability
If the car key is paired with the portable electronic device to prevent driver use, then driver device access is restricted, but only the paired device is affected while other devices remain accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The pairing requirement is extracted and replaced with a simpler detection system. Instead of requiring complex key-device pairing protocols, the system uses weight sensors on the seat and BAN signal receivers to detect driver presence and automatically restrict device functionality. This simplifies the system while achieving the same safety goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects driver presence through weight sensors and BAN signals, and automatically restricts device functionality without requiring manual pairing or user configuration. The device self-adjusts its accessibility based on detected driver status, eliminating complex pairing procedures.
3Measurement precision
If the portable electronic device detects BAN signal through body contact to restrict functionality, then driver identification is accurate, but signal transmission requires direct body contact or close proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The BAN signal receiver is designed to work through multiple contact methods including direct body contact, close proximity electromagnetic coupling, and indirect contact through vehicle components. This multi-functionality ensures accurate driver detection while maintaining ease of operation across different usage scenarios.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively restricts the driver's use of portable electronic devices during vehicle operation without affecting passengers, ensuring safety by disabling functions such as calls and messages while allowing emergency functions, thus enhancing safety without unnecessary restrictions.
Implementation Method 1
The receiver (70) in the portable electronic device (100) detects the BAN signal using capacitive coupling
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system are presented for restricting the use of a portable electronic device (100) by a driver (90) who is operating a vehicle. A body area network "BAN" signal is sent from a vehicle device (80) in the vehicle in close proximity to the driver (90). The BAN signal is transmitted using the driver's biological body (90) as a signal transmission path. The portable electronic device (100) includes a receiver (70) configured to detect the BAN signal when the device is in close proximity to the driver (90). The portable electronic device (100) is further configured to disable or restrict at least one function in response to detection of the BAN signal, thereby preventing or restricting use of the portable electronic device (100) when the driver is seated in and operating the vehicle.