Busy Key Automated Response System for Mobile Phones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for preventing distracted driving while texting or receiving calls on cell phones are either too restrictive or require too much driver attention, as they either disable the phone entirely or require multiple keystrokes to send pre-typed responses, posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A modified cell phone with additional 'Busy: Respond Later' buttons or context-sensitive keys that allow users to automatically send pre-typed messages or voice responses with a single push, enabling safe communication while driving without fully disabling the phone or requiring complex keystroke sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cell phone is disabled entirely while driving, then driving safety is improved, but the driver cannot see or respond to important calls or texts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential communication information (caller ID, message notification) from the full phone functionality, allowing drivers to see who is calling or texting without enabling full interaction. The system pulls out only the critical alert function while disabling distracting features like texting and full calling capabilities during driving.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments phone functionality into driving-mode operations and non-driving-mode operations. During driving, the system provides segmented information display showing only essential caller identification and message alerts, while blocking access to complex communication functions. This segmentation allows safety-critical information to pass through while filtering out distracting elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple keystrokes are required to send pre-typed responses, then communication capability is maintained, but driver attention and distraction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-typing common response messages before the driver needs them. When a text message is received during driving, the system automatically prepares suggested reply texts in advance, allowing the driver to simply select and send with minimal input. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for multiple keystrokes to compose messages from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically generating and presenting pre-typed response options to the driver. Instead of requiring the driver to manually type each character, the system serves up ready-made response templates that match common communication scenarios, reducing the driver's operational burden to simple selection and confirmation.
3Reliability
If GPS-based phone disabling systems are used, then driving safety is improved, but user control and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control where phone functionality automatically adjusts based on detected driving conditions. The system uses GPS and motion sensors to dynamically switch between driving mode and non-driving mode, enabling or disabling specific phone features based on real-time context. This dynamic adaptation maintains safety during driving while automatically restoring full functionality when the vehicle is stationary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides multi-functionality by serving both safety enforcement and user control needs through a single integrated platform. It universally applies driving detection algorithms across different phone models and operating systems, while simultaneously providing users with configurable settings to customize which features are restricted during driving. The system adapts to different user preferences and driving contexts.
Data Source
AI summary
A cell phone which has been modified by the addition of software which responds to the press of one or more Busy keys by automatically sending a pre-typed text message to the sender of the latest text message just received or automatically answering an incoming call immediately upon pressing the Busy key and playing a pre-recorded audio message. The outgoing text or audio message can inform the sender of the incoming text or the caller that the user is driving or otherwise engaged and cannot respond immediately. In some embodiments, one or more Busy keys can be added keys or one or more existing keys on the cell phone or on the keypad of the cell phone or on a touchscreen or a visual depiction of a keypad on a touchscreen of the cell phone. In some embodiments, only the text of the automated reply message is entered automatically, and all other commands to launch the SMS service, select the text message to reply to and send the automated reply message are manually given.