Fleet Driver Profile Matching via Electronic Device Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fleet managers face challenges in efficiently tracking and managing vehicle fleets, including key management, vehicle location, and limiting in-vehicle system functionality based on driver experience, which is time-consuming and complicated with current systems.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a remotely located computing device with a database and an electronic device associated with each driver, where the electronic device sends a driver identifier to the computing device, which matches it with a specific driver profile and sends information to a vehicle control module to selectively activate vehicle systems based on the profile, allowing for efficient management and restriction of in-vehicle functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual key management and setting adjustment methods are used, then drivers can operate vehicles, but key management becomes time-consuming and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated driver identification and profile application. When a driver approaches a vehicle, the system automatically detects the driver, retrieves their profile, and applies all necessary settings without manual intervention from fleet managers or the drivers themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical key management with an electronic identification system. Instead of physically distributing and collecting keys, the system uses electronic device detection and automated profile matching to grant vehicle access and configure settings.
2Ease of operation
If manual setting adjustments are made when drivers switch vehicles, then user preferences can be maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring driver profiles with all necessary settings (seat position, radio presets, contact lists) before the driver enters the vehicle. When the driver approaches, the system automatically applies these pre-prepared settings, eliminating the need for manual adjustment during vehicle transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the electronic device detection to automatically trigger profile retrieval and setting application. The detection of the driver's electronic device provides feedback that initiates the automated settings process, ensuring the correct profile is applied without driver intervention.
3Reliability
If fleet administrators manually monitor vehicle locations and driver behavior, then fleet management can be performed, but resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-monitoring through automated tracking of vehicle locations and driver behavior. The electronic devices continuously provide location data and driving information to the fleet management system without requiring manual monitoring resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual administrative monitoring with automated electronic tracking systems. Instead of fleet administrators manually observing and recording vehicle locations and driver behavior, electronic devices and sensors automatically collect and report this data.
4Adaptability or versatility
If in-vehicle system functionality is unrestricted, then drivers have full access to features, but safety concerns arise for inexperienced drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by customizing in-vehicle system access based on individual driver profiles. Each driver receives appropriate access levels and restrictions tailored to their experience and qualifications, allowing experienced drivers full access while limiting features for inexperienced drivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-evaluating driver credentials and experience before granting access to in-vehicle systems. Driver profiles are pre-configured with appropriate restrictions based on their qualifications, ensuring safety requirements are met before the driver operates the vehicle.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of managing a vehicle fleet is provided. The method includes providing an electronic device, a computing device, and a vehicle that is associated with the vehicle fleet. The electronic device is located within a proximate distance from the vehicle and the computing device is located remotely from the vehicle. The electronic device is associated with a driver identifier. The method includes sending a data signal from the electronic device to the computing device indicating the driver identifier. The method further includes matching the driver identifier with a specific driver profile that is saved on a database of the computing device. The specific driver profile includes information associating the vehicle with the driver identifier. The method includes sending information regarding the specific driver profile from the database to a vehicle control module, where the vehicle control module associated with the vehicle.