GPS-Based Motion Detection for Vehicle Device Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for disabling electronic device features in vehicles while in motion are cumbersome, expensive, and require complex installations, often involving sensors that cause mechanical wear and are difficult to maintain or move between vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus using a GPS receiver and computer program to disable electronic device features based on detected motion, utilizing speed data from the GPS data stream to obscure display screen data when a predetermined speed is exceeded, without requiring vehicle modifications or additional equipment, allowing for quick enabling and disabling of features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) are installed to detect vehicle motion, then motion detection capability is improved, but device complexity and installation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion detection capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) with a GPS-based solution that uses satellite signals to detect motion. The GPS receiver obtains position data and calculates velocity vectors to determine vehicle motion, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sensing systems while maintaining reliable motion detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The GPS receiver serves multiple functions: it provides navigation information, determines vehicle position, calculates velocity, and detects motion status. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated motion sensors, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional motion sensors are installed in vehicles, then motion detection is improved, but ease of operation and portability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion detection capabilityVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces installed mechanical sensor systems with a portable GPS receiver that can be easily moved between vehicles. The GPS receiver connects to the electronic device via standard interfaces (USB, Bluetooth, WiFi) without requiring permanent installation or specialized mounting equipment, significantly improving portability while maintaining detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If mechanical sensors are used for motion detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but maintenance requirements and wear increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion detection accuracyVSAvoidmaintenance requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical sensors entirely by using GPS-based signal processing to detect motion. The GPS receiver obtains position data from satellites and calculates velocity vectors through mathematical computations, avoiding mechanical wear and maintenance requirements while maintaining accurate motion detection through computational algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If comprehensive sensor systems are installed to monitor vehicle components, then motion detection reliability is improved, but cost and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion detection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces comprehensive mechanical sensor systems with a single GPS receiver that provides reliable motion detection through satellite-based positioning. The GPS receiver obtains position data and calculates velocity vectors to determine motion status, eliminating the need for multiple sensors and complex installation procedures while maintaining detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The GPS receiver serves as a universal solution that provides navigation, positioning, velocity calculation, and motion detection functions. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate sensors for each function, reducing installation complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7640101B2Method and apparatus for motion-based disabling of electronic devices

Publication Date: 2009.12.29 III HOLDINGS 4 LLC

AI summary

The system of the present invention uses a gps receiver and a computer program product to disable a feature of an electronic device when movement of the receiver is detected. Speed data from a gps data stream is monitored. When the speed of the gps receiver exceeds a predetermined value, the desired feature of the electronic device is disabled. For example, when the speed of the gps receiver exceeds 0.5 knots, a windows function call is executed to set a desired display element as a top window on a display screen. The system may allow for temporary enabling of disabled features and for rapid enabling of disabled features when motion stops. The system may also include navigational software. A manufacturer may also use a proprietary combination of one or more disabled data fields in a gps data stream to identify gps receivers approved for use with the system.