Vehicle Key Fob Automatic Emergency Dialing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency assistance systems for vehicles lack the capability to automatically and efficiently communicate emergency events to responders, relying on manual activation and limited communication functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A key fob with advanced communication capabilities that can wirelessly communicate with a vehicle computing system and a cellular network, automatically dialing emergency services like 911 upon detecting an emergency event, and sending relevant data to responders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a key fob communicator is designed with a single activation button and button guard for emergency calls, then the device simplicity and ease of operation are improved, but the communication functionality is limited to outgoing calls only
Solution Approach 1:
The key fob communicator is enhanced with a receiver capable of receiving emergency data from the vehicle and a second transceiver for two-way communication with emergency services. This multi-functional design allows the device to not only place outgoing calls but also receive critical vehicle information and engage in bidirectional communication, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity through automated functions.
2Productivity
If automatic emergency notification is implemented, then the response time and productivity are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic emergency notification where the key fob communicator autonomously detects emergency events, receives vehicle data from the telematics unit, and initiates outgoing emergency calls without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability significantly improves response efficiency by eliminating delays associated with manual activation, while the automated nature of these functions manages the complexity within the device architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two-way communication capability is added to the key fob, then the adaptability and information exchange are improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The key fob communicator employs periodic communication cycles where the device alternates between receiving emergency data from the vehicle and communicating with emergency services. Rather than maintaining continuous communication, the system engages in periodic data exchange - receiving vehicle information when needed and transmitting emergency alerts when triggered - thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining full communication versatility for emergency response.
Data Source
AI summary
The illustrative embodiment contains a key fob configured to communicate wirelessly with a vehicle and a communication network. The key fob further includes, a first transceiver configured to communicate data to the vehicle to allow access and operation of the vehicle and to receive data indicating that an emergency event has been detected at the vehicle. The key fob also includes a second transceiver configured to access a telecommunications network. Additionally, the key fob contains a circuit configured to cause the second transmitter to automatically dial a 911 operator in the event the data received by the transceiver indicates that an emergency event has been detected at the vehicle.