Mobile Device Interaction Lockout via Gaze and Motion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld computing devices pose a safety risk when used by drivers, as they can divert attention from the road, leading to hazardous situations, despite laws prohibiting their use while driving, and existing solutions like 'hand-free' operations do not fully address the issue of attention diversion.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented in handheld devices to determine movement vectors and deviation angles, recognize gaze characteristics, and lock out user interaction when certain thresholds are exceeded, using sensors like GPS, accelerometers, magnetometers, and camera elements to ensure the user is not distracted while driving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If handheld devices are made fully operational, then device functionality and user accessibility are improved, but driver safety deteriorates due to attention diversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes that automatically adjust device functionality based on detected driving conditions. The system transitions between full operation, restricted operation, and locked-out states based on real-time analysis of sensor data including GPS location, acceleration patterns, and device orientation, thereby adapting device accessibility to safety requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors multiple sensor inputs (GPS, accelerometer, magnetometer, camera) and uses this feedback to dynamically control device accessibility. When driving conditions are detected, the system provides feedback by automatically restricting or locking out certain functions, creating a closed-loop safety mechanism
2Ease of operation
If voice commands are enabled for hand-free operation, then driver attention requirements are reduced, but safety still deteriorates due to potential voice-based distractions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends dynamic control to voice-based functions, allowing the system to restrict or lock out voice command capabilities when driving conditions are detected. This prevents voice-based distractions from compromising safety while still allowing hands-free operation in appropriate contexts
3Object-affected harmful factors
If device functions are restricted to improve safety, then driver safety is improved, but device functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements conditional restriction where device functions are dynamically enabled or disabled based on detected driving conditions. When not driving, full functionality is available; when driving conditions are detected, specific functions are restricted or locked out. This maintains safety while preserving full adaptability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of device functions based on driving condition detection. Network access, display brightness, camera operation, and other parameters are adjusted or restricted when driving is detected, and restored when driving conditions are no longer present
Data Source
AI summary
Interaction with a handheld device is modified based upon the speed at which the handheld device is traveling, for example while being held in a passenger vehicle. If the handheld device appears to be moving faster than a pre-established threshold, a lockout flag indicates that interaction with the user must be modified. Then, the lockout flag is cleared only when the handheld device is held off at an angle and the user focuses gaze upon the display for a minimum amount of time. Once the lockout flag is cleared, interaction with the user returns to a normal state.