Mobile Device Speed Threshold Notification System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for disabling mobile device functions in moving vehicles are not nuanced enough, as they indiscriminately disable devices for passengers in vehicles, leading to unnecessary restrictions and potential distractions for drivers who wish to use their devices safely.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device system that notifies users when their device is about to be disabled due to speed thresholds, allowing them to override or set specific times for feature activation or deactivation, enabling passengers and willing drivers to continue using their devices while ensuring safety features remain active when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mobile device functions are disabled when speed exceeds threshold, then safety is improved, but device usability deteriorates for passengers and willing drivers

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice usability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic speed threshold configuration where users can set different speed thresholds for different features and override restrictions under specific conditions. The system transitions from static disabling to dynamic control based on user preferences and situational context, allowing drivers to configure which features disable at which speeds while maintaining safety as the primary goal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows users to modify parameters such as speed thresholds, time durations for feature activation/deactivation, and feature-specific settings. Users can adjust these parameters to match their driving habits and needs, changing the operational parameters of the safety system without compromising its core safety function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If device functions are disabled indiscriminately for all users in vehicles, then safety is improved, but user control and customization deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiduser control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the device functionality into multiple controllable features (camera, GPS, messaging, etc.) that can be independently configured. Each feature can have its own speed threshold and activation/deactivation settings, allowing users to customize which features are restricted at which speeds rather than applying a blanket disablement to all functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides dynamic user control where drivers can override restrictions, adjust thresholds in real-time, and configure feature-specific settings. This transforms the static, one-size-fits-all approach into a dynamic, adaptable system that responds to individual user needs and driving situations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If speed-based disabling is implemented, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to threshold configuration and override mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary configuration where users set up their preferred speed thresholds and feature settings before driving. The system pre-configures safety parameters based on user preferences, reducing the need for complex real-time decisions while maintaining high safety standards. Common scenarios can be pre-defined to simplify the user experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2099203B1Safety for mobile device users while driving
Publication Date: 2018.08.08 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2099203B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2099203B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2099203B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mobile device 10 configured to have at least one function disabled when a speed of the mobile device 10 exceeds a threshold. The mobile device includes an output component 20 configured to provide a notification related to disabling the at least one function. The mobile device also includes a first input 70 component configured to promote controlling whether to disable the at least one function.