Mobile Device Vehicle Data Collection Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting driving behavior data for insurance purposes require specialized devices that plug into vehicle data ports, which are cumbersome and not easily adaptable for mobile use, limiting their accessibility and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device, such as a smartphone, equipped with sensors and software that automatically detects when it is connected to a vehicle and starts collecting data on vehicle operation, such as distance traveled, location, and g-force dynamics, without the need for additional hardware, and can transmit this data to insurance companies for premium calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized devices that plug into vehicle data ports are used to collect driving behavior data, then data collection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling mobile devices to perform multiple functions: they serve as both communication devices and driving behavior monitoring systems. The mobile device uses its existing sensors (accelerometer, GPS, gyroscope) to collect driving data, eliminating the need for specialized dedicated devices while maintaining data collection capabilities through software applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies copying by replicating the data collection functionality of specialized devices using the mobile device's existing sensors. Instead of requiring a dedicated monitoring device, the system copies the necessary measurement capabilities (acceleration, position, orientation detection) into the mobile device's software, allowing it to perform the same function as specialized OBD devices.
2Measurement precision
If specialized devices that plug into vehicle data ports are used to collect driving behavior data, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device serves dual purposes as both a communication device and a driving behavior monitor. Users leverage their existing mobile device for monitoring purposes, eliminating the need to learn how to operate specialized equipment. The system automatically collects data through the mobile device's sensors and communicates with the insurance provider, providing an easy-to-use solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by automatically detecting when the mobile device is in the vehicle and when driving conditions occur. The application autonomously collects data from sensors, determines driving events without user intervention, and transmits information to the insurance provider, eliminating the need for users to manually operate or monitor the system.
3Productivity
If automated detection and data collection is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated detection mechanisms. The mobile device application continuously monitors sensor data, automatically identifies driving events based on predetermined criteria, and triggers data collection without user intervention. The system self-manages the entire process from detection to data transmission, improving productivity while keeping the user interface simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies feedback by continuously monitoring sensor data and comparing it against predetermined criteria to automatically determine when driving events occur. This closed-loop approach allows the system to autonomously adjust data collection based on detected conditions, improving efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through algorithmic decision-making rather than complex hardware controls.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables convenient, automated, and continuous collection of driving data, allowing for more accurate insurance premium calculations based on real-time driving behavior, reducing the need for additional hardware and enhancing user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
The mobile device includes an accelerometer that may be used to collect the vehicle dynamics data
Implementation Method 2
The mobile device may include a GPS receiver that may be used to collect the vehicle operation data
Implementation Method 3
The mobile device may include a gyroscope that may be used to collect the vehicle dynamics data
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device may include at least one sensor that detects a characteristic of the mobile device selected from distance traveled, location, time, and g-force dynamics; a processor; and a tangible non-transitory computer readable storage medium containing instructions that, when executed on by the processor, are programmed to automatically detect that a wireless connection has been established between the mobile device and a vehicle, and in response to detecting the wireless connection between the mobile device and the vehicle, automatically start collecting vehicle operation data via the at least one sensor. The mobile device may automatically stop collecting the vehicle operation data in response to the vehicle being turned off.