Mobile Device Messaging Automation for Driver Distraction Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems lack effective solutions to manage incoming data messages safely on mobile devices, particularly in scenarios where the user is driving, as existing safety systems primarily address voice communications and do not adequately prevent distractions from data messaging.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that determine the velocity of a mobile device upon receiving an incoming data message, prompting the user with options to handle the message safely, including autonomous responses or voice calls, using inertial and positioning data to prevent message announcements and send predetermined responses when the device is in a moving vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual response to data messages is implemented, then communication responsiveness is improved, but driver distraction and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication responsivenessVSAvoiddriver distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting incoming messages and automatically sending pre-configured response messages before the driver would need to manually respond. This eliminates the need for manual input during driving while maintaining communication responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device serves itself by automatically detecting incoming messages and sending responses without requiring driver intervention. The system uses sensors to detect driving conditions and autonomously manages message responses, freeing the driver from manual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Object-affected harmful factors

If automated response systems are implemented, then driver safety is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver safetyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system integrates multiple functions into a single automated response mechanism that handles message detection, driving condition detection via sensors, and automatic response sending. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex systems while improving safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensor data as an intermediary to detect driving conditions and trigger appropriate responses. Rather than complex direct control, the sensors mediate between the incoming message and the automated response, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If message announcements are prevented during driving, then distraction reduction is improved, but user awareness of incoming messages deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistraction reductionVSAvoidmessage awareness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically sends pre-configured response messages without requiring driver awareness or manual input. The automated response mechanism serves the communication need while preventing distraction, as the driver does not need to be aware of or interact with the message.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2543172B1Automated messaging response in wireless communication systems
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2543172B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2543172B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2543172B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Options for safely handling incoming data messages in a moving mobile device are provided within the mobile device. When an incoming data message is detected, the device determines its velocity. If the velocity exceeds a certain value, external data, such as visual or biometric data, measured by a device component is analyzed to determine whether the mobile device is in a driver position of a moving vehicle. If so, an announcement of the incoming call is prevented and a predetermined message is autonomously transmitted to the sender. If analysis of the external data is inconclusive, a prompt is presented to a recipient with selectable options of how to handle the incoming message. In response to the various inputs received from the recipient, the mobile device may either autonomously send a response message to the sender or may directly establish a voice call between the recipient and the sender.