Remote Engine Start Lockout for Enclosed Vehicle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
When a vehicle is remotely started within an enclosed space, such as a garage, the space can fill with carbon monoxide, posing a risk to the user who may be unaware of the danger.
Innovation Solution
A system within the vehicle that uses GPS, cameras, and proximity sensors to determine if the vehicle is in an enclosed space and prevents the engine from being remotely started if it is, alerting the user with a voice or text message.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vehicle allows remote engine starting, then user convenience is improved, but the risk of carbon monoxide accumulation in enclosed spaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of enclosed spaces using GPS coordinates and proximity sensors before allowing remote engine starting. The electronic processor checks whether the vehicle is in a pre-identified enclosed location (such as a garage) by comparing current GPS data and sensor readings against stored enclosure characteristics, preventing the harmful effect before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary detection layer between the user's remote start command and the engine start execution. The electronic processor acts as a mediator that receives the remote start request, evaluates enclosure status through GPS and sensor data, and only permits engine starting when safe conditions are confirmed, thus blocking the harmful pathway without eliminating the convenient feature.
2Reliability
If the vehicle uses GPS and sensors to detect enclosed spaces, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes existing vehicle components serve multiple functions. The GPS receiver, originally for navigation, is also used for enclosed space detection by comparing coordinates against stored enclosure data. Proximity sensors, intended for parking assistance, now contribute to enclosure detection by measuring distances to surrounding structures. This multi-functionality improves safety without adding dedicated detection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple detection approaches (GPS coordinate matching and proximity sensor measurements) into a unified enclosed space detection algorithm in the electronic processor. By merging these existing system components and their data streams, the patent achieves reliable enclosure detection while avoiding the complexity of entirely new dedicated detection systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle includes at least one camera capturing images of an environment outside of the motor vehicle. A proximity sensor detects an object disposed adjacent to the motor vehicle. An electronic processor receives the images captured by the at least one camera, and receives a proximity signal from the proximity sensor. The proximity signal is indicative of whether an object is disposed adjacent to the motor vehicle. The electronic processor determines, based upon the images captured by the at least one camera and the proximity signal, whether the motor vehicle is disposed within an enclosure. The electronic processor receives an engine start request signal that has been wirelessly transmitted by a user. In response to receiving the engine start request signal, the electronic processor causes the engine start system to start an engine of the motor vehicle when the motor vehicle is not disposed within an enclosure.