Valet Mode Mobile Router Connectivity and Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
The mobility of wireless devices, especially in vehicles, is constrained by the need to stay within range of wireless access points, and existing solutions like cellular networks are not universally available in mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A valet mode is implemented in mobile routers, enabled through a smartphone application that sets boundaries and speed limits, sending alerts via SMS if these conditions are exceeded, and automatically disabling after a predetermined time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mobile devices use wireless LAN access points for connectivity, then wireless network access is achieved, but mobility is constrained by the need to stay within range of access points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mobile routers as intermediary devices that bridge wireless LAN and cellular networks. The mobile router receives data from the wireless access point and forwards it through cellular networks, allowing devices to maintain wireless connectivity while moving beyond the limited range of access points. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by extending the effective connectivity range without requiring the mobile device itself to have cellular capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile router performs multiple functions: it acts as a wireless access point for local devices, provides cellular network connectivity, and maintains routing protocols to ensure continuous communication. This multi-functionality allows a single device to bridge different network types, enabling universal connectivity that works both indoors and while mobile, thus resolving the mobility-constraint issue.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cellular networks are used to expand mobility, then movement freedom is improved, but device complexity increases as most mobile devices lack cellular network interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile router serves as an intermediary that provides cellular network interfaces to devices that don't have them. The router handles all cellular communication protocols and routing, while the mobile device simply needs a standard wireless LAN interface. This eliminates the need for complex cellular interfaces in most mobile devices while still enabling cellular network mobility.
3Reliability
If valet mode is enabled to monitor vehicle location and speed, then safety and control are improved, but system complexity increases with additional monitoring and alert mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile router, which already performs network routing and connectivity functions, is extended to provide valet mode monitoring capabilities. The same GPS receiver and processor used for basic location tracking are leveraged for valet mode boundary and speed monitoring. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to provide enhanced safety features without adding separate dedicated monitoring hardware, thus limiting the increase in system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle comprises: a valet mode program to provide valet mode functionality for the vehicle, a processor operable to execute the valet mode program, a predetermined distance limit, and a predetermined speed limit. The vehicle responds to externally generated commands from a predetermined source to activate or deactivate the valet mode. The processor is operable to determine if the predetermined distance limit is exceeded from the location of the vehicle when the valet mode is activated; and the processor is operable to determine if the vehicle exceeds the predetermined speed limit while the valet mode is activated.