Vehicle QR/NFC Interface for Anonymous Owner Messaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack an efficient and anonymous way for third parties to communicate with vehicle owners, especially in situations like snow removal, road work, or accidents, often relying on handwritten notes due to the absence of direct contact information.
Innovation Solution
An anonymous communication system that uses a mobile device interface with a vehicle-mounted machine-readable code or NFC device, allowing communicators to send messages to vehicle subscribers via a control system, ensuring anonymous communication while enabling authorized parties to initiate contact for specific purposes like traffic stops or towing notifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If handwritten notes are left on the vehicle for communication, then communication with the vehicle owner is possible, but the communication efficiency is low and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of handwritten notes with an electronic communication system. A control system with a database stores vehicle owner information, and a communication device sends electronic messages (text, email, SMS) to reach the vehicle owner instantly, eliminating the need for physical notes and manual retrieval of owner information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary between the vehicle and the communication network. This control system includes a database that stores owner contact information and a communication device that transmits messages, acting as a mediator that enables direct electronic communication without requiring physical presence or manual note-taking.
2Productivity
If direct contact information is collected and stored, then communication efficiency improves, but privacy security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the contact information storage function from the communication device itself and places it in a secure database within the control system. The communication device only holds temporary communication credentials, while the database securely stores the actual contact information, separating the functions to reduce privacy risks at the communication interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically manages the storage, retrieval, and transmission of contact information without requiring manual handling by users. The system self-manages the database operations and communication protocols, reducing human exposure to sensitive information and minimizing privacy security risks.
3Ease of operation
If an interface device with machine-readable code is installed on the vehicle, then ease of interface access improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a machine-readable code (such as a QR code or barcode) as a simplified copy or representation of the vehicle's identity and interface credentials. Instead of requiring complex authentication systems, the machine-readable code provides a simple visual interface that can be scanned by mobile devices, greatly simplifying the interface access process.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to be universally compatible with multiple communication methods and devices. It can interface with mobile phones, tablets, and other communication devices through standard protocols, making the system adaptable to various user devices without requiring device-specific customization, thus reducing overall complexity.
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
Facilitates efficient and secure communication between third parties and vehicle owners, reducing administrative costs and improving safety by allowing real-time messaging and location-based notifications without revealing personal information.
Implementation Method 1
An interface device may comprise a wireless interface device, such as a Near Field Communication (NFC) device including but not limited to a radio-frequency identification (RFID) that uses electromagnetic fields to automatically link or interface a mobile device with the system.
Data Source
AI summary
An anonymous system for communicating with a vehicle subscriber employs an interface device that is coupled with the vehicle. A third party, or communicator may want to communicate with the vehicle subscriber and use their mobile phone to interface with the system through the interface device. The communicator can then send a message, such as a text message, to the vehicle subscriber regarding their vehicle. The communicator's mobile device is linked with the system and a communication input is then opened on their mobile device. A message menu may allow the communicator to select a message for delivery to the vehicle subscriber. The communication from the communicator passes from the communicator's mobile device, through the system and then to the subscriber. An interface device may be a machine-readable code attached to the vehicle to allow a communicator's mobile device to scan the machine-readable code and be linked with the system.