Vehicle Beacon Alerts for User Absence in Remote Coverage Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods lack an efficient way for a vehicle to alert authorities or passersby of potential concerns when the user is absent and out of coverage areas.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a vehicle as a beacon, where the vehicle determines the user's absence and estimated time away, and sends alerts to authorities via a control system or centralized location, even if the vehicle is in a non-coverage area. The method includes autonomous driving to a coverage area, using V2X communication, and playing pre-recorded emergency messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle sends alerts only when in coverage areas, then communication reliability is improved, but the ability to alert in remote areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing alert capabilities and vehicle data in advance, and by using autonomous driving to move to coverage areas before alerts need to be sent. The vehicle can autonomously navigate to find cellular coverage before transmitting emergency alerts, ensuring reliable communication while maintaining the ability to operate in remote areas.
2Reliability
If the vehicle autonomously drives to coverage area to send alert, then alert delivery reliability is improved, but response time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring coverage area availability and pre-positioning the vehicle in locations with cellular coverage before emergencies occur. The autonomous driving system is pre-configured with routes to coverage areas, allowing rapid deployment when alerts are needed without time-consuming navigation decisions during emergencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its alert sending strategy based on real-time conditions. If coverage is immediately available, alerts are sent instantly. If not, the vehicle dynamically determines whether to autonomously drive to coverage or use alternative communication methods, optimizing the balance between reliability and response time based on current situational factors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vehicles are used for V2X communication, then coverage area limitation is overcome, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary approach where vehicles act as mobile communication relays. When one vehicle is in a non-coverage area, it can use V2X communication with nearby vehicles that have cellular coverage to relay alerts to authorities. This distributed intermediary system extends coverage without requiring complex centralized coordination, as each vehicle independently manages its own alert relay capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Method of using a vehicle to alert to potential risks includes determining that a user of the vehicle will be absent; determining an estimated absence time; and sending an alert to authorities, via a control system, if the user does not return within the estimated absence time. The method may include receiving the estimated absence time from the user, or the control system of the vehicle determines the absence and the estimated absence time. The user may define the absence and input the estimated absence time through a centralized location, such that the alert is sent from the centralized location. Following expiration of the estimated absence time, detecting a pedestrian near the vehicle, and then playing a pre-recorded emergency message through speakers, such that the pedestrian is made aware of the pre-recorded emergency message. Vehicle lights/horn may operate to guide the user, possibly in decaying fashion.