Vehicle Central Unit Radio Broadcasts for Nearby Emergency Response
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency notification systems in vehicles primarily focus on communicating with rescue coordination centers, neglecting the immediate surrounding area, which can delay assistance from individuals who may provide quicker aid.
Innovation Solution
A central unit in a vehicle broadcasts a broadcast message via radio connections, including Bluetooth LE, to audio output units within a defined reception area, allowing different units to receive content from various sources, ensuring rapid dissemination of emergency information to nearby individuals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If eCall systems transmit information to rescue coordination centers over mobile networks, then emergency information can be communicated to professional rescue services, but response time is delayed because rescue units take longer to reach the accident location compared to nearby individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the emergency notification function into two distinct communication paths: one for professional rescue services (eCall to rescue coordination center) and another for nearby individuals (broadcast message to audio output units). This segmentation allows simultaneous notification of both groups through different channels, enabling nearby persons to provide immediate assistance while rescue units are en route, thus reducing overall response time without compromising reliable communication with professional services
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary broadcast message system that acts as a mediator between the central unit and nearby individuals. Instead of relying solely on the mobile network for all communications, the system uses local audio output units (such as car speakers or portable devices) as intermediaries to disseminate emergency information directly to persons in the vicinity, bypassing the delay associated with mobile network transmission and rescue unit deployment
2Loss of time
If broadcast messages are transmitted to all audio output units in the reception area, then emergency information reaches more individuals quickly, but energy consumption increases due to establishing multiple radio connections
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by transmitting the broadcast message only to audio output units within a defined reception area rather than attempting to reach all possible devices. The central unit determines a geographic reception area and selectively establishes radio connections only with audio output units located within this area, thereby limiting the number of connections and reducing energy consumption while still achieving rapid information dissemination to relevant nearby individuals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating a geographically bounded reception area with specific properties. Within this local area, broadcast messages are transmitted to audio output units, while outside this area, transmission does not occur. This localized approach ensures energy is consumed only for connections that are likely to reach relevant recipients, optimizing the balance between rapid information dissemination and energy efficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If audio output units receive auditory entertainment content from different sources, then users maintain their preferred entertainment content, but ensuring emergency message delivery becomes more complex due to multiple independent content sources
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the potential harm of having multiple independent content sources into a benefit by utilizing the existing audio output units and their established connections to various entertainment sources. Instead of requiring a completely new dedicated emergency notification system, the patent leverages the already-present audio output units (which may be connected to different entertainment sources) and overlays emergency broadcast messages on top of their existing functionality. The audio output units maintain their versatility for entertainment while simultaneously serving as reliable channels for emergency message delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing audio output units that serve multiple functions: they can receive auditory entertainment content from various independent sources during normal operation, and simultaneously receive and output emergency broadcast messages when triggered. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware infrastructure to support both user-preferred entertainment content and critical emergency information without requiring separate dedicated systems, thereby managing complexity while maintaining adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A method for sending at least one broadcast message via a central unit in a vehicle, wherein the broadcast message is intended for multiple audio output units, wherein at least two of the audio output units render different auditory entertainment content that is independent of the central unit is disclosed. The respective audio output unit comprises at least one broadcast radio receiver configured to render auditory content, and for the central unit to receive a predefined emergency signal signaling an emergency event. The central unit broadcasts the at least one broadcast message via at least one radio connection to the respective broadcast radio receiver, wherein the broadcast message comprises the auditory content, and the broadcast message is received by all broadcast radio receivers within a reception area of the central unit, such that all audio output units within the reception area render the auditory content of the broadcast message.