Vehicle Controller Delivery Mode Locking Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cargo vans used for delivery services often suffer from theft issues, with many incidents going unpunished and not being covered by insurance, as there is typically no proof of theft.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle controller system with multiple mode settings, including a delivery mode and a non-delivery mode, that automatically adjusts locking behavior based on detected vehicle actions, such as operator proximity and door status, and alerts the driver of unauthorized access, with the option to record evidence and call for help if needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle controller uses standard locking behavior, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the security against theft is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle controller dynamically adjusts locking behavior based on detected vehicle actions. The controller transitions between different locking modes (standard mode and delivery mode) based on real-time detection of vehicle actions, making the security system adaptive rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by providing enhanced security only when delivery activities are detected, without affecting normal operation during standard use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the locking parameter (locking behavior) based on the detected mode of operation. In delivery mode, the controller implements enhanced locking sequences and extended locked periods, whereas in standard mode, it uses conventional locking. This parameter adjustment based on operational context provides stronger security when needed while maintaining ease of operation during normal use.
2Reliability
If the vehicle controller implements enhanced security monitoring, then the proof of theft is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle controller performs multiple functions: standard vehicle operation control, delivery mode detection, enhanced security monitoring, and evidence recording. By making the controller multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated hardware for each function. The same controller that manages basic vehicle operations also detects delivery activities, monitors for theft, and records evidence, thereby providing proof of theft without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically detects vehicle actions indicative of delivery mode, transitions to enhanced security protocols, monitors for unauthorized access, and records evidence without requiring separate user activation for each function. The system self-manages the security enhancement process based on detected conditions, reducing the need for additional user interface elements or manual configuration while still providing comprehensive theft proofing.
3Speed
If the vehicle controller automatically transitions to delivery mode, then the response time to theft is reduced, but the false alarm rate may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary detection of vehicle actions (such as door opening patterns, engine runtime, GPS location matching delivery areas) to determine whether delivery mode should be activated. By analyzing multiple indicators before transitioning to enhanced security mode, the system reduces false alarms while still maintaining rapid response capability. The preliminary action of detecting and verifying delivery conditions ensures that enhanced security is activated only when appropriate.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle may detect vehicle actions, compare the vehicle actions to first vehicle actions associated with first mode settings of a vehicle controller and to second vehicle actions associated with second mode settings of a vehicle controller, and transition the mode settings of the vehicle controller to the first mode settings responsive to the vehicle actions matching the first vehicle actions. The controller may be a vehicle body controller, and the mode settings may describe a locking behavior of the body controller. A mobile device may set vehicle actions configured to cause the controller to transition from the first mode settings to the second mode settings. The mobile device may also display an alert responsive to the controller detecting presence of an unauthorized user within vicinity of the vehicle.