Vehicle Emergency Calling via Paired User Equipment Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency communication systems, such as eCall, fail to ensure reliable communication with vehicle occupants in hazardous situations, leading to 'silent' calls where responders cannot reach occupants, wasting resources and reducing the chances of timely assistance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving pairing an in-vehicle system with user equipment to transmit identifier information during emergency communications, allowing for additional communication channels through user equipment even when the in-vehicle system fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If emergency communication is conducted exclusively through the in-vehicle system, then the system structure remains simple, but communication reliability deteriorates when the in-vehicle system fails or occupants cannot respond
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces user equipment (UE) as an intermediary device to enable emergency communication when the in-vehicle system fails. The UE stores identifier information of the in-vehicle system and can initiate emergency calls to safety answering points, acting as a backup communication path that resolves the reliability issue without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary pairing between the in-vehicle system and user equipment during normal operation, storing identifier information in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when an emergency occurs and the in-vehicle system fails, the UE is already configured with necessary information to immediately initiate emergency communication without delay
2Adaptability or versatility
If only the in-vehicle system is used for emergency communication, then the device configuration remains simple, but the ability to reach occupants deteriorates in situations where they cannot respond or have left the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the user equipment universal by enabling it to perform both normal communication functions and emergency communication functions. The UE can store identifier information of the in-vehicle system and initiate emergency calls, providing multi-functionality that increases communication flexibility without requiring separate dedicated emergency devices
3Productivity
If the in-vehicle system exclusively conducts emergency calls, then the communication protocol remains simple, but the chances of timely assistance are reduced due to silent calls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the safety answering point receives identifier information from the user equipment and can attempt to contact the in-vehicle system or reach occupants through alternative means. This feedback loop allows the system to detect when communication fails and take corrective actions, preventing loss of communication feedback and improving emergency response efficiency
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for conducting an emergency communication involving both an in-vehicle system of a vehicle and at least one user equipment associated with the in-vehicle system, wherein the in-vehicle system and the user equipment are involved for conducting the emergency communication as a first and a second device, respectively, wherein the first device has or is assigned to at least one piece of identifier information, wherein the first and second device are configured to be paired with one another and/or the first device to be registered with the second device in a manner such that the at least one piece of identifier information is transmitted to or, at least, stored in the second device, wherein, in order to conduct the emergency communication involving both the first and the second device, the method comprises the following steps: -- in a first step, the first device is paired with and/or registered to the second device resulting in storing the at least one piece of identifier information in the second device, -- in a second step, subsequent to the first step, and in case of a situation resulting in the second device being triggered to perform an emergency communication to either a public safety answering point or to a private safety answering point, the at least one identifier information of or associated or assigned to the first device is transmitted, by the second device and as part of the emergency communication, to the public safety answering point or to the private safety answering point.