Vehicle Key Emergency Call System via NFC and Bluetooth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency call systems, such as eCall, rely on dedicated hardware in vehicles, which can be damaged in accidents, rendering them inoperable and limiting their effectiveness in emergency situations, especially in older vehicles without integrated eCall equipment.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables emergency calls using a key with embedded GSM or similar phone functionality, capable of connecting to vehicle systems via Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth, or MirrorLink, allowing it to initiate calls and transmit vehicle data in case of an accident, even if the vehicle's eCall system is damaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated eCall hardware is integrated into the vehicle, then emergency call reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle key is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a traditional vehicle access key and an emergency call device. The key includes a communication module that can independently initiate emergency calls and transmit vehicle data, eliminating the need for separate dedicated eCall hardware in the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The emergency call functionality is extracted from the vehicle's main system and relocated to the key fob. This separation allows the key to independently perform emergency calls even when the vehicle's communication systems are damaged or compromised during an accident.
2Extent of automation
If dedicated eCall hardware is integrated into the vehicle, then automatic emergency detection capability is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The key fob incorporates sensors and communication capabilities that allow it to independently detect accidents and initiate emergency calls. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated eCall hardware integration during vehicle manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The key is pre-configured with emergency call functionality and vehicle data storage capabilities before the vehicle is even manufactured. The key can autonomously detect accidents using its onboard sensors and automatically initiate calls without requiring complex vehicle system integration.
3Reliability
If vehicle eCall system is used, then emergency response capability is improved, but vulnerability to damage in accidents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency call functionality is extracted from the vehicle's main communication system and relocated to the key fob. This physical separation ensures that the emergency call capability remains intact even when the vehicle's communication systems are damaged during an accident.
Solution Approach 2:
The key is designed as a portable, damage-resistant device that can function independently of the vehicle. By placing the emergency call capability in the key rather than the vehicle, the system provides a backup that is less susceptible to damage during accidents.
4Ease of operation
If key-based emergency call system is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The key fob autonomously detects accidents using its onboard sensors and automatically initiates emergency calls without requiring user intervention. The system self-configures to transmit relevant vehicle data and location information, eliminating the need for manual operation during emergencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The key incorporates multiple functions including vehicle access, data storage, communication capabilities, and accident detection. This integration allows the key to independently perform emergency calls while maintaining ease of operation through automatic functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
An approach is provided for placing an emergency call using a key. The key platform processes and/or facilitates a processing of sensor information to determine at least one emergency condition. Then, the key platform causes, at least in part, an initiation of at least one emergency call via at least one key in response to the at least emergency condition, wherein the at least one key is configured with one or more emergency phone functionalities.