Vehicle Messaging via Spatiotemporal Match Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods of vehicle-to-vehicle communication, such as hand gestures and horn honking, are limited in effectiveness, can be disruptive, and may be illegal or considered rude, and do not allow for seamless communication beyond proximity.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for establishing a messaging channel between vehicle computers using sensor data to detect spatiotemporal matches, allowing drivers to communicate asynchronously when vehicles are no longer in proximity, with features like request buttons and predefined message sets to ensure appropriate communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional communication methods (horn, hand gestures, headlight flashing) are used, then drivers can communicate their intentions to other drivers, but these methods are disruptive, may be illegal, and have limited effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication effectivenessVSAvoiddriver distraction and legal issues
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between vehicles. The server receives sensor data from multiple vehicles, detects spatiotemporal matches, and establishes messaging channels. This mediator enables reliable communication without direct interaction between drivers, eliminating the need for disruptive horn honking or hand gestures while maintaining communication effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical communication methods (horn, hand gestures, headlight flashing) with an electronic messaging system. Vehicle computers transmit sensor data and messages through a networked server, substituting physical actions with digital communication that is non-disruptive and legally compliant while achieving the same intent communication goal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Duration of action of moving object

If drivers communicate only when in proximity, then real-time interaction is possible, but communication is limited to brief moments and cannot continue after vehicles separate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication durationVSAvoidcommunication opportunity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by continuously collecting and storing sensor data from vehicles before communication is needed. When vehicles are in proximity, the server already has their data ready, enabling immediate messaging channel establishment. This preliminary data collection allows communication to extend beyond the brief proximity window, as the server can maintain and reference the data after vehicles separate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a temporal dimension to vehicle communication by using server-stored sensor data. Instead of requiring simultaneous presence in space (proximity), the system allows communication across different time points. The server can match vehicles that were in proximity at different times and enable messaging between them, extending communication duration beyond the immediate spatial encounter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If open messaging channels are established between vehicles, then drivers can share information freely, but unsolicited messages and spam may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoidunsolicited messages
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the server monitors messaging channel activity and can detect patterns of unsolicited or spam messages. The server can respond by filtering, blocking, or flagging problematic communications, providing feedback control that maintains communication flexibility while preventing harmful unsolicited messages from disrupting the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The server performs preliminary verification and filtering of messages before they are delivered to recipients. By pre-screening communications based on established criteria and vehicle data, the system allows flexible messaging while blocking potential spam and unsolicited messages in advance, preventing rather than reacting to harmful content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4418703B1Vehicle-to-vehicle messaging
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 RED BEND LTD
  • EP4418703B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4418703B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4418703B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, a system and a computer readable medium of vehicle-to-vehicle messaging. The method, system and computer readable medium are using a server computer that receives sensor data from a plurality of vehicle computers of respective vehicles being driven, and collects the received sensor data, detects a spatiotemporal match between at least two of the vehicle computers, using the collected sensor data and tries to establish a messaging channel between at least two of the vehicle computers having the detected spatiotemporal match.