Vehicle Occupant Sensor System for Selective Mobile Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for methods and systems to disable mobile device functions within a vehicle's passenger cabin, particularly to prevent drivers from using distracting features while driving, as existing solutions do not effectively address the issue of disabling mobile device functions based on the number of occupants in the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing occupant sensors and cellular signal sensors to determine the number of occupants and selectively disable mobile device functions, either for all devices or only those associated with the driver, based on the occupancy count, using network interface hardware to send disable messages to the devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mobile device functions are disabled for all devices in the passenger cabin, then driver distraction is reduced, but passenger convenience is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different disablement rules to different spatial zones within the passenger cabin. Mobile devices detected in the driver zone have their functions disabled, while devices in passenger zones remain operational. This spatial differentiation resolves the contradiction by protecting driver safety while preserving passenger convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The passenger cabin is segmented into multiple zones (driver zone and passenger zones) based on occupant detection. The system independently controls mobile device functionality in each zone, allowing selective disabling for the driver while maintaining full functionality for passengers.
2Ease of operation
If mobile device functions are selectively disabled based on driver zone detection, then passenger convenience is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a multi-functional approach by integrating occupant detection capabilities, mobile device detection capabilities, and selective function disabling capabilities into a unified system. This universal system handles multiple tasks (detecting occupants, detecting devices, determining zones, and controlling device functions) through a single integrated architecture, managing complexity efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary processing layer that receives data from occupant sensors and mobile device sensors, determines spatial zones, and generates appropriate disablement commands. This intermediary logic layer simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the decision-making process for when and how to disable device functions.
3Reliability
If all mobile device functions are disabled when one occupant is detected, then driver safety is maximized, but adaptability to different scenarios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on real-time detection of occupant presence and mobile device locations. When one occupant is detected in the driver zone, the system applies strict disabling rules. When additional occupants are detected in passenger zones, the system adapts by allowing device functionality in those zones while maintaining restrictions in the driver zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters (device disablement status) based on detected conditions (occupant count and location). The disablement policy is not fixed but varies according to the spatial distribution of occupants and devices, allowing the system to adapt to different driving scenarios while maintaining driver safety.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure include methods, systems, and vehicles for disabling a function of one or more mobile devices within a passenger cabin of a vehicle. A method of disabling a function of one or more mobile devices within a passenger cabin of a vehicle according to the present disclosure includes determining a number of occupants within the passenger cabin based on one or more occupant sensor output signals output by one or more occupant sensors. A disable message is sent to disable a function of the one or more mobile devices in the passenger cabin when the number of occupants present in the passenger cabin is determined to be one. A disable message is sent to disable a function of only the one or more mobile devices associated with a driver of the vehicle when the number of occupants present in the passenger cabin is determined to be greater than one.