Vehicle Telematics Device Location Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle telematics systems lack the ability to selectively connect with electronic devices based on their physical location within the vehicle, leading to potential unwanted connections when devices are outside the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize onboard sensors and a processor to detect and determine the physical location of electronic devices within the vehicle, selectively connecting them with the telematics unit only if recognized and inside the vehicle, providing services like hands-free calls, phone book access, voice recognition, and music playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If telematics units connect with electronic devices when in proximity to the vehicle, then connection availability is improved, but unwanted connections occur when devices are outside the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into multiple stages: initial proximity detection followed by subsequent location verification. This multi-stage approach allows the system to first identify potentially connectable devices in proximity, then verify their actual location inside the vehicle before establishing connections, thereby preventing unwanted connections while maintaining availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensor data collection and location determination as an intermediary step between device detection and connection establishment. This intermediary verification process using onboard sensors acts as a mediator to confirm the device's physical location inside the vehicle, blocking unwanted connections while allowing legitimate ones
2Reliability
If sensors and processing modules are added to detect device location, then connection security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing onboard sensors that serve multiple functions (e.g., sensors originally designed for vehicle occupancy detection or environmental monitoring are repurposed for electronic device location detection). This multi-functional approach enhances connection security without requiring entirely new sensor systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing sensor infrastructure and processing capabilities to perform location verification, rather than relying on external verification systems. The telematics unit and onboard sensors self-service the location determination function, reducing the need for additional external components and minimizing complexity increases
Data Source
AI summary
Control systems and methods are provided for vehicles that include, in one embodiment, a plurality of sensors, and a processor. The plurality of sensors are dispersed across a body of the vehicle, and are configured to detect an electronic device in proximity to the vehicle; and collect sensor data with respect to the electronic device. The processor is configured to determine, using the sensor data, whether the electronic device is physically disposed inside the vehicle; and selectively connect the electronic device with a telematics unit of the vehicle, via the processor, based on whether the electronic device is physically disposed inside the vehicle.