Vehicle Transceiver Array for Mobile Device Location Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for systems and methods to control the operation of mobile devices in vehicles to prevent distracted driving, as using certain functions while driving can be dangerous and violate legislation in some jurisdictions.
Innovation Solution
An anti-distracted driving system comprising transceivers within a vehicle that detect mobile communication devices and send signals to inhibit specific functions if the device is within a threshold distance from the driver's seat, using a controller to determine the device's location and send disabling signals based on wireless communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mobile device functions are allowed to operate freely in vehicles, then device functionality and user convenience are improved, but driver distraction and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of mobile device presence and location before driving activities begin. Transceivers continuously monitor for devices in the vehicle, and the system proactively inhibits distracting functions before the driver can be distracted, rather than reacting after distraction occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (transceivers and controller) between the mobile device and the driver. This intermediary detects device presence, determines location relative to the driver, and mediates device function inhibition automatically, removing the need for direct driver interaction with device controls.
2Reliability
If transceivers and controllers are installed to detect and inhibit mobile device functions, then driver safety is improved, but device complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transceivers serve multiple functions: they detect mobile device presence, determine signal strength, calculate device location, and communicate with the controller. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each task, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the added safety capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device itself participates in the detection process by responding to transceiver signals. The device's own communication radio is utilized to provide location information, eliminating the need for separate sensors or detectors in the vehicle system.
3Reliability
If device functions are inhibited when detected near driver seat, then distracted driving is prevented, but user accessibility and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different operational states to different spatial locations within the vehicle. Device functions are inhibited specifically when the device is detected in the driver's area (near driver seat), while allowing full functionality when the device is in passenger areas or when the vehicle is stationary. This localized approach maintains safety without unnecessarily restricting user convenience in all situations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively prevents the use of distracting functions on mobile devices when the vehicle is in motion, enhancing driver safety by reducing the risk of accidents and compliance with distracted driving laws.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of transceivers at different locations within a vehicle, each of the transceivers operable to receive a signal emitted from a mobile communication device in accordance with a wireless communication protocol and to output a detection signal indicative of the strength of the received signal
Data Source
AI summary
An anti-distracted driving system comprises a plurality of transceivers at different locations within a vehicle. Each of the transceivers is operable to receive a signal from a mobile communication device and to output a detection signal indicative of the strength of the received signal. A controller in communication with the transceivers is operable to calculate a corresponding distance of the mobile communication device for each of the detection signals and to determine a location of the mobile communication device within the vehicle based on the distances. The controller can send a signal from a transceiver to a mobile communication device in response to determining that the mobile communication device is near a driver's seat, the signal causing at least one function of the mobile communication device to be inhibited.