Vehicular Audio Feedback System Using Mobile Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication methods between vehicles or between a vehicle and an adjacent person are limited, lacking a convenient and anonymous way for drivers to provide feedback without revealing their phone numbers, especially in proximity-based scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device system comprising an antenna and a software application that allows users to select and transmit audio files to adjacent vehicles or persons, converting these signals into audible messages, enabling programmable feedback without revealing phone numbers, using a speaker integrated with the vehicle's OEM horn system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional communication methods (horn honking, hand signals) are used, then communication between vehicles is achieved, but the scope and variety of communication is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the mobile device to perform multiple communication functions: transmitting audio messages, visual signals, and verbal communications through the vehicle's speaker system. This single device replaces multiple separate communication methods (horn, hand signals, separate communication devices), achieving versatile vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian communication without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the mobile device as an intermediary between the driver and the communication system. The mobile device interfaces with the vehicle's existing speaker system (OEM horn/speaker), allowing users to communicate through programmed messages without directly modifying the vehicle's communication infrastructure. This intermediary approach expands communication capabilities while minimizing system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If cellular telephone applications are used to provide feedback between drivers, then communication capability is improved, but user anonymity and privacy are compromised through phone number exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication functionality from traditional phone-to-phone applications and relocates it to a vehicle-integrated system. By using the vehicle's existing speaker system rather than requiring direct phone-to-phone calling, the system provides feedback capability while eliminating the need for phone number exchange, thus protecting user privacy while maintaining communication versatility
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual phone manipulation is required for communication, then communication can occur, but ease of operation during driving is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by programming communication messages in advance through the mobile device application. Drivers can pre-program various feedback messages (audio files, visual signals, verbal communications) for different driving scenarios. During actual use, the system automatically transmits the appropriate pre-programmed message without requiring manual phone manipulation, thus maintaining communication versatility while significantly improving ease of operation and driving safety
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device comprising: (a) an antenna, and (b) a software application; wherein the mobile device is a transmitting mobile device, a receiving mobile device, or both; wherein the software application directs the transmitting mobile device to transmit a signal, comprising an audio file, to the receiving mobile device running the same software application: wherein the signal is converted to an audible signal, a message, or a combination thereof by the software application of the receiving mobile device; wherein the audible signal, converted by the receiving mobile device, is used in lieu of an audible signal produced by an OEM horn.