CA3021574C - Handheld unit control device for vehicles - Google Patents
Handheld unit control device for vehicles Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA3021574C CA3021574C CA3021574A CA3021574A CA3021574C CA 3021574 C CA3021574 C CA 3021574C CA 3021574 A CA3021574 A CA 3021574A CA 3021574 A CA3021574 A CA 3021574A CA 3021574 C CA3021574 C CA 3021574C
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- vehicle
- holder
- plug
- state
- lock
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- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 76
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 35
- 235000019504 cigarettes Nutrition 0.000 claims description 16
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 14
- 230000002123 temporal effect Effects 0.000 claims description 14
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000000875 corresponding effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002747 voluntary effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 206010039203 Road traffic accident Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001413 cellular effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002596 correlated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
- B60R11/02—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
- H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
- H04B1/3827—Portable transceivers
- H04B1/3877—Arrangements for enabling portable transceivers to be used in a fixed position, e.g. cradles or boosters
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W88/00—Devices specially adapted for wireless communication networks, e.g. terminals, base stations or access point devices
- H04W88/02—Terminal devices
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)
Abstract
A holder for securing a phone, smartphone or tablet device while driving in a vehicle. The holder has a frame for supporting the device with a socket shaped to receive at least a portion of the device; and a clamping mechanism configured to secure the device in the socket. The holder has a lock connected to the clamping mechanism; and a cable connectable to the vehicle to receive a signal from the vehicle indicative of a state of the vehicle. The lock is responsive to the signal and is configured, when the vehicle is in a first state, to lock the clamping mechanism so that the device is secured and cannot be removed from the holder, and when the vehicle is in a second state, to unlock the clamping mechanism so that the device is free to be removed from the holder.
Description
HANDHELD UNIT CONTROL DEVICE FOR VEHICLES
Technical Field [001] This patent application relates to the field of devices used to control the use of handheld units by drivers of vehicles.
Background
Technical Field [001] This patent application relates to the field of devices used to control the use of handheld units by drivers of vehicles.
Background
[002] In recent years, motor vehicle accident rates in which the use of handheld wireless telephones and computing devices have been demonstrated to be higher than for other conditions. According to information released by the Canadian Automobile Association, drivers engaged in text messaging on a cellular phone are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash or near crash event compared with non-distracted drivers. In the United States, it is reported that 1 out of every 4 car accidents is caused by texting and driving, and that texting while driving is six times more likely to cause an accident than driving drunk.
[003] A variety of solutions have been proposed to help drivers avoid the distraction of a mobile telephone/smartphone device. Some solutions involve restricting access to the mobile device while driving, and others involve disabling the mobile device while driving. The general object is to reduce or eliminate the distraction of the mobile device while driving.
[004] Most solutions require professional installation of equipment into the vehicle and are complex in nature.
[005] In US Patent 8,884,750, there is disclosed a holder for a mobile device that provides an alert when the mobile device is removed from the holder. In one example, the holder can include a mounting to a cigarette lighter socket, and does not require professional installation.
Summary
Summary
[006] Applicant has found that vehicle drivers need a simple and easy to use tool to help them respect their intentions to avoid hand held use of handheld wireless telephones and computing devices while driving. Most any system can be defeated, while most drivers have good intentions to comply with non-use of such devices when getting into their vehicles.
[007] In accordance with some embodiments, a handheld device storage unit for use in a vehicle has a locking mechanism connected to auxiliary power of the vehicle that allows a driver to lock the handheld device when the vehicle is on and to unlock the device when the vehicle is off. In this way, the driver can use the locking mechanism to secure the handheld device while driving so that the ability to make handheld use of the handheld device is made difficult or impossible.
[008] The locking mechanism can be a holder that holds the handheld device for the driver to use in a hands-free mode. The locking mechanism can be a small lock box into which the handheld device to secured while driving.
[009] In the case that the locking mechanism is a holder that holds the handheld device for the driver to use in a hands-free mode, the holder can have a clamping mechanism for holding the handheld device. In some examples, the device can only be released when auxiliary power is off, namely when the vehicle is off.
[0010] To simplify installation, the connection to auxiliary power can be taken from a vehicle interior connector, such as but not limited to, a cigarette lighter 12V DC receptacle or a USB connector. This avoids needing to connect the device to vehicle auxiliary power behind the vehicle dashboard.
[0011] When power is taken from a vehicle interior connector, the handheld device storage unit can comprise a mechanism to reduce the temptation to defeat the device while driving. One mechanism is to use a connector that can detect its removal from its socket.
The socket can be, for example, a 12V DC socket or a USB socket, and the connector can have a switch that is actuated by the initial removal of the connector preferably before power is disconnected.
Another mechanism is to use a locking connector, such as a connector with screws securing the connector in place, for example a lockable USB connector. A 12V DC cigarette lighter .. connector can be fitted with a mechanical lock to lock it into its receptacle, while providing power to the handheld device storage unit using a fixed cable or via an additional power socket, such as a lockable connector or for use with a connector that can detect its removal.
The socket can be, for example, a 12V DC socket or a USB socket, and the connector can have a switch that is actuated by the initial removal of the connector preferably before power is disconnected.
Another mechanism is to use a locking connector, such as a connector with screws securing the connector in place, for example a lockable USB connector. A 12V DC cigarette lighter .. connector can be fitted with a mechanical lock to lock it into its receptacle, while providing power to the handheld device storage unit using a fixed cable or via an additional power socket, such as a lockable connector or for use with a connector that can detect its removal.
[0012] A first broad aspect is directed to a holder for securing a phone, smartphone or tablet device while driving in a vehicle. The holder has a frame for supporting the device with a socket shaped to receive at least a portion of the.device and a clamping mechanism configured to secure the device in the socket. The holder has a lock connected to the clamping mechanism, and a cable connectable to the vehicle to receive a signal from the vehicle indicative of a state of the vehicle. The lock is responsive to the signal and is configured, when the vehicle is in a first state, to lock the clamping mechanism so that the device is secured and cannot be removed from the holder, and when the vehicle is in a second state, to unlock the clamping mechanism so that the device is free to be removed from the holder.
[0013] In some embodiments, the holder may have a proximity sensor that is configured to detect the device when placed in the frame. In some embodiments, the holder may have a visual indicator configured to receive information from the proximity sensor as to the detection of the device in the frame, and further configured to receive a signal when the vehicle is turned on, the visual indicator providing a visual indication when the vehicle is turned on and the proximity sensor does not detect the presence of the device. The visual indicator may further be configured to produce an audible alarm in addition to the visual indication when the vehicle is turned on and the proximity sensor does not detect the presence of the device.
[0014] In some embodiments, the holder may have computer-readable memory, and a controller that can access the memory and that may be configured to receive information from the proximity sensor regarding the detection of the device, and/or from the vehicle regarding the state of the vehicle transmitted via the cable. The controller may be further configured to store the information in the memory. The controller may be further configured to associate said log information with temporal information corresponding to the time of the event corresponding to said log information and wherein said temporal information is obtained by, in the embodiments where the holder has a clock, the clock of the holder, a clock of the vehicle or a clock of the device.
[00151 In some embodiments, the holder may have a data output interface, and wherein the information is accessible via the data output interface, the data output interface may be a wireless data output interface. The data output interface may be a wired data output interface.
[0016] In some embodiments, the first state may be when the vehicle is turned on and the second state may be when the vehicle is turned off. In some embodiments, the first state may be when the vehicle is detected as travelling over a designated speed, and the second state may be when the vehicle is detected as travelling at or under the designated speed. The designated speed may be 0 miles per hour. The first state may be when the vehicle is detected as going over a designated revolutions per minute, and the second state may be when the vehicle is detected as going at or under the designated revolutions per minute.
[0017] in some embodiments, the holder may have a mounting to be connected to the vehicle.
[0018] The cable may end in a plug connectable to a vehicle power socket for receiving power when a vehicle is turned on. The vehicle power socket may be a vehice computer port of the vehicle. The vehicle computer port may be an on-board diagnostics port.
The plug may be a cigarette lighter plug. The vehicle power socket may have a cigarette lighter socket. The plug may have a USB socket.
[0019] In some embodiments, the plug may have a connection sensor and the clamping mechanism may have a control circuit and power storage, and the control circuit may be responsive to the sensor to prevent the lock from unlocking the clamping mechanism when power is not present in the cable and when the connection sensor senses disconnection of the plug. The plug may have a locking mechanism to prevent easy removal of the plug from the vehicle power socket.
[0020] The plug may provide a further plug for a further socket, and the cable may be solidly connected to the plug. The cable may be solidly connected to the frame. The frame may have a charging port for charging the device using power from the cable. The holder may be connectable to the vehicle to obtain information regarding the speed of the vehicle [0021] In some embodiments, the holder may have a radio-frequency identification mechanism for identifying the device.
[0022] A second broad aspect is a holder for securing a phone, smartphone or tablet device while driving in a vehicle. The has a frame for supporting or containing the device, a cable terminating in a plug connectable to a vehicle power socket for receiving power when a vehicle is turned on, a lock for securing the device in the holder, and an actuator controlled by power from the cable for preventing the lock from releasing the device when power is present in the cable.
[00231 In some embodiments, the lock may have at least one clamp and at least one support for locking the device from sides thereof, where the holder may have a mounting for connecting to a vehicle. The plug may have a connection sensor and the lock may have a control circuit and power storage, and the control circuit may be responsive to the sensor to cause the actuator to prevent the lock from releasing the device when power is not present in the cable and when the connection sensor senses disconnection of the plug. The plug may have a locking mechanism to prevent easy removal of the plug from the vehicle power socket. The plug may be a cigarette lighter plug. The plug may have a cigarette lighter socket. The plug may have a USB socket.
The plug may provide a socket for a further plug, and the cable may be solidly connected to the plug.
[0024] The cable may be solidly connected to the frame. The frame may have a charging port for charging the device using power from the cable.
[0025] A third broad aspect is a method of securing a phone, smartphone or tablet device while driving in a vehicle, the method involves connecting a cable to a vehicle power socket for receiving power when a vehicle is on and not receiving power when the vehicle is off. The method also involves placing the device in a frame with a socket that is shaped to receive at least part of the device, the frame having a clamping mechanism for securing the device in the socket, the clamping mechanism connected to a lock. The method also includes putting the vehicle in a first state, entering the first state results in the lock locking the clamping mechanism, wherein the device is secured in the frame and cannot be removed from the frame when the clamping mechanism is locked. The method also involves putting the vehicle in a second state, entering the second state results in the lock unlocking the locked clamping mechanism, wherein the device is removable from the frame when the clamping mechanism is unlocked. The method involves removing the device from the frame [0026] In some embodiments, the method may involve mounting the frame for supporting the device on or near a vehicle dash so that a screen of the device is visible to a driver. In some embodiments, the connecting a cable may include locking the plug in the vehicle power socket using a lock mechanism.
[0027] In some embodiments, the first state may be entered when the vehicle is turned on and wherein the second state may be entered when the vehicle is turned off.
The first state may be entered when the vehicle is detected as travelling above a designated speed and wherein the second state may be entered when the vehicle is detected as travelling at or under the designated speed. The first state may be entered when the vehicle is detected as going over a designated revolutions per minute, and the second state may be entered when the vehicle is detected as going at or under the designated revolutions per minute.
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[0028] In some embodiments, the method may involve detecting the presence of the device in the frame. The method may involve obtaining log information including the time at which the vehicle has entered the first state and at which the vehicle has entered the second state. The obtaining log information may include obtaining the time at which the presence of the device is detected in the frame. In some embodiments, the method may involve storing the obtained log information in memory. In some embodiments, the method may involve retrieving from the memory the obtained log information. The method may involve accessing the obtained log information via one of a remote computer and the device. The accessing may involve transmitting the log information via a transmission device on-board the vehicle.
[0029] A fourth broad aspect is a method of securing a phone, smartphone or tablet device while driving in a vehicle. The method involves connecting a cable terminating in a plug connectable to a vehicle power socket for receiving power when a vehicle is turned on and not receiving power when the vehicle is off. The method involves placing the device in a frame adapted for supporting or containing the device, the frame having a lock for securing the device in the holder, the lock being controlled by an actuator controlled by power from the cable for preventing the lock from releasing the device when power is present in the cable. The method involves locking the device in the holder such that the device cannot be hand held while the vehicle is turned on. The method involves turning the vehicle off so as to permit the actuator to allow the device to be removed from the frame for supporting or containing the device in the holder. The method involves removing the device from the holder.
[0030] In some embodiments, the method may involve mounting the frame for supporting the device on or near a vehicle dash so that a screen of the device is visible to a driver. The connecting a cable may include locking the plug in the vehicle power socket using a lock mechanism.
Brief Description of the Drawings [0031] The invention will be better understood by way of the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of an exemplary smartphone holder of the type having side clamps and a bottom ledge support for retaining the smartphone while driving, the holder being mounted to the dashboard or window of the vehicle;
[0033] Figure 2A is a schematic drawing of an exemplary USB type A
connector that includes a connection detection pin switch;
[0034] Figure 2B is a schematic drawing of an exemplary USB type A
connector that includes a connection detection sheath switch;
[0035] Figure 3 is a side sectional view of a cigarette lighter type 12V
DC vehicle plug and socket arrangement that includes a locking mechanism and USB charging port;
[0036] Figure 4 is a front view of the arrangement of Figure 3;
[0037] Figure 5A is a front perspective view of an exemplary smartphone holder, with a smartphone, with a clamping mechanism that is positioned on the top of the holder, and where the supports form a socket that receives at least part of the smartphone;
[0038] Figure 5B is a front perspective view of an exemplary smartphone holder with a clamping mechanism that is positioned on the top of the holder, and where the supports form a socket that receives at least part of the smartphone;
[0039] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary log system of an exemplary smartphone holder; and [0040] Figure 7 is a flowchart diagram of an exemplary set of steps of securing a smartphone in a vehicle.
Detailed Description [0041] A smartphone, mobile phone or tablet device holder is described in the present application where the holder has a frame with a socket for receiving at least part of a phone and a clamping mechanism for securing the phone to the frame. The clamping mechanism is connected to a lock The lock may lock the clamping mechanism so that the phone cannot be removed from the holder. When the lock unlocks the clamping mechanism, the phone may be removed from the holder. The lock responds directly or indirectly to a signal received from the vehicle indicative of the vehicle changing states, the response of the lock to the signal being the locking or unlocking of the clamping mechanism.
[0042] By the "state of the vehicle", it is meant, for example, if the vehicle is turned on or off, if the vehicle is detected as travelling above, at or below a designated speed, if the vehicle is in a certain gear, if the vehicle is above, at or below a given RPM, etc.
[0043] In the present application, the holder may be used to secure a mobile computing device, such as a tablet device, mobile phone, smartphone, etc.
[0044] By "vehicle" it is meant a conveyance for transporting people or goods, such as a car, jeep, van, truck, four by four, cart, etc., or that are operated or driven by a person such as heavy equipment, heavy machinery, cranes, heavy machines, heavy trucks, construction equipment, engineering equipment, heavy vehicles, or heavy hydraulics, etc. In some examples, .. a vehicle may also be a boat, a motorboat, a plane, etc.
[0045] In the present application, reference is made to a device that can be secured to the holder when driving. Such a device may be, for instance, a phone, smartphone or a tablet device.
In the present description, as an exemplary embodiment, reference is made to a smartphone.
However, it will be understood that any other device, such as a phone, smartphone or a tablet device, may be secured to the holder without departing from the present teachings.
[0046] Figure 1 illustrates schematically an embodiment in which a smartphone holder 12 has, as a clamping mechanism, side clamps 14 that conform to vertical sides of a smartphone.
'file clamps 14 can be mounted on slides 16 with a gear rack and interconnected by a gear 18 seated in the frame of holder 12. The slides 16 can be biased outwardly using, for example, a .. spring 20 or other elastic member connected between holder 12 and a mounting 22 on slide 16.
[0047] The smartphone may be placed in a frame with a socket for receiving at least part of the smartphone. The socket may be defined by supports 24 for supporting the bottom of the smartphone, where the supports 24 may be positioned on each side of the bottom of the holder 12 The smartphone can be secured by clamps 14 while being supported at the bottom by supports 24.
[0048] A locking mechanism is provided, for example an actuator 34 that controls a pawl 36 that engages against a rack 37. Electrical control over the actuator 34 can be provided by a control circuit 32 that receives power from the vehicle via a plug 30 connectable to a socket 31 of the vehicle. A power connector or cable 38 can be provided to allow the power from plug 30 to be used to charge the smartphone in the holder 12.
[0049] It will be appreciated that a smartphone or tablet holder 12 can use clamps that move vertically and/or that hold the device from various corners and/or from mounting posts or grooves associated with a frame of the device. As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the clamping mechanism 14 may instead have a clamp 14 that is configured to secure, and may clamp down, onto the top portion of the phone. The clamp 14 may also be mounted on slides 16 where it may be adjusted vertically to different smartphone sizes, and then clamp down onto the top of the smartphone. The bottom of the smartphone may be held in the socket, where the supports 24 form the socket with walls contouring at least a portion of the base of the smartphone so that the smartphone may not be removed from the socket once the clamp 14 has clamped down onto the smartphone. When the lock locks the clamping mechanism, the smartphone 12 can no longer be removed from the holder 12 until the clamping mechanism is unlocked, [0050] The holder 12 includes a mounting (not shown for ease of understanding in Figure 1) that can be of conventional construction for mounting the holder 12 to the vehicle. Typically, these mountings include (without limitation herein) windshield suction cup mountings, dashboard top panel mountings that have a portion adhesively connected to the dashboard top panel, and air vent clip mountings.
[0051] In Figure 1, the holder 12 is enhanced with control over the locking mechanism. The actuator 34 can cause the pawl 36 to be biased against the rack 37 when power from the vehicle's auxiliary power is turned on using the vehicle ignition. Closing the clamps 14 locks the device in place on the holder 12. The objective is to give the driver a voluntary tool to secure the device at the beginning of a drive and then to provide a reminder that the device should not be hand held while driving by making it more difficult to access for hand held use.
Therefore, the smartphone is locked into the holder when the vehicle enters a first state, but the smartphone may be unlocked from the holder when the vehicle enters a second state. For instance, the state of the vehicle may be when the vehicle is turned on or turned off. In some examples, the state of the vehicle may depend upon the speed of the vehicle, where detecting that the vehicle is travelling above a certain speed may trigger the locking of the holder.
Moreover, detecting that the vehicle is travelling at or under a certain speed may trigger that the holder is unlocked. For example, the state of the vehicle may be set as a function of speed for truck drivers, where a truck driver's vehicle may be frequently left in idle. Therefore, it may not be advantageous to define the states of the vehicle as a function of the truck being turned on or off. For example, the truck driver may have to use his smartphone when the truck is idle so it may not be advantageous to lock the device as soon as the vehicle is running. Instead, the state may be defined by if the truck is travelling, for instance, at a speed over 0 miles per hour.
[0052] In some examples, the speed may be detected as a function of the readings generated by the vehicle ((e.g. obtained from the vehicle when connected, for instance, to the controller area network (CAN bus) ), or by, for instance, a GPS of the smartphone, the vehicle or of another device.
[0053] In the examples where the state of the vehicle relates to the vehicle being turned on or off, release of the device from holder 12 may be achieved by turning off the vehicle that cuts power to the control circuit While it is possible to use a solenoid controlled latch that allows release of the pawl mechanism when power is cut to the solenoid, the embodiment of Figure 1 illustrates that a power source 40 (for example a battery or a capacitor) can be used to power the actuator when power is interrupted. In this way, the actuator 34 need not consume any standby power when in use.
[0054] Because the holder 12 has as its primary purpose to help a driver comply with non hand-held use of a smartphone while driving, it can suffice to have plug 30 connect into a vehicle socket 31 without any measure to detect and to respond to power loss through driver unplugging of the plug 30. Such unplugging to defeat the lock mechanism of the holder 12 would be an act going against the voluntary compliance involved, and most drivers will not actively defeat the system. However, a number of options are available to make compliance more difficult to defeat.
[0055] Figure 2A illustrates one such option, A USB type A connector 30 is modified to have next to its conventional sheath 42 a pin 44 that is biased outward and depresses a switch 46 when fully connected into its socket 31. The switch connection is connected to a connection conductor that follows the power cable from the plug 30 to the control circuit 32. Since pin 44 can detect removal before the contacts of the connector 30 disconnect from the corresponding contacts of socket 31, pin 44 is effective to detect tampering and functions as a connection sensor. If the pin 44 senses that the plug 30 is being removed from socket 31, then the control circuit will not cause the pawl 36 to release the clamps 14. Optionally, circuit 32 can cause LED
indicator 39 (or an audio signal indicator) to warn the driver that the plug 30 is disconnected, and that the holder 12 will remain locked until the plug 30 is reconnected and vehicle power is turned off LED 39 can be a multicolor LED and use different colors to signal different states.
The release of the clamps 14 can be automatic when vehicle auxiliary power is off, or release can require the driver to press a release button (not shown). Plug 30 illustrated in Figure 2A can be used with any conventional USB socket 31 found in the vehicle whose power state is controlled by the vehicle's ignition state.
[0056] An alternative to pin 44 and switch 46 that detect that the plug 30 is fully inserted is shown in Figure 2B. In this embodiment, the spring or biasing member engages an abutment of a sheath 44' that fits over the plug 30 with an ability to slide rearwardly while being biased to fully cover the plug 30. The power cord is connected to the sheath 44' and slide contacts or flexible conductors are used so that the pulling on the sheath 44' (or on its cord) to remove the plug 30 will cause a plunger (or the like) to change the state of the switch 46 before removing the plug 30 from its socket. This allows the control circuit 32 to receive the connection tamper signal before losing the power signal from plug 30. This embodiment of the connection sensor can be more compatible with a variety of sockets, whether USB, OBD2 or other type, since there is no need for a surface against which pin 44 is to engage.
[0057] The indicator 39 can also be used by control circuit 32 to signal to the driver when starting the vehicle that the phone or tablet should be clamped into the holder 12. For example, indicator 39 can flash for a period of time when power is initially applied to circuit 32. If the holder 12 is equipped with a sensor for the presence of the phone or tablet in the holder (or that the clamp mechanism is not open), then the indicator 39 can turn off once the phone or tablet is secured in the holder 12. Control circuit 32 can also cause the indicator 39 to signal when vehicle power is off, and the phone can be removed from the holder 12. This signal can be a number of flashes to attract attention briefly, or in the case of an audio indicator, a short beep or an audible alarm.
[0058] The holder 12 can also be equipped with a sensor 115 for detecting that the phone is present in the holder 12. The sensor 115 can, for example, be a button switch that is depressed by the phone when held by the holder, a switch associated with the position of the slides 16, or an optical detector (light emitter and detector) that detects the phone when in the holder 12. The control circuit 32 can also be arranged to provide using indicator 39 a signal specifically when SO the phone is absent from the holder at vehicle start up and/or when the phone is present in the holder at vehicle shut down. The sensor 115 may be a proximity sensor 115 as is known in the art.
[0059] In the case that a vehicle does not have an available USB socket 31, a conventional 12V DC cigarette lighter plug to USB socket adapter could be used, however, the adapter could .. be removed with the plug 30 as shown in Figure 2A, and the removal detection pin 44 would be defeated. To avoid any such problem, the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4 can be used. The plug 52 fits into a cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle with pin 54 and tab 56 being connectable to 12V DC power contacts of the vehicle socket. To make removal of the plug 52 difficult by the driver, a locking mechanism is included that includes a screw 60 having a nut 62 that moves a tab 64 to press against an inside of the vehicle socket to make removal of the plug 52 very difficult. An external 12V DC socket 50 is provided that provides corresponding socket contacts 54' and 56' connected to contacts 54 and 56 respectively. This allows for the adapter to be locked into the vehicle's socket, while providing the driver with the external socket for use with another plug. A USB type A socket 31 is provided on the socket 50 for use with holder 12.
While this socket 31 can be used with the connector 30 as illustrated in Figure 2, it is available for other purposes as well.
[0060] While reference is made herein to USB type A, it will be appreciated that the format of the connector can be varied as desired to be a different type of USB
connector, or a connector of different kind, such as the Apple Lightning connector, an HDMI type connector, etc. While .. power taken from a vehicle socket is described above as being from a cigarette lighter type socket or a USB socket, it will be appreciated that a vehicle fuse socket is also an easy way to connect into vehicle auxiliary power. In some examples, the connector may be configured to connect with a vehicle computer port, such as a computer diagnostics port of the vehicle (e.g.
an OBD-II port of the vehicle).
[0061] It will be appreciated that instead of using a conventional plug and socket connection to bring the power connection to holder 12, a fixed cable can be used. For example, a plug of the type shown in Figure 3 can be used to connect to the vehicle socket, while a fixed cable can extend from the plug 52 to the holder 12. Such a plug 52 can provide socket 50 or only a socket 31, like a conventional USB adapter for a vehicle. The fixed cable can be a thin cable if powering only holder 12 (less than 1 A capacity), or it can be more robust to carry a higher current to power port 38.
[0062] In some examples, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the holder 12 may also have a screen or surface 72 that covers at least a portion of the screen of the smartphone to prevent at least partial use of the screen or keyboard of the device when the smartphone is secured within the holder 12. The screen 72 may also be, in some examples, transparent, in order to allow the user to view the display of the smartphone but not to touch the display of the smartphone directly. In other examples, the screen 72 may be opaque. The screen 72 may also assist with the securing of the smartphone to the holder 12.
[0063] In some examples, the holder, connected to the vehicle as explained herein, may detect when the vehicle enters a first state (e.g. ignition key is turned "on"; the vehicle's RPM
goes over a certain designated threshold). It may then also detect the presence of the smartphone in the holder, such as via the sensor of the holder to detect the phone. In the example where the first state is when the ignition key is turned to "on", if the ignition key is turned "on" but the phone is not detected as being present in the holder, the indicator may produce a signal to advise the driver to add the phone to the holder. Once the phone is introduced into the holder and the ignition key is turned on (or the vehicle is in the first state), then the holder, via the lock and the clamping mechanism, may secure the phone to the frame of the holder. Once the vehicle enters the second state (e.g. the ignition key is removed and/or the vehicle is turned off), the user may remove the phone. The indicator may also signal the user that the phone may be removed from the holder. Moreover, the indicator may also provide an indication in the case of an accident that the phone was present in the holder at the time of the accident (e.g. the vehicle comes to- a stop, the ignition key is still present, and the phone is in the holder) by, for instance, producing a different colour of light (e.g. a different colour of a flashing light) or by producing a different audible alarm signal.
[0064] In some embodiments, the holder 12 may have an orientation or tilt sensor 73, as is known in the art, in order to detect the orientation or inclination of the phone in the holder 12, (e.g if the phone is positioned vertically or horizontally). In some embodiments, where the holder 12 has a screen or surface to obstruct at least a portion of the display of the phone corresponding to the keyboard of the phone, the tilt sensor 73 may detect when a driver tilts the phone, or the phone is positioned in a horizontal position, while driving, in order to, for example, 2,0 attempt to text. Upon detection of the titling of the phone by the tilt sensor 73, the holder may provide a signal to the driver indicative of the driver's non-compliance by tilting the phone (e.g.
an audible alarm; a visual indication such as a flashing light). In some examples, a logging system 100, as described herein, may be in communication with the tilt sensor 73 in order to create log events for when the phone is titled.
[0065] Reference is now made to Figure 6, illustrating an exemplary logging system 100 for a smartphone holder 12. The logging system 100 may receive log information (i.e.
information to be logged) from the vehicle, from different components of the holder 12 or from the smartphone, and the log system 100 may create log events from the log information received.
The log information may be associated with timestamps (temporal information) indicative of when the event correlated to the log information took place. The log information may relate, for instance, to information related to events such as when the smartphone is detected as being present or present from the holder 12, and/or when the vehicle is in a first state and a second state, etc. These entries may, in some embodiments, be stored in memory (e.g.
the memory of the holder, or an external memory). The log may be transmitted following its creation, stored, and/or consulted at a later time, for instance, after an accident, to verify if the smartphone was properly secured in the holder 12 during the time of the accident, when the vehicle was in use.
The log information may also provide compliance information to a manager of a fleet of trucks regarding a particular driver and the driver's use of the holder while driving, or to an employer monitoring compliance of its employee(s) to lock the phone away in the holder when driving the vehicle. Therefore, the log may also store time entries regarding when the vehicle enters a defined state (e.g. goes over, at or under a certain speed, is turned on or turned off, detects a gear shift to "drive", to "park", etc.). In some examples, the log system may be in communication with a transmission device (e.g. a telemetry device) that sends and/or stores vehicle parameters that are accessible by a remote user, such as an employer, manager and/or owner of vehicles.
[0066] The log system 100 has a general-purpose processor 112. The log system 100 may have a computer readable-memory 113. The log system 100 may have a clock 111 and a data output interface 116. The log system 100 may also interact with the indicator 39 of the holder 12, an RFID reader 117 of the holder 12 and/or a detection sensor 115 of the holder. The log system 100 may also have an input interface 114 for receiving information on the vehicle via a .. cable connected to vehicle computer port 140 or power socket of the vehicle.
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[0067] The processor 112 may be a general-purpose programmable processor 112 such as a micro-processor.
[0068] The memory 113 stores program instructions and data used by the processor 112.
The memory 113 may store the logs, including the time entries associated with the logs. The .. memory 113 may have a recycling architecture, where older files may be deleted when the memory is full or nearly full, or have been stored for a certain period. The processor 112 may be connected to the memory 113 via a BUS. The memory 113 may be part of the holder 12, or may be or also include an external memory, such as that of a transmission device as described herein. The memory may also be that of a remote computer, where the information is sent directly or indirectly to the remote computer and stored thereon.
[0069] The clock 111 is capable of providing temporal information, such as the time and date. The temporal information is then stored by the processor 112 with each log or event (e.g.
detection of smartphone, change of state of vehicle) in memory 113. In some examples, the log holder 12 may have its own clock 111. In other examples, the clock 111 may be that of the .. vehicle, where the information is communicated to the processor 112 via the connection with the vehicle, such as the information received by the input interface 114 receiving information via the cable connected to the vehicle computer port 140. In other examples, the clock 111 may be that of the smartphone, where, for instance, the temporal information may be sent to the holder 12 via a connection with the phone (e.g. the charging port of the holder of the smartphone through which the smartphone is connected).
[0070] The sensor 115 is to detect the presence of the smartphone (or the absence thereof) in the holder 12. The RED reader 117 is to identify a specific smartphone 12, where the smartphone 12 may have a RFID chip. The RFID reader 117 may be one as is known in the art.
In some examples, where the RFID reader 117 is placed on or near the holder 12, the RFID
reader 117 may also act as the proximity sensor 115, where the RFID reader 117 may require that the smartphone be in proximity in order to detect the smartphone.
Therefore, in this example, the RFID reader 117 identifies the smartphone when the smartphone is in proximity to the RFID reader 117, where a positive detection may also act as an indication that the smartphone 12 is in proximity of the holder 12. Even though reference is made to an RFID
.. reader, any other suitable mechanism to identify the smartphone may be used in accordance with the present teachings.
[0071] In some examples, the holder 12 may have a wireless interface for establishing a wireless connection (e g. a Bluetooth connection) with the smartphone to be placed in the holder 12. The holder 12 may detect the establishment of a wireless connection with the smartphone.
The wireless connection may indicate that the smartphone is in proximity to the holder 12, and therefore also to the vehicle. If the vehicle transitions to a first state (e.g. is turned on, has an RPM over a certain amount, travels at a certain speed), and the smartphone is detected to not be present in the holder (e.g. such as by using, for instance, sensor 115), then the holder 12 may provide an indication (e.g. a light signal, an alarm) to signal that the smartphone is not present in the holder when the vehicle enters the first state. It will be understood that other mechanisms .. and/or combinations to identify whether the smartphone is in proximity to the vehicle and/or to the holder may be used without departing from the present teachings. Moreover, in some embodiments, the log system as described herein may also be in communication with the wireless interface to provide an entry in memory of when the smartphone has established a wireless connection with the holder, and/or when this connection is lost.
[0072] The processor 112 receives information from the sensor 115 as to the sensor 115 detecting the presence of an object (or absence thereof). The processor 112 may then store in memory an entry relating to the detection of the object corresponding to the detection of the smartphone 12, where the entry may be stored with the temporal information as obtained from the clock Ill.
[0073] Moreover, the processor 112 may also be connected to the input interface 114 for receiving information via a connection established with the vehicle computer, through the vehicle computer port 140. The processor 112 may receive information regarding the state of the vehicle and/or vehicle parameters. This state information may then be stored in memory 113 as log entries and/or additional vehicle information. These log entries may be stored with the temporal information as obtained from the clock 111.
[0074] In other examples, the log system 100 may be part of the control circuit 32, where the processor 112 may trigger the turning on and off of the indicator 39 as described herein.
[0075] The log system 100 may have a data output interface 116. The data output interface 116 may be to establish a wired or wireless connection (e.g. Bluetooth connection, WiFi connection) with a user, device, server or computer in order to provide access to or transmit the log information that has been created (or, in some cases, stored in memory 113). For instance, the data output interface 116 may establish a wireless connection with an external computer through which the log entry information may be accessed and/or transmitted (e.g. the log entry information may be accessed through an application program running on the external computer, or through a website running on the external computer). By external computer, it is also meant a computer or device that is present on-board or in proximity to the vehicle.
For instance, the data output interface may establish a connection, wired or wireless (e.g. a Bluetooth connection), with the smart.phone that is in the holder. The data output interface may also be wired to a remote computer to similarly access and/or transmit the log entry information. In some examples, the log entry information may be viewed on a display attached or accessible via the holder 12.
[0076] In some embodiments, the data output interface 116 may be in communication with a transmission device that is present on-board the vehicle A transmission device may be, for instance, one that is present on trucks, such as one of a fleet management system, to communicate with a remote or computer (e.g. an employer, a manager of a fleet, etc.). The transmission device may be, for instance, a telemetry device or vehicle information collection device that records parameters of the vehicle (such as, e.g., the ISAAC
InMetrics' Telemetry System or the ORCATm fleet management device of GeothenticTM, or another telemetry or vehicle information collection device) and/or that transmits information on the truck to a remote party to assess, for instance performance, compliance, productivity, etc The data output interface 116 may establish a wireless connection or a low bandwidth wireless connection with the transmission device (e.g. a Bluetooth connection), and transmit the log information to the transmission device. In turn, the transmission device may store the log information in its memory (e.g. where, in some examples, the memory of the transmission device may be the memory 113 of the log system 100), and/or the transmission device may transmit the information to a remote user, remote server or remote computer via, for instance, a wireless connection (e.g. WiFi connection). The transmission device may also retrieve information, such as the log information, stored in the memory 113 of the holder 12 at certain times, and then transmit the retrieved information remotely to a remote device and/or user. In some examples, the connection between the data output interface 116 and the transmission device may be wired.
[0077] In some embodiments, the holder may have an input interface (e.g.
the input interface 114, USB port, wireless connection) so that it may receive program instructions to reprogram or update the programming of the architecture of the holder system.
[0078] Reference is now made to Figure 7, illustrating an exemplary method 200 of securing a smartphone (or another device) while driving.
[0079] The holder may be first mounted to the vehicle, such as the dashboard of the vehicle at step 201. The holder may be mounted to the vehicle in a location near the driver so that the driver may still view the display of the smartphone while driving, helpful for instance when using a navigation function offered by an application program running on the smartphone.
[0080] The holder may then be connected to the vehicle (e.g. the vehicle's computer, vehicle wiring) by connecting a cable to the vehicle at step 202. The cable may be connected to a power socket of the vehicle, such as the cigarette lighter of the vehicle or a vehicle computer port such as an on-board diagnostics port (e.g.OBD-II port). In some examples, the holder may be connected to the controller area network (CAN Bus) of the vehicle in order to, for instance, obtain information on the vehicle's parameters, such as its speed, RPM, etc.
[0081] The smartphone is then placed in the frame of the holder at step 203. The smartphone may be placed in the socket of the frame. The clamping mechanism may then secure the phone.
In some examples, the clamping mechanism may be handled to allow for insertion of the phone, such as using its sliding mechanism to provide additional room for the smartphone to be inserted into the socket The clamping mechanism may be slid back so that it clamps down onto the phone, coming into contact with the smartphone and holding it in place.
[0082] Optionally, when the holder has a sensor 115, the holder 12 may detect the presence of the smartphone at step 204. This detection of the smartphone may lead to the creation of a log entry that may be stored in the memory of the holder with temporal information as described herein.
[0083] The vehicle may then enter a first state at step 205, such as turning on of the vehicle, shifting the vehicle into a designated gear, or passing a designated speed or RPM. The entering of the first state may result in the lock of the holder locking the clamping mechanism so that the smartphone cannot be removed from the holder once the clamping mechanism is locked. When the vehicle is turned on, power may be transmitted to the holder to power the holder, including, in some examples, the lock, via the cable connected to the vehicle.
Optionally, the entering of a first state may lead to the creation of a log entry that may be stored into the memory of the holder with temporal information as described herein.
[0084] The vehicle may then be put into a second state at step 206 (e.g.
turning off the vehicle, the vehicle speed falling to or below a designated speed or RPM, putting the vehicle in a different gear). The entering of the second state causes the lock of the holder to unlock the clamping mechanism. Once unlocked, the clamping mechanism allows for the smartphone to be removed from the holder. Optionally, the entering of a second state may be logged into the memory of the holder with temporal information as described herein.
[0085] The smartphone may then be removed from the holder at step 207.
Optionally, the detection of the removal of the smartphone by the sensor 115 may create a log entry that may be logged into the memory of the holder with temporal information as described herein.
[0086] While the embodiments described above illustrate a holder 12 that holds a phone or tablet for non-hand-held use while driving, in other embodiments, the holder can be a container, such as a box or a bag with a lockable closure controlled by actuator 34. Such a container can be opaque or transparent as desired, and can be designed to allow partial use of the phone or to impair use, for example by attenuating or blocking radio functions. A phone storage box with a lockable cover can be stored in a glove compartment or in a storage console of a door or between seats while connected to vehicle power via a cable.
[0087] The present description has been presented for purposes of illustration but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[00151 In some embodiments, the holder may have a data output interface, and wherein the information is accessible via the data output interface, the data output interface may be a wireless data output interface. The data output interface may be a wired data output interface.
[0016] In some embodiments, the first state may be when the vehicle is turned on and the second state may be when the vehicle is turned off. In some embodiments, the first state may be when the vehicle is detected as travelling over a designated speed, and the second state may be when the vehicle is detected as travelling at or under the designated speed. The designated speed may be 0 miles per hour. The first state may be when the vehicle is detected as going over a designated revolutions per minute, and the second state may be when the vehicle is detected as going at or under the designated revolutions per minute.
[0017] in some embodiments, the holder may have a mounting to be connected to the vehicle.
[0018] The cable may end in a plug connectable to a vehicle power socket for receiving power when a vehicle is turned on. The vehicle power socket may be a vehice computer port of the vehicle. The vehicle computer port may be an on-board diagnostics port.
The plug may be a cigarette lighter plug. The vehicle power socket may have a cigarette lighter socket. The plug may have a USB socket.
[0019] In some embodiments, the plug may have a connection sensor and the clamping mechanism may have a control circuit and power storage, and the control circuit may be responsive to the sensor to prevent the lock from unlocking the clamping mechanism when power is not present in the cable and when the connection sensor senses disconnection of the plug. The plug may have a locking mechanism to prevent easy removal of the plug from the vehicle power socket.
[0020] The plug may provide a further plug for a further socket, and the cable may be solidly connected to the plug. The cable may be solidly connected to the frame. The frame may have a charging port for charging the device using power from the cable. The holder may be connectable to the vehicle to obtain information regarding the speed of the vehicle [0021] In some embodiments, the holder may have a radio-frequency identification mechanism for identifying the device.
[0022] A second broad aspect is a holder for securing a phone, smartphone or tablet device while driving in a vehicle. The has a frame for supporting or containing the device, a cable terminating in a plug connectable to a vehicle power socket for receiving power when a vehicle is turned on, a lock for securing the device in the holder, and an actuator controlled by power from the cable for preventing the lock from releasing the device when power is present in the cable.
[00231 In some embodiments, the lock may have at least one clamp and at least one support for locking the device from sides thereof, where the holder may have a mounting for connecting to a vehicle. The plug may have a connection sensor and the lock may have a control circuit and power storage, and the control circuit may be responsive to the sensor to cause the actuator to prevent the lock from releasing the device when power is not present in the cable and when the connection sensor senses disconnection of the plug. The plug may have a locking mechanism to prevent easy removal of the plug from the vehicle power socket. The plug may be a cigarette lighter plug. The plug may have a cigarette lighter socket. The plug may have a USB socket.
The plug may provide a socket for a further plug, and the cable may be solidly connected to the plug.
[0024] The cable may be solidly connected to the frame. The frame may have a charging port for charging the device using power from the cable.
[0025] A third broad aspect is a method of securing a phone, smartphone or tablet device while driving in a vehicle, the method involves connecting a cable to a vehicle power socket for receiving power when a vehicle is on and not receiving power when the vehicle is off. The method also involves placing the device in a frame with a socket that is shaped to receive at least part of the device, the frame having a clamping mechanism for securing the device in the socket, the clamping mechanism connected to a lock. The method also includes putting the vehicle in a first state, entering the first state results in the lock locking the clamping mechanism, wherein the device is secured in the frame and cannot be removed from the frame when the clamping mechanism is locked. The method also involves putting the vehicle in a second state, entering the second state results in the lock unlocking the locked clamping mechanism, wherein the device is removable from the frame when the clamping mechanism is unlocked. The method involves removing the device from the frame [0026] In some embodiments, the method may involve mounting the frame for supporting the device on or near a vehicle dash so that a screen of the device is visible to a driver. In some embodiments, the connecting a cable may include locking the plug in the vehicle power socket using a lock mechanism.
[0027] In some embodiments, the first state may be entered when the vehicle is turned on and wherein the second state may be entered when the vehicle is turned off.
The first state may be entered when the vehicle is detected as travelling above a designated speed and wherein the second state may be entered when the vehicle is detected as travelling at or under the designated speed. The first state may be entered when the vehicle is detected as going over a designated revolutions per minute, and the second state may be entered when the vehicle is detected as going at or under the designated revolutions per minute.
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[0028] In some embodiments, the method may involve detecting the presence of the device in the frame. The method may involve obtaining log information including the time at which the vehicle has entered the first state and at which the vehicle has entered the second state. The obtaining log information may include obtaining the time at which the presence of the device is detected in the frame. In some embodiments, the method may involve storing the obtained log information in memory. In some embodiments, the method may involve retrieving from the memory the obtained log information. The method may involve accessing the obtained log information via one of a remote computer and the device. The accessing may involve transmitting the log information via a transmission device on-board the vehicle.
[0029] A fourth broad aspect is a method of securing a phone, smartphone or tablet device while driving in a vehicle. The method involves connecting a cable terminating in a plug connectable to a vehicle power socket for receiving power when a vehicle is turned on and not receiving power when the vehicle is off. The method involves placing the device in a frame adapted for supporting or containing the device, the frame having a lock for securing the device in the holder, the lock being controlled by an actuator controlled by power from the cable for preventing the lock from releasing the device when power is present in the cable. The method involves locking the device in the holder such that the device cannot be hand held while the vehicle is turned on. The method involves turning the vehicle off so as to permit the actuator to allow the device to be removed from the frame for supporting or containing the device in the holder. The method involves removing the device from the holder.
[0030] In some embodiments, the method may involve mounting the frame for supporting the device on or near a vehicle dash so that a screen of the device is visible to a driver. The connecting a cable may include locking the plug in the vehicle power socket using a lock mechanism.
Brief Description of the Drawings [0031] The invention will be better understood by way of the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of an exemplary smartphone holder of the type having side clamps and a bottom ledge support for retaining the smartphone while driving, the holder being mounted to the dashboard or window of the vehicle;
[0033] Figure 2A is a schematic drawing of an exemplary USB type A
connector that includes a connection detection pin switch;
[0034] Figure 2B is a schematic drawing of an exemplary USB type A
connector that includes a connection detection sheath switch;
[0035] Figure 3 is a side sectional view of a cigarette lighter type 12V
DC vehicle plug and socket arrangement that includes a locking mechanism and USB charging port;
[0036] Figure 4 is a front view of the arrangement of Figure 3;
[0037] Figure 5A is a front perspective view of an exemplary smartphone holder, with a smartphone, with a clamping mechanism that is positioned on the top of the holder, and where the supports form a socket that receives at least part of the smartphone;
[0038] Figure 5B is a front perspective view of an exemplary smartphone holder with a clamping mechanism that is positioned on the top of the holder, and where the supports form a socket that receives at least part of the smartphone;
[0039] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary log system of an exemplary smartphone holder; and [0040] Figure 7 is a flowchart diagram of an exemplary set of steps of securing a smartphone in a vehicle.
Detailed Description [0041] A smartphone, mobile phone or tablet device holder is described in the present application where the holder has a frame with a socket for receiving at least part of a phone and a clamping mechanism for securing the phone to the frame. The clamping mechanism is connected to a lock The lock may lock the clamping mechanism so that the phone cannot be removed from the holder. When the lock unlocks the clamping mechanism, the phone may be removed from the holder. The lock responds directly or indirectly to a signal received from the vehicle indicative of the vehicle changing states, the response of the lock to the signal being the locking or unlocking of the clamping mechanism.
[0042] By the "state of the vehicle", it is meant, for example, if the vehicle is turned on or off, if the vehicle is detected as travelling above, at or below a designated speed, if the vehicle is in a certain gear, if the vehicle is above, at or below a given RPM, etc.
[0043] In the present application, the holder may be used to secure a mobile computing device, such as a tablet device, mobile phone, smartphone, etc.
[0044] By "vehicle" it is meant a conveyance for transporting people or goods, such as a car, jeep, van, truck, four by four, cart, etc., or that are operated or driven by a person such as heavy equipment, heavy machinery, cranes, heavy machines, heavy trucks, construction equipment, engineering equipment, heavy vehicles, or heavy hydraulics, etc. In some examples, .. a vehicle may also be a boat, a motorboat, a plane, etc.
[0045] In the present application, reference is made to a device that can be secured to the holder when driving. Such a device may be, for instance, a phone, smartphone or a tablet device.
In the present description, as an exemplary embodiment, reference is made to a smartphone.
However, it will be understood that any other device, such as a phone, smartphone or a tablet device, may be secured to the holder without departing from the present teachings.
[0046] Figure 1 illustrates schematically an embodiment in which a smartphone holder 12 has, as a clamping mechanism, side clamps 14 that conform to vertical sides of a smartphone.
'file clamps 14 can be mounted on slides 16 with a gear rack and interconnected by a gear 18 seated in the frame of holder 12. The slides 16 can be biased outwardly using, for example, a .. spring 20 or other elastic member connected between holder 12 and a mounting 22 on slide 16.
[0047] The smartphone may be placed in a frame with a socket for receiving at least part of the smartphone. The socket may be defined by supports 24 for supporting the bottom of the smartphone, where the supports 24 may be positioned on each side of the bottom of the holder 12 The smartphone can be secured by clamps 14 while being supported at the bottom by supports 24.
[0048] A locking mechanism is provided, for example an actuator 34 that controls a pawl 36 that engages against a rack 37. Electrical control over the actuator 34 can be provided by a control circuit 32 that receives power from the vehicle via a plug 30 connectable to a socket 31 of the vehicle. A power connector or cable 38 can be provided to allow the power from plug 30 to be used to charge the smartphone in the holder 12.
[0049] It will be appreciated that a smartphone or tablet holder 12 can use clamps that move vertically and/or that hold the device from various corners and/or from mounting posts or grooves associated with a frame of the device. As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the clamping mechanism 14 may instead have a clamp 14 that is configured to secure, and may clamp down, onto the top portion of the phone. The clamp 14 may also be mounted on slides 16 where it may be adjusted vertically to different smartphone sizes, and then clamp down onto the top of the smartphone. The bottom of the smartphone may be held in the socket, where the supports 24 form the socket with walls contouring at least a portion of the base of the smartphone so that the smartphone may not be removed from the socket once the clamp 14 has clamped down onto the smartphone. When the lock locks the clamping mechanism, the smartphone 12 can no longer be removed from the holder 12 until the clamping mechanism is unlocked, [0050] The holder 12 includes a mounting (not shown for ease of understanding in Figure 1) that can be of conventional construction for mounting the holder 12 to the vehicle. Typically, these mountings include (without limitation herein) windshield suction cup mountings, dashboard top panel mountings that have a portion adhesively connected to the dashboard top panel, and air vent clip mountings.
[0051] In Figure 1, the holder 12 is enhanced with control over the locking mechanism. The actuator 34 can cause the pawl 36 to be biased against the rack 37 when power from the vehicle's auxiliary power is turned on using the vehicle ignition. Closing the clamps 14 locks the device in place on the holder 12. The objective is to give the driver a voluntary tool to secure the device at the beginning of a drive and then to provide a reminder that the device should not be hand held while driving by making it more difficult to access for hand held use.
Therefore, the smartphone is locked into the holder when the vehicle enters a first state, but the smartphone may be unlocked from the holder when the vehicle enters a second state. For instance, the state of the vehicle may be when the vehicle is turned on or turned off. In some examples, the state of the vehicle may depend upon the speed of the vehicle, where detecting that the vehicle is travelling above a certain speed may trigger the locking of the holder.
Moreover, detecting that the vehicle is travelling at or under a certain speed may trigger that the holder is unlocked. For example, the state of the vehicle may be set as a function of speed for truck drivers, where a truck driver's vehicle may be frequently left in idle. Therefore, it may not be advantageous to define the states of the vehicle as a function of the truck being turned on or off. For example, the truck driver may have to use his smartphone when the truck is idle so it may not be advantageous to lock the device as soon as the vehicle is running. Instead, the state may be defined by if the truck is travelling, for instance, at a speed over 0 miles per hour.
[0052] In some examples, the speed may be detected as a function of the readings generated by the vehicle ((e.g. obtained from the vehicle when connected, for instance, to the controller area network (CAN bus) ), or by, for instance, a GPS of the smartphone, the vehicle or of another device.
[0053] In the examples where the state of the vehicle relates to the vehicle being turned on or off, release of the device from holder 12 may be achieved by turning off the vehicle that cuts power to the control circuit While it is possible to use a solenoid controlled latch that allows release of the pawl mechanism when power is cut to the solenoid, the embodiment of Figure 1 illustrates that a power source 40 (for example a battery or a capacitor) can be used to power the actuator when power is interrupted. In this way, the actuator 34 need not consume any standby power when in use.
[0054] Because the holder 12 has as its primary purpose to help a driver comply with non hand-held use of a smartphone while driving, it can suffice to have plug 30 connect into a vehicle socket 31 without any measure to detect and to respond to power loss through driver unplugging of the plug 30. Such unplugging to defeat the lock mechanism of the holder 12 would be an act going against the voluntary compliance involved, and most drivers will not actively defeat the system. However, a number of options are available to make compliance more difficult to defeat.
[0055] Figure 2A illustrates one such option, A USB type A connector 30 is modified to have next to its conventional sheath 42 a pin 44 that is biased outward and depresses a switch 46 when fully connected into its socket 31. The switch connection is connected to a connection conductor that follows the power cable from the plug 30 to the control circuit 32. Since pin 44 can detect removal before the contacts of the connector 30 disconnect from the corresponding contacts of socket 31, pin 44 is effective to detect tampering and functions as a connection sensor. If the pin 44 senses that the plug 30 is being removed from socket 31, then the control circuit will not cause the pawl 36 to release the clamps 14. Optionally, circuit 32 can cause LED
indicator 39 (or an audio signal indicator) to warn the driver that the plug 30 is disconnected, and that the holder 12 will remain locked until the plug 30 is reconnected and vehicle power is turned off LED 39 can be a multicolor LED and use different colors to signal different states.
The release of the clamps 14 can be automatic when vehicle auxiliary power is off, or release can require the driver to press a release button (not shown). Plug 30 illustrated in Figure 2A can be used with any conventional USB socket 31 found in the vehicle whose power state is controlled by the vehicle's ignition state.
[0056] An alternative to pin 44 and switch 46 that detect that the plug 30 is fully inserted is shown in Figure 2B. In this embodiment, the spring or biasing member engages an abutment of a sheath 44' that fits over the plug 30 with an ability to slide rearwardly while being biased to fully cover the plug 30. The power cord is connected to the sheath 44' and slide contacts or flexible conductors are used so that the pulling on the sheath 44' (or on its cord) to remove the plug 30 will cause a plunger (or the like) to change the state of the switch 46 before removing the plug 30 from its socket. This allows the control circuit 32 to receive the connection tamper signal before losing the power signal from plug 30. This embodiment of the connection sensor can be more compatible with a variety of sockets, whether USB, OBD2 or other type, since there is no need for a surface against which pin 44 is to engage.
[0057] The indicator 39 can also be used by control circuit 32 to signal to the driver when starting the vehicle that the phone or tablet should be clamped into the holder 12. For example, indicator 39 can flash for a period of time when power is initially applied to circuit 32. If the holder 12 is equipped with a sensor for the presence of the phone or tablet in the holder (or that the clamp mechanism is not open), then the indicator 39 can turn off once the phone or tablet is secured in the holder 12. Control circuit 32 can also cause the indicator 39 to signal when vehicle power is off, and the phone can be removed from the holder 12. This signal can be a number of flashes to attract attention briefly, or in the case of an audio indicator, a short beep or an audible alarm.
[0058] The holder 12 can also be equipped with a sensor 115 for detecting that the phone is present in the holder 12. The sensor 115 can, for example, be a button switch that is depressed by the phone when held by the holder, a switch associated with the position of the slides 16, or an optical detector (light emitter and detector) that detects the phone when in the holder 12. The control circuit 32 can also be arranged to provide using indicator 39 a signal specifically when SO the phone is absent from the holder at vehicle start up and/or when the phone is present in the holder at vehicle shut down. The sensor 115 may be a proximity sensor 115 as is known in the art.
[0059] In the case that a vehicle does not have an available USB socket 31, a conventional 12V DC cigarette lighter plug to USB socket adapter could be used, however, the adapter could .. be removed with the plug 30 as shown in Figure 2A, and the removal detection pin 44 would be defeated. To avoid any such problem, the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4 can be used. The plug 52 fits into a cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle with pin 54 and tab 56 being connectable to 12V DC power contacts of the vehicle socket. To make removal of the plug 52 difficult by the driver, a locking mechanism is included that includes a screw 60 having a nut 62 that moves a tab 64 to press against an inside of the vehicle socket to make removal of the plug 52 very difficult. An external 12V DC socket 50 is provided that provides corresponding socket contacts 54' and 56' connected to contacts 54 and 56 respectively. This allows for the adapter to be locked into the vehicle's socket, while providing the driver with the external socket for use with another plug. A USB type A socket 31 is provided on the socket 50 for use with holder 12.
While this socket 31 can be used with the connector 30 as illustrated in Figure 2, it is available for other purposes as well.
[0060] While reference is made herein to USB type A, it will be appreciated that the format of the connector can be varied as desired to be a different type of USB
connector, or a connector of different kind, such as the Apple Lightning connector, an HDMI type connector, etc. While .. power taken from a vehicle socket is described above as being from a cigarette lighter type socket or a USB socket, it will be appreciated that a vehicle fuse socket is also an easy way to connect into vehicle auxiliary power. In some examples, the connector may be configured to connect with a vehicle computer port, such as a computer diagnostics port of the vehicle (e.g.
an OBD-II port of the vehicle).
[0061] It will be appreciated that instead of using a conventional plug and socket connection to bring the power connection to holder 12, a fixed cable can be used. For example, a plug of the type shown in Figure 3 can be used to connect to the vehicle socket, while a fixed cable can extend from the plug 52 to the holder 12. Such a plug 52 can provide socket 50 or only a socket 31, like a conventional USB adapter for a vehicle. The fixed cable can be a thin cable if powering only holder 12 (less than 1 A capacity), or it can be more robust to carry a higher current to power port 38.
[0062] In some examples, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the holder 12 may also have a screen or surface 72 that covers at least a portion of the screen of the smartphone to prevent at least partial use of the screen or keyboard of the device when the smartphone is secured within the holder 12. The screen 72 may also be, in some examples, transparent, in order to allow the user to view the display of the smartphone but not to touch the display of the smartphone directly. In other examples, the screen 72 may be opaque. The screen 72 may also assist with the securing of the smartphone to the holder 12.
[0063] In some examples, the holder, connected to the vehicle as explained herein, may detect when the vehicle enters a first state (e.g. ignition key is turned "on"; the vehicle's RPM
goes over a certain designated threshold). It may then also detect the presence of the smartphone in the holder, such as via the sensor of the holder to detect the phone. In the example where the first state is when the ignition key is turned to "on", if the ignition key is turned "on" but the phone is not detected as being present in the holder, the indicator may produce a signal to advise the driver to add the phone to the holder. Once the phone is introduced into the holder and the ignition key is turned on (or the vehicle is in the first state), then the holder, via the lock and the clamping mechanism, may secure the phone to the frame of the holder. Once the vehicle enters the second state (e.g. the ignition key is removed and/or the vehicle is turned off), the user may remove the phone. The indicator may also signal the user that the phone may be removed from the holder. Moreover, the indicator may also provide an indication in the case of an accident that the phone was present in the holder at the time of the accident (e.g. the vehicle comes to- a stop, the ignition key is still present, and the phone is in the holder) by, for instance, producing a different colour of light (e.g. a different colour of a flashing light) or by producing a different audible alarm signal.
[0064] In some embodiments, the holder 12 may have an orientation or tilt sensor 73, as is known in the art, in order to detect the orientation or inclination of the phone in the holder 12, (e.g if the phone is positioned vertically or horizontally). In some embodiments, where the holder 12 has a screen or surface to obstruct at least a portion of the display of the phone corresponding to the keyboard of the phone, the tilt sensor 73 may detect when a driver tilts the phone, or the phone is positioned in a horizontal position, while driving, in order to, for example, 2,0 attempt to text. Upon detection of the titling of the phone by the tilt sensor 73, the holder may provide a signal to the driver indicative of the driver's non-compliance by tilting the phone (e.g.
an audible alarm; a visual indication such as a flashing light). In some examples, a logging system 100, as described herein, may be in communication with the tilt sensor 73 in order to create log events for when the phone is titled.
[0065] Reference is now made to Figure 6, illustrating an exemplary logging system 100 for a smartphone holder 12. The logging system 100 may receive log information (i.e.
information to be logged) from the vehicle, from different components of the holder 12 or from the smartphone, and the log system 100 may create log events from the log information received.
The log information may be associated with timestamps (temporal information) indicative of when the event correlated to the log information took place. The log information may relate, for instance, to information related to events such as when the smartphone is detected as being present or present from the holder 12, and/or when the vehicle is in a first state and a second state, etc. These entries may, in some embodiments, be stored in memory (e.g.
the memory of the holder, or an external memory). The log may be transmitted following its creation, stored, and/or consulted at a later time, for instance, after an accident, to verify if the smartphone was properly secured in the holder 12 during the time of the accident, when the vehicle was in use.
The log information may also provide compliance information to a manager of a fleet of trucks regarding a particular driver and the driver's use of the holder while driving, or to an employer monitoring compliance of its employee(s) to lock the phone away in the holder when driving the vehicle. Therefore, the log may also store time entries regarding when the vehicle enters a defined state (e.g. goes over, at or under a certain speed, is turned on or turned off, detects a gear shift to "drive", to "park", etc.). In some examples, the log system may be in communication with a transmission device (e.g. a telemetry device) that sends and/or stores vehicle parameters that are accessible by a remote user, such as an employer, manager and/or owner of vehicles.
[0066] The log system 100 has a general-purpose processor 112. The log system 100 may have a computer readable-memory 113. The log system 100 may have a clock 111 and a data output interface 116. The log system 100 may also interact with the indicator 39 of the holder 12, an RFID reader 117 of the holder 12 and/or a detection sensor 115 of the holder. The log system 100 may also have an input interface 114 for receiving information on the vehicle via a .. cable connected to vehicle computer port 140 or power socket of the vehicle.
=
[0067] The processor 112 may be a general-purpose programmable processor 112 such as a micro-processor.
[0068] The memory 113 stores program instructions and data used by the processor 112.
The memory 113 may store the logs, including the time entries associated with the logs. The .. memory 113 may have a recycling architecture, where older files may be deleted when the memory is full or nearly full, or have been stored for a certain period. The processor 112 may be connected to the memory 113 via a BUS. The memory 113 may be part of the holder 12, or may be or also include an external memory, such as that of a transmission device as described herein. The memory may also be that of a remote computer, where the information is sent directly or indirectly to the remote computer and stored thereon.
[0069] The clock 111 is capable of providing temporal information, such as the time and date. The temporal information is then stored by the processor 112 with each log or event (e.g.
detection of smartphone, change of state of vehicle) in memory 113. In some examples, the log holder 12 may have its own clock 111. In other examples, the clock 111 may be that of the .. vehicle, where the information is communicated to the processor 112 via the connection with the vehicle, such as the information received by the input interface 114 receiving information via the cable connected to the vehicle computer port 140. In other examples, the clock 111 may be that of the smartphone, where, for instance, the temporal information may be sent to the holder 12 via a connection with the phone (e.g. the charging port of the holder of the smartphone through which the smartphone is connected).
[0070] The sensor 115 is to detect the presence of the smartphone (or the absence thereof) in the holder 12. The RED reader 117 is to identify a specific smartphone 12, where the smartphone 12 may have a RFID chip. The RFID reader 117 may be one as is known in the art.
In some examples, where the RFID reader 117 is placed on or near the holder 12, the RFID
reader 117 may also act as the proximity sensor 115, where the RFID reader 117 may require that the smartphone be in proximity in order to detect the smartphone.
Therefore, in this example, the RFID reader 117 identifies the smartphone when the smartphone is in proximity to the RFID reader 117, where a positive detection may also act as an indication that the smartphone 12 is in proximity of the holder 12. Even though reference is made to an RFID
.. reader, any other suitable mechanism to identify the smartphone may be used in accordance with the present teachings.
[0071] In some examples, the holder 12 may have a wireless interface for establishing a wireless connection (e g. a Bluetooth connection) with the smartphone to be placed in the holder 12. The holder 12 may detect the establishment of a wireless connection with the smartphone.
The wireless connection may indicate that the smartphone is in proximity to the holder 12, and therefore also to the vehicle. If the vehicle transitions to a first state (e.g. is turned on, has an RPM over a certain amount, travels at a certain speed), and the smartphone is detected to not be present in the holder (e.g. such as by using, for instance, sensor 115), then the holder 12 may provide an indication (e.g. a light signal, an alarm) to signal that the smartphone is not present in the holder when the vehicle enters the first state. It will be understood that other mechanisms .. and/or combinations to identify whether the smartphone is in proximity to the vehicle and/or to the holder may be used without departing from the present teachings. Moreover, in some embodiments, the log system as described herein may also be in communication with the wireless interface to provide an entry in memory of when the smartphone has established a wireless connection with the holder, and/or when this connection is lost.
[0072] The processor 112 receives information from the sensor 115 as to the sensor 115 detecting the presence of an object (or absence thereof). The processor 112 may then store in memory an entry relating to the detection of the object corresponding to the detection of the smartphone 12, where the entry may be stored with the temporal information as obtained from the clock Ill.
[0073] Moreover, the processor 112 may also be connected to the input interface 114 for receiving information via a connection established with the vehicle computer, through the vehicle computer port 140. The processor 112 may receive information regarding the state of the vehicle and/or vehicle parameters. This state information may then be stored in memory 113 as log entries and/or additional vehicle information. These log entries may be stored with the temporal information as obtained from the clock 111.
[0074] In other examples, the log system 100 may be part of the control circuit 32, where the processor 112 may trigger the turning on and off of the indicator 39 as described herein.
[0075] The log system 100 may have a data output interface 116. The data output interface 116 may be to establish a wired or wireless connection (e.g. Bluetooth connection, WiFi connection) with a user, device, server or computer in order to provide access to or transmit the log information that has been created (or, in some cases, stored in memory 113). For instance, the data output interface 116 may establish a wireless connection with an external computer through which the log entry information may be accessed and/or transmitted (e.g. the log entry information may be accessed through an application program running on the external computer, or through a website running on the external computer). By external computer, it is also meant a computer or device that is present on-board or in proximity to the vehicle.
For instance, the data output interface may establish a connection, wired or wireless (e.g. a Bluetooth connection), with the smart.phone that is in the holder. The data output interface may also be wired to a remote computer to similarly access and/or transmit the log entry information. In some examples, the log entry information may be viewed on a display attached or accessible via the holder 12.
[0076] In some embodiments, the data output interface 116 may be in communication with a transmission device that is present on-board the vehicle A transmission device may be, for instance, one that is present on trucks, such as one of a fleet management system, to communicate with a remote or computer (e.g. an employer, a manager of a fleet, etc.). The transmission device may be, for instance, a telemetry device or vehicle information collection device that records parameters of the vehicle (such as, e.g., the ISAAC
InMetrics' Telemetry System or the ORCATm fleet management device of GeothenticTM, or another telemetry or vehicle information collection device) and/or that transmits information on the truck to a remote party to assess, for instance performance, compliance, productivity, etc The data output interface 116 may establish a wireless connection or a low bandwidth wireless connection with the transmission device (e.g. a Bluetooth connection), and transmit the log information to the transmission device. In turn, the transmission device may store the log information in its memory (e.g. where, in some examples, the memory of the transmission device may be the memory 113 of the log system 100), and/or the transmission device may transmit the information to a remote user, remote server or remote computer via, for instance, a wireless connection (e.g. WiFi connection). The transmission device may also retrieve information, such as the log information, stored in the memory 113 of the holder 12 at certain times, and then transmit the retrieved information remotely to a remote device and/or user. In some examples, the connection between the data output interface 116 and the transmission device may be wired.
[0077] In some embodiments, the holder may have an input interface (e.g.
the input interface 114, USB port, wireless connection) so that it may receive program instructions to reprogram or update the programming of the architecture of the holder system.
[0078] Reference is now made to Figure 7, illustrating an exemplary method 200 of securing a smartphone (or another device) while driving.
[0079] The holder may be first mounted to the vehicle, such as the dashboard of the vehicle at step 201. The holder may be mounted to the vehicle in a location near the driver so that the driver may still view the display of the smartphone while driving, helpful for instance when using a navigation function offered by an application program running on the smartphone.
[0080] The holder may then be connected to the vehicle (e.g. the vehicle's computer, vehicle wiring) by connecting a cable to the vehicle at step 202. The cable may be connected to a power socket of the vehicle, such as the cigarette lighter of the vehicle or a vehicle computer port such as an on-board diagnostics port (e.g.OBD-II port). In some examples, the holder may be connected to the controller area network (CAN Bus) of the vehicle in order to, for instance, obtain information on the vehicle's parameters, such as its speed, RPM, etc.
[0081] The smartphone is then placed in the frame of the holder at step 203. The smartphone may be placed in the socket of the frame. The clamping mechanism may then secure the phone.
In some examples, the clamping mechanism may be handled to allow for insertion of the phone, such as using its sliding mechanism to provide additional room for the smartphone to be inserted into the socket The clamping mechanism may be slid back so that it clamps down onto the phone, coming into contact with the smartphone and holding it in place.
[0082] Optionally, when the holder has a sensor 115, the holder 12 may detect the presence of the smartphone at step 204. This detection of the smartphone may lead to the creation of a log entry that may be stored in the memory of the holder with temporal information as described herein.
[0083] The vehicle may then enter a first state at step 205, such as turning on of the vehicle, shifting the vehicle into a designated gear, or passing a designated speed or RPM. The entering of the first state may result in the lock of the holder locking the clamping mechanism so that the smartphone cannot be removed from the holder once the clamping mechanism is locked. When the vehicle is turned on, power may be transmitted to the holder to power the holder, including, in some examples, the lock, via the cable connected to the vehicle.
Optionally, the entering of a first state may lead to the creation of a log entry that may be stored into the memory of the holder with temporal information as described herein.
[0084] The vehicle may then be put into a second state at step 206 (e.g.
turning off the vehicle, the vehicle speed falling to or below a designated speed or RPM, putting the vehicle in a different gear). The entering of the second state causes the lock of the holder to unlock the clamping mechanism. Once unlocked, the clamping mechanism allows for the smartphone to be removed from the holder. Optionally, the entering of a second state may be logged into the memory of the holder with temporal information as described herein.
[0085] The smartphone may then be removed from the holder at step 207.
Optionally, the detection of the removal of the smartphone by the sensor 115 may create a log entry that may be logged into the memory of the holder with temporal information as described herein.
[0086] While the embodiments described above illustrate a holder 12 that holds a phone or tablet for non-hand-held use while driving, in other embodiments, the holder can be a container, such as a box or a bag with a lockable closure controlled by actuator 34. Such a container can be opaque or transparent as desired, and can be designed to allow partial use of the phone or to impair use, for example by attenuating or blocking radio functions. A phone storage box with a lockable cover can be stored in a glove compartment or in a storage console of a door or between seats while connected to vehicle power via a cable.
[0087] The present description has been presented for purposes of illustration but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Claims (51)
1. A holder for securing a phone, smartphone or tablet device while driving in a vehicle, the holder comprising:
a frame for supporting said device comprising:
a socket shaped to receive at least a portion of said device; and a clamping mechanism configured to secure said device in said socket;
a lock connected to said clamping mechanism; and a control circuit connected to said lock configured to receive an indication of a state of a vehicle;
wherein said control circuit causes said lock, when said vehicle is in a first state, to lock said clamping mechanism so that said device is secured and cannot be removed from said holder, and when said vehicle is in a second state, to unlock said clamping mechanism so that said device is free to be removed from said holder.
a frame for supporting said device comprising:
a socket shaped to receive at least a portion of said device; and a clamping mechanism configured to secure said device in said socket;
a lock connected to said clamping mechanism; and a control circuit connected to said lock configured to receive an indication of a state of a vehicle;
wherein said control circuit causes said lock, when said vehicle is in a first state, to lock said clamping mechanism so that said device is secured and cannot be removed from said holder, and when said vehicle is in a second state, to unlock said clamping mechanism so that said device is free to be removed from said holder.
2. The holder as defined in claim 1, further comprising a proximity sensor that is configured to detect said device when placed in said frame.
3. The holder as defined in claim 2, further comprising a visual indicator configured to receive information from said proximity sensor as to the detection of said device in said frame, and further configured to receive a signal when said vehicle is turned on, said visual indicator providing a visual indication when said vehicle is turned on and said proximity sensor does not detect the presence of said device.
4. The holder as defined in claim 3, wherein said visual indicator is further configured to produce an audible alarm in addition to said visual indication when said vehicle is turned on and said proximity sensor does not detect the presence of said device.
5. The holder as defined in any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising;
a cable connectable to said vehicle to receive a signal or information from said vehicle indicative of a state of said vehicle;
computer-readable memory; and a controller that can access said memory and that is configured to receive log information from at least one of:
said proximity sensor regarding said detection of said device; and said vehicle regarding said state of said vehicle transmitted via said cable.
a cable connectable to said vehicle to receive a signal or information from said vehicle indicative of a state of said vehicle;
computer-readable memory; and a controller that can access said memory and that is configured to receive log information from at least one of:
said proximity sensor regarding said detection of said device; and said vehicle regarding said state of said vehicle transmitted via said cable.
6. The holder as defined in claim 5, wherein said controller is further configured to associate said log information with temporal information corresponding to the time of the event corresponding to said log information and wherein said temporal information is obtained by one of:
wherein said holder further comprises a clock, said clock of said holder;
a clock of said vehicle; and a clock of said device.
wherein said holder further comprises a clock, said clock of said holder;
a clock of said vehicle; and a clock of said device.
7. The holder as defined in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein said holder further comprises a data output interface, and wherein said log information is accessible via said data output interface.
8. The holder as defined in claim 7, wherein said data output interface is a wireless data output interface.
9. The holder as defined in claim 7, wherein said data output interface is a wired data output interface.
10. The holder as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said first state is when said vehicle is turned on and said second state is when said vehicle is turned off.
11. The holder as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said first state is when said vehicle is detected as travelling over a designated speed, and said second state is when said vehicle is detected as travelling at or under said designated speed.
12. The holder as defined in claim 11, wherein said designated speed is 0 miles per hour.
13. The holder as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said first state is when said vehicle is detected as going over a designated revolutions per minute, and said second state is when said vehicle is detected as going at or under said designated revolutions per minute.
14. The holder as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a mounting to be connected to said vehicle.
15. The holder as defined in any one of claims 5 to 14, wherein said cable ends in a plug connectable to a vehicle power socket for receiving power when a vehicle is turned on.
16. The holder as defined in claim 15, wherein said vehicle power socket is a car computer port of said vehicle.
17. The holder as defined in claim 16, wherein said car computer port is an on-board diagnostics port.
18. The holder as defined in claim 15, wherein said plug is a cigarette lighter plug.
19. The holder as defined in claim 18, wherein said vehicle power socket further comprises a cigarette lighter socket.
20. The holder as defined in claim 18 or claim 19, wherein said plug further comprises a USB socket.
21. The holder as defined in any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein said plug comprises a connection sensor and said clamping mechanism comprises said control circuit and power storage, and said control circuit is responsive to said sensor to prevent said lock from unlocking said clamping mechanism when power is not present in said cable and when said connection sensor senses disconnection of said plug.
22. The holder as defined in any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein said plug has a locking mechanism to prevent easy removal of said plug from said vehicle power socket.
23. The holder as defined in any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein said plug provides a further plug for a further socket, and said cable is solidly connected to said plug.
24. The holder as defined in any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein said cable is solidly connected to said frame.
25. The holder as defined in any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein said frame comprises a charging port for charging said device using power from said cable.
26. The holder as defined in any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein said holder is connectable to said vehicle to obtain information regarding the speed of said vehicle.
27. The holder as defined in any one of claim 1 to 26, further comprising a radio-frequency identification mechanism for identifying said device.
28. A holder for securing a phone, smartphone or tablet device while driving in a vehicle, the holder comprising:
a frame for supporting or containing said device;
a cable terminating in a plug connectable to a vehicle power socket for receiving power when a vehicle is turned on;
a lock for securing said device in the holder;
an actuator controlled by power from said cable for preventing said lock from releasing said device when power is present in said cable.
a frame for supporting or containing said device;
a cable terminating in a plug connectable to a vehicle power socket for receiving power when a vehicle is turned on;
a lock for securing said device in the holder;
an actuator controlled by power from said cable for preventing said lock from releasing said device when power is present in said cable.
29. The holder as defined in claim 28, wherein said lock comprises at least one clamp and at least one support for locking said device from sides thereof, said holder having a mounting for connecting to a vehicle.
30. The holder as defined in claim 28 or 29, wherein said plug comprises a connection sensor and said lock comprises a control circuit and power storage, and said control circuit is responsive to said sensor to cause said actuator to prevent said lock from releasing said device when power is not present in said cable and when said connection sensor senses disconnection of said plug.
31. The holder as defined in any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein said plug has a locking mechanism to prevent easy removal of said plug from said vehicle power socket.
32. The holder as defined in any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein said plug is a cigarette lighter plug.
33. The holder as defined in claim 32, wherein said plug further comprises a cigarette lighter socket.
34. The holder as defined in claim 33, wherein said plug further comprises a USB
socket.
socket.
35. The holder as defined in any one of claims 28 to 34, wherein said plug provides a socket for a further plug, and said cable is solidly connected to said plug.
36. The holder as defined in any one of claims 28 to 35, wherein said cable is solidly connected to said frame.
37. The holder as defined in any one of claims 28 to 36, wherein said frame comprises a charging port for charging said device using power from said cable.
38. A method of securing a phone, smartphone or tablet device while driving in a vehicle, the method comprising:
connecting a cable to a vehicle power socket for receiving power when a vehicle is on and not receiving power when said vehicle is off;
placing said device in a frame with a socket that is shaped to receive at least part of said device, said frame having a clamping mechanism for securing said device in said socket, said clamping mechanism connected to a lock;
putting said vehicle in a first state, said entering said first state resulting in said lock locking said clamping mechanism, wherein said device is secured in said frame and cannot be removed from said frame when said clamping mechanism is locked;
putting said vehicle in a second state, said entering said second state causing said lock to unlock said locked clamping mechanism, wherein said device is removable from said frame when said clamping mechanism is unlocked; and removing said device from said frame.
connecting a cable to a vehicle power socket for receiving power when a vehicle is on and not receiving power when said vehicle is off;
placing said device in a frame with a socket that is shaped to receive at least part of said device, said frame having a clamping mechanism for securing said device in said socket, said clamping mechanism connected to a lock;
putting said vehicle in a first state, said entering said first state resulting in said lock locking said clamping mechanism, wherein said device is secured in said frame and cannot be removed from said frame when said clamping mechanism is locked;
putting said vehicle in a second state, said entering said second state causing said lock to unlock said locked clamping mechanism, wherein said device is removable from said frame when said clamping mechanism is unlocked; and removing said device from said frame.
39. The method as defined in claim 38, further comprising mounting said frame for supporting said device on or near a vehicle dash so that a screen of said device is visible to a driver.
40. The method as defined in claim 38 or 39, wherein said connecting a cable comprises locking said plug in said vehicle power socket using a lock mechanism.
41. The method as defined in any one of claims 38 to 40, wherein said first state is entered when said vehicle is turned on and wherein said second state is entered when said vehicle is turned off.
42. The method as defined in any one of claims 38 to 40, wherein said first state is entered when said vehicle is detected as travelling above a designated speed and wherein said second state is entered when said vehicle is detected as travelling at or under said designated speed.
43. The holder as defined in any one of claims 38 to 40, wherein said first state is when said vehicle is detected as going over a designated revolutions per minute, and said second state is when said vehicle is detected as going at or under said designated revolutions per minute.
44. The method as defined in any one of claims 38 to 43, further comprising detecting the presence of said device in said frame.
45. The method as defined in claim 44, further comprising creating log information comprising the time at which said vehicle has entered said first state and when said vehicle has entered said second state.
46. The method as defined in claim 45, wherein said created log information further comprises creating the time at which the presence of said device is detected in said frame.
47. The method as defined in claim 45 or claim 46, further comprising accessing said log information via one of a remote computer and said device.
48. The method as defined in claim 47, wherein said accessing comprises transmitting said log information via a transmission device on-board said vehicle.
49. A method of securing a phone, smartphone or tablet device while driving in a vehicle, the method comprising:
connecting a cable to a vehicle for receiving power when said vehicle is turned on and not receiving power when said vehicle is turned off;
placing said device in a frame adapted for supporting or containing said device, said frame having a lock for securing said device in the holder, said lock being controlled by an actuator for preventing said lock from releasing said device when said vehicle is in a first state, said first state being one of said vehicle being turned on and said vehicle being in motion;
locking said device in the holder such that said device cannot be hand held while the vehicle is in said first state;
unlocking said lock when said vehicle is in a second state, such that said device can be removed from said frame; and removing said device from the holder.
connecting a cable to a vehicle for receiving power when said vehicle is turned on and not receiving power when said vehicle is turned off;
placing said device in a frame adapted for supporting or containing said device, said frame having a lock for securing said device in the holder, said lock being controlled by an actuator for preventing said lock from releasing said device when said vehicle is in a first state, said first state being one of said vehicle being turned on and said vehicle being in motion;
locking said device in the holder such that said device cannot be hand held while the vehicle is in said first state;
unlocking said lock when said vehicle is in a second state, such that said device can be removed from said frame; and removing said device from the holder.
50. The method as defined in claim 49, further comprising mounting said frame for supporting said device on or near a vehicle dash so that a screen of said device is visible to a driver.
51. The method as defined in claim 49 or 50, wherein said connecting a cable comprises locking said plug in said vehicle power socket using a lock mechanism.
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| US201662360403P | 2016-07-10 | 2016-07-10 | |
| US62/360,403 | 2016-07-10 | ||
| PCT/CA2017/050825 WO2018010016A1 (en) | 2016-07-10 | 2017-07-07 | Handheld unit control device for vehicles |
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|---|---|
| CA3021574A1 CA3021574A1 (en) | 2018-01-18 |
| CA3021574C true CA3021574C (en) | 2021-01-19 |
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|---|---|---|---|
| CA3021574A Expired - Fee Related CA3021574C (en) | 2016-07-10 | 2017-07-07 | Handheld unit control device for vehicles |
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| CA (1) | CA3021574C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2018010016A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5940502A (en) * | 1996-12-11 | 1999-08-17 | Harness System Technologies Research, Ltd. | Phone holder |
| US6353778B1 (en) * | 2001-03-15 | 2002-03-05 | International Business Machines Corporation | Automobile computer control system for limiting the usage of wireless telephones on moving automobiles |
| EP2080672B1 (en) * | 2008-01-20 | 2012-10-03 | BURY Sp. z o.o. | A mobile phone holder with lateral connections, especially for a vehicle |
| US20150230042A1 (en) * | 2014-02-12 | 2015-08-13 | Justin McGuire | Safety system to prevent or decrease distracted driving caused by the use of a cell phone in a vehicle |
-
2017
- 2017-07-07 WO PCT/CA2017/050825 patent/WO2018010016A1/en active Application Filing
- 2017-07-07 CA CA3021574A patent/CA3021574C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2018010016A1 (en) | 2018-01-18 |
| CA3021574A1 (en) | 2018-01-18 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20181005 |
|
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20220707 |