IT202000002800A1 - METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING A USE OF A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE WHILE DRIVING - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

Attached to a patent application for INDUSTRIAL INVENTION having the title

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING A USE OF A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE DURING THE

GUIDE

The present invention relates to a method and a system for monitoring activities. performed on a portable electronic device while driving.

In the field of mobile applications, are applications known that implement methods for tracking activities? on a mobile device.

In particular, applications are known which, through manual activation by the driver, activate a? Driving? Configuration, in which? inhibited (selectively or completely) the use of the device during the driving phase. Are such solutions for? not very efficient as they are subject to manual activation, to be carried out every time you drive. Therefore, its activation? subject to a repeated choice by the driver who may forget to set the option to drive.

Furthermore, other solutions are known, such as the one described in WO2015198306, in which the device is automatically inhibited if a speed is detected. of displacement greater than a predetermined value, indicative of the fact that the vehicle? in movement. However, this solution is not? very reliable as, if installed on an electronic device of an occasional passenger, it could inhibit the use of the telephone even by the latter. Furthermore, this application could also compromise the use on your phone if you travel by train or bus.

Other known solutions are described in documents WO2018164820 and US9800716.

Document WO2018164820 describes a solution in which the usage data of the electronic device over time can be saved locally. However, this solution does not specify sufficiently optimized saving criteria and is therefore not very efficient and reliable.

The document US9800716 describes a solution in which the use of the electronic device? inhibited according to data detected by sensors provided on the electronic device itself, for example speed? or detected images. This solution has the drawback of not being able to determine if the electronic device? the one used by the driver of the vehicle or if the device? simply carried on board by an occasional passenger.

Purpose of the present invention? making available a method and a system which overcome the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.

Said purpose? fully achieved by the method and system of the present invention, which is characterized by the contents of the claims reported below.

According to an aspect of the present description, the present invention provides a method for monitoring activities. performed on a portable electronic device (such as a smart-phone or tablet) while driving a vehicle. In the following, for the sake of brevity, we will do? also referring to? electronic device ?, meaning? portable electronic device ?.

The method comprises a step of receiving reference data. The reference data are identification of the vehicle. The reference data are identification of the driver associated with the vehicle. The reference data include, for example, unique information related to the identity? of the driver and / or the vehicle.

The method comprises a step of receiving speed data.

The speed data? are representative of a speed? of advancement of the vehicle. The speed data? they can also be representative of vehicle positions, obtained by integrating or processing speed data.

The method comprises a step of receiving coupling data, representative of a coupling signal emitted by the vehicle. The pairing signal emitted by the vehicle? a signal emitted via Bluetooth or via a wireless connection. The pairing signal? a unique signal (data, information) associated with the vehicle.

It should be noted that, in one embodiment, the pairing data is received via a wireless connection, such as but not limited to Bluetooth or Wireless. In other embodiments, the pairing data is instead received via wiring between the electronic device and the vehicle V.

It should be noted that the step of receiving pairing data includes a step of activating a receptor in the electronic device. In other words, the step of receiving pairing data comprises a step of activating a Bluetooth receiver or a Wireless receiver.

The method comprises a step of receiving usage data. Are the usage data representative of one or more? activity performed on the electronic device. For example, but not limited to, the usage data could be one or more? of the following activities:

- blocking or unblocking of an inhibition of the electronic device;

- locking or unlocking a display of the electronic device;

- activation or deactivation of the Bluetooth receiver or the Wireless receiver

- writing and sending messages through applications installed on the mobile device;

- opening and reading of messages received through applications installed on the mobile device;

- use of applications of various kinds that require visual control on a display of the electronic device;

- making calls with a telephone held in one hand.

In any case, the usage data could be representative of one or more? activity carried out manually on the electronic device (while driving or in any case when you are at the vehicle with the vehicle running).

In one embodiment, the method comprises a saving step. In the saving phase, the usage data is saved on a server, preferably remote. The usage data is saved on the server when the coupling data matches the specified coupling data. In other words, the usage data is saved when the electronic device recognizes the presence of a particular vehicle to which the pairing data corresponds. Note that the coupling check does not? necessarily a coupling. Such verification? in fact only aimed at the recognition of the vehicle by the electronic device. Indeed, why? the saving phase is performed,? It is sufficient that the coupling data correspond with the predetermined coupling data. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the method provides that the usage data transmission step is performed for an electronic device not coupled to the vehicle (but in any case in the vicinity of the vehicle and previously associated) even if the vehicle? coupled with an additional electronic device.

In one embodiment,? possibly also foreseen that the rescue phase is conditioned to a speed threshold? of advancement of the vehicle. In other words, the usage data is saved in the server when the speed? of advancement exceeds a value of speed? predetermined.

Each usage data? associated with a corresponding time reference, which is preferably saved in the remote server. Each usage data? associated with the respective reference data, in order to correlate the data to a specific user and / or vehicle.

Pi? in detail, the saving step comprises a coupling verification step, in which a correspondence is verified between the coupling data and the predetermined coupling data. In one embodiment, the save step includes a speed check step, to verify that the speed is checked. advancement is greater than a speed value? predetermined.

The saving phase includes a phase of transmission of the usage data to a remote server, each associated with a corresponding time reference and the corresponding reference data, based on the outcome of the coupling check, to allow it to be saved on the remote server. . In addition or alternatively, the phase of transmission of the usage data? performed on the basis of the outcome of the speed check.

Checking the match of the coupling data (and speed data) allows the application to be much better. reliable and versatile. In fact, with this system,? it is possible to activate the saving and therefore the monitoring only in the event that the mobile device already has? access to information about the vehicle, for example through a pairing step, and only if the vehicle? on (or in motion). Therefore, this method avoids unnecessary saving and monitoring, increasing efficiency and reliability. the monitoring method.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of encrypting the usage data, which is encrypted before being saved in the remote server.

In one embodiment, the method comprises an inhibition step. In the inhibition phase, the use of the electronic device for coupling data corresponding to the predetermined coupling data is inhibited (at least partially). In addition or alternatively, in the inhibition phase, the use of the electronic device for speed values is inhibited (at least partially). feed higher than the speed value? predetermined. In other words, the method provides for the (at least partial) inhibition of the use of the electronic device if the electronic device has previously been associated (and / or configured) to the vehicle (in motion or stationary but still on) and, only in some embodiments, if the vehicle is in motion with speed? higher than the predetermined one.

There? it allows to inhibit the use only to the drivers of the vehicle and not to occasional passengers who have never paired their device.

In one embodiment, the inhibition phase? performed automatically. In one embodiment, in the inhibition step, the use of the electronic device? selectively inhibited. In other words, functions that could compromise driving safety are inhibited, for example, but not limited to:

- writing and sending messages through applications installed on the mobile device;

- opening and reading of messages received through applications installed on the mobile device;

- use of applications of various kinds that require visual control on a display of the electronic device;

- making calls with a telephone held in one hand.

In one embodiment, the method comprises an unlocking step. The unlocking step comprises a step of receiving an unlock signal in the processor. The unlock signal? inserted by the user through a predetermined interaction with the portable electronic device, for example but not limited to a touch on the display or a voice command.

The unlocking step includes a step of interrupting the inhibition of the portable device on the basis of the unlocking signal.

The unlocking step comprises a step of saving, preferably in the remote server, the usage data (202), at least representative of the insertion of the unlock signal by the user.

According to one embodiment, the unlock signal can? take on a value that can? be? ON? (passenger mode, inhibition blocked) or can? be? OFF? (driving mode, inhibition activated). If the value is? ON ?, the method foresees the interruption of the inhibition phase. In one embodiment, the method provides for a step of saving the release signal, associated with a respective time reference in which they have been inserted through the user interface. Thereby, ? You can check when the user indicated that he was not driving the vehicle. In one embodiment, the method comprises a blocking step. The blocking phase allows you to inhibit the saving of usage data and / or to block the inhibition phase.

The blocking phase comprises a phase of receiving blocking data. Blocking data is entered manually by a user via a user interface of the electronic device.

The blocking phase comprises a phase of interrupting the saving of the usage data on the basis of the block data entered.

In one embodiment, the blocking step comprises a verification step, in which the saving of the usage data for the electronic device is interrupted in the presence of a further electronic device associated with the same vehicle. In other words, the interruption of the saving of the usage data and / or the interruption of the inhibition phase occurs only if? there is another electronic device that has previously been associated with the vehicle and whose lock data is set to the value? OFF? (i.e. driving).

The blocking phase? optional and not? essential that the possibility is present? to stop saving usage data. However, in order to make more? flexible use of the app, you can? foresee to give the possibility? user to stop saving.

In one embodiment, the method comprises an association step, in which the electronic device saves in the server (remote or local) predetermined pairing data, uniquely associated with a vehicle. Pi? in detail, the association step comprises a step for receiving the predetermined coupling data, which are representative of a coupling signal emitted by (uniquely associated with) a vehicle control unit.

The method comprises a step of associating the reference data and the predetermined coupling data. In this way, the predetermined coupling data are associated with a specific vehicle and / or a specific driver.

The method comprises a step of saving the reference data and the predetermined coupling data in a server, preferably remote. In one embodiment, the step of receiving the coupling data? forced when the speed? of advancement, calculated through the data of speed, exceeds the value of speed? predetermined. In other words, if the vehicle is set in motion with a speed? of feed higher than the speed value? limit but the electronic device is not enabled to receive pairing data (Bluetooth not activated, Wireless not activated), the processor forces an enabling of the electronic device to receive pairing data (activates Bluetooth or Wireless).

This feature allows you to activate monitoring even if the user has left the electronic device disabled upon receipt of the pairing data.

According to an embodiment of the method, in the saving phase, (also) the speed data? they are saved on the remote server. Each data of speed? ? associated with a corresponding time reference and / or the respective reference data (i.e. a vehicle and / or a driver).

In one embodiment, the saving step takes place in real time, through a wireless connection with the remote server.

In other embodiments, for example in cases where no? temporarily there is an Internet connection that allows a real-time saving in the remote server, the saving phase can? take place in two successive phases. In a first phase of saving, the usage data and / or the speed data? they are saved in a local memory of the electronic device. In a second saving phase, temporally distanced from the first, the usage data and / or the speed data? saved in the local memory are sent to the remote server and saved on it.

In one embodiment, the method provides for saving the usage data both on the remote server and on the local memory. Subsequently, the collected data is compared to verify its correspondence and the data saved on the local storage is deleted.

In one embodiment, the reference data comprises one or more? of the following:

- vehicle license plate;

- make, year of production or serial number of the vehicle;

- insurance number associated with the vehicle and type of insurance; - name, surname, address or tax code of the driver.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of receiving deceleration data. The deceleration data is representative of a vehicle deceleration.

According to an implementation of the method, the rescue phase? activated for vehicle decelerations greater than a minimum deceleration value. This feature allows you to optimize even more? the collection of significant data. In fact, the condition of severe deceleration could correspond to an accident. Therefore, the method could foresee the saving of the data only in the conditions in which the data of use can be useful for the determination of the responsibilities? involved in the accident. ? it is foreseen that the selective activation of the saving phase, according to the deceleration data and / or the speed data? and / or pairing data, is optional. In other words, the method (could) foresee a phase of receiving configuration data, representative of the will? of the user to maintain a continuous monitoring and saving of the usage data or of the will? to limit the saving to the occurrence of specific activation conditions (matching pairing data and pre-established pairing data, exceeding predetermined speed, exceeding predetermined deceleration, blocking of a display of the electronic device).

In one embodiment, the step of receiving the coupling data? forced when the deceleration (or acceleration) of the vehicle calculated on the basis of the deceleration data exceeds a predetermined deceleration (or acceleration) value.

In particular, the activation conditions that determine a saving include one or more? of the following:

- wrong Bluetooth or Wireless configuration;

- decoupling of Bluetooth manually or for electronic problems of various kinds;

- insertion of the unlock signal, to enter the mode? passenger or to return to the mode? driving;

- shutdown of the vehicle and therefore end of driving the vehicle;

- decelerations greater than a minimum deceleration value;

- uninstallation of the computer program, which carries out the steps of the method, from the electronic device;

- uninstallation of a part of the computer program, programmed to inhibit the use of the electronic device;

- electrical autonomy of the device below a threshold value;

- no connection to the remote server.

In one embodiment of the method, the usage data includes one or more? of the following information:

- screen data, representative of a locked condition or an unlocked condition of the screen;

- time reference, representative of the instant in which a specific event relative to the corresponding usage data occurs;

- connection data, representative of an authorization by the electronic device to receive the coupling data.

In one embodiment, the method comprises an investigation step. In the investigation phase, a statistical investigation is performed on the number of times that the electronic device (or the vehicle control unit) receives pre-established coupling signals, uniquely associated with a further electronic device. In doing so, yes? aware of the number of times (in a time interval) that said additional electronic device? in the vicinity? of the electronic device (or vehicle). Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, in the investigation step, if? the electronic device for detecting the presence of said further electronic device, the method provides for the verification of the presence of the vehicle in the vicinity of the electronic device. In one embodiment, the counter of the number of times the electronic device detects the further electronic device is incremented if the electronic device detects the presence of the vehicle (i.e. if it receives pairing data corresponding to the predetermined pairing data). This information can? be used to identify the use of an additional electronic device, belonging to the same driver, which is not associated (configured) and which can? therefore be used without tracking. Pi? in detail, the investigation phase includes a periodic identification (research) phase of further electronic devices arranged in the vicinity? of the electronic device (and / or the vehicle).

The investigation phase comprises, for each of said further electronic devices identified, a phase of calculating the number of identifications (number of times that a specific electronic device is found, or rather identified) in a predetermined time interval.

The investigation phase comprises a phase of generating notification signals. The notification signals include an association request, in which the user is invited to install the computer program on said further electronic devices having a number of detections in the predetermined time interval above a limit value.

In one embodiment, the step of calculating the number of detections? performed if the electronic device receives pairing data from the vehicle control unit corresponding to the predetermined pairing data. According to an aspect of the present description, the present invention provides an activity monitoring system? while driving a vehicle. The system comprises an electronic device, including a processor and a memory. The system includes a remote server, which can be connected to the electronic device via a wireless connection. The processor? programmed to receive reference data, identification of the vehicle. The processor? programmed to receive speed data, representative of a speed? of advancement of the vehicle.

The processor? programmed to receive pairing data, representative of a pairing signal emitted from the vehicle.

The processor? programmed to receive usage data, representative of one or more? activity performed on the electronic device.

In one embodiment, the processor? programmed to save usage data in the remote server for pairing data values that match predetermined pairing data. In addition or alternatively, the processor? programmed to save the usage data in the remote server for values of the speed? feed higher than a speed value? predetermined.

In one embodiment, the processor? programmed to selectively inhibit the use of functionalities of the electronic device. In one embodiment, the processor? programmed to inhibit the use of functionality? of the electronic device, for pairing data corresponding to the predetermined pairing data. In addition or alternatively, the processor? programmed to inhibit the use of functionality? of the electronic device, for the values of the speed? of advancement higher than the speed value? predetermined.

In one embodiment, the electronic device comprises one or more? sensors. In one embodiment, said one or more? sensors include a speed sensor? and / or an optical sensor, such as a camera. The speed sensor? ? configured to detect speed data? and to send the speed data? to the processor of the electronic device.

In one embodiment, the system comprises a display. The system includes a control unit, associated with the vehicle and connected to the display. The control unit includes an additional processor. The additional processor? programmed to periodically identify electronic devices arranged in the vicinity? of the vehicle. The additional processor? programmed to calculate, for each detected device, the number of detections of the electronic device in a predetermined time interval. The additional processor? programmed to generate notification signals, including an association request. The association request? viewable on the display. The additional processor? programmed to generate the association request for those electronic devices having a number of detections in the predetermined time interval above a limit value.

In one embodiment, the processor of the electronic device? configured to periodically identify additional electronic devices arranged close to him.

In one embodiment, the processor of the electronic device? configured to verify that the pairing data matches the predetermined pairing data. In one embodiment, the processor of the electronic device? configured to calculate, on the basis of the verification, the number of detections in a predetermined time interval for each of said further devices.

In one embodiment, the processor of the electronic device? configured to generate notification signals, including an association request, for those electronic devices having a number of detections in the predetermined time interval above a limit value. Please note that the request for association? a request for installation of the computer program object of the present invention on said electronic devices having a number of detections in the predetermined time interval above a limit value.

According to an aspect of the present description, the present invention provides a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the method for monitoring activities. (carried out on an electronic device while driving the vehicle) described in the present invention.

This and other characteristics will be more clearly highlighted by the following description of a preferred embodiment, illustrated purely by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawing tables, in which: - Figure 1 schematically illustrates the phases of a method for monitoring activities. carried out on an electronic device while driving;

- Figure 2 schematically illustrates the steps of an embodiment of the method for monitoring activity? carried out on an electronic device while driving;

- Figure 3 schematically illustrates the steps of an embodiment of the method for monitoring activity? carried out on an electronic device while driving;

- Figure 4 schematically illustrates a system for monitoring activities? carried out on an electronic device while driving.

With reference to the attached figures yes? indicated with M a method to monitor activities? performed on an electronic device 2 while driving a vehicle V. The electronic device 2 can? be a mobile phone, a tablet, a smartphone.

The method M is executed by an application including a computer code which is launched, at least partially, on a processor 21 of the electronic device 2. In an embodiment of the method M, part of the code? launched on a further processor, housed in a control unit 5 of the vehicle V.

The method M comprises a step of receiving reference data F1. The reference data 201 are identification of the vehicle V. The reference data 201 are identification of the driver associated with the vehicle V. The reference data 201 include, for example, unique information related to the identity of the vehicle. of the driver and / or the vehicle. Basically, the application includes a data entry form, through which the user can? insert one or more? information uniquely associated with the driver and / or vehicle.

Method M comprises a step of receiving speed data? F2.

The speed data? 401 are representative of a speed? of advancement of the vehicle V. The data of speed? 401 are detected by a speed sensor? 4, bound to the electronic device 2. Or, in another embodiment, the speed data? are received by the vehicle control unit V. For example, but not limited to, the speed sensor? 4? an accelerometer of the electronic device 2.

The method M comprises a receiving step F3 of coupling data 501, representative of a coupling signal emitted by the vehicle. The pairing signal emitted by the vehicle? a signal emitted via Bluetooth or via a wireless connection. The pairing signal? a unique signal associated with the vehicle, for example a MAC Address. Basically, in this phase, the control unit 5 of the vehicle V emits a signal to couple with the electronic device 2, which, in turn, emits a signal received by the control unit 5.

The method M comprises a step of receiving utilization data F4 202. Are the utilization data 202 representative of the activities? performed on the electronic device. For example, but not limited to, the usage data could be one or more? of the following activities:

- locking or unlocking a display of the electronic device 2;

- blocking or unblocking of an inhibition of the electronic device 2;

- writing and sending messages through applications installed in the electronic device 2;

- opening and reading of messages received through applications installed in the electronic device 2;

- use of applications of various kinds that require visual control on a display of the electronic device 2;

- making calls with a telephone held in one hand.

For example, the processor sends a query to the other applications of electronic device 2, in which it requests an activity report. performed and receives in response a list of activities? performed, each associated with a corresponding reference instant in which the activity? ? been carried out.

In one embodiment, the M method comprises a saving step. In the saving step, the usage data 202 are saved in a server 3, preferably remote. In one embodiment, the usage data 202 is saved in the server 3, when the electronic device turns off. correctly coupled with the control unit 5 of the vehicle V, i.e. when the coupling data are recognized by the electronic device 2 as already? received in a previous phase of association F8. Additionally or alternatively, according to an embodiment, the usage data 202 is saved in the server, when the speed? of advancement exceeds a value of speed? predetermined.

Each usage data 202? associated with a corresponding time reference, which is preferably saved in the remote server 3. Each usage data? associated with the respective reference data 201, so as to correlate the data to a specific user and / or vehicle.

Pi? in detail, in one embodiment, the saving step comprises a speed verification step? F5, in which it is verified that the speed? advancement is greater than a speed value? predetermined. In this phase, the processor 21 receives the value of the speed? instantaneous of the vehicle V and the value of speed? predetermined V1, which can? be saved in the remote server 3 or in a local memory of the electronic device 2. The saving phase comprises a pairing verification phase F6, in which a correspondence is verified between the pairing data 501 and the predetermined pairing data 501 ?. The default coupling data 501? are saved in the remote server 3 or in a local memory of the electronic device 2. When the electronic device 2 receives the pairing data 501, does it verify that in the remote server or in the local memory there are preset pairing data 501? and that they correspond to each other. If such a match? verified, the electronic device 2 pu? be coupled to the vehicle V or can? simply recognize the vehicle V without coupling with it. Such recognition, in some embodiments,? a sufficient condition why? the usage data is saved 202.

In other words, the correspondence between the pairing data and the predetermined pairing data, which defines a recognition of the vehicle V, could be considered as a successful pairing, (thus initializing all the inhibit and save steps as previously described).

The saving step comprises a transmission step F7 of the usage data 202 to a remote server 3, each associated with a corresponding time reference and the corresponding reference data 201, based on the outcome E2 of the coupling check F6, for allow a storage on the remote server 3. The transmission phase F7 of the usage data 202 pu? be, in addition or alternatively, conditioned to the outcome E1 of the speed check F5.

In one embodiment, the method M comprises an association step F8, in which the electronic device saves in the remote server 3 or in the local memory of the electronic device 2, the predetermined coupling data 501?, Uniquely associated with a vehicle. In other embodiments, the further processor of the control unit 5? configured to save the pre-established pairing data 501?, uniquely associated with an electronic device 2. In this way also the control unit, receiving coupling data 501,? able to recognize if that device? already? previously associated.

Pi? in detail, the association step F8 comprises a step for receiving the predetermined coupling data F3 ?, which are representative of a coupling signal emitted by (uniquely associated with) a control unit 5 of the vehicle V and / or by an electronic device 2.

Method M comprises a step for associating the reference data and the predetermined coupling data. In this way, the pre-established coupling data are associated with a specific vehicle (or with a specific electronic device 2) and / or with a specific driver.

Method M comprises a step of saving the reference data and the pre-established coupling data in the remote server 3 or in the local memory of the electronic device 2 or in the local memory of the control unit 5.

It should be noted that, according to an embodiment of the method M, the phase of receiving the coupling data, or the phase of coupling between the control unit 5 and the device 2, can? be forced when the speed? of advancement of the vehicle V has exceeded the value of speed? predetermined.

In other words, if the speed? of advancement exceeds a predetermined value and the electronic device 2 does not? enabled to receive the coupling data 501, then the processor forces an enabling of the electronic device 2 to receive the coupling data 501.

According to an embodiment of the M method, in the saving phase, (also) the speed data? 401 are saved on the remote server. Each data of speed? 401? associated to a corresponding time reference and / or to the respective reference data 201 (i.e. to a vehicle V and / or to a driver).

In one embodiment, the saving step takes place in real time, through a wireless connection with the remote server.

Note that the M method also provides for operation in the temporary absence of an Internet connection. Indeed, if so,? planned to save 202 usage data and speed data? 401 on the local memory of the device 2. Subsequently, said usage data 202 and speed data? 401 are transferred to remote server 3 when the first available internet connection is detected.

In one embodiment, the M method comprises an F9 inhibition step. In the inhibition step F9, the use of the electronic device for coupling data 501 corresponding to the predetermined coupling data 501 is inhibited. In addition or alternatively, is the use of the electronic device inhibited for speed values? of advancement higher than the speed value? preset V1. In other words, the device 2 partially or totally blocks the use of the device 2 when the processor detects a valid coupling with the vehicle V (and / or detects a forward speed higher than the predetermined value V1).

The phase of inhibition F9 can? be performed automatically or can? generate a warning on the device 2 display asking the user to inhibit dangerous driving functions.

In one embodiment, the method M comprises an unlocking step, in which the user of the electronic device 2 can? insert an unlock signal, representative of a configuration of the electronic device, which can? be ON (? passenger mode?) or OFF (? driver mode?? driving?). In the unlocking phase, when the user inserts the unlock signal representative of an ON configuration, the inhibition phase F9 is interrupted and the user can? restart to use the electronic device 2. The insertion of the unlock signal is saved (as a usage data 202) in the remote server or in the local memory of the electronic device 2.

The unlocking phase? was designed to allow the user to indicate when? a passenger on a vehicle with which his device 2? been associated and would normally be inhibited. In one embodiment, even in a passenger configuration, the processor? configured to save usage data (202).

In other words, method M provides for a step for saving the release signal, associated with a respective time reference in which they have been inserted through the user interface. Thereby, ? You can check when the user indicated that he was not driving the vehicle.

When the user selects a specific mode, for example? passenger, the inhibition phase F9? interrupted. In one embodiment, when the user deselects the mode? passenger, the inhibition phase F9? (automatically) resume.

In one embodiment, the M method comprises a blocking step. The blocking phase allows you to inhibit the saving of usage data.

It should be noted that, in a possible embodiment, the M method can? provide for a further verification phase, in the absence of which not? allowed to device 2 to enter mode? passenger. In particular, when is the mode selected? passenger, the processor 21 (or the further processor of the control unit 5) checks that there is another device 2 associated with the control unit 5 (essentially there is another driver for whose device 2 the monitoring is activated).

In one embodiment, the M method comprises a step of receiving deceleration data. The deceleration data is representative of a vehicle deceleration V.

The deceleration data, which are indicative of the deceleration of vehicle V, are very important to further reduce the data collected without losing significance. of the data itself. In particular, the processor receives the deceleration data, compares them with a predetermined deceleration value and, based on this comparison, decides whether or not to activate the monitoring and / or saving of the usage data 202. Ci? does s? that, for not particularly critical events, the data is not collected.

The M method provides, in an embodiment, the possibility? to select the desired data collection logic. In particular, the processor receives configuration data, representative of the will? of the user to maintain a continuous monitoring and saving of the usage data 202 or of the will? to limit the saving to the occurrence of specific activation conditions (for example, but not limited to, a correspondence of coupling data and pre-established coupling data, a predetermined speed overrun, a predetermined deceleration overrun).

In one embodiment, the M method comprises an investigation step. In the investigation phase, the further processor of the control unit 5 of the vehicle V detects the presence of an electronic device 2 in the vicinity of the vehicle. of the vehicle V. The control unit saves the number of detections of these devices 2 in its vicinity and keeps a history of these detections.

When the number of surveys per unit? of time exceeds a predetermined value V1, the control unit generates a notification, which can be viewed on a display of the vehicle 5, inviting to associate the device 2 having a high number of detections.

Therefore, the investigation phase includes a periodic identification (research) phase F10 of the electronic devices 2 arranged in proximity? of the vehicle V. The investigation phase includes, for each device identified, a calculation phase F11 of the number of times that a specific electronic device 2? found (found) in a predetermined time interval.

The investigation phase comprises a phase of generation F12 of notification signals. The notification signals include an association request, in which the user is invited to associate electronic devices having a number of detections in the predetermined time interval above a limit value.

Note that this phase? executable also by the processor 21 of the electronic device 2. In particular, the processor 21? detects additional electronic devices disposed in its vicinity. In other words, it receives coupling data 501 from each of said further electronic devices. Further, the processor 21 verifies the receipt of coupling data 501 which corresponds to the predetermined coupling data 501 ?. Said reception? indicative of the proximity of the vehicle V. Therefore, the processor 21 counts the number of times that each of said further electronic devices is in the vicinity of the vehicle V. of the electronic device 2 and of the vehicle V. Counting? indicative of an additional electronic device that the user brings with him? frequently and therefore could potentially be a second electronic device, used to circumvent monitoring.

When the count of a specific electronic device exceeds a limit value, the processor 21 sends a notification requesting to associate said specific electronic device.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of determining the end of driving. The step of determining the end of driving comprises a step of verifying the absence of a reception of the coupling data 501 corresponding to the predetermined coupling data 501. In other words, the verification phase? a check of the fact that the vehicle V is no longer? turned on and then it is no longer? sending the coupling data 501. Obviously, the processor 21 could continue to receive other coupling data 501 as long as there is are different from the predetermined coupling data 501 ?.

The phase of determining the end of driving includes a phase of detecting the speed, in which the speed? of advancement is compared with a pedestrian limit value, to verify that the speed? of advancement is lower than the pedestrian limit value.

The phase of determining the end of driving includes a timing phase, in which a time interval is counted in which the speed? of advancement remains below the pedestrian limit value. In the event that the time interval is greater than a predetermined time interval, the processor checks the end of the guide and transmits a save request to the remote server, in which the event and a time reference associated with it is saved. and / or reference data 201.

With reference to the attached figures, yes? indicated with 1 an activity monitoring system? while driving a vehicle V. The system 1 comprises an electronic device 2, including a processor 21 and a (local) memory. The system 1 comprises a remote server 3, which can be connected to the electronic device 2 via a wireless connection.

The processor 21? programmed to receive reference data 201, identifying the vehicle V, generally entered manually by a user with an entry form shown on a display of the device 2 or on a display of the control unit of the vehicle V. The processor? programmed to receive speed data? 401, representative of a speed? vehicle forward V.

In one embodiment, the electronic device 2 comprises one or more? sensors. In one embodiment, said one or more? sensors include a speed sensor? 4 and / or an optical sensor, for example a camera.

The speed sensor? 4? configured to detect speed data? 401 and / or data of deceleration 402. The sensor of speed? 4? configured to send speed data? 401 and / or the deceleration data 402 to the processor 21 of the electronic device 2.

The processor 21? programmed to receive coupling data 501, representative of a coupling signal emitted from vehicle V. The processor 21? programmed to receive 202 usage data, representative of the activities? performed on the electronic device 2 and sent by the other applications and functionalities? present on the electronic device 2.

In one embodiment, the processor 21? programmed to save usage data 202 in remote server 3 for coupling data values 501 corresponding to predetermined coupling data 501 ?. In addition or alternatively, the processor 21? programmed to save the usage data in the remote server 3 for values of the speed? of advancement higher than a speed value? preset V1.

In one embodiment, the processor 21? programmed to selectively inhibit the use of functionalities of the electronic device. In one embodiment, the processor 21? programmed to inhibit the use of functionality? of the electronic device 2, for coupling data 501 corresponding to the predetermined coupling data 501 ?. In addition or alternatively, the processor 21? programmed to inhibit the use of functionality? of the electronic device 2, for values of the speed? of advancement higher than the speed value? preset V1.

In one embodiment, the system comprises a display. The system comprises a control unit 5, associated with the vehicle V and connected to the display. The control unit 5 includes a further processor. The additional processor? programmed to periodically identify electronic devices 2 arranged in the vicinity? of the vehicle V. The? additional processor? programmed to calculate, for each of the identified devices 2, a history of the identifications (detections), which contains the number of times in the unit? of time in which each device 2? been detected. The additional processor? programmed to generate notification signals, including an association request. The association request? viewable on the display. The additional processor? programmed to generate the association request for those electronic devices having a number of detections in the predetermined time interval above a limit value.

Processor 21 too? configured to perform this activity? of investigation. In particular, if the processor 21 performs this activity? according to a first embodiment, the processor 21 verifies only the presence of the further devices while, in addition or alternatively,? the presence of vehicle V.

According to an aspect of the present description, the present invention provides a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the method M for monitoring activities. (carried out on an electronic device while driving the vehicle) described in the present invention when launched on the system 1 described in the present invention.

Claims (16)

CLAIMS 1. Method (M) for monitoring activity? performed on a portable electronic device (2) while driving a vehicle (V), comprising the following steps performed by an electronic device processor: - reception (F1) of reference data (201), vehicle identification; - reception (F2) of speed data? (401), representative of a velocity? vehicle advancement (V); - receiving (F3) of coupling data (501), representative of a coupling signal emitted by the vehicle (V); - receipt (F4) of usage data (202), representative of one or more? activity performed on the portable electronic device (2); characterized in that it includes a rescue phase, including the following phases: - coupling verification (F6), in which a correspondence is verified between the coupling data (501) and predetermined coupling data (501?); - transmission (F7) of the usage data (202) to a remote server, each associated with a corresponding time reference and the corresponding reference data (201), based on the outcome (E2) of the coupling check (F6) , to allow storage on the remote server. Method (M) according to claim 1, comprising an inhibition step (F9), in which the use of the portable electronic device (2) is inhibited for coupling data (501) corresponding to the predetermined coupling data (501? ). Method (M) according to claim 2, wherein the inhibition step (F9)? performed automatically. Method (M) according to claim 2 or 3, comprising an unlocking step, including the following steps: - reception of an unlock signal entered by the user through a predetermined interaction with the portable device; - interruption of the inhibition of the portable device on the basis of the unlock signal; - saving in the remote server of the usage data (202), at least representative of the insertion of the unlock signal by the user. Method (M) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an association step (F8), comprising the following sub-steps: - reception of the predetermined coupling data (501?), representative of a coupling signal emitted by a control unit (5) of the vehicle (V); - association of the reference data (201) and the predetermined coupling data (501?); - saving the reference data (201) and the predetermined coupling data (501?) in a remote server (3). Method (M) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving step (F3) of the coupling data? forced when the speed? of progress, calculated through the data of speed? (401), exceeds the speed value? preset (V1). 7. Method (M) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which, in the saving step, the speed data? (401) are saved in the remote server (3), each speed data? (401) being associated with a corresponding time reference and with the respective reference data (201). Method (M) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the saving step takes place in real time, through a wireless connection with the remote server (3), or, in the absence of a connection to the remote server (3) , the saving step comprises a storage step on a local memory of the electronic device (2) and in which the transmission step on the remote server (3) occurs when the connection to the remote server (3)? restored. Method (M) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the usage data (202) includes one or more? of the following information: - screen data, representative of a locked condition or an unlocked condition of the screen; - time reference, representative of the instant in which a specific event relative to the corresponding usage data occurs (202); - connection data, representative of an enabling by the electronic device to receive the coupling data (501); - interaction data, representative of one or more? user interactions with the portable electronic device (2). Method (M) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a step of receiving deceleration data (402), representative of a deceleration of the vehicle (V) and in which the saving step? performed for vehicle decelerations greater than a minimum deceleration value. Method (M) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an investigation step, comprising the following sub-steps: - periodic search (F10) for further electronic devices (2) arranged in proximity to the method (M). of the electronic device; - for each of said additional electronic devices, calculation (F11) of the number of times, in a predetermined time interval, in which? identified in the periodic research phase; - generation (F12) of notification signals, including an association request, for electronic devices of said further electronic devices which are identified a number of times greater than a limit value (N) in the predetermined time interval. Method (M) according to claim 11, wherein the calculation step? performed if the electronic device receives pairing data (501) from the vehicle control unit (V) corresponding to the predetermined pairing data (501?). 13. Activity Monitoring System (1) while driving a vehicle (V), comprising: - a portable electronic device (2), including a processor (21); - a remote server (3), connected to the portable electronic device (2) via a wireless connection, the processor (21) being programmed for: - receive reference data (201), vehicle identification data (V); - receive speed data? (401), representative of a velocity? vehicle advancement (V); - receiving coupling data (501), representative of a coupling signal emitted by the vehicle (V); - receive usage data (202), representative of one or more? activity performed on the portable electronic device (2), each usage data (202) being associated with a corresponding time reference and with the respective reference data (201), characterized by the fact that the processor (21)? also? programmed to transmit usage data to the remote server (3) for pairing data values (501) corresponding to predetermined pairing data (501?) and where the remote server (3)? configured to store said usage data (202). System (1) according to claim 13, wherein the processor (21)? programmed to selectively inhibit the use of functionalities of the portable electronic device (2), for values of the speed? of advancement higher than the speed value? predetermined (V1) or for coupling data (501) corresponding to the predetermined coupling data (501?). System (1) according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the processor? configured for: - periodically identify additional electronic devices arranged close to him; - checking that the coupling data (501) correspond to the predetermined coupling data (501?) and calculating, on the basis of the check, the number of detections in a predetermined time interval for each of said further devices; - generating notification signals, including an association request, for those electronic devices having a number of identifications in the predetermined time interval above a limit value. Computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps according to any one of claims 1 to 12.