NO20191341A1 - Method and app for reducing distractions while driving - Google Patents

Method and app for reducing distractions while driving Download PDF

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Publication number
NO20191341A1
NO20191341A1 NO20191341A NO20191341A NO20191341A1 NO 20191341 A1 NO20191341 A1 NO 20191341A1 NO 20191341 A NO20191341 A NO 20191341A NO 20191341 A NO20191341 A NO 20191341A NO 20191341 A1 NO20191341 A1 NO 20191341A1
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NO
Norway
Prior art keywords
mobile phone
driver
app
vehicle
vehicle computer
Prior art date
Application number
NO20191341A
Other versions
NO345767B1 (en
Inventor
Jon-A Kolseth
Original Assignee
Kolseth Jon A
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kolseth Jon A filed Critical Kolseth Jon A
Priority to NO20191341A priority Critical patent/NO345767B1/en
Publication of NO20191341A1 publication Critical patent/NO20191341A1/en
Publication of NO345767B1 publication Critical patent/NO345767B1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B60K35/60—Instruments characterised by their location or relative disposition in or on vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B60K35/20—Output arrangements, i.e. from vehicle to user, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
    • B60K35/29—Instruments characterised by the way in which information is handled, e.g. showing information on plural displays or prioritising information according to driving conditions
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/80—Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/18—Information management
    • B60K2360/197—Blocking or enabling of input functions

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)

Description

Method and app for reducing distractions while driving
Technical Field of the Invention
The invention relates to safety in general and more specifically a method and an app on a driver’s mobile phone for reducing accidents by reducing distractions caused by the driver’s mobile phone.
Background of the Invention
Background Art
State of the art is reflected in regulations that require operators and drivers to use their equipment and vehicles without undue distractions. To this end, there are regulations in place in most countries banning the use of mobile phones unless in a hands-free modus while driving a vehicle. Nevertheless, experience shows that people violate this ban and accidents ensue. These accidents result in extensive damages and fatalities.
From prior art one should refer to traditional locking functions available for mobile phones. Typically, the phone is locked and requires a code to unlock. The purpose is privacy and does not provide any safety. To the contrary unlocking a mobile phone while driving is distracting.
There is therefore a need for a method and a system to overcome the above mentioned problems.
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
Therefore, a main objective of the present invention is to reduce distractions while driving a vehicle in order to reduce risk of traffic accidents. More specifically, an object of the invention is to provide a system and method to prevent the use of mobile phones in an illegal manner while operating a vehicle.
Another object of the present invention is to enable use of a mobile or cellular phone in a legal manner while driving.
Means for Solving the Problems
The objective is achieved according to the invention by a method for reducing traffic accidents by reducing distractions caused by a driver’s mobile phone as defined in the preamble of claim 1, having the features of the characterising portion of claim 1, and an app implementing the method according to claim 1 on a driver’s mobile phone as defined in the preamble of claim 10, having the features of the characterising portion of claim 10.
A number of non-exhaustive embodiments, variants or alternatives of the invention are defined by the dependent claims.
In a first aspect of the invention, a method is provided for reducing accidents by reducing distractions caused by a driver’s mobile phone having an app, the method comprising the steps a) the driver’s mobile phone making a connection using a short range radio connection to a vehicle computer radio connected to a vehicle computer in a vehicle computer system which is part of a vehicle, b) the driver’s mobile phone informing the app that a connection has been established to the vehicle computer radio which is part of a vehicle, c) the app locking the driver’s mobile phone, preventing interaction with the driver’s mobile phone, until a safe situation for interaction with the driver’s mobile phone is detected.
In an embodiment, the method further comprises detecting a safe situation based on at least one from the group of loss of the short range connection, vehicle stopped, hand brake engaged, parking brake engaged and a vehicle door being open.
In another embodiment, the method further comprises the step of instructing the vehicle computer to display a status for the app.
In a further embodiment, the method further comprises the step of logging each step of the method.
In a second aspect of the invention, an app is provided for reducing accidents by reducing distractions caused by a driver’s mobile phone having an app, wherein the app implements the method of the first aspect of the invention, allowing a hands free operation if and when required without being in breach of traffic rules.
The present invention attains the above-described objective by detecting that the driver is in a vehicle that is powered up and having a vehicle computer radio for sort range communication that identifies itself as a vehicle system to the driver’s mobile phone and that an app on the driver’s mobile phone, on recognising this status, locks the user interaction means on the driver’s mobile phone such as screen and keyboard.
Effects of the Invention
The present invention comprises a technological advantage over known systems and methods by use of an automatic interaction between a driver’s mobile phone using an app and a vehicle computer having a vehicle computer radio.
The present invention provides several further advantageous effects:
it makes it possible to automate the process so that locking the phone is not forgotten, and
It makes it possible to log the events, proving that the driver could not have been distracted by the mobile phone.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The above and further features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims and the advantages thereof will become clearer from consideration of the following detailed description of an [exemplary] embodiment of the invention given with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The invention will be further described below in connection with exemplary embodiments which are schematically shown in the drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 shows schematically a vehicle with a driver and a passenger, and Fig. 2 shows an interaction timeline diagram.
Description of the Reference Signs
The following reference numbers and signs refer to the drawings:
Detailed Description of the Invention
Various aspects of the disclosure are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings herein one skilled in the art should appreciate that the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of or combined with any other aspect of the disclosure. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover such an apparatus or method which is practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than the various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein may be embodied by one or more elements of a claim.
The invention will be further described in connection with exemplary embodiments which are schematically shown in the drawings, wherein Fig.1 shows a typical system 100 comprising a vehicle 200 with a driver 300 and an optional passenger 400. The vehicle 200 comprises a vehicle computer system 210, which in turn comprises a vehicle computer 212 and a vehicle computer radio 214.
The vehicle computer 212 is typically the system that interacts with the driver 300, providing information such as navigation and entertainment, as well as telecommunication functionality. Telecommunication is implemented using a vehicle computer radio 214 that connects a user’s mobile phone, typically over short range radio systems, such as Bluetooth, and the interaction takes place using the vehicle computer using a screen, typically a touch screen. An incoming call is typically accepted using the touch screen and the sound is connected using loudspeakers and microphone that are part of the vehicle. Similarly, outgoing calls can be made from the touch screen, and again and the sound is connected using loudspeakers and microphone that are part of the vehicle. While the short range system connects voice and employs the user’s mobile phone for access to the mobile phone network, there is no need to use the user interface of the mobile phone itself as long as these are paired. In fact it is strongly desirable to avoid using the user interface of the mobile phone.
Unfortunately, such systems known in the art do not lend themselves to text messaging while driving, and there is general agreement that sending text messages are incompatible with the attention required of the driver to watch the traffic. Some drivers decide to use the mobile phone for texting and the generally smaller display of the mobile phone reduces driver awareness even more, and accidents can thus follow.
Principles forming the basis of the invention
The inventor has realised that drivers can be dissuaded from sending and receiving text messages if they realise that the mobile phone locks out such functionality. Drivers typically have their mobile phones paired with the vehicle computer and both the mobile phone and the vehicle computer can recognise each other through the radio interface. On recognising the driver is in a driving situation, the app locks the mobile phone, preventing from sending and receiving text messages from the mobile phone.
A driver’s system 300 comprises the driver’s mobile phone 310, which in turn comprises a short range radio system for connecting to the vehicle computer radio 214.
The driver installs an app that detects an active connection to the vehicle computer radio, and then locks out access to the keyboard from sending text messages.
Possible Modes of Carrying Out the Invention
The embodiment of the apparatus and method according to the invention shown in Fig.1 and 2 comprise a preferred embodiment.
Fig.2 shows an interaction timeline diagram for a typical use case, relating to a driver 300 having a mobile phone 310 with an app 312 according to an embodiment of this invention. The driver 300 and a passenger 400 are in a vehicle 200 having a vehicle computer 212.
Arrow 1 indicates the driver 200 having a mobile phone 310 enters the vehicle 200. The mobile phone has a short range radio system such as Bluetooth and/or alternatives such as Zigbee. In this embodiment the mobile phone will use Bluetooth as the short range system. At this stage the vehicle is powered off and the mobile phone Bluetooth interface cannot connect to the vehicle. It does, however, broadcast its presence.
Arrow 2 indicates the vehicle is starting up. This also powers up the vehicle computer 212 and the vehicle computer radio 214, a Bluetooth system. The vehicle Bluetooth system searches for other active units and attempts to connect to systems that it has been paired with earlier. If the two Bluetooth systems have not been paired earlier, it should be done now in this embodiment. The step ends with the vehicle computer radio 214 establishing a connection to the driver’s mobile phone 310.
Arrow 3 indicates the app is being activated. Typically the operating system of the mobile phone alerts apps that new connections are set up and old ones are disconnected. The app is informed by the connection to the vehicle and the step ends with the app locking the mobile phone, preventing the use of the keyboard and touch screen from texting.
Box 7 indicates the keyboard and touch screen are locked out, preventing the driver from using the mobile phone. The app can turn off the screen of the mobile phone to save power, or show an indication that the mobile phone is locked by the app. The box extends down, indicating a duration in time. The box ends when the driving status ends.
Arrow 4 indicates app is connected to vehicle over radio link. If the vehicle computer can interact with the app, the app can indicate on the vehicle computer screen that the mobile phone is locked.
Arrow 5 Indicates an incoming call is received. The mobile network connects an incoming call to the driver’s mobile phone 310. The connection between the mobile phone and the vehicle computer 212 via the vehicle computer radio 214 ensures that the driver can safely interact with the vehicle computer, via the touch screen, to receive the call or reject it, and later close the connection. The driver cannot receive the call using his mobile phone directly as the app has locked it out. The voice is routed via the short range radio to the vehicle infrastructure comprising microphone and speakers. When the call ends, the driver or the person calling in can close the call, and the vehicle computer returns to the normal state, such as showing status or maps.
Arrow 6 indicates an outgoing call is initiated, but no text function. The driver opens a driver safe function on the vehicle computer touch screen for making an outgoing call. Typically, the short range radio system can be used to exchange bookmarks and telephone catalogue between the driver’s mobile phone and the vehicle computer. Thus, the driver can look up or dial a telephone number using the vehicle computer touch screen. The vehicle computer uses the driver’s mobile phone for making the mobile network connection. The driver cannot initiate the call using his mobile phone directly as the app has locked it out. The voice is routed via the short range radio to the vehicle infrastructure comprising microphone and speakers. When the call ends, the driver or the person calling in can close the call, and the vehicle computer returns to the normal state, such as showing status or maps.
Arrow 22 indicates that the vehicle stops, typically by turning off the ignition, and the vehicle computer 212 and the vehicle computer radio 214 are powered off, breaking the short range radio connection between the vehicle computer radio and the driver’s mobile phone 310.
Arrow 24 indicates that the mobile phone informs app of termination. The app 312 registers this change in status as an indication the vehicle has come to a rest and has entered a safe condition, and the app unlocks the mobile phone.
It should be noted that the system is intended to prevent the driver from being distracted by use of mobile phone keyboard. The system is not intended to block any passengers from using their mobile phones freely.
Arrow 8 indicates a passenger 400 making a call and use text/chat function. A passenger does not make the above described connections between the app and the vehicle computer, and might not even have the app installed, thus the passenger will not be locked out from using the mobile phone 410 for sending text messages or interacting with the mobile phone.
Alternative Embodiments
A number of variations on the above can be envisaged. For instance instead of relying on previously paired Bluetooth systems, the app could instead rely on alternative means for detecting entering a vehicle. One such system is passively listening to other Bluetooth systems that are in range and relate to vehicles. There is a MAC address related to every Bluetooth system and comprises an Organizationally Unique Identifier (OUI). It can be used to determine the manufacturer of the Bluetooth system, and if this relates to vehicles, the app can assume the driver is in a vehicle and from this status lock the mobile phone.
In some embodiments the app can use other indications that the vehicle has come to a rest or otherwise is in a state where it is safe for the driver to interact with the mobile phone 310. One such indication can be that the speed is zero, for instance as reported by the vehicle or detected by the GPS functions built into the mobile phone 310. Another possibility is to detect that the mobile phone has not experienced base station handover for a minimum period of time.
A third possibility is to detect that the driver’s door is open, a situation unlikely to occur during normal driving. This can allow for quick disengaging of the mobile phone lock without turning the engine off and later on again, which saves wear and tear of the engine. A similar indirect detection of the vehicle being in a safe condition is when the hand brake or parking brake is engaged.
In a further variation of any of the above, the safe condition has to last more than a predetermined time before a temporary safe condition is reported. This could avoid misidentification in case a door is briefly opened or the car comes to a full stop before a traffic light.
Arrow 12 indicates the vehicle reports temporary safe condition begins. This can be from at least one of the indicators mentioned earlier, optionally in combination with a minimum time limit.
Box 14 indicates text/chat function is temporarily unlocked, permitting outgoing text messages and other uses of the mobile phone interface. In some embodiments, the extent of functions that are unlocked can differ for a temporary safe situation from a non-temporary safe situation such as when the engine is turned off.
Arrow 16 indicates the vehicle reports temporary safe condition ends, and the normal locked conditions resume, as indicated by the resumption of box 7.
In another embodiment, the system logs and verifies the use of the lock out system. This can be beneficial for receiving a reduction in insurance premium as well as verification that the mobile phone was locked in the even of an accident.
Industrial Applicability
The invention according to the application finds use in reducing accidents caused by distractions and dangerous use of mobile phones while driving.

Claims (1)

  1. Claims
    1. A method for reducing accidents by reducing distractions caused by a driver’s mobile phone (310) having an app (312), the method comprising the following steps:
    a) the driver’s mobile phone (310) making a connection (2) using a short range radio connection to a vehicle computer radio (214) connected to a vehicle computer (212) in a vehicle computer system (210) which is part of a vehicle (200), b) the driver’s mobile phone (310) informing (3) the app (312) that a connection has been established to the vehicle computer radio (214) which is part of a vehicle (200),
    c) the app locking the driver’s mobile phone (310), preventing interaction with the driver’s mobile phone, until a safe situation for interaction with the driver’s mobile phone is detected.
    2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises detecting a safe situation based on at least one from the group comprising loss of the short range connection, vehicle stopped, hand brake engaged, parking brake engaged, and a vehicle door being open.
    3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the method further comprises the step of instructing (4) the vehicle computer (212) to display a status for the app.
    4. The method according to claim 1 – 3, further comprising the step of logging each step of the method.
    10. An app (312) on a driver’s mobile phone (310) for reducing accidents by reducing distractions caused by the driver’s mobile phone (310), characterised in that the app comprises means to perform a method according to one of claims 1 – 4.
NO20191341A 2019-11-13 2019-11-13 Method and app for reducing distractions while driving NO345767B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO20191341A NO345767B1 (en) 2019-11-13 2019-11-13 Method and app for reducing distractions while driving

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO20191341A NO345767B1 (en) 2019-11-13 2019-11-13 Method and app for reducing distractions while driving

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NO20191341A1 true NO20191341A1 (en) 2021-05-14
NO345767B1 NO345767B1 (en) 2021-07-19

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015079676A1 (en) * 2013-11-29 2015-06-04 Denso Corporation Method for an in-vehicle apparatus, an in-vehicle apparatus and a vehicle
US20150256669A1 (en) * 2014-03-07 2015-09-10 2236008 Ontario, Inc. System and method for distraction mitigation
WO2015138849A2 (en) * 2014-03-14 2015-09-17 Excelfore Corporation System and method for monitoring apps in a vehicle or in a smartphone to reduce driver distraction
US20190173998A1 (en) * 2012-04-25 2019-06-06 Saferide Mobile, Llc Mobile device lock-out system

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20190173998A1 (en) * 2012-04-25 2019-06-06 Saferide Mobile, Llc Mobile device lock-out system
WO2015079676A1 (en) * 2013-11-29 2015-06-04 Denso Corporation Method for an in-vehicle apparatus, an in-vehicle apparatus and a vehicle
US20150256669A1 (en) * 2014-03-07 2015-09-10 2236008 Ontario, Inc. System and method for distraction mitigation
WO2015138849A2 (en) * 2014-03-14 2015-09-17 Excelfore Corporation System and method for monitoring apps in a vehicle or in a smartphone to reduce driver distraction

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