WO2015154151A1

WO2015154151A1 - System and method for reducing distracted driving

Info

Publication number: WO2015154151A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/050169
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ian DUTKA
Original assignee: Dutka Ian
Priority date: 2014-04-11
Filing date: 2015-04-13
Publication date: 2015-10-15
Also published as: AU2015245953A1

Abstract

A vehicle immobilizer (302) for use in reducing driver distractions caused by the driver's use of a personal mobile communications device (10) whilst driving. The immobilizer includes a radio (304) and antenna (310), a communications device (10), a control circuit (306) and a microprocessor (308). The radio and antenna are configured to operatively connect the immobilizer with the personal mobile communications device using a peer-to-peer communications standard. The control circuit is configured to disable an ignition system of the vehicle. The microprocessor is configured to activate the control circuit to disable the ignition system after receiving an indication through the radio that the personal mobile communications device is not in a mode suitable for undistracted driving, such as a hands-free mode or an airplane mode.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING DISTRACTED DRIVING

Field of the Invention

[0001 ] The present application relates to improvements in devices and systems to reduce driver distraction.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Mobile phone texting is becoming a major cause of accidents. Drivers, instead of paying full attention to driving, become distracted by incoming texts and feel compelled to read the text, and sometimes attempt to respond while driving, leading to extremely dangerous situations. One solution is to turn the mobile phone off. However, many mobile phones include a hands-free mode enabling a user to receive and make calls while driving without the user having to touch the phone. Turning off the mobile phone takes away this advantage. Therefore a need exists that enables a user to utilise the mobile phone in a mode suitable for undistracted driving, such as hands-free or other suitable mode of the mobile phone, while blocking other features which might otherwise distract the driver.

[0003] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Summary

[0004] The present application in one aspect provides for a device adapted to prevent a driver from being able to use the communications features of their smartphone (including calling, texting and other installed applications), by at least temporarily blocking certain essential features that drivers are able to access whilst driving, including GPS maps and emergency contacts including a family, friend or guardian member and emergency services, in order to make the roads safer for the driver, and any passengers the driver may have on board. [0005] In another aspect, the system includes both a hardware device and a mobile App. From a user perspective, the user consciously switches their smartphone into a "distractless mode" which will enable the car to start (as the two devices are linked via a Bluetooth or other wireless connection). If the user does not enable the

"distractless mode", the car will be immobilised. However, for emergency situations (i.e., flat phone battery), an override switch or circuit will be included. If the user chooses to manually override the "distractless mode", this will be recorded using a black box type recorder that includes a date and time stamp.

[0006] The "distractless mode" of the phone may include any mode suitable for undistracted driving, such as hands-free mode or airplane mode.

[0007] In one embodiment, a vehicle immobiliser for reducing driver distractions caused by the driver's use of a personal mobile communications device whilst driving, includes a radio and antenna, a control circuit and a microprocessor. The radio and antenna are configured to operatively connect with the personal mobile communications device using a peer-to-peer communications standard. The control circuit is configured to disable an ignition system of the vehicle. The microprocessor is configured to activate the control circuit to disable the ignition system after receiving an indication through the radio that the personal mobile communications device is not in a mode configured for undistracted driving.

[0008] The microprocessor may be configured to activate the control circuit to disable the ignition system after receiving an indication through the radio that the personal mobile communications device is not in a hands-free mode or an airplane mode.

[0009] Hands-free mode may permit dialling of at least one emergency number. Hands-free mode may permit user interaction with a navigation program in the personal mobile communications device. Hands-free mode may restrict only texting with the personal mobile communications device. [0010] Airplane mode disables at least the cellular radio of the personal mobile communications device. Airplane mode may permit at least wireless communication with the immobiliser.

[001 1 ] The radio may be configured to connect with the personal mobile

communications device using the vehicle's built-in communication system. The radio may be configured to connect directly with the personal mobile communications device.

[0012] The peer-to-peer communications standard may be Bluetooth.

[0013] The immobiliser may include a manual override switch to disable the immobiliser and permit ignition of the vehicle. The microprocessor is configured to permit ignition of the vehicle after a predetermined time period of operating the ignition switch, which overrides instructions to disable ignition of the vehicle. The microprocessor may be configured to permit ignition of the vehicle after receiving a command from the personal mobile communications device to override instructions to disable the ignition of the vehicle. The microprocessor may be configured to log the override of instructions.

[0014] The ignition system may include a starter motor solenoid or an ignition coil which may be disabled aby the immobiliser to prevent starting of the motor vehicle.

[0015] In one embodiment, a method for reducing distracted driving includes connecting an immobiliser of a motor vehicle with a personal mobile communications device, and disabling an ignition system of the motor vehicle after receiving an indication from the radio that the personal mobile communications device is not in a mode suitable for undistracted driving. The driver may be prompted, via the personal mobile communications device to set the phone into a mode suitable for undistracted driving. The ignition system may be enabled for the vehicle to start normally only when the personal mobile communications device is in a mode suitable for undistracted driving. [0016] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. In the present specification and claims, the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers, but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0017] The claims as filed and attached with this specification are hereby

incorporated by reference into the text of the present description.

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the system and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the system.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0019] Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a system having a vehicle immobiliser in communication with a vehicle ignition system and a smartphone in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present system.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a front elevation view of a user interface displayed on the

smartphone of Fig. 1 .

[0021 ] Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a method for starting a vehicle with either the distracting features of a mobile device disabled, or with an override noted in a log in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present system.

[0022] Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of a system having a vehicle immobiliser in communication with a vehicle starter motor solenoid and a smartphone in accordance with another preferred embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 5 is a front elevation view of a user interface displayed on the smartphone of Fig. 4. [0024] Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view of a method for starting a vehicle with either the distracting features of a mobile device disabled, or with an override noted in a log in accordance with another preferred embodiment.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0025] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the system, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Figs. 1 and 2 show one embodiment of a system 100 that encourages a driver to either disable mobile device features which could lead to driver distraction, or records in a log that the driver overrode the system and is operating the vehicle with potentially distracting features operating. The system includes an immobiliser 102 configured to operate with a mobile device, such as a smartphone 10, to immobilise an ignition system 12 of a vehicle. The preferred elements of system 100 and their interrelationship are described below.

[0027] Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, system 100 includes immobiliser 102 operatively connected to a vehicle ignition coil 12 of the vehicle's ignition system. Immobiliser 102 preferably includes a communications module preferably having a wireless radio 104, a control circuit 106 configured to disable ignition coil 12 of the ignition system, and a microprocessor 108 configured to activate control circuit 106 to disable the ignition system after receiving an indication through radio 104 that personal mobile communications device 10 is not in a hands-free mode. It will be understood that the personal mobile communications device may exist as a variety of devices, for example only, a tablet, laptop, wearable devices such as smart watches or eye wear, and a smartphone. For ease of discussion, a preferred form of the system will be described for use with a smartphone. It will be understood that the system is not so limited, unless explicitly so described in the claims which follow this description.

[0028] Referring to Fig. 1 , the communications module preferably includes an antenna 1 10 configured to facilitate communication between radio 104 and

smartphone 10. Control circuit 106 preferably includes at least one relay for disrupting the flow of power from a power source 14 (typically a vehicle battery) to ignition coil 12. The structural details of microprocessor 108 would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art and for simplicity, are not detailed herein. For example, microprocessor 108 may be configured as a System on Chip (SoC) with circuitry configured to carry out the instructions from an App (applications program) either residing in microprocessor 108, or in smartphone 10, or a combination of both the microprocessor and smartphone.

[0029] Preferably, the App, when running on either microprocessor 108 and/or smartphone 10, permits a hands-free mode of operation in which at least one emergency phone number may be dialled. The term "hands-free" is defined herein to refer to a mode of operation of the mobile device in which a user may operate the mobile device without interacting with a graphic user interface of the device. For example, the graphic user interface of the mobile device may be disabled, with the device operating in a voice-only mode. The hands-free mode preferably permits the operation of a navigation program resident on either the smartphone or built in the vehicle. In a preferred form, the hands-free mode restricts only texting. If desired, the hands-free mode may allow for provision of emergency situations in which a user can dial one or more preconfigured emergency numbers.

[0030] If desired, system 100 may be configured to operate with a second

immobiliser 16, which may be a conventional immobiliser or an immobiliser configured according to the system.

[0031 ] As shown in Fig. 2, system 100 preferably includes an App useable with microprocessor 108 and smartphone 10. The App is operable using Graphic User Interface (GUI) 1 14 such as displayed on smartphone 10 shown in Fig. 2.

[0032] Having described the preferred components of system 100, a preferred method of use 200 will now be described with reference to Figs. 1 -3. Referring to Fig. 3, in step 202 a driver enters the vehicle. In step 204, the ignition is switched on, either through use of a key, a push button, or other method. Before starting the engine, in step 206 the distractless system commences operation with

microprocessor 108 detecting activation of the vehicle ignition and awaiting confirmation via the App, preferably residing on smartphone 10, that the distracting features of the smartphone are in a sleep mode or otherwise disabled. In step 208, the driver preferably opens the distractless mobile App on smartphone 10 and disables features of the smartphone which are distracting. Preferably, the features are contained in a listing accessible on GUI 1 14 and are preconfigured. If desired, such features may be configured by the driver prior to use. In step 210,

microprocessor 108 determines whether the driver has disabled the distracting features of smartphone 10. If the driver has not disabled the distracting features, but instead overrides the App by, for example, operating a manual override switch or function 1 12, then in step 212 the override is logged. The override may be noted in a "black box" co-located with the immobiliser, or communicated to a remote location using the communications ability of smartphone 10. If the driver has disabled the distracting features, then in step 214 immobiliser 102 is disabled by leaving control circuit 106 inactivated (e.g., with an open switch). Thereafter, in step 216, the vehicle engine may be started without further interruption.

[0033] It will be appreciated that the steps described above may be performed in a different order, varied, or some steps added or omitted entirely without departing from the scope of the system.

[0034] The foregoing description is by way of example only, and may be varied considerably without departing from the scope of the system. For example only, radio 104 may be configured use a peer-to-peer communications standard.

Examples of peer-to-peer communications standards include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct.

[0035] If desired, the communications module may be configured so that instead of a wireless radio, a plug-in interface may be used so that devices such as smartphone 10 may be plugged in for recharge with immobiliser 102. The interface may be configured as a USB interface. As a further configuration, if present, a vehicle's onboard communications system (e.g., Bluetooth system) may be used to facilitate communication between immobiliser 102 and smartphone 10.

[0036] Power source 14 is preferably the battery of the vehicle. The power source may be independent from the vehicle if desired. For example, the power source may include disposable batteries, or a rechargeable battery configured to be detachable from the immobiliser.

[0037] Override switch 1 12 may be configured in a variety of ways. For example, switch 1 12 may be formed as a button or lever accessible by the user. The override may be actuated through the App using the GUI on smartphone 10.

[0038] Figs. 4 and 5 show another embodiment of a system 300 that encourages a driver to either disable mobile device features which could lead to driver distraction, or records in a log that the driver overrode the system and is operating the vehicle with potentially distracting features operating. The system includes an immobiliser 302 configured to operate with a mobile device, such as a smartphone 10, to immobilise the starter motor solenoid 18 of the ignitions system of a vehicle.

Preferred elements of system 300 and their interrelationship are described below.

[0039] Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, system 300 includes immobiliser 302 operatively connected to a vehicle starter motor solenoid 18 of the vehicle. Immobiliser 302 preferably includes a communications module preferably having a wireless radio 304, a control circuit 306 configured to disable the starter motor solenoid 18, and a microprocessor 308 configured to activate control circuit 306 to enable the starter motor solenoid after receiving an indication through radio 304 that personal mobile communications device 10 has had potentially distracting features disabled. It will be understood that the personal mobile communications device may exist as a variety of devices, for example only, a tablet, laptop, wearable devices such as smart watches or eye wear, and a smartphone. For ease of discussion, a preferred form of the application will be described for use with a smartphone. It will be understood that the system is not so limited, unless explicitly so described in the claims which follow this description.

[0040] Referring to Fig. 4, the communications module preferably includes an antenna 310 configured to facilitate communication between radio 304 and smartphone 10. Control circuit 306 preferably includes at least one relay for disrupting the flow of power from ignition key 20 to starter motor solenoid 18. The structural details of microprocessor 308 would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art and for simplicity, are not detailed herein. For example, microprocessor 308 may be configured as a System on Chip (SoC) with circuitry configured to carry out the instructions from an App (applications program) either residing in

microprocessor 308, or in smartphone 10, or a combination of both the

microprocessor and smartphone.

[0041 ] Preferably, the App, when running on either microprocessor 308 and/or smartphone 10, disables all radio functionality, or prompts the driver to disable all radio functionality, on smartphone 10 apart from the connection to the immobiliser 302, which prevents smartphone 10 from making or receiving phone calls, sending and receiving text messages, and allowing communications from any other application that could distract the driver of the vehicle. All cellular services (GSM, UMTS, LTE) are thus disabled in airplane mode, but Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth radios may be enabled to allow communication with the immobiliser 302.

[0042] Airplane mode disables the cellular radio of smartphone 10, so that there is no communicating between smartphone 10 and any cell towers. All communication which depends on cellular data, including voice calls, SMS messages or mobile data is disabled when airplane mode is enabled.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 5, system 300 preferably includes an App useable with microprocessor 308 and smartphone 10. The App is operable using Graphic User Interface (GUI) 314 such as displayed on smartphone 10 shown in Fig. 2.

[0044] Having described the preferred components of system 300, a preferred method of use 400 will now be described with reference to Figs. 4-6. Referring to Fig. 6, in step 402 a driver enters the vehicle. In step 404, the driver opens the distractless mobile App on smartphone 10. Upon opening the distractless App, step 406 will prompt the driver to enable Airplane mode on smartphone 10. If the driver activates Airplane mode in step 408, which prevents the driver from being distracted by calls, text messages, or other communications, the smartphone 10 will

communicate with the microprocessor 308 in immobiliser 302 as shown in step 410. Once the communications has been established, the App operating on smartphone 10 confirms that the distracting features of the smartphone 10 are disabled to microprocessor 308, which in turn enables the relay in the control circuit 306, as shown in step 412. Once this has been enabled, the starter motor solenoid 18 can operated when the driver turns ignition key 20, allowing the vehicle to start normally as shown in step 414. If the driver does no open the distractless App in step 404, or select Airplane mode in step 408, the vehicle can still be started in override mode by operating ignition key 20 for five seconds, as shown in step 416. Once ignition key 20 has been operated for five seconds, the microprocessor 308 in immobiliser 302, controls the relay in control circuit 306, which in turn allows the starter motor solenoid 18 to operate and start the vehicle. As shown in step 418, this over-ride operation is logged by microprocessor 308 in a "black box" co-located with immobiliser 302, and a message is sent to phone number registered in the distractless App using the communications ability of smartphone 10. Step 420 shows the vehicle starting, but in override mode.

[0045] It will be appreciated that the steps described above may be performed in a different order, varied, or some steps added or omitted entirely without departing from the scope of the application.

[0046] The foregoing description is by way of example only, and may be varied considerably without departing from the scope of the present application. For example only, radio 304 may be configured use a peer-to-peer communications standard. Examples of peer-to-peer communications standards include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct.

[0047] If desired, the communications module may be configured so that instead of a wireless radio, a plug-in interface may be used so that devices such as smartphone 10 may be plugged in for recharge with immobiliser 302. The interface may be configured as a USB interface. As a further configuration, if present, a vehicle's onboard communications system (e.g., Bluetooth system) may be used to facilitate communication between immobiliser 302 and smartphone 10.

[0048] Power source 14 is preferably the battery of the vehicle. The power source may be independent from the vehicle if desired. For example, the power source may include disposable batteries, or a rechargeable battery configured to be detachable from the immobiliser.

[0049] The override functionality may be implemented in a number of ways. For example, the implementation shown involves the operation of the ignition key for a period of time, for example, 5 seconds. It could also be implemented as a switch in the form of a button or lever, that connects to immobiliser 302. Another option would be for the override function to be enabled through the App using the GUI on smartphone 10.

[0050] Elements of the present system may be used in mining vehicles, taxis, hire car vehicles, public transport, business delivery vehicles and general road-use vehicles. Features of the present system may also be configured for use in school class rooms, factories (where heavy machinery may be present), and any general workplace having a suitable need for elements of the present system. The present system may be configured to monitor driver behaviour (e.g., speed and location), and/or smoke detection (e.g., in rental cars where smoking is generally not permitted).

[0051 ] The features described with respect to one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, or combined with or interchanged with the features of other embodiments, as appropriate, without departing from the scope of the present application.

[0052] The present system in one form provides the advantages of selectively permitting certain features such as voice communication and navigation assistance to be operational with a mobile device while disabling other features such as texting, which are a source of great distractions for drivers. The present system in another form disables all communications from the mobile device, however, other

implementations may selectively permit certain features such as voice

communications with appropriate hands-free operation and navigation assistance to be operational while disabling other features such as texting, which are a source of great distractions for drivers. [0053] Other embodiments of the system will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the system being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1 . A vehicle immobiliser for reducing driver distractions caused by the driver's use of a personal mobile communications device whilst driving, the immobiliser comprising:

a radio and antenna configured to operatively connect with the personal mobile communications device using a peer-to-peer communications standard;

a control circuit configured to disable an ignition system of the vehicle; and a microprocessor configured to activate said control circuit to disable the ignition system after receiving an indication through said radio that the personal mobile communications device is not in a mode configured for undistracted driving.

2. The immobiliser of claim 1 , wherein the microprocessor configured to activate said control circuit to disable the ignition system after receiving an indication through said radio that the personal mobile communications device is not in a hands-free mode.

3. The immobiliser of claim 1 , wherein the microprocessor configured to activate said control circuit to disable the ignition system after receiving an indication through said radio that the personal mobile communications device is not in an airplane mode.

4. The immobiliser of claim 1 , wherein said radio is configured to connect with the personal mobile communications device using the vehicle's built-in

communication system.

5. The immobiliser of claim 1 , wherein said radio is configured to connect directly with the personal mobile communications device.

6. The immobiliser of any one of the above claims, wherein the peer-to-peer communications standard includes Bluetooth.

7. The immobiliser of any one of the above claims, further comprising a manual override switch to disable said immobiliser and permit ignition of the vehicle.

8. The immobiliser of any one of the above claims, wherein the microprocessor is configured to permit ignition of the vehicle after a predetermined time period of operating the ignition switch, which overrides instructions to disable ignition of the vehicle.

9. The immobiliser of any one of claims 1 -6, wherein said microprocessor is configured to permit ignition of the vehicle after receiving a command from the personal mobile communications device to override instructions to disable the ignition of the vehicle.

10. The immobiliser of claim 8 or 9, wherein said microprocessor is configured to log the override of instructions.

1 1 . The immobiliser of claim 2, wherein the hands-free mode permits dialling of at least one emergency number.

12. The immobiliser of claim 3, wherein the airplane mode disables at least the cellular radio of the personal mobile communications device.

13. The immobiliser of claim 3, wherein airplane mode permits wireless

communication with the immobiliser.

14. The immobiliser of claim 2, wherein the hands-free mode permits user interaction with a navigation program in the personal mobile communications device.

15. The immobiliser of claim 2, wherein the hands-free mode restricts only texting with the personal mobile communications device.

16. The immobiliser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ignition system includes a starter motor solenoid.

17. The immobiliser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ignition system includes an ignition coil.

18. A method for reducing distracted driving, the method including: connecting an immobiliser of a motor vehicle with a personal mobile communications device; and

disabling an ignition system of the motor vehicle after receiving an indication from said radio that the personal mobile communications device is not in a mode suitable for undistracted driving.

19. The method of claim 18, including promoting, via the personal mobile communications device, the driver to set the phone into a mode suitable for undistracted driving.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the ignition system is enabled for the vehicle to start normally only when the personal mobile communications device is in a mode suitable for undistracted driving.