U.S. patent application number 15/209431 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-22 for method and apparatus for controlling input to a mobile computing device located inside a vehicle.
The applicant listed for this patent is Invictus Technology Group, Inc.. Invention is credited to Luciano Tuluca.
Application Number | 20160373572 15/209431 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54290540 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160373572 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tuluca; Luciano |
December 22, 2016 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING INPUT TO A MOBILE COMPUTING
DEVICE LOCATED INSIDE A VEHICLE
Abstract
A wireless transmission system and method is provided for use in
a vehicle having an on-board diagnostic (OBD) system configured to
provide vehicle speed data and engine operation status data. A
transmission apparatus is interfaceable with the on-board
diagnostic system. The transmission apparatus is configured to
transmit a wireless signal as specified by Bluetooth criteria. A
mobile computing device has an input device, a GPS module, and a
wireless transceiver configured to receive the wireless signal in
accordance with Bluetooth criteria and determine a signal level
thereof. The GPS module is configured to provide GPS data as
determined by received GPS signals. The mobile computing device
operates in accordance with a method for determining is the mobile
computing device is with a driver's seating area and disables the
input device if the vehicle speed is at or above a threshold
value.
Inventors: |
Tuluca; Luciano; (Pound
Ridge, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Invictus Technology Group, Inc. |
Pound Ridge |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54290540 |
Appl. No.: |
15/209431 |
Filed: |
July 13, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14857421 |
Sep 17, 2015 |
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15209431 |
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14746050 |
Jun 22, 2015 |
9167418 |
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14857421 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 4/027 20130101;
H04B 17/318 20150115; H04W 4/80 20180201; H04M 1/6075 20130101;
H04M 1/72569 20130101; H04W 4/48 20180201; G07C 5/008 20130101;
G07C 2205/02 20130101; H04M 1/72577 20130101; H04M 2250/10
20130101; H04M 2250/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04M 1/725 20060101
H04M001/725; G07C 5/00 20060101 G07C005/00; H04B 17/318 20060101
H04B017/318; H04W 4/04 20060101 H04W004/04; H04W 4/00 20060101
H04W004/00 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A wireless transmission system comprising: a transmission
apparatus configured to transmit a wireless signal indicative of a
vehicle parameter; and a mobile computing device having an input
device for accepting user input and a wireless transreceiver
configured to receive the wireless signal, the mobile computing
device including an input control for effecting disablement of the
input device if the vehicle parameter exceeds a threshold.
22. A wireless transmission system according to claim 21, wherein
the vehicle parameter is speed.
23. A wireless transmission system according to claim 21, wherein
the vehicle parameter is fuel consumption.
24. A wireless transmission system according to claim 21, wherein
the vehicle parameter is fuel pressure.
25. A wireless transmission system according to claim 21, wherein
the vehicle parameter is an intake and exhaust control setting.
26. A wireless transmission system according to claim 21, wherein
the vehicle parameter is throttle position.
27. A wireless transmission system according to claim 21, wherein
the vehicle parameter is pedal position.
28. A wireless transmission system according to claim 21, wherein
the vehicle parameter is cruise control.
29. A wireless transmission system according to claim 21, wherein
the vehicle parameter is clutch speed position.
30. A wireless transmission system according to claim 21, wherein
the vehicle parameter is engine speed.
31. A wireless transmission system according to claim 21, wherein
the transmission apparatus is interfaced with an on-board
diagnostic system of a vehicle.
32. A wireless transmission system according to claim 31, wherein
the on-board diagnostic system is configured to provide the vehicle
parameter to the transmission apparatus.
33. A wireless transmission system according to claim 32, wherein
the vehicle parameter is speed of the vehicle.
34. A wireless transmission system according to claim 21, wherein
the transceiver is configured to determine a signal strength of the
received signal and the input control effects disablement of the
input device if the signal strength exceeds a threshold.
35. A mobile computing device comprising: a processor configured to
determine a speed at which the mobile computing device is moving;
input device for accepting user input; and an input control for
effecting disablement of the input device if the speed exceeds a
threshold.
36. A mobile computing device as recited in claim 35, wherein the
processor is linked to a global positioning system module of the
mobile computing device that is configured to determine the speed
of the mobile computing device.
37. A mobile computing device as recited in claim 35, wherein the
processor is linked to a global positioning system module of the
mobile computing device, the processor being configured to take
position readings from the global positioning system module to
determine the speed of the mobile computing device.
38. A wireless transmission system comprising: the mobile computing
device recited in claim 35; and a transmission apparatus configured
to transmit a wireless signal, wherein the mobile computing device
comprises a wireless transreceiver configured to receive the
wireless signal and determine a signal strength level of the
received signal, the input control being configured to effect
disablement of the input device if the signal strength level
exceeds a threshold.
39. A wireless transmission system as recited in claim 38, wherein
input control will effect disablement of the input device only if
the speed and the signal strength level each exceed a
threshold.
40. A wireless transmission system comprising: a transmission
apparatus configured to transmit a wireless signal indicative of a
vehicle parameter; and a mobile computing device having an input
device for accepting user input and a wireless transreceiver
configured to receive the wireless signal, the mobile computing
device including an input control for effecting disablement of the
input device if the vehicle parameter exceeds a threshold, wherein
the transceiver is configured to determine spacing between the
transmission apparatus and the mobile computing device and the
input control effects disablement of the input device if the
spacing does not exceed a threshold.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a method and system used to
control a mobile computing device to prevent input to the device
when the device is inside a vehicle which is in motion.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Modern computing devices, such as cellular telephones, PDAs
and laptop computers provide a keyboard functionality, implemented
via hardware or software, for the purposes of inputting textual
data by an operator. Utilizing this keyboard input functionality
while operating a motor vehicle has become a significant safety
hazard in recent years due to the increasing prevalence of such
devices. The act of doing so poses a risk of injury or death to the
operator, the passengers of the operator's vehicle, other vehicles
and pedestrians due to the degree of attention required to operate
keyboard input devices. Thus, it is desirable to selectively enable
and disable keyboard input functionality on mobile devices in the
possession of the operator of a motor vehicle while said vehicle is
in motion.
[0003] Various devices have been proposed to address the texting
while driving problem. Of these many deal with jamming cell phone
signals which have the drawback that all cell phones in a vehicle
are thus disabled. Further, such jamming does not prevent other use
of the devices. Other systems relate to RF signals which require
use of circuitry not normally employed in cellphones. Hence, a
system and method is needed to economically provide for inhibiting
texting and other uses of cellphone and other mobile computing
devices while driving a vehicle.
SUMMARY
[0004] Briefly stated, provided are embodiments of a wireless
transmission system and method is provided for use in a vehicle
having an on-board diagnostic (OBD) system configured to provide
vehicle speed data and engine operation status data. A transmission
apparatus is interfaceable with the on-board diagnostic system. The
transmission apparatus is configured to transmit a wireless signal
as specified by Bluetooth criteria. A mobile computing device has
an input device, a GPS module, and a wireless transceiver
configured to receive the wireless signal in accordance with
Bluetooth criteria and determine a signal level thereof. The GPS
module is configured to provide GPS data as determined by received
GPS signals. The mobile computing device operates in accordance
with a method for determining is the mobile computing device is
with a driver's seating area and disables the input device if the
vehicle speed is at or above a threshold value.
[0005] The present disclosure provides a wireless transmission
system for use in a vehicle having an on-board diagnostic (OBD)
system configured to provide vehicle speed data and engine
operation status data. The wireless transmission system includes a
transmission apparatus interfaceable with the on-board diagnostic
system and configured to receive the engine operation status data,
the transmission apparatus being configured to transmit a wireless
signal as specified by Bluetooth criteria. In some embodiments the
transmission apparatus is configured to transmit a wireless signal
as specified by Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), alternatively known as
"Bluetooth Smart". Compared to common Bluetooth, Bluetooth Smart is
intended to provide reduced power consumption and a less complex
pairing/bonding implementation, along with reduced component cost
and complexity. Bluetooth Smart is not backward-compatible with the
previous Bluetooth protocol, and as such should be considered a
unique communication method.
[0006] Further included in the device is a mobile computing device
having an input device, a GPS module, and a wireless transceiver
configured to receive the wireless signal in accordance with
Bluetooth criteria and determine a signal level thereof. The GPS
module is configured to provide GPS data as determined by received
GPS signals. The mobile computing device includes an input control
configuration for effecting the following operations: (a) bonding
with the transmission device; b) reading a received signal level
from the wireless transceiver; (c) comparing the received signal
level with an SLL threshold value; (d) determining a vehicle speed
based on the GPS data; (e) comparing the vehicle speed with a
vehicle speed threshold; and (f) disabling the input device when:
the received signal level is at or above the SLL threshold value;
and the vehicle speed is at or above the vehicle speed
threshold.
[0007] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is
provided a wireless transmission system optionally including an
input control configuration which further effects repeating
operations (a) through (f); and re-enabling the input device when:
the received signal level is below the SLL threshold value; or the
vehicle speed is below the vehicle speed threshold.
[0008] In another embodiment of the present disclosure a method for
effecting disablement of an input device on mobile computing device
when in a vehicle having an on-board diagnostic (OBD) system
configured to provide vehicle speed data and engine operation
status data is provided. The method comprises installing a
transmission apparatus into a device link connector of the on-board
diagnostic system wherein the transmission apparatus is configured
to receive the engine operation status data, the transmission
apparatus being configured to transmit a wireless signal as
specified by Bluetooth criteria; and providing a mobile computing
device having an input device, a GPS module, and a wireless
transceiver configured to receive the wireless signal in accordance
with Bluetooth criteria and determine a signal level thereof. The
GPS module is configured to provide GPS data as determined by
received GPS signals. The mobile computing device includes an input
control configuration for effecting the following operations:
[0009] a) bonding with the transmission device; [0010] b) reading a
received signal level from the wireless transceiver; [0011] c)
comparing the received signal level with an SLL threshold value;
[0012] d) determining a vehicle speed based on the GPS data; [0013]
e) comparing the vehicle speed with a vehicle speed threshold;
[0014] f) disabling the input device when: the received signal
level is at or above the SLL threshold value; and the vehicle speed
is at or above the vehicle speed threshold.
[0015] In a further embodiment of the aforesaid method the input
control configuration further effects: repeating operations (a)
through (f); and re-enabling the input device when: the received
signal level is below the SLL threshold value; or the vehicle speed
is below the vehicle speed threshold.
[0016] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the following
description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which like reference numerals designate the same elements. The
present invention is considered to include all functional
combinations of the above described features and corresponding
descriptions contained herein, and all combinations of further
features described herein, and is not limited to the particular
structural embodiments shown in the figures as examples. The scope
and spirit of the present invention is considered to include
modifications as may be made by those skilled in the art having the
benefit of the present disclosure which substitute, for elements
presented in the claims, devices or structures upon which the claim
language reads or which are equivalent thereto, and which produce
substantially the same results associated with those corresponding
examples identified in this disclosure for purposes of the
operation of this invention. Additionally, the scope and spirit of
the present invention is intended to be defined by the scope of the
claim language itself and equivalents thereto without incorporation
of structural or functional limitations discussed in the
specification which are not referred to in the claim language
itself.
[0017] Additional features and advantages of various embodiments
will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in
part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by
practice of various embodiments. The objectives and other
advantages of various embodiments will be realized and attained by
means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in
the description and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] In part, other aspects, features, benefits and advantages of
the embodiments will be apparent with regard to the following
description, appended claims and accompanying drawings where:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system of the present
disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 2 is an illustration of an installation of the system
of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 3a is a flowchart of operation of an application
program of the present disclosure which is installed in a mobile
computing device;
[0022] FIG. 3b is a flowchart of operation of a portion of the
application program flowchart of FIG. 3a;
[0023] FIG. 3c is a flowchart of operation of a first embodiment of
a speed determining portion of the application program flowchart of
FIG. 3a;
[0024] FIG. 3d is a flowchart of operation of a second embodiment
of a speed determining portion of the application program flowchart
of FIG. 3a;
[0025] FIG. 3e is a flowchart of operation of a third embodiment of
a speed determining portion of the application program flowchart of
FIG. 3a;
[0026] FIG. 3f is a flowchart of operation of a fourth embodiment
of a speed determining portion of the application program flowchart
of FIG. 3a;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of operation of a transmission
apparatus of the present disclosure; and
[0028] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a
transmission apparatus of the present disclosure.
[0029] It is to be understood that the figures are not drawn to
scale. Further, the relation between objects in a figure may not be
to scale, and may in fact have a reverse relationship as to size.
The figures are intended to bring understanding and clarity to the
structure of each object shown, and thus, some features may be
exaggerated in order to illustrate a specific feature of a
structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] For the purposes of this specification and appended claims,
unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of
ingredients, percentages or proportions of materials, reaction
conditions, and other numerical values used in the specification
and claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances
by the term "about." Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary,
the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification
and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon
the desired properties sought to be obtained by the embodiments of
the present disclosure. At the very least, and not as an attempt to
limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope
of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be
construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and
by applying ordinary rounding techniques.
[0031] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters
setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations,
the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are
reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however,
inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the
standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to
encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a
range of "1 to 10" includes any and all subranges between (and
including) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10, that
is, any and all subranges having a minimum value of equal to or
greater than 1 and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10,
e.g., 5.5 to 10.
[0032] It is noted that, as used in this specification and the
appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," include
plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one
referent. Thus, for example, reference to "a drug depot" includes
one, two, three or more drug depots.
[0033] It is to be further understood that all disclosure of
immediate connections between elements of the present disclosure
are intended to positively disclose direct connections without
intervening elements, but are not intended to exclude incorporation
of intervening elements unless specifically related in claim
language. Similarly, it is to be understood that with regard to
methods and flowcharts herein, a disclosure of operations directly
following one another, or a disclosure of steps wherein a first
step directly follows a second step, is intended to positively
disclose direct sequential following without intervening
operations, but is not intended to exclude intervening operations
unless explicitly related in claim language.
[0034] It is also to be further understood that the doctrine of
claim differentiation is to be applied between independent claims
and their dependents and is not intended to be applied across
independent claims. For example, term A in a first independent
claims may be interpreted to have the same scope as term B in a
second independent claim, while if term A is in a first independent
claim and term B further defines term A in claim dependent from the
first independent claim, then term A must have a broader scope than
term B. In other words, phrases that differ from one independent
claim to another independent claim may be interpreted to have equal
scope and read on common structure yet present the structure using
different terminology in order to account for differing
interpretation of phrase language.
[0035] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments
of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. While the embodiments of the present
disclosure will be described in conjunction with the illustrated
embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to
limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, the
invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and
equivalents, which may be included within the invention as defined
by the appended claims.
[0036] The headings below are not meant to limit the disclosure in
any way; embodiments under any one heading may be used in
conjunction with embodiments under any other heading.
[0037] The foregoing summary broadly details some embodiments of
the present disclosure. In another embodiment of the present
disclosure the wireless transmission system optionally provides the
transmission apparatus configured to transmit OBD system speed
data. Furthermore the input control configuration effects using the
OBD system speed data as the vehicle speed if the GPS data is not
available.
[0038] In a further embodiment of the present disclosure the
wireless transmission system optionally includes the transmission
apparatus determining from the OBD system whether an engine of the
vehicle is running and transmits the wireless signal in response to
determining that the engine is running.
[0039] In a still further embodiment of the present disclosure the
wireless transmission system includes the input control
configuration being effected by software loaded into a memory of
the mobile computing device.
[0040] In a yet further embodiment of the present disclosure the
wireless transmission system optionally has the input control
configuration effected by firmware loaded into a memory of the
mobile computing device.
[0041] In a still further aspect of the present disclosure the
input device is optionally a keyboard device.
[0042] In yet a further embodiment of the present disclosure the
wireless transmission system optionally includes the transmission
apparatus and the transceiver of the mobile computing device
effecting automatic bonding.
[0043] In another embodiment of the present disclosure the wireless
transmission system optionally provides the transmission apparatus
configured to transmit OBD system speed data. Furthermore the input
control configuration effects using the OBD system speed data as
the vehicle speed if the GPS data is not available.
[0044] In a further embodiment of the present disclosure the
wireless transmission system optionally includes the transmission
apparatus determining from the OBD system whether an engine of the
vehicle is running and transmits the wireless signal in response to
determining that the engine is running.
[0045] In an embodiment of the present disclosure the wireless
transmission system includes the input control configuration being
effected by software loaded into a memory of the mobile computing
device.
[0046] In a yet further embodiment of the present disclosure the
wireless transmission system optionally has the input control
configuration effected by firmware loaded into a memory of the
mobile computing device.
[0047] In a still further aspect of the present disclosure the
input device is optionally a keyboard device.
[0048] In yet a further embodiment of the present disclosure the
wireless transmission system optionally includes the transmission
apparatus and the transceiver of the mobile computing device
effecting automatic bonding.
[0049] Mobile Computing Device (MCD), as used herein and throughout
this disclosure, refers to any electronic device equipped with at
least one of the following: a processor, memory, display, operating
system, input function. Examples of such devices are portable
"laptop" computers, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDA),
"smart" mobile telephones (smartphones), or other types of devices
which may yet be developed which provide at least some of the
functions of the aforesaid exemplary devices.
[0050] Input Function, as used herein and throughout this
disclosure, refers to any hardware or software arrangement of input
buttons whose primary function is to trigger data input to a mobile
computing device when manipulated by a human, either by direct
tactile interaction or via the use of a pen, stylus or other
implement. Typically the input function is the keyboard on a
smartphone which may include a physical keyboard or a simulated
keyboard on a touch-screen.
[0051] Apparatus, as used herein and throughout this disclosure,
refers to any device to interface the OBD system to gather speed
data and to interface to a wireless transmitter for transmission of
speed data to one or more mobile computing devices.
[0052] Application Program, as used herein and throughout this
disclosure, refers to a software or firmware program that operates
within the mobile computing device which retrieves speed data,
retrieves measured signal strength, uses method to determine owner
of mobile computing device, and disables input function of mobile
computing device if the mobile computing device is held by or
located near to the driver of the motor vehicle
[0053] Signal Strength Level Threshold, as used herein and
throughout this disclosure, refers to a pre-determined number or
set of numbers that is used to compare against a measured signal
strength for determining the location a mobile computing device.
The signal strength level threshold is determined by measurements
recorded within a motor vehicle, calculated using simulation tools
that model the inside of a motor vehicle or some combination of the
two.
[0054] Speed Threshold, as used herein and throughout this
disclosure, refers to a pre-determined number that is used to
compare against a motor vehicle speed to determine if operation of
a mobile computing device is safe to use.
[0055] Bluetooth.RTM. Low Energy (BLE), Bluetooth.RTM. LE,
Bluetooth.RTM. Smart, as used herein and throughout this
disclosure, refers to a specific wireless personal area network
technology designed and marketed by the Bluetooth Special Interest
Group. It differs in nature and application from conventional
Bluetooth.RTM. implementations. Bluetooth.RTM. Low Energy (BLE),
Bluetooth.RTM. LE and Bluetooth.RTM. Smart are used
interchangeably.
[0056] Motor Vehicle, as used herein and throughout this
disclosure, includes a car, truck, bus, motorcycle or other
motorized vehicle, and may be equipped with an On-Board Diagnostic
port (OBD).
[0057] Operator Control Area, as used herein and throughout this
disclosure, is the physical area where the driver is positioned
during operation of the motor vehicle and includes a driver's seat,
steering wheel, center console, instrument cluster, ashtray and sun
visor.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle 100 has an On-Board
diagnostics system (OBD) 102 installed therein which monitors
various sensors in the vehicle including a sensor for the engine
running state and a sensor reporting a speed of the vehicle 100.
The OBD 102 provides a Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC) 161 which is
a 16 pin connector for interfacing with test instrumentation. The
OBD 102 was initially developed to provide diagnostics for
maintenance of the vehicle 100, in particular, the emissions
control devices of the vehicle 100. Various government regulations
are presently implemented to require that vehicles have an OBD 102
which conforms to the OBD-II standard which requires various
emission parameters to be communicated but which also allow many
optional parameters to also be communicated. Automobile
manufactures now use this system to communicate information
regarding many aspects of vehicle operation, including the speed of
the vehicle and whether the engine is running. For the purpose of
the present disclosure, it is not required that the OBD 102 conform
to any specific standard except that the OBD provide functioning in
accordance with the specific functions related in this disclosure
for practice of embodiments of the system and method described
herein.
[0059] The system of the present disclosure includes a transmission
apparatus 130 which optionally includes a controller 104 and a
wireless transceiver 105. The transmission apparatus 130 is
designed to emit a wireless link signal 170 that will be measured
by a mobile computing device (MCD) 110. The controller 104 can be
of any type having memory and the functionality to effect
operations detailed herein. Optionally, the controller 104 is a
small low-power microcontroller such as, for example and not
intended as a limitation, an Atmel tinyAVR series, Atmel SAM3U
series or similar, which are optionally configured to interface
with the wireless transceiver 105 to produce the wireless link
signal 170 that can be measured by the MCD 110. Wireless
transceivers may be of any type compatible with the MCD 110
including technologies based on Bluetooth.RTM., Bluetooth.RTM.
Smart, or a WiFi, type transmission for example and not limitation.
For example, wireless transceiver 105 may be designed using Nordic
nRF51422 Bluetooth.RTM. Smart transceiver. Alternatively, the
controller 104 and the wireless transceiver 105 are combined into a
single integrated unit. For example, many wireless transceivers
include an embedded microcontroller as part of the integrated
circuit package such as Texas Instrument CC2640. It is to be
understood for the purpose of this disclosure that functions the
controller 104 and the wireless transceiver 105 may be integrated
together or distributed amongst various types of electronic
components. For example, while microcontrollers provide both a CPU
and memory for storing programming directed to a specific computing
application to provide a cost effective solution, similar
functionality may be obtained by providing independent CPU and
memory components.
[0060] The system and method of the present disclosure further
includes the mobile computing device (MCD) 110 configured to
provide the functionality described herein. The MCD 110 includes a
wireless transceiver 106 of a similar type to wireless transceiver
105 that allows the wireless link signal 170 to be established
between the transmission apparatus 130 and the MCD 110. The
wireless link signal 170 may be designed as a broadcast link where
communications occur from the transmission apparatus 130 to the MCD
110. The wireless link signal 170 may be designed as a two-way link
where communications occurs from the transmission apparatus 130 to
the MCD 110 and from the MCD 110 to the transmission apparatus 130.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the transceiver 105 of
the transmission apparatus 130 and the transceiver 106 of the MCD
110 are Bluetooth.RTM. Smart compliant transceivers configured to
automatically pair when the two transceivers are in close
proximity. Alternatively, other Bluetooth.RTM. compliant systems
may be used, or future developed wireless data transmission systems
may be optionally used within the scope and spirit of the present
disclosure.
[0061] The MCD 110 includes memory and an application program 111,
often referred to as an "app" in present day parlance, designed to
receive the signal level measured at the transceiver 106 that was
transmitted from the transceiver 105. The application program 111
may be installed on the MCD 110 by the user or the application
program may be incorporated in the MCD 110 at the time of
manufacture in the form of software. Still further, the application
program 111 is optionally incorporated into the MCD 110 in the form
of firmware designed into the MCD 110 when manufactured. The use of
firmware prevents a user from removing the application program from
the MCD 110. It is further contemplated that the application
software optionally includes anti-removal code to prevent removal
of the software after installation. Such anti-removal code may
either prevent removal outright, or it may invoke a permanently, or
semi-permanently disabling feature on the MCD 110, such as a
disabling input device, display, or other features. In such an
implementation, the disabling feature may be configured to permit
emergency transmissions only such as 911 calls.
[0062] The system of the present disclosure addresses the situation
wherein both the transmission apparatus 130 and the MCD 110 are
located within the motor vehicle 100. The MCD 110 also includes a
Global Positioning System (GPS) module 112. The GPS module 112 is
capable of reporting the speed at which the MCD is moving, and
hence a vehicle speed, to the application program 111. Various GPS
techniques may be employed to determine the speed as known to those
skilled in the art and are thus not elaborated upon herein.
Additionally, the speed maybe determined by the application program
111 by taking position readings from the GPS module 112 rather than
reading a vehicle speed from the GPS module 112.
[0063] The application program 111 optionally contains at least two
threshold variables, namely a speed threshold 114 and signal a
signal strength level (SSL) threshold 116. The SSL threshold 116 is
used to determine a physical location of the MCD 110 within the
motor vehicle 100. The speed threshold 114 is used to decide when
the speed of the motor vehicle 100 is too fast for safe operation
of the input function 20 of the MCD 110. The input function 20 is
any of a physical keyboard, a touchscreen keyboard. The input
function 20 is optionally any type of input mechanism as may be
developed that requires human attention to operate such as a voice
command system or a gesturing system. While presently texting by
the user when the user is operating a moving motor vehicle is of
great concern, it is also envisioned that other types of input,
whether for sending communications such as text messages or
operating the MCD 110 for other purposes, may be discovered to be
problematic when operating the motor vehicle.
[0064] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the MCD 110 does
not require any hardware modification from the original
configuration designed by the manufacturer to implement the system
and method of the present disclosure. Most MCDs include a function
to disable the keyboard to prevent unintended operation of the
device by the user such as when the MCD is in a pocket, purse or
briefcase, or to prevent unauthorized use of the MCD. This function
is usually built into the operating system of the MCD 110 and is
accessible by programs running on the MCD 110. Hence, the
application program 111 utilizes the disablement function of the
operating system but is not so limited to do so as other
programming techniques may be employed to implement the disablement
feature of the present disclosure as may be ascertained by those
skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure. As
noted above, while the application program 111 may be loaded by the
user, it may also be pre-installed by the manufacturer. The
application program 111 may also be built-into the MCD 110 in the
form of firmware, or hardwired logic circuitry.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 2, a configuration for determining a
position of the MCD 110 within the motor vehicle 100 with respect
to its proximity to an operator control area 140 is shown. The
transmission apparatus 130 is shown to be located within passenger
compartment 150 of the motor vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the
transmission apparatus 130 is optionally located in a nearest
proximity to an operator control area 140 by virtue of being
installed directly into the device link connector 161 resulting in
the highest measured signal level from the transmission apparatus
130 at the MCD 110 when the MCD is positioned in operator control
area 140. In accordance with 40 CFR 86.094-17(h)(4), the DLC 161 is
to be positioned as follows: [0066] The vehicle connector shall be
located in the passenger compartment in the area bounded by the
driver's end of the instrument panel to 300 mm beyond the vehicle
centerline, attached to the instrument panel, and accessible from
the driver's seat. The preferred location is between the steering
column and the vehicle centerline. The vehicle connector shall be
mounted to facilitate mating and unmating.
[0067] The transmission apparatus 130 communicates with the MCD 110
over a wireless link signal 170. If the measured signal strength
received from the transmission apparatus 130 exceeds the SSL
threshold 116, the MCD 110 is determined to be operated by the
driver of the motor vehicle 100 and the application program 111
disables the input device 120 on the MCD 110 when the motor vehicle
100 is in motion. If the measured signal strength is below the SSL
threshold 116, the MCD 110 is determined to be operated by a
passenger, such as the case shown in FIG. 2, having the MCD 120
located in the rear of the passenger compartment 150. In this case,
the input device 120 for the MCD 130 will not be disabled
regardless of whether the motor vehicle 100 is in motion or
not.
[0068] In an embodiment, the SSL threshold 116 is optionally a
single value to which to the measured signal strength at the MCD
110 is compared after being transmitted from the transmission
apparatus 130. Table 1 shows the values for a measured signal
strength averaged across three types of motor vehicles, namely a
sports car, small sedan and SUV. The values reported on Table 1 are
a function of the distance between the transmission apparatus 130
and an instrument simulating the measurement from the MCD 110. For
the measurements in Table 1, the transmission apparatus 130 was
located in operator control area 140 in accordance with the OBDII
standard. Based on the measurements in Table 1, a SSL threshold 116
of -35 dBm to -40 dBm provides the necessary information for
determining when the MCD 110 is located in operator control area
140. While the aforesaid values are absolute values, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art of wireless system design,
that a measured signal value will necessarily depend upon the
initial transmission level. Hence, the values provided herein are
exemplary in nature and may be varied based upon the transmission
characteristics of the transmission apparatus 130 and the receiving
characteristics of the MCD 110. A measured value at or above the
SSL threshold 116 would indicate the MCD 110 is within the operator
control area 140 and a measured value below the SSL threshold 116
would indicate the MCD 110 is outside operator control area 140.
When the MCD 110 is determined to be within operator control area
140, the application program 111 disables the input device 120 to
the MCD 110 when the motor vehicle 100 is in motion or determined
that the speed of the motor vehicle 100 is traveling at a rate
above the speed threshold 114.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Range (inches) Signal (dBm) Location 6 -10
Driver Seat 12 -15 Driver Seat 24 -25 Center console 36 -52 Pass.
Seat 48 -70 Pass. Seat 60 -80 Rear Seat 72 -91 Rear Seat (SUV)
[0069] The values reported in Table 1 are related to the Radio
Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) that is reported by a variety of
commercially available transceivers. For example, the Nordic
nRF51422 is a Bluetooth.RTM. Smart transceiver which reports RSSI
in values of negative dBm with a 1 dB resolution.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 3a, an embodiment of a method of
determining whether the input device 120 of the MCD 110 should be
disabled when located in operator control area 140 is illustrated
in a flowchart for operation of the application program 111 in the
MCD 110. The method starts with the transmission apparatus 130
executing a wireless link operation 200 to establish a link, or
bond, with the transmission apparatus 130. In an embodiment, the
wireless link operation 200 provides an automatic connection from
the transmission apparatus 130 via a Bluetooth.RTM. Smart
implementation to the MCD 110. The wireless link operation 200 need
not be a Bluetooth Smart connection and can be any connection where
the transmission apparatus 130 is transmitting a wireless signal
that can be measured at the MCD 110.
[0071] Once the link is established, the MCD 110 executes a signal
strength measuring operation 202 which measures the received signal
strength of the link established. A signal determination operation
204 is next executed to whether or not the signal strength is above
a pre-determined SSL threshold 116 set to coincide with the MCD 110
being located in operator control area 140. If the measured signal
strength is below the SSL threshold 116, the method proceeds to a
re-enablement operation 211 which determines if the input device
120 is presently disabled and re-enables the input device 120 if it
has been disabled. The method is a repetitive operation, and it is
possible that the received signal strength was previously in the
range requiring disablement and was thus disabled. Such a situation
may occur if a driver exchanges seats with a passenger. While a
determination can be made, it is optional, and the operation may
simply always set an enablement state.
[0072] If the determination in operation 204 is that the measured
signal strength is above SSL threshold 116, it is presumed that the
user is in the driver's area 110 and the MCD 110 next executes a
speed obtainment operation 206 wherein the motor vehicle speed is
obtained from one of the OBD 102 or the GPS 112 of the MCD 110.
Various embodiments of this operation are detailed below and in
FIGS. 3c-3f.
[0073] The method next proceeds to a determination operation 208
wherein it is determined whether or not the motor vehicle 100 is
traveling at or above pre-determined the speed threshold 114. If
the motor vehicle speed is below the speed threshold 114, the
method proceeds to a re-enablement operation 212 which is the same
as re-enablement operation 211. This addresses the situation
wherein the vehicle speed was previously in the range requiring
disablement and the input device 120 was thus disabled. Such a
situation may occur if a driver was previously driving and has now
pulled over and stopped the vehicle 100 or reduced the vehicle
speed to a level below the speed threshold 114. While a
determination can be made as to whether disablement is in effect,
it is optional, and the operation may simply always set an
enablement state.
[0074] If the determination operation 208 yields a positive result,
a disable input device operation 210 is executed wherein the
application program 111 sends a disablement command for the input
device 120 via the operating system of the MCD 110 to prevent
operation of the input device 120. Thus, the method determines that
the user is in the driver's compartment 110 and that the vehicle
speed is at or above the SSL threshold 116 to prevent operation of
the input device 120.
[0075] The operations 211, 212, and 210 all are followed by a link
verifying operation 213 to address a situation wherein a previously
established link has been lost. If the result is negative, the
establish link operation is 200 is then executed to attempt to
again establish a link. If the result is positive, the signal
strength measuring operation 202 is again executed and the method
repeats to continuously monitor whether the MCD 110 is in the
driver's area 110 and whether the vehicle speed requires
disablement. Any additional MCD that is brought Into range of the
transmission apparatus 130 is also optionally configured to execute
this method.
[0076] FIG. 3b is a flowchart of the link establishing operation
200 of FIG. 3a. The procedure begins with a bond execution
operation 214. This operation provides hand shaking signals to
establish a bond with the transmission apparatus 130 and may make
multiple attempts in an effort to establish the bond, or link.
After execution, flow proceeds to a bond determination operation
215 wherein it is determined whether a bond has been made. If the
determination is positive, flow proceeds to return 216 which
continues flow in the flowchart of FIG. 3a. If the determination is
negative, flow proceed to a re-enablement operation 217 which
operates to explain the prior re-enablement operations 211 and 212.
In this instance, since a bond could not be established it is
possible that the transmission apparatus 130 is not operating. This
may be due an electrical system failure in the vehicle 100 in which
case it is likely the vehicle is not operating. Following the
re-enablement operation 217, a quit operation 218 is executed and
the program ceases.
[0077] FIGS. 3c-3f are flowcharts of various embodiments to obtain
vehicle speed operation 206 wherein determinations are made as to
whether to use the GPS speed provided by the GPS module 112 of the
MCD 110 or the speed provided by the OBD 102. In FIG. 3c, a first
embodiment of the vehicle speed operation 206 is shown and
designated 206a. A determination operation 221 determines if a GPS
speed can be obtained. If the determination is negative, such as in
the event that the MCD 110 is shielded from GPS reception or the
GPS is otherwise disabled, flow proceeds to an OBD speed operation
223 which obtains the OBD speed transmitted by the transmission
apparatus 130 and assigns the value to the vehicle speed to be used
in the method. If the determination is positive, an obtain GPS
speed operation 221a is executed followed by an obtain OBD speed
operation 223a. The OBD speed is sent by the transmission apparatus
130 as detailed below with reference to a flowchart of operation of
the transmission apparatus 130. In an averaging operation 225, an
average of the GPS speed and the OBD speed is calculated and is
assigned to the vehicle speed. As will be made evident below, such
averaging is not a requirement of the present disclosure but an
optional feature which may enhance accuracy of the determination of
vehicle speed. In either scenario flow proceeds to return operation
230 from which the flow of the procedure in FIG. 3a continues.
[0078] In FIG. 3d, a second embodiment of the vehicle speed
operation 206 is shown and designated 206b. A determination
operation 221 determines if a GPS speed can be obtained. If the
determination is negative, flow proceeds to an OBD speed operation
223 which obtains the OBD speed transmitted by the transmission
apparatus 130 and assigns the value to the vehicle speed to be used
in the method. If the determination is positive, a GPS speed
operation 222 is executed and the GPS speed is assigned to the
vehicle speed. In either scenario flow proceeds to return operation
230 from which the flow of the procedure in FIG. 3a continues.
[0079] A third embodiment of the vehicle speed operation 206 is
shown in FIG. 3e and designated 206c. A determination operation 226
determines if an OBD speed can be obtained. If the determination is
negative, flow proceeds to a GPS speed operation 228 which obtains
the GPS speed provided by the GPS module 112 and assigns the value
to the vehicle speed to be used in the method. If the determination
is positive, an OBD speed operation 227 is executed and the OBD
speed is assigned to the vehicle speed. In either scenario flow
proceeds to return operation 230 from which the flow of the
procedure in FIG. 3a continues.
[0080] In the above speed determining operations, when the MCD 110
is not able to retrieve the motor vehicle speed due to loss of a
GPS signal reception, unavailable GPS speed data, a faulty or
missing GPS module 112 the motor vehicle speed data is be obtained
through the motor vehicle's On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) subsystem.
The OBD subsystem 160 includes a set of Electronic Control Units
processing sensor data throughout the motor vehicle 100. FIG. 2
also illustrates a configuration with the transmission apparatus
130 connected to OBD's Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC) 161. DLC 161
is typically located under the dashboard and connected to
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) 160. ECU 160 processes information
from various sensors and other ECUs contained within the motor
vehicle 100 and broadcasts this information as a series of OBD
Codes to DLC 161. SAE J1962 specifies the location of the DLC 161
as discussed above. The transmission apparatus 130, connected
directly to DLC 161, will be located in the nearest proximity to
operator control area 140 resulting in a high signal level from the
transmission apparatus 130 measured at the MCD 110. The
transmission apparatus 130 communicates with the MCD 110 over the
wireless link signal 170. In the above embodiments, the wireless
link signal 170 broadcasts the vehicle speed of the motor vehicle
100. In an embodiment, the wireless link signal 170 will utilize
Bluetooth.RTM. Smart-compliant transceivers.
[0081] In FIG. 3f, a fourth embodiment of the vehicle speed
operation 206 is shown and designated 206d. A GPS speed is obtained
in the operation 228. Flow proceeds to return operation 230 from
which the flow of the procedure in FIG. 3a continues. This
embodiment relies only on the GPS speed provided by the GPS module
112 and is suitable for GPS enabled MCD's.
[0082] In another embodiment of the vehicle speed operation, the
OBD speed operation is executed and the OBD speed is assigned to
the vehicle speed and flow proceeds to return operation from which
the flow of the procedure in FIG. 3a continues. This embodiment
does not rely on a GPS module 112 for speed measurement.
[0083] Referring to FIG. 4, a flowchart of an embodiment of a
method of operation of the transmission apparatus 130 is shown. The
operation starts with the power up of the transmission device. An
engine running operation 302 queries the OBD system 160 to
determine if the engine is running. If the determination is
negative the operation then ends. If positive, an OBD speed
retrieval operation 304 is executed and the vehicle speed is
transmitted from the OBD 160. Next a bonding operation 306 is
executed wherein the controller 104 operates the transceiver 105 to
effect bonding with the MCD 110 and other MCD's in the reception
range. Once the bonding has been achieved, a speed transmission
operation 308 is executed wherein the OBD speed of the vehicle 100
is transmitted to the MCD 110 and other receiving MCD's. Following
transmission, a repeat operation is executed wherein flow is
directed back to the engine running operation 302 so that further
bonding and transmission of speeds may occur. As an alternative, it
may be assumed that the engine is running and operation 302
omitted. In this case, bonding and speed transmission is
continuously effected.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 5, an embodiment of the transmission
apparatus 130 is shown in the form of transmission apparatus 130a.
The controller 103 is embodied as an OBD-to-RS232 interpreter 103a
connecting to DLC 161. The interpreter 103a is an integrated chip
such as ELM Electronics ELM327 or similar. The ELM327 supports
OBDII protocols including SAE J1850 PWM, SAE J1850 VPW, ISO 9141-2,
ISO 14230-4 (KWP), and ISO 15765-4 (CAN). The output from the
interpreter 103a interfaces with the wireless transceiver 105 which
includes an embedded processor such as Nordic nRF51822
multiprotocol single chip radio transceiver with SRM Cortex CPU.
The Nordic nRF51822 includes a UART digital interface for
connection to the ELM327 RS232 output interface.
[0085] It should be noted that vehicle speed data obtained through
the OBD subsystem may be contained in a Parameter ID (PID). The PID
may require translation to extract a numeric value of the vehicle
speed. The PID may be translated by controller 104 of the
transmission apparatus 130 or PID may be transmitted to the MCD 110
and translated by the application program 111.
[0086] In various embodiments, both the vehicle speed from GPS 12
and vehicle speed from the OBD subsystem may be available to the
application program 111 which may select one vehicle speed of the
two to compare to the speed threshold 114. As a further optional
enhancement, the application program 111 may combine the two values
for vehicle speed to achieve a more robust value of the motor
vehicle speed.
[0087] In another embodiment of the system and method of the
present disclosure, the application program 111 may operate using
only GPS speed data obtained via the GPS module 112. In this
embodiment, as will be realized by those skilled in the art, the
transmission apparatus 130 need not transmit vehicle speed data
hence the OBD speed retrieval operation 304 and the OBD speed
transmission operation 308 may be omitted and the transmission
apparatus need only effect the bonding operation 306 whereby the
application program 111 may determine a received signal strength.
It will be further realized in light of this disclosure that a
wireless communication may be effected that does not require
pairing, or bonding, as in the aforesaid embodiment the application
program 111 need only determine a signal strength without need for
actually exchanging data, in which case the wireless transceiver
may be replaced with a wireless receiver.
[0088] The wireless link signal 170 may broadcast other vehicle
operating parameters available using existing and future OBD PID
codes to indicate when the motor vehicle 100 is in operation and in
motion. These include codes for fuel consumption, fuel pressure,
intake and exhaust control settings, throttle/pedal position,
cruise control, clutch position and ignition/distributor engine
speed to name a few. Any of these codes could be used when
determining if it is safe to enable the input device 120 of the MCD
110.
[0089] The foregoing disclosure of the exemplary embodiments of the
present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and
modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent
to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above
disclosure. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the
claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents.
[0090] Further, in describing representative embodiments of the
present invention, the specification may have presented the method
and/or process of the present invention as a particular sequence of
steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not
rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method
or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of
steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would
appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore,
the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification
should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition,
the claims directed to the method and/or process of the present
invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps
in the order written, as one skilled in the art can readily
appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within
the spirit and scope of the present invention limited to the
particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in
the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible.
Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the
specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims.
In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of
the present invention should not be limited to the performance of
their steps in the order written, as one skilled in the art can
readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still
remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0091] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made to various embodiments
described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the
teachings herein. Thus, it is intended that various embodiments
cover other modifications and variations of various embodiments
within the scope of the present teachings.
* * * * *