U.S. patent number 9,270,809 [Application Number 14/202,572] was granted by the patent office on 2016-02-23 for device function disablement during vehicle motion.
This patent grant is currently assigned to International Business Machines Corporation. The grantee listed for this patent is INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Ira L. Allen, Douglas D. Williams.
United States Patent |
9,270,809 |
Allen , et al. |
February 23, 2016 |
Device function disablement during vehicle motion
Abstract
A method and system for disabling functions of a movement
detection enabled device is provided. The method includes
monitoring a movement detection signal of the movement detection
enabled device in a vehicle and determining that the vehicle is
currently in motion. An electronic tag in the vehicle is detected
and instructions associated with the movement detection enabled
device are retrieved. It is determined that the movement detection
enabled device is located within a specified proximity to a driver
location of the vehicle and that a user of the device is a driver
of the vehicle. In response, specified functions of the movement
detection enabled device are disabled.
Inventors: |
Allen; Ira L. (Dallas, TX),
Williams; Douglas D. (Hudson, OH) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION |
Armonk |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
International Business Machines
Corporation (Armonk, NY)
|
Family
ID: |
54018780 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/202,572 |
Filed: |
March 10, 2014 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20150256996 A1 |
Sep 10, 2015 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M
1/72463 (20210101); H04W 48/04 (20130101); H04W
8/22 (20130101); G01S 19/13 (20130101); G01S
5/02 (20130101); H04W 64/006 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04M
1/725 (20060101); G01S 19/13 (20100101); H04W
64/00 (20090101); G01S 5/02 (20100101); H04W
48/04 (20090101) |
Field of
Search: |
;455/418-420,426.1,41.1,41.2,41.3 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Elhag; Magdi
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Schmeiser, Olsen & Watts
Pivnichny; John R.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method comprising: detecting, by a computer processor of a
movement detection enabled device, that said movement detection
enabled device is located within a vehicle; enabling, by said
computer processor, communications between said movement detection
enabled device and an on-board computer of said vehicle; enabling,
by said computer processor, a warning function of said on-board
computer, wherein said warning function is for indicating that an
individual has disabled said communications and subsequently
generating a log and warning for an authority entity indicating
that said communications have been disabled by said individual;
monitoring, by said computer processor, a movement detection signal
of said movement detection enabled device; determining, by said
computer processor based on said monitoring said movement detection
signal, that said vehicle is currently in motion; detecting, by
said computer processor, an electronic tag in said vehicle;
retrieving, by said computer processor from said electronic tag,
instructions associated with said movement detection enabled
device, wherein said instructions define commands associated with:
disabling said movement detection enabled device, overriding said
disabling said movement detection enabled device, and instructions
for reporting said disabling said movement detection enabled device
to an authority entity; measuring, by said computer processor, a
proximity of said movement detection enabled device with respect to
said electronic tag; determining, by said computer processor based
on said detecting said electronic tag and results of said
measuring, that said movement detection enabled device is located
within a specified proximity of said electronic tag indicating a
driver location of said vehicle; determining, by said computer
processor based on said determining that said movement detection
enabled device is located within said specified proximity to said
driver location of said vehicle, that said user is a driver of said
vehicle; and disabling, by said computer processor based on said
instructions and said determining that said user is said driver of
said vehicle, specified functions of said movement detection
enabled device.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said disabling said specified
functions comprises disabling said movement detection enabled
device.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said disabling said specified
functions comprises disabling text messaging functions of said
movement detection enabled device.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein said disabling said specified
functions comprises disabling message notification features
associated with text messaging functions of said movement detection
enabled device.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein said disabling said specified
functions comprises disabling phone call functions of said movement
detection enabled device.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein said disabling said specified
functions comprises disabling Internet access functions of said
movement detection enabled device.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein said electronic tag comprises a
near field communication (NFC) tag.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein said movement detection enabled
device comprises a device selected from the group consisting of a
smart phone, a tablet computer, a PDA, and a cellular
telephone.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: logging, by said
computer processor, movement data indicating that said vehicle is
currently in motion; transmitting, by said computer processor, said
movement data to an authority entity; determining, by said computer
processor, that said vehicle is currently not in motion for a
specified time period; and enabling, by said computer processor in
response to said determining that said vehicle is currently not in
motion for said specified time period, said specified functions of
said movement detection enabled device.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining, by said
computer processor, that a current latitude and longitude with
respect to a current location of the vehicle has not changed;
determining, by said computer processor based on said determining
that said current latitude and longitude with respect to said
current location of the vehicle has not changed, that said vehicle
is not currently in motion for a time period; executing, by said
computer processor, a heuristics algorithm with respect to said
time period; determining, by said computer processor based on
results of said executing, that said time period is associated with
a traffic control related stop time period; determining, by said
computer processor, if said time period exceeds a predetermined
time period; and presenting, by said computer processor via a
display of said movement detection enabled device and based on
results of said determining if said time period exceeds said
predetermined time period, an option for enabling said specified
functions of said movement detection enabled device.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, by said
computer processor from said user, a command for overriding said
disabling; enabling, by said computer processor in response to said
receiving said command, said specified functions of said movement
detection enabled device; determining, by said computer processor,
that said enabling has exceeded a specified time period; logging,
by said computer processor, override data indicating that said
enabling has exceeded said specified time period; and transmitting,
by said computer processor, said override data to an insurance
reporting agency or an authority entity.
12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: monitoring, by said
computer processor, said movement detection enabled device;
determining, by said computer processor based on results of said
monitoring, that inbound communication data is currently being
received by said movement detection enabled device generating, by
said computer processor, a message indicating that said user is
currently driving said vehicle and will review said inbound
communication data at a later time period; and transmitting, by
said computer processor, said message to a device transmitting said
inbound communication data.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein said instructions comprise data
defining disabling instructions, override instructions, and
reporting instructions.
14. A movement detection enabled device comprising a computer
processor coupled to a computer-readable memory unit, said memory
unit comprising instructions that when executed by the computer
processor implements a method comprising: detecting, by said
computer processor, that said movement detection enabled device is
located within a vehicle; enabling, by said computer processor,
communications between said movement detection enabled device and
an on-board computer of said vehicle; enabling, by said computer
processor, a warning function of said on-board computer, wherein
said warning function is for indicating that an individual has
disabled said communications and subsequently generating a log and
warding for an authority indicating that said communications have
been disabled by said individual; monitoring, by said computer
processor, a movement detection signal of said movement detection
enabled device; determining, by said computer processor based on
said monitoring said movement detection signal, that said vehicle
is currently in motion; detecting, by said computer processor, an
electronic tag in said vehicle; retrieving, by said computer
processor from said electronic tag, instructions associated with
said movement detection enabled device, wherein said instructions
define commands associated with: disabling said movement detection
enabled device, overriding said disabling said movement detection
enabled device, and instructions for reporting said disabling said
movement detection enabled device to an authority entity;
measuring, by said computer processor, a proximity of said movement
detection enabled device with respect to said electronic tag;
determining, by said computer processor based on said detecting
said electronic tag and results of said measuring, that said
movement detection enabled device is located within a specified
proximity of said electronic tag indicating a driver location of
said vehicle; determining, by said computer processor based on said
determining that said movement detection enabled device is located
within said specified proximity to said driver location of said
vehicle, that said user is a driver of said vehicle; and disabling,
by said computer processor based on said instructions and said
determining that said user is said driver of said vehicle,
specified functions of said movement detection enabled device.
15. The computing system of claim 14, wherein said disabling said
specified functions comprises disabling said movement detection
enabled device.
16. The computing system of claim 14, wherein said disabling said
specified functions comprises disabling text messaging functions of
said movement detection enabled device.
17. The computing system of claim 14, wherein said disabling said
specified functions comprises disabling message notification
features associated with text messaging functions of said movement
detection enabled device.
18. The computing system of claim 14, wherein said disabling said
specified functions comprises disabling phone call functions of
said movement detection enabled device.
19. A computer program product, comprising a computer readable
hardware storage device storing a computer readable program code,
said computer readable program code comprising an algorithm that
when executed by a computer processor of a movement detection
enabled device implements a method, said method comprising:
detecting, by said computer processor, that said movement detection
enabled device is located within a vehicle; enabling, by said
computer processor, communications between said movement detection
enabled device and an on-board computer of said vehicle; enabling,
by said computer processor, a warning function of said on-board
computer, wherein said warning function is for indicating that an
individual has disabled said communications and subsequently
generating a log and warning for an authority indicating that said
communications have been disabled by said individual; monitoring,
by said computer processor, a movement detection signal of said
movement detection enabled device; determining, by said computer
processor based on said monitoring said movement detection signal,
that said vehicle is currently in motion; detecting, by said
computer processor, an electronic tag in said vehicle; retrieving,
by said computer processor from said electronic tag, instructions
associated with said movement detection enabled device, wherein
said instructions define commands associated with: disabling said
movement detection enabled device, overriding said disabling said
movement detection enabled device, and instructions for reporting
said disabling said movement detection enabled device to an
authority entity; measuring, by said computer processor, a
proximity of said movement detection enabled device with respect to
said electronic tag; determining, by said computer processor based
on said detecting said electronic tag and results of said
measuring, that said movement detection enabled device is located
within a specified proximity of said electronic tag indicating a
driver location of said vehicle; determining, by said computer
processor based on said determining that said movement detection
enabled device is located within said specified proximity to said
driver location of said vehicle, that said user is a driver of said
vehicle; and disabling, by said computer processor based on said
instructions and said determining that said user is said driver of
said vehicle, specified functions of said movement detection
enabled device.
Description
FIELD
The present invention relates generally to a method for determining
positions of vehicle occupants with respect to the vehicle and in
particular to a method and associated system for using the
determined positions to control selected functions of associated
devices.
BACKGROUND
Identifying device users typically includes an inaccurate process
with little flexibility. Preventing access to a user device based
on an identification process may include a complicated process that
may be time consuming and require a large amount of resources.
Accordingly, there exists a need in the art to overcome at least
some of the deficiencies and limitations described herein
above.
SUMMARY
A first aspect of the invention provides method comprising:
monitoring, by a computer processor of a movement detection enabled
device, a movement detection signal of the movement detection
enabled device in a vehicle; determining, by the computer processor
based on the monitoring the movement detection signal, that the
vehicle is currently in motion; detecting, by the computer
processor based on the determining that the vehicle is currently in
motion, an electronic tag in the vehicle; retrieving, by the
computer processor from the electronic tag, instructions associated
with the movement detection enabled device; determining, by the
computer processor based on the detecting the electronic tag, that
the movement detection enabled device is located within a specified
proximity to a driver location of the vehicle; determining, by the
computer processor based on the determining that the movement
detection enabled device is located within the specified proximity
to the driver location of the vehicle, that the user is a driver of
the vehicle; and disabling, by the computer processor based on the
instructions and the determining that the user is the driver of the
vehicle, specified functions of the movement detection enabled
device.
A second aspect of the invention provides movement detection
enabled device comprising a computer processor coupled to a
computer-readable memory unit, the memory unit comprising
instructions that when executed by the computer processor
implements a method comprising: monitoring, by the computer
processor, a movement detection signal of the movement detection
enabled device in a vehicle; determining, by the computer processor
based on the monitoring the movement detection signal, that the
vehicle is currently in motion; detecting, by the computer
processor based on the determining that the vehicle is currently in
motion, an electronic tag in the vehicle; retrieving, by the
computer processor from the electronic tag, instructions associated
with the movement detection enabled device; determining, by the
computer processor based on the detecting the electronic tag, that
the movement detection enabled device is located within a specified
proximity to a driver location of the vehicle; determining, by the
computer processor based on the determining that the movement
detection enabled device is located within the specified proximity
to the driver location of the vehicle, that the user is a driver of
the vehicle; and disabling, by the computer processor based on the
instructions and the determining that the user is the driver of the
vehicle, specified functions of the movement detection enabled
device.
A third aspect of the invention provides a computer program
product, comprising a computer readable hardware storage device
storing a computer readable program code, the computer readable
program code comprising an algorithm that when executed by a
computer processor of a movement detection enabled device
implements a method, the method comprising: monitoring, by the
computer processor, a movement detection signal of the movement
detection enabled device in a vehicle; determining, by the computer
processor based on the monitoring the movement detection signal,
that the vehicle is currently in motion; detecting, by the computer
processor based on the determining that the vehicle is currently in
motion, an electronic tag in the vehicle; retrieving, by the
computer processor from the electronic tag, instructions associated
with the movement detection enabled device; determining, by the
computer processor based on the detecting the electronic tag, that
the movement detection enabled device is located within a specified
proximity to a driver location of the vehicle; determining, by the
computer processor based on the determining that the movement
detection enabled device is located within the specified proximity
to the driver location of the vehicle, that the user is a driver of
the vehicle; and disabling, by the computer processor based on the
instructions and the determining that the user is the driver of the
vehicle, specified functions of the movement detection enabled
device.
The present invention advantageously provides a simple method and
associated system capable of identifying device users.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for determining positions of
vehicle occupants with respect to a vehicle and controlling
selected functions of associated movement detection enabled devices
based on the determined positions, in accordance with embodiments
of the present invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled by
the system of FIG. 1 for determining positions of vehicle occupants
with respect to a vehicle and controlling selected functions of
associated movement detection enabled devices based on the
determined positions, in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention.
FIG. 3 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled by
the system of FIG. 1 for logging and controlling selected functions
of associated movement detection enabled devices, in accordance
with embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 4 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled by
the system of FIG. 1 for performing a statistical analysis with
respect to a time period associated with a vehicle not in motion,
in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 5 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled by
the system of FIG. 1 for receiving a communication without
notifying a driver of a vehicle, in accordance with embodiments of
the present invention.
FIG. 6 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled by
the system of FIG. 1 for logging a communications, in accordance
with embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 7 illustrates a computer apparatus used by the system of FIG.
1 for determining positions of vehicle occupants with respect to a
vehicle and controlling selected functions of associated movement
detection enabled devices based on the determined positions, in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for determining positions of
vehicle occupants 18a . . . 18n with respect to a vehicle 22 and
controlling selected functions of associated movement detection
enabled devices 20a . . . 20n based on the determined positions, in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention. System 100 is
configured to measure a proximity to a radio tag 16 to disable a
texting feature of one of devices 20a . . . 20n during motion of
vehicle 22. Movement detection enabled devices 20a . . . 20n are
enabled to detect a radio tag 16 and/or vehicle motion to activate
a disable feature associated with a texting feature, phone call
features, Internet features, camera features, etc. (of one of
devices 20a . . . 20n). Radio tag 16 may comprise any type of
electronic tag including, inter alia, a near field communication
(NFC) tag. Radio tag 16 may be placed at any location within
vehicle 22. For example, radio tag 16 may be placed (permanently or
temporarily) on or within a dashboard, a rearview mirror, a
navigation system, a radio, a steering wheel, etc. System 100 is
communicatively coupled to a movement detection feature within
devices 20a . . . 20n. Therefore if a driver (one of occupants 18a
. . . 18n) disables NFC and/or Bluetooth communications (within
vehicle 22), software within any of devices 20a . . . 20n (and/or
software 17 within an onboard computer 14) may warn an authority
entity, record a log indicating the disabling, and/or require a
logged manual override to be executed. Additionally, the software
disables a texting function on any of devices 20a . . . 20n.
Furthermore, the software may log any non-texting activity
(performed on any of devices 20a . . . 20n) for; inter alia,
insurance purposes, etc. System 100 enables a reward process in
combination with a lock out mechanism to create an incentive for a
driver while simultaneously mitigating attempts to bypass system
100. The movement detection feature may include any type of device
locating methods including, inter alia, global positioning
satellite (GPS) tracking/movement detection methods (including
triangulation motion detection methods), micro electro-mechanical
system (MEMS) methods, Wifi positioning methods, a cellular tower
triangulation process, etc.
MEMS (located within cell phones) are enabled to detect
acceleration movement (i.e., via an accelerometer and a gyroscope)
used to trigger requests for positioning information. Therefore,
MEMS enables a process for periodically requesting a current
location and comparing the current location to prior location
requests thereby determining movement, direction, and speed.
A Wifi positioning method comprises a localization technique (used
for positioning with wireless access points) is based on a process
for measuring an intensity of a received signal (i.e., received
signal strength in English RSS) and a process comprising finger
printing. An accuracy of a Wifi positioning method depends on a
number of positions entered into a database.
A GPS tracking method (i.e., comprising a triangulation of geo
synchronous satellites) comprises a location based service.
A cellular tower triangulation process uses a location area code
(LAC) and a Cell ID of an associated cell tower currently connected
to an associated cellular telephone to determine a position of the
currently connected cellular telephone resulting in data usage from
at least three cellular towers. The cellular tower triangulation
process calculates a handset's location precisely. Each base
station covers a specified geographical area.
System 100 of FIG. 1 includes a computing system 25 and a GPS (or
any type of movement detection system) system 29 communicatively
connected to vehicle 22. The vehicle 22 includes an onboard
computer 14, occupants 18a . . . 18n, a radio tag 16, and
associated devices 20a . . . 20n (e.g., driver distraction
devices). Onboard computer 14 is communicably connected to devices
20a . . . 20n, computing system 25 and/or GPS system 29. Onboard
computer 14 may include any type of computing system(s) including,
inter alia, an automobile integrated computer, a computer (PC), a
laptop computer, a tablet, etc. Memory system 8 stores program
instructions 17 for communicating with computing system 25 and or
GPS system 29 (in communications with a GPS), measuring a proximity
to radio tag 16, determining vehicle motion, and disabling texting
features (and/or voice features) of devices 20a . . . 20n during
the detected motion of vehicle 22. Alternatively, devices 20a . . .
20n may directly communicate with computing system 25 and or GPS
system 29 to measure the proximity to radio tag 16, determine
vehicle motion, and disable texting features (and/or voice
features) of devices 20a . . . 20n during the detection of radio
tag and/or detected motion of vehicle 22. Devices 20a . . . 20n may
comprise global positioning satellite (GPS) devices, mobile
computing devices, smart phones, etc.
FIG. 2 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled by
system 100 of FIG. 1 for controlling selected functions of
associated movement detection enabled devices based on determined
positions of vehicle occupants, in accordance with embodiments of
the present invention. Each of the steps in the algorithm of FIG. 2
may be enabled and executed in any order by a computer processor
executing computer code. In step 200, a movement detection signal
of a movement detection enabled device in a vehicle is monitored.
In step 202, it is determined (based on the monitored movement
detection signal of step 200) that the vehicle is currently in
motion. In step 204, an electronic tag in the vehicle is detected
based on the determined vehicle motion. In step 208, instructions
associated with the movement detection enabled device are retrieved
from the electronic tag. The instructions may include, inter alia,
data defining disabling instructions, override instructions,
reporting instructions, etc. In step 212, it is that the movement
detection enabled device is located within a specified proximity to
a driver location of the vehicle. In step 214, it is determined
(based on the proximity of the movement detection enabled device
with respect to the radio tag) that determining that a user of the
movement detection enabled device is a driver of the vehicle. In
step 218, specified functions of the movement detection enabled
device are disabled based on the instructions. Disabling the
specified functions may include, inter alia:
1. Disabling the movement detection enabled device.
2. Disabling text messaging functions of the movement detection
enabled device.
3. Disabling message notification features associated with text
messaging functions of the movement detection enabled device.
4. Disabling phone call functions of the movement detection enabled
device.
2. Disabling Internet access functions of the movement detection
enabled device.
FIG. 3 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled by
system 100 of FIG. 1 for logging and controlling selected functions
of associated movement detection enabled devices, in accordance
with embodiments of the present invention. In step 300, a system
(e.g., system 100 of FIG. 1) scans a vehicle (e.g., vehicle 22 of
FIG. 1) for an electronic tag (e.g., radio tag 16 of FIG. 1). In
step 302, it is determined if an electronic tag has been detected
during the scan of step 300. If in step 302, it is determined that
an electronic tag has not been detected then step 300 is repeated.
If in step 302, it is determined that an electronic tag has been
detected then in step 304 the tag transmits a software code to a
movement detection enabled device (e.g., one of devices 20a . . .
20n of FIG. 1) belonging to a user within a specified proximity of
the tag (e.g., a driver of the vehicle). The software code disables
any texting functions (inbound of outbound), message receipt
functions, and dial pad functions associated with executing
outbound calls. In step 308, any detected movement of the vehicle
is logged for authority entity (e.g., insurance company, police
department, etc.) reporting. In step 310, it is determined if the
vehicle has been stopped (i.e., not in motion) for at least a
specified time period. If in step 310, it is determined that the
vehicle has not been stopped (i.e., currently in motion) for at
least the specified time period then step 308 is repeated. If in
step 310, it is determined that the vehicle has been stopped (i.e.,
not in motion) for at least the specified time period then in step
312, the disabled specified functions of the movement detection
enabled device are enabled.
FIG. 4 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled by
system 100 of FIG. 1 for performing a statistical analysis with
respect to a time period associated with a vehicle not in motion,
in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In step
400, a system (e.g., system 100 of FIG. 1) monitors movement of a
vehicle (e.g., vehicle 22 of FIG. 1). In step 402, it is determined
(based on results of step 400) if a latitude or longitude with
respect to a location of the vehicle has changed. If in step 402,
it is determined that a latitude or longitude with respect to a
location of the vehicle has changed then step 400 is repeated to
monitor vehicle movement. If in step 402, it is determined that a
latitude or longitude with respect to a location of the vehicle has
not changed then in step 404 a heuristics algorithm is executed.
The heuristics algorithm determines if a stop time (i.e., indicated
by the latitude or longitude not changing) period comprises a
traffic control related stop time. The heuristics algorithm may
reference previous vehicle stop time information associated with
the current latitude or longitude. For example, traffic lights
operate via: a timer, sensors based upon traffic flow, a schedule,
and predetermined priority at specified times of day for
north/south directions and east/west directions. Likewise, stop
signs are associated with different patterns. For example, a wait
period, a short movement process (e.g., of a couple of meters), and
a complete halt of motion. Every time a halt in motion is executed,
a record is generated. The record comprises an associated: time of
day, day of week, longitude/latitude, and last direction of travel.
When motion is initiated, the record is updated with a duration of
non-movement. Additionally, when a complete halt of motion occurs,
a data base is interrogated for a prior occurrence within a circle
area of a specified size (i.e., allowing for arrival at an
intersection from a perpendicular direction). Using three sigma
analysis process (of the historical data on duration) a probability
of either a traffic light or a stop sign is derived. The three
sigma analysis is used to calculate probabilities that the
associated stop comprises a traffic control related device. A three
sigma (or process behavior analysis) statistically analyzes data to
determine if the data falls within three standard deviations of the
mean in a normal distribution.
In step 408, it is determined if the vehicle has been stopped
(i.e., not in motion) for at least a specified time period. If in
step 408, it is determined that the vehicle has not been stopped
(i.e., currently in motion) for at least the specified time period
then step 400 is repeated. If in step 408, it is determined that
the vehicle has been stopped (i.e., not in motion) for at least the
specified time period then in step 410, an option (indicating an
enable feature for an associated GPS enabled device) is presented
to the user (e.g., a driver). In step 412, it is determined if any
vehicle movement has been detected. If in step 412, it is
determined that any vehicle movement has not been detected then
step 412 is repeated until movement has been detected. If in step
412, it is determined that vehicle movement has been detected then
in step 414 the algorithm of FIG. 3 is executed.
FIG. 5 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled by
system 100 of FIG. 1 for receiving a communication without
notifying a driver of a vehicle, in accordance with embodiments of
the present invention. The algorithm of FIG. 5 allows a driver of a
vehicle to select automatic acceptance and logging of any inbound
communication. Additionally, if an inbound communication exceeds a
predetermined time period threshold, then inbound communication
data is captured and reported. A communication duration may be
limited to just enough time to communicate such that that the
driver will call the individual back or the driver may pull over to
take the call.
In step 500, software (e.g., software of a movement detection
enabled device, software of a radio tag, software 17 of FIG. 1,
etc.) is enabled for monitoring a movement detection enabled device
for an inbound communication (e.g., a text message, a phone call,
an email, etc.). In step 502, it is determined if an inbound
communication has been received by the movement detection enabled
device. If in step 502, it is determined that an inbound
communication has not been received by the movement detection
enabled device then step 500 is repeated. If in step 502, it is
determined that an inbound communication has been received by the
movement detection enabled device then in step 504, a message is
automatically transmitted to a sender of the inbound communication.
The message may indicate that a driver of the vehicle (i.e.,
associated with the movement detection enabled device) is currently
driving and will respond to the inbound communication at a later
time. In step 508, it is determined if the driver is currently
accepting communications. If in step 508, it is determined that the
driver is not currently accepting communications then step 500 is
repeated. If in step 508, it is determined that the driver is
currently accepting communications then in step 500 a message is
automatically transmitted to a sender of the inbound communication.
The message may indicate that the driver is currently accepting
brief communications.
FIG. 6 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled by
system 100 of FIG. 1 for logging a communications, in accordance
with embodiments of the present invention. The algorithm of FIG. 6
allows movement detection enabled device (of a driver of a vehicle)
receive an inbound communication without being alerted. The
movement detection enabled device may be configured to
automatically transmit a message to a sender of the inbound
communication. The message may indicate that the received
communication will be delivered to the driver at a later time.
In step 600, a driver of a vehicle enables an override function of
a movement detection enabled device. The override function enables
acceptance of inbound communication (e.g., a text message, a phone
call, an email, etc.). In step 602, it is determined if the driver
will accept an inbound communication has been received by the
movement detection enabled device. If in step 602, it is determined
that the driver will not accept an inbound communication then step
600 is repeated. If in step 602, it is determined that the driver
will accept an inbound communication then in step 604, the
communication is received by the driver and it is determined if the
communication exceeds a specified threshold. If in step 604 it is
determined that the communication does not exceed a specified
threshold then step 600 is repeated. If in step 604 it is
determined that the communication does exceed a specified threshold
then in step 608 the communication is logged and a report is
transmitted to an authority entity.
FIG. 7 illustrates a computer system 90 used by system 100 of FIG.
1 for determining positions of vehicle occupants with respect to a
vehicle and controlling selected functions of associated movement
detection enabled devices based on the determined positions, in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
Aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely
hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including
firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment
combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be
referred to herein as a "circuit," "module," or "system."
The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computer
program product. The computer program product may include a
computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer
readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to
carry out aspects of the present invention.
The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that
can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction
execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for
example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a
magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an
electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or
any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of
more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium
includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk,
a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable
programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static
random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only
memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a
floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or
raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon,
and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable
storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being
transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely
propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves
propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g.,
light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical
signals transmitted through a wire.
Computer readable program instructions described herein can be
downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a
computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or
external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a
local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network.
The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical
transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls,
switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter
card or network interface in each computing/processing device
receives computer readable program instructions from the network
and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage
in a computer readable storage medium within the respective
computing/processing device.
Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations
of the present invention may be assembler instructions,
instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine
instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware
instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object
code written in any combination of one or more programming
languages, including an object oriented programming language such
as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural
programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or
similar programming languages. The computer readable program
instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on
the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on
the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on
the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote
computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type
of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area
network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external
computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet
Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry
including, for example, programmable logic circuitry,
field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays
(PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by
utilizing state information of the computer readable program
instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to
perform aspects of the present invention.
Aspects of the present invention are described herein with
reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of
methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products
according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood
that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block
diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations
and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable
program instructions.
These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a
processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer,
or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a
machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the
processor of the computer or other programmable data processing
apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts
specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in
a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a
programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to
function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable
storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an
article of manufacture including instructions which implement
aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block
diagram block or blocks.
The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto
a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other
device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on
the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to
produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions
which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or
other device implement the functions/acts specified in the
flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the
architecture, functionality, and operation of possible
implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products
according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this
regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent
a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one
or more executable instructions for implementing the specified
logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the
functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in
the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in
fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may
sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the
functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of
the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations
of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can
be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that
perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations
of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
The computer system 90 illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a processor
91, an input device 92 coupled to the processor 91, an output
device 93 coupled to the processor 91, and memory devices 94 and 95
each coupled to the processor 91. The input device 92 may be, inter
alia, a keyboard, a mouse, a camera, a touchscreen, etc. The output
device 93 may be, inter alia, a printer, a plotter, a computer
screen, a magnetic tape, a removable hard disk, a floppy disk, etc.
The memory devices 94 and 95 may be, inter alia, a hard disk, a
floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical storage such as a compact
disc (CD) or a digital video disc (DVD), a dynamic random access
memory (DRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), etc. The memory device 95
includes a computer code 97. The computer code 97 includes
algorithms (e.g., the algorithms of FIGS. 2-6) for determining
positions of vehicle occupants with respect to a vehicle and
controlling selected functions of associated movement detection
enabled devices based on the determined positions. The processor 91
executes the computer code 97. The memory device 94 includes input
data 96. The input data 96 includes input required by the computer
code 97. The output device 93 displays output from the computer
code 97. Either or both memory devices 94 and 95 (or one or more
additional memory devices not shown in FIG. 7) may include the
algorithms of FIGS. 2-6 and may be used as a computer usable medium
(or a computer readable medium or a program storage device) having
a computer readable program code embodied therein and/or having
other data stored therein, wherein the computer readable program
code includes the computer code 97. Generally, a computer program
product (or, alternatively, an article of manufacture) of the
computer system 90 may include the computer usable medium (or the
program storage device).
Still yet, any of the components of the present invention could be
created, integrated, hosted, maintained, deployed, managed,
serviced, etc. by a service supplier who offers to determine
positions of vehicle occupants with respect to a vehicle and
control selected functions of associated movement detection enabled
devices based on the determined positions. Thus the present
invention discloses a process for deploying, creating, integrating,
hosting, maintaining, and/or integrating computing infrastructure,
including integrating computer-readable code into the computer
system 90, wherein the code in combination with the computer system
90 is capable of performing a method for determining positions of
vehicle occupants with respect to a vehicle and controlling
selected functions of associated movement detection enabled devices
based on the determined positions. In another embodiment, the
invention provides a business method that performs the process
steps of the invention on a subscription, advertising, and/or fee
basis. That is, a service supplier, such as a Solution Integrator,
could offer to determine positions of vehicle occupants with
respect to a vehicle and control selected functions of associated
movement detection enabled devices based on the determined
positions. In this case, the service supplier can create, maintain,
support, etc. a computer infrastructure that performs the process
steps of the invention for one or more customers. In return, the
service supplier can receive payment from the customer(s) under a
subscription and/or fee agreement and/or the service supplier can
receive payment from the sale of advertising content to one or more
third parties.
While FIG. 7 shows the computer system 90 as a particular
configuration of hardware and software, any configuration of
hardware and software, as would be known to a person of ordinary
skill in the art, may be utilized for the purposes stated supra in
conjunction with the particular computer system 90 of FIG. 7. For
example, the memory devices 94 and 95 may be portions of a single
memory device rather than separate memory devices.
While embodiments of the present invention have been described
herein for purposes of illustration, many modifications and changes
will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the
appended claims are intended to encompass all such modifications
and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of this
invention.
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