阅读说明：本技术 智能安全装置控制台系统和方法 (Intelligent security device console system and method ) 是由 塔肯·巴斯缇亚利 于 2019-10-17 设计创作，主要内容包括：智能安全装置控制台系统；该智能安全装置控制台系统包括智能安全装置控制台组件,该组件具有适于容纳的智能安全装置本体以及按钮,该按钮被配置成：在装载有智能安全装置控制台系统的交通工具处于使用中时对去往电子设备的输入通信和来自电子设备的输出通信进行控制。该智能安全装置控制台系统有益于提高与电子设备的使用相关的交通工具安全性。(An intelligent security device console system; the smart security device console system includes a smart security device console assembly having a smart security device body adapted to be received and a button configured to: input communication to and output communication from an electronic device is controlled while a vehicle loaded with the smart security device console system is in use. The smart security device console system is useful for improving vehicle safety associated with the use of electronic equipment.)

1. An intelligent security device console system comprising an assembly installed in a vehicle, the assembly comprising:

a security device body that ensures that electronic equipment is protected from physical contact during vehicle use; and

a button that controls input to and output from the electronic device,

wherein the component is in communication with a supplier and with the vehicle.

2. The smart security device console system of claim 1, wherein the vendor provides telephone service or internet service.

3. The smart security device console system of claim 1, wherein the component communicates with a vehicle sensor to receive condition information about the vehicle.

4. The smart security device console system of claim 3, wherein the vehicle sensor is any one or any combination of a proximity sensor, a motion sensor, a speed sensor, an audio sensor, and an audio loudness sensor or crash sensor.

5. The smart security device console system of claim 1, further comprising: a port for communicating with or providing power to at least one electrical accessory.

6. The smart security device console system of claim 5, wherein the accessory comprises: a transmitter configured to communicate with the controller and the processor.

7. The smart security device console system of claim 5, wherein the button initiates communication with a virtual assistant of an appliance or the electrical accessory.

8. The smart security device console system of claim 5, wherein at least one electrical accessory emits a scent.

9. The smart security device console system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device executes software application instructions that cause the device to register with the component and to communicate with the component.

10. The smart security device console system of claim 1, wherein the security device body opens and closes, and when closed, the security device body secures the electronic equipment from physical access.

11. The smart security device console system of claim 10, wherein the security device body comprises an acoustic barrier material.

The smart security device console system of claim 11, wherein the sound barrier material attenuates or inhibits sound from the electronic device from reaching the user.

12. The smart security device console system of claim 12, wherein the security device body has a charging unit or docking station for the electronic device.

13. The smart security device console system of claim 14, further comprising a control module that allows vehicle operation while the electronic device is secured.

14. The smart security device console system of claim 15, the assembly further comprising: a sensor for detecting and communicating a signal that the electronic device is secured to the control module.

15. An intelligent security device console system comprising an assembly installed in a vehicle, the assembly comprising:

a security device body that ensures that electronic equipment is protected from physical contact during vehicle use;

a port for communicating with or powering:

a transmitter in communication with the controller and the processor; and

one or more electrical accessories; and

a button that controls input to and output from the electronic device,

wherein the component is in communication with a supplier and with the vehicle;

wherein the provider provides a telephone service or an internet service to the electronic device;

wherein the component is in communication with a vehicle sensor, the vehicle sensor being any one or any combination of a proximity sensor, a motion sensor, a speed sensor, an audio loudness sensor, or a collision sensor;

wherein the electrical accessory comprises:

a virtual auxiliary device in voice input communication and voice output communication with the electronic device when the button triggers the virtual auxiliary device,

and

a fragrance dispenser;

wherein the safety device body includes:

a sound insulating material that attenuates sound of an electronic device and suppresses sound of the electronic device from reaching an operator of the vehicle,

a charging unit for the electronic device,

and

a docking station for securing the electronic device.

16. A method, the method comprising:

providing a smart security device console assembly to a vehicle, the smart security device console assembly comprising:

a security device body adapted to prevent physical access to an electronic device while a user is operating the vehicle,

and

a button that controls input to and output from the electronic device when the vehicle is operated by a user,

wherein the user can open or close the security device body to access the interior of the security device body;

wherein the smart security device console assembly is in communication with a vendor and with the vehicle;

and

wherein the smart security device console assembly controls device usage during vehicle use;

registering the electronic device with the smart security appliance assembly;

securing the electronic device in the security apparatus body;

connecting the electronic device to a charging unit provided in the safety device body;

sensing a connection of the electronic device to the charging unit;

closing the safety device body;

and

operating the vehicle.

17. The method of claim 19, further comprising: engaging the button.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of vehicle safety of the prior art, and more particularly to containment systems for electronic devices.

Background

The following includes information that may be helpful in understanding the present disclosure. No admission is made that any of the information provided is prior art or material to the presently described or claimed invention, nor that any publication or document specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

Electronic devices such as telephones, tablets, smart glasses, and the like are becoming more and more popular. Such devices may be used for a variety of tasks, including messaging, phone conversations, social media, navigation, photography, and the like. Because so many functions are provided on an electronic device, many people have difficulty stopping using the device when they should not use the device (e.g., while operating a vehicle). Many traffic accidents are caused by distraction from electronic equipment, which is dangerous for public road safety.

Previous attempts to address this problem have included disabling all functions and communications to and from the electronic device. However, electronic devices provide a variety of resources that may be useful to a driver or operator. Further, family or friends may become worried when there is no reply message or call. Therefore, a suitable solution is needed.

U.S. patent No. 8,412,123 to Virginia e.foster relates to a radio opaque container for communication equipment on a vehicle. A radio opaque container for a communication device on a vehicle is described having a bottom attached to four walls, a pivoting lid sealed over the walls, a connector from the container to the vehicle, a locking mechanism to hold the lid closed, and a circuit between the locking mechanism and the vehicle, the radio opaque container engaging the locking mechanism only when the vehicle's electrical system is open. In an emergency, the contents of the container are still available to the vehicle operator, but the container is only opened when the vehicle power is turned off. The container forms a faraday cage around the contents that prevents equipment placed therein from activating and distracting the vehicle operator. In an alternative embodiment, the container includes a shelf therein.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the foregoing shortcomings inherent in the prior art, the present disclosure provides a novel device for controlling the use of a personal electronic device while driving. The smart security device console system disclosed herein has components installed in a vehicle. The assembly has a security device body that secures an electronic device, such as a personal electronic device (mobile phone, etc.), from physical access during vehicle use, but provides some access to the functions of the electronic device during driving. In some embodiments, the component communicates with the (mobile phone) provider and with the vehicle. In some embodiments, the provider provides internet services. Certain functions of the smart security device console system are implemented using sensors that receive information about the vehicle. These sensors may include proximity sensors, motion sensors, speed sensors, audio sensors and audio loudness sensors, and crash sensors, among others. The components of some embodiments provide power to or data communication with an electrical accessory, such as an external electrical accessory. The accessories may include a transmitter configured to communicate with the controller and the processor.

In some embodiments, the button enables the ability of the user to interact with the electronic device while ensuring that the device is protected from physical contact by the driver or another user while the vehicle is being operated. Sometimes, access to services is achieved through virtual assistance on an access component, device, or accessory device. In some embodiments, the electrical accessory emits a scent.

In some implementations, a software application executing on the electronic device executes instructions that cause the device to register with a component and cause the device to communicate with the component.

Some versions of the security device body are configured to include sound insulating material that may inhibit sound from the electronic equipment from reaching the user. The security device body may further include a charger or docking station (docking station) for the electronic device.

Some versions employ a control module that selectively prevents or allows vehicle operation depending on whether the electronic device is secured in the smart security apparatus. For example, the component may use the registered presence of the smartphone to signal the control module to remain "off" until the smartphone has been secured in the smart security device. Some versions include an ultraviolet disinfection device or light within the smart security appliance to provide additional functionality for disinfecting the electronic device when secured within the smart security appliance.

In some embodiments, the method of using the system to secure equipment and improve vehicle safety prevents the vehicle from moving or starting if the electronic equipment is not properly secured in the smart security device. Some of these embodiments allow access to services provided by the electronic device through an interface that does not compromise the safety of vehicle occupants, even while operating the vehicle. For example, the virtual auxiliary device may be used to provide audible control of electronic device services during vehicle operation.

For the purpose of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages and novel features of the invention have been described. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested. The features of the invention believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following drawings and detailed description.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the disclosure: smart security device console systems and methods constructed and operated in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a smart security device console system during an "in use" condition according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a perspective cut-away view of the smart security device console system of fig. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the smart security device console system of fig. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 is a front view of the smart security device console system of fig. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using the smart security device console system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.

Detailed Description

As described above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to containment systems for electronic devices, and more particularly, to smart security device console systems and methods for improving vehicle security while using functions on electronic devices.

In general, the present invention includes a console that may be compatible with various electronic devices, such as smartphones, smartwatches, and smart glasses. The system may be installed in the area between the operator and the passenger in any vehicle, such as a train, ship, truck or automobile, commonly referred to as a "center console". By locking the electronic device in the security apparatus of the present invention, the vehicle operator can be preoccupied with the operation, and passengers do not have to worry about whether the operator is texting on the electronic device, viewing social media websites, or whether the operator is otherwise distracted. In some versions, smart security devices allow drivers to use typical hands-free technology provided by either the phone manufacturer or the car manufacturer, or both. In these or other embodiments, the smart security device may have a screen or other control to access the hands-free function when the phone is securely fixed. The related functionality may allow a parent to allow a child using the car to answer or dial a call to someone designated by the parent or its parent using only the hands-free function (when the phone is locked).

Fig. 1-4 illustrate various views of a smart security device console system 100. Fig. 1 illustrates a smart security device console system 100 during an "in use" condition 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the operator 40 may use the smart security device console system 100 to improve vehicle safety in connection with the use of the electronic device 21. As shown, the smart security device console system 100 may include a smart security device console assembly 110 including a smart security device body 1 adapted to receive an electronic device 21. The smart security device body 1 may isolate the electronic device 21 from handheld use. For example, the system 100 may lock the electronic device 21 within the system 100 while the vehicle 45 is operating.

The smart security device console assembly 110 may also include a button 2, the button 2 configured to: when the vehicle 45 loaded with the smart security device console system 100 is in use, incoming communications to the electronic device 21 and outgoing communications (e.g., text messages) from the electronic device 21 are controlled. The smart security device console assembly 110 may communicate with the vendor and with the vehicle 45 and may control the use of the electronic device 21 in connection with operating the vehicle 45. The provider may provide telephone services or internet services to the electronic device 21.

The vehicle 45 may be loaded with the smart security device console system 100 as follows: such that the smart security device console assembly 110 has a hard wired connection with the vehicle 45 and, in some embodiments, is securely, permanently, or semi-permanently installed in the vehicle 45. The vehicle 45 may power the smart security device console system 100. Alternatively, the smart security device console assembly 110 may include a battery for powering the smart security device console system 100. The smart security device console system 100 may employ AC power or DC power distributed throughout the smart security device console assembly 110 by a power supply, such as a vehicle battery. Other means of power supply may be used and both hard-wired and non-hard-wired versions may be employed.

The smart security device console assembly 110 may be electrically connected to sensors that sense the condition of the vehicle 45. The condition of the vehicle 45 may be monitored by a proximity sensor, a motion sensor, a speed sensor, an audio sensor, a crash sensor, or any combination of sensors. The sensors may provide one or more functions to the smart security device console component 110, such as sending an automatically generated message from the electronic device 21 to the intended message recipient when the impact sensor triggers. For example, a crash sensor may indicate that the vehicle 45 has experienced a crash. The intended recipient of the message may be a family member, a friend, or a third party (i.e., police). The sensing means may be different. Smart security device console system 100 may also include a power connector 3, such as a cigarette lighter socket, along an exterior portion of smart security device body 1 for communicating with and providing power to one or more external electrical accessories from smart security device console assembly 110.

Another aspect of the present invention provides an electronic device 21 for loading or executing a software application (app). The app may register the electronic device 21 with the smart security appliance console component 110 and facilitate communication between the electronic device 21 and the smart security appliance console component 110. The operator may register the app by a phone number or other known identifying means associated with the electronic device 21. The app may be linked to the telephone service so that the telephone number may be stored in a national database operated by the telephone service. The app may communicate with a vehicle 45 that is loaded with the smart security device console system 100 such that the app may perform one or more vehicle functions (e.g., unlock the vehicle, roll down the window, etc.). Further, the app may allow personalization of the functionality of the smart security device-equipped console component 110. In some embodiments, when the security appliance is turned on, the smart security appliance console system 100 transmits a specific signal to the app, such as a signal to alert the user to update the app, and to allow the signal containing the updated material to be transmitted to the electronic device 21, even though the electronic device is secured within the smart security appliance console component 110. In some embodiments, the update occurs when the electronic device 21 is charging in the smart security apparatus console assembly 110. In other embodiments, the update occurs in the smart security device console assembly 110 when the electronic device 21 is not charging. According to one embodiment, the smart security device console system 100 may be arranged as a kit 105 and may also include a set of instructions 107.

Fig. 2 illustrates the smart security device console system 100 of fig. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As described above, the smart security device console system 100 may include the smart security device console assembly 110, the smart security device console assembly 110 including the smart security device body 1 adapted to receive 21. Input and output as described herein may include sending text or voice recorded messages. The external electrical accessory may comprise the emitter 7, the virtual auxiliary device 9, the fragrance dispenser 8 or a combination of these. The power connector 3 may be communicatively connected to the smart security device console assembly 110 such that the external electrical accessories communicate with the supplier and the vehicle 45. Each of the external electrical accessories may be connected with an adapter or otherwise with a live electrical contact within the power connector 3.

Smart security device body 1 may further include left wing 13 and right wing 14, left wing 13 and right wing 14 configured to move between an open state and a closed state. When in the open state, the user can insert the electronic device 21 into the smart security apparatus body 1 or remove it from the smart security apparatus body 1. When in the closed state, the smart security device body 1 can effectively isolate the electronic device 21 from handheld use. Left wing 13 and right wing 14 may include inner liner 5. Furthermore, the inner liner 5 may extend around the entire smart security device body 1. The liner 5 may include sound deadening materials that attenuate the sound of the electronic device 21 and inhibit the sound of the electronic device 21 from reaching the operator 40 of the vehicle 45. Unless otherwise suppressed, the sound generated from the electronic device 21 may distract the operator 40.

Smart security device body 1 may include an inner housing 4 having one or more walls, a left wing 13, and a right wing 14. The smart security device body 1 may have various shapes and sizes suitable for the vehicle 45. For example, smart security device body 1 may include a curved surface, or substantially a 3D rectangle or square, on one or more walls. The inner case 4 may have an ultraviolet sterilizing device 12 to destroy bacteria on one or more surfaces contained in the smart security device body 1. The inner housing 4 may also include a sunglass holder 15, a wallet holder 16, a charging unit 17 and electrical connector 18(u.s.p.q. powered) docking station 19, a battery 20, a colored LED strip 10, or any combination of these. The colored LED strip 10 may be customized (i.e., change light color) via the app. Furthermore, the inner housing may comprise other items not shown in fig. 2, such as, for example, a cooling fan.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the smart security device console system 100 of fig. 1, with the left wing 13 and the right wing 14 being openable on opposite sides (as shown) or they being openable on the same side.

The smart security device assembly 110 may communicate with a control module that prevents operation of the vehicle 45 when the assembly 110 does not "sense" a connection to the electronic device 21 and allows operation of the vehicle 45 when the assembly 110 senses a connection to the electronic device 21. The assembly 110 may also monitor whether the smart security device body 1 is open or closed. The operational sensors may detect a condition (discussed previously) such as a connected or open or closed state and send information regarding the condition to the control module. The component 110 or app may require the electronic device 21 to register with the app before responding to the condition. In some embodiments, this allows all electronic devices 21 to be considered.

Fig. 4 is a front view of the smart security device console system 100 of fig. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The virtual auxiliary device 9 may be in communication with the electronic device 21 (loaded with the app) and the button 2, and may be configured to enable voice input communication and voice output communication between the virtual auxiliary device 9 and the electronic device 21 upon receiving a signal from the button 2. Well-known virtual auxiliary devices 9 include AMAZON ECHO, ALEXA (a smart speaker of AMAZON smart ASSISTANT ALEXA) and GOOGLE ASSISTANT (GOOGLE ASSISTANT), all of which may be pre-equipped with one or more speakers and microphones to enable voice-in and voice-out communications. The voice input communication and the voice output communication may include querying and receiving information ranging from weather forecasts to any encyclopedia questions. Further, the operator 40 may personalize the voice input communication and the voice output communication via the virtual auxiliary device 9 to provide the voice of a male, female, celebrity, or the like. The virtual auxiliary device 9 may comprise a rope and suction cups 6 so that the virtual auxiliary device 9 may be fastened to the windscreen of the vehicle 45.

The virtual auxiliary device 9 may communicate with a navigation system (e.g., GARMIN technology) onboard the vehicle 45 or the electronic device 21. Connecting the virtual auxiliary apparatus 9 allows the electronic apparatus 21 to be held in the smart security device body 1 while the operator 40 uses such navigation technology. Operator 40 may engage button 2 to provide voice input. The voice input may provide one or more services to the operator 40, such as, but not limited to: sending the voice recording message processed on the virtual auxiliary apparatus 9 to the intended recipient via a telephone service (for example, notifying the intended recipient when the operator 40 fails to respond due to driving, or sending the approximate time at which the operator 40 can freely respond based on information received by the navigation system); purchasing one or more items via an internet service; requesting a list of songs to play on the radio; inputting personal information associated with the operator 40 stored on the electronic device 21; request a specific response based on personal information (i.e., bank account information), and the like. The speech output may provide one or more services to the operator 40, such as reminders from a calendar on the electronic device 21, reminders of ongoing conversations on the electronic device 21, automatic updates of the electronic device 21, responses to speech input, and so forth.

The transmitter 7 may be in communication with the controller and the processor. The app may include a switch enabling communication between the transmitter 7 and the controller and between the transmitter 7 and the processor. The operator 40 may manually activate the switch via interaction with the app, or the navigation system may activate the switch by sending a signal that the desired destination (e.g., home) is less than a predetermined distance away. The controller and processor may be communicatively coupled to one or more functions within a desired destination to turn these functions on/off. These functions may include function control for alarm systems, temperature, propane fireplaces, lighting systems, sound systems, and kitchen accessories, among others.

Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method for using a smart security device console system 500 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, a method for using the smart security device console system 500 may include one or more components or features of the smart security device console system 100 as described above. As shown, a method for using the smart security device console system 500 may include the steps of: step 501, providing a smart security device console assembly 110 comprising a smart security device body 1 (as previously described); step 502, registering the electronic device 21 with the app communicating with the smart security appliance component 110; step 503, inserting the electronic device 21 into the intelligent security apparatus body 1; step 504, connecting the electronic device 21 to the charging unit 17; step 505, sensing the connection of the electronic device 21 and the charging unit 17; step 506, closing the intelligent safety device body 1; step 507, sensing the closing of the intelligent safety device body 1; step 508, allowing the vehicle 45 to start; and a step 509 of initializing the button 2 for controlling input communication to the electronic device 21 and output communication from the electronic device 21.

It is noted that step nine 509 is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of using the method 500 are shown using dashed lines in fig. 5 in order to distinguish them from other steps of using the method 500. It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use may be performed in many different orders depending on user preferences. In the claims, the use of "step" should not be construed as "step for … …," and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35u.s.c. § 112 (f). It should also be noted that other methods for using the intelligent security device console system 100 are taught (note: e.g., the different order of steps in the above list; removal or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc.) taking into account issues such as design preferences, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advancements, etc., where appropriate.

The described embodiments of the invention are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the U.S. patent and trademark office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.