Motor vehicle safe driving and operating devices, mechanisms, systems, and methods

• US 10,367,934 B2
• Filed: 06/14/2018
• Issued: 07/30/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 06/13/2017
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Edward Villaume
• Original Assignee: Edward Villaume
• Inventors: Villaume, Edward
• Primary Examiner(s): Sivji, Nizar N
• Application Number:
  US16/008,027
• Publication Number:
  US 20180359354A1
• Time in Patent Office: 411 Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/0373 Voice control in general G10L
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72436 for text messaging, e.g. short messaging services [SMS] or e-mails
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72454 according to context-related or environment-related conditions
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72457 according to geographic location
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72463 to restrict the functionality of the device
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/023 using mutual or relative location information between multiple location based services [LBS] targets or of distance thresholds
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/48 for in-vehicle communication

Abstract

A motor vehicle safe driving device that provides a secure location to hold and store one or more mobile electronic devices while they are in a motor vehicle, thereby preventing the hands-on use and visual distraction to the driver of the motor vehicle. Further, the motor vehicle safe driving device will monitor the location of mobile electronic devices while in a motor vehicle and if one is moved to close in proximity to the driver or if the display screen is shown to the driver, the motor vehicle safe driving device will render the display screen of the mobile electronic device black, and it can power-off the mobile electronic device. Further, the motor vehicle safe driving device can provide an all audible experience with all forms of communication.

Claims

1. A motor vehicle safe driving device, comprising:

a housing including a compartment;

memory in the housing, the memory storing data in to the motor vehicle safe driving device;

at least one software application program for at least one mobile electronic device that allows interaction between the at least one mobile electronic device and the motor vehicle safe driving device;

a communication system providing interactive communication for the motor vehicle safe driving device,

wherein the communication system provides interactive communication between various features of the motor vehicle safe driving device, a motor vehicle'"'"'s components and mechanisms, and the at least one mobile electronic device in the motor vehicle;

a transmission control system, the transmission control system interacts with a transmission system and mechanisms of the motor vehicle,

wherein the transmission control system communicates with the motor vehicle safe driving device to determine whether to allow or prohibit the engagement of a forward, drive, and reverse transmission mechanisms based on a location of the at least one mobile electronic device in the motor;

at least one sensor from multiple sensors within the motor vehicle;

a first or more sensors from the at least one sensor from multiple sensors attached to the motor vehicle safe driving device,

wherein a first or more sensors from the at least one sensor from multiple sensors detect, identify, locate, and monitor the at least one mobile electronic device in the motor vehicle and communicates the information of the at least one mobile electronic device to the motor vehicle safe driving device;

wherein the motor vehicle safe driving device analyzes the received information and determines the location of the at least one mobile electronic device and its accessibility to the operator or driver of the motor vehicle and communicates with the transmission control system;

wherein if the motor vehicle'"'"'s forward, drive, or reverse transmission mechanism is engaged, and the first or more sensors from the at least one sensor from multiple sensors attached to the motor vehicle safe driving device detects, identifies, and locates the at least one mobile electronic device in an unsecure location, the motor vehicle safe driving device disables a display screen of the at least one mobile electronic device in an unsecure location;

a second or more sensors from the at least one sensor from multiple sensors wherein the second or more sensors from the at least one sensor from multiple sensors is in at least one compartment having the ability to open and close, providing the capacity to hold and secure the at least one mobile electronic device,

wherein the second or more sensors from the at least one sensor from multiple sensors detects, identifies, locates, and monitors the location of the at least one mobile electronic device while communicating with the motor vehicle safe driving device,

and when the at least one mobile electronic device is removed from the at least one compartment while the forward, drive, or reverse transmission mechanism of the motor vehicle is engaged, the second or more sensors from the at least one sensor from multiple sensors communicates the location of the at least one mobile electronic device that has been removed from the at least one compartment to the motor vehicle safe driving device, the motor vehicle safe driving device communicates and interacts with the at least one mobile electronic device that has been removed from the at least one compartment and disables the display screen of the at least one mobile electronic device, until the at least one mobile electronic device is either powered off or returned to and secured in the at least one compartment; and

wherein the second or more sensors from the at least one sensor from multiple sensors detects when the at least one mobile electronic device is removed from the at least one compartment while the transmission mechanism of the motor vehicle is in park, the second or more sensors from the at least one sensor from multiple sensors communicates the removal of the at least one mobile electronic device from the at least one compartment of the motor vehicle safe driving device, the motor vehicle safe driving device communicates and interacts with the transmission control system, the transmission control system communicates and interacts with the transmission system and mechanisms of the motor vehicle prohibiting the engagement of the forward, drive, and reverse transmission mechanisms of the motor vehicle until the at least one mobile electronic device is either powered off or secured in the at least one compartment.

2. The motor vehicle safe driving device of claim 1, further comprising a third or more sensors from the at least one sensor from multiple sensors in one or more seating areas in the motor vehicle, wherein the third or more sensors from the at least one sensor from multiple sensors detects, locates, identifies, and monitors the location of the at least one mobile electronic device in the motor vehicle, the third or more sensors from the at least one sensor from multiple sensors communicates the location of the at least one mobile electronic device to the motor vehicle safe driving device, the motor vehicle safe driving device allowing or disabling the functionality of the display screen of the at least one mobile electronic device based on the location and orientation of the at least one mobile electronic device to the operator or driver of the motor vehicle;

based on if the forward, drive, or reverse transmission mechanisms of the motor vehicle are engaged.

3. The motor vehicle safe driving device of claim 1, further comprising a display screen, wherein the display screen is disabled when the drive, forward, or reverse transmission mechanisms of the motor vehicle are engaged.

4. The motor vehicle safe driving device of claim 1, further comprising an emergency notification system that automatically notifies emergency services when the motor vehicle is involved in an accident and in an emergency situation.

5. The motor vehicle safe driving device of claim 1, further comprising at least one port on the housing, of which one is a battery charge port.

6. The motor vehicle safe driving device of claim 1, wherein the motor vehicle safe driving device monitors the at least one mobile electronic device in the motor vehicle, the motor vehicle safe driving device monitors and interacts with the at least one mobile electronic device, wherein the motor vehicle safe driving device detects when the at least one mobile electronic device is operating in a passenger seat area of the motor vehicle and when the display screen of the at least one mobile electronic device turns in the direction of the operator or driver of the motor vehicle, the motor vehicle safe driving device disables the display screen of the at least one mobile electronic device;

wherein if the motor vehicle safe driving device or the at least one sensor from multiple sensors within the motor vehicle detects and identifies the at least one mobile electronic device is in the area of the operator or driver of the motor vehicle, the motor vehicle safe driving device disables the display screen of the at least one mobile electronic device;

the motor vehicle safe driving device disables the keyboard of the at least one mobile electronic device;

the motor vehicle safe driving device disables the applications of the at least one mobile electronic device;

the motor vehicle safe driving device turns off the power of the at least one mobile electronic device.

7. The motor vehicle safe driving device of claim 1, wherein the motor vehicle safe driving device is placed in the glovebox of the motor vehicle, the glovebox of the motor vehicle having the ability to open and close, the motor vehicle safe driving device in the glovebox of the motor vehicle connecting to the motor vehicle, the glovebox of the motor vehicle containing the motor vehicle safe driving device becoming a secure location to hold and secure the at least one mobile electronic device, wherein if the motor vehicle'"'"'s drive, forward, or reverse transmission mechanisms are engaged and the at least one mobile electronic device is removed from the glovebox of the motor vehicle, the motor vehicle safe driving device interacts with the at least one mobile electronic device that was removed from the glovebox of the motor vehicle, the motor vehicle safe driving device disables the display screen of the at least one mobile electronic device until the at least one mobile electronic device is either powered off or secured in the glovebox of the motor vehicle.

8. The motor vehicle safe driving device of claim 1, wherein the motor vehicle safe driving device has an attachment mechanism allowing the motor vehicle safe driving device to be removably attached to the motor vehicle, thereby providing portability for use in more than one motor vehicle.

9. The motor vehicle safe driving device of claim 1, further comprising at least one software program and technology providing the ability for the motor vehicle safe driving device to read aloud emails, text messages, and instant messages received by the at least one mobile electronic device in the motor vehicle and broadcast the messages through the at least one speaker.

10. The motor vehicle safe driving device of claim 1, further comprising a programmable feature comprising a program control on the housing and a programmable system in the housing that permits programming and storing of data in to the memory.

11. The motor vehicle safe driving device of claim 1, further comprising a voice-activation system that allows a person to speak aloud to activate and interact with the motor vehicle safety device, the motor vehicle safe driving device programs, components, and features, the motor vehicle safe driving device having the ability to interact with the at least one mobile electronic device, the at least one mobile electronic device programs, features, and components, thereby providing hands-free, voice-activated use of the at least one mobile electronic device and the motor vehicle safe driving device.

12. The motor vehicle safe driving device of claim 1, further comprising at least one software program and technology that provides the ability to verbally and audibly compose, edit, and send text messages, emails, instant messages;

the at least one software program and technology provides the ability to read back, review, and edit the composed messages aloud, broadcasting them through the at least one speaker prior to sending;

the at least one software program and technology provides the ability to receive text messages, emails, and instant messages, reading the received messages aloud and broadcasting them through the at least one speaker.

13. The motor vehicle safe driving device of claim 1, wherein at least one port on the housing allows the at least one mobile electronic device to plug-in to the motor vehicle safe driving device, allowing communication and interaction between the at least one mobile electronic device and the motor vehicle safe driving device, the at least one port providing the ability to charge the batteries of the at least one mobile electronic device.

14. The motor vehicle safe driving device of claim 1, further comprising at least one microphone through which voices and sounds can be received, programmed, recorded, and stored in to the memory, the at least one microphone having the ability to interact with the motor vehicle safe driving device.

15. The motor vehicle safe driving device of claim 1, wherein the motor vehicle safe driving device communicates and interacts with ignition system of the motor vehicle, wherein when at least one mobile electronic device is in the motor vehicle, the motor vehicle safe driving device communicates and interacts with the ignition system of the motor vehicle preventing the ignition system of the motor vehicle from powering-on, turning on, or starting until the at least one mobile electronic device is either powered off or secured in the at least one compartment of the motor vehicle safe driving device;

until the at least one mobile electronic device in the motor vehicle is either powered off, detected, identified, and located in a passenger area of the motor vehicle and not in the area of the operator or driver of the motor vehicle, or secured in the at least one compartment of the motor vehicle safe driving device.

16. The motor vehicle safe driving device of claim 1, further comprising a record button on the housing that permits recording of sounds through the at least one microphone.

17. The motor vehicle safe driving device of claim 1, further comprising at least one speaker through which audio sounds, voices, and music can be broadcast.

18. The motor vehicle safe driving device of claim 1, further comprising a volume control on the housing that controls the volume of the at least one speaker.

19. The motor vehicle safe driving device of claim 1, further comprising at least one geographical location and positioning system, technology, components, and services.

20. The motor vehicle safe driving device of claim 1, further comprising a fourth or more sensors from the at least one sensor from multiple sensors on one or more doors of the motor vehicle, wherein the fourth or more sensors from the at least one sensor from multiple sensors detects, locates, identifies, and monitors the location of the at least one mobile electronic device in the motor vehicle, the fourth or more sensors from the at least one sensor from multiple sensors communicates the location of the at least one mobile electronic device to the motor vehicle safe driving device, the motor vehicle safe driving device allowing or disabling the functionality of the display screen of the at least one mobile electronic device based on the location and orientation of the at least one mobile electronic device to the operator or driver of the motor vehicle;

based on if the forward, drive, or reverse transmission mechanisms of the motor vehicle are engaged.

21. The motor vehicle safe driving device of claim 1, further comprising at least one system integrity monitoring program and software application, the at least one system integrity monitoring program and software application preventing circumvention of the motor vehicle safe driving device and the motor vehicle safe driving device'"'"'s hardware components and features, the motor vehicle safe driving device'"'"'s software programs and applications;

the at least one system integrity monitoring program and software application monitors the motor vehicle safe driving device for modifications to the hardware, software, components, functions, features, and related components of the motor vehicle safe driving device, wherein if the at least one system integrity monitoring program and software application identifies a modification to the hardware, software, components, functions, features, and related components of the motor vehicle safe driving device, the at least one system integrity monitoring program and software application determines if the modification to the hardware, software, components, functions, features, and related components of the motor vehicle safe driving device is by an authorized person, certified person, unauthorized person, uncertified person;

wherein if the at least one system integrity monitoring program and software application determines the modification to the hardware, software, components, functions, features, and related components of the motor vehicle safe driving device is by an unauthorized person, uncertified person, the at least one system integrity monitoring program and software application prevents the engagement of the forward, drive, and reverse transmission mechanisms of the motor vehicle in which the modified motor vehicle safe driving device is located;

wherein if the at least one system integrity monitoring program and software application determines the modification to the hardware, software, components, functions, features, and related components of the motor vehicle safe driving device is by an unauthorized person, uncertified person, the at least one system integrity monitoring program and software application communicates to law enforcement, and other authorized enforcement entities, the modification and identifies the motor vehicle in which the modified motor vehicle safe driving device is located;

wherein the at least one system integrity monitoring program and software application identifies a modification to the hardware, software, components, functions, features, and related components of the motor vehicle safe driving device, the at least one system integrity monitoring program and software application creates a modification log entry to preserve and store the modification and the person(s) who made the modification;

wherein the at least one system integrity monitoring program and software application requires a certification identification, authorization code to be entered before a modification is made to the motor vehicle safe driving device;

wherein an incorrect certification identification, authorization code is entered, the motor vehicle safe driving device prevents the engagement of the forward, drive, and reverse transmission mechanisms of the motor vehicle;

wherein more than one incorrect certification identification, authorization code is entered, the motor vehicle safe driving device communicates the information to law enforcement, and other authorized enforcement entities.

22. The motor vehicle safe driving device of claim 1, further comprising at least one security program and feature allowing one or more mobile electronic devices to be associated with a motor vehicle, wherein if the one or more mobile electronic devices are not in the motor vehicle, the motor vehicle cannot be started, powered on, and driven, thereby preventing unauthorized use of the motor vehicle;

wherein if the at least one security program and feature is tampered with, the motor vehicle'"'"'s transmission mechanisms are prevented from engaging;

wherein if the at least one security program and feature detects the motor vehicle ignition is powered on or started by an abnormal means or method, the at least one security program and feature makes the motor vehicle undrivable;

wherein the at least one security program and feature communicates with the one or more mobile electronic devices associated with the motor vehicle;

wherein the at least one security program and feature communicates with law enforcement.

23. A method of preventing the hands-on use of at least one mobile electronic device while operating or driving a motor vehicle, comprising:

connecting at least one motor vehicle safe driving device to the motor vehicle;

the at least one motor vehicle safe driving device includes a housing including a compartment, memory in the housing, the memory storing data in to the motor vehicle safe driving device;

at least one software application program for the at least one mobile electronic device allowing interaction between the at least one mobile electronic device and the motor vehicle safe driving device;

at least one power source;

at least one communication system providing interactive communication for the motor vehicle safe driving device, wherein the at least one communication system providing interactive communication between various features of the motor vehicle safe driving device, a motor vehicle'"'"'s components and mechanisms, and the at least one mobile electronic device in the motor vehicle;

a transmission control system, the transmission control system interacting with a transmission system and mechanisms of the motor vehicle, wherein the transmission control system communicates with the motor vehicle safe driving device to determine whether to allow or prohibit the engagement of a forward, drive, and reverse transmission mechanisms based on a location of the at least one mobile electronic device in the motor;

at least one sensor from multiple sensors within the motor vehicle;

a first or more sensors from the at least one sensor from multiple sensors attached to the motor vehicle safe driving device, wherein a first or more sensors from the at least one sensor from multiple sensors detecting, identifying, locating, and monitoring the at least one mobile electronic device in the motor vehicle and communicating the information of the at least one mobile electronic device to the motor vehicle safe driving device, wherein the motor vehicle safe driving device analyzing the received information, determining the location of the at least one mobile electronic device and its accessibility to the operator or driver of the motor vehicle, and communicating with the transmission control system;

wherein if the motor vehicle'"'"'s forward, drive, or reverse transmission mechanism is engaged, and the first or more sensors from the at least one sensor from multiple sensors attached to the motor vehicle safe driving device detecting, identifying, and locating the at least one mobile electronic device in an unsecure location, the motor vehicle safe driving device disabling a display screen of the at least one mobile electronic device in an unsecure location;

a second or more sensors from the at least one sensor from multiple sensors;

the second or more sensors from the at least one sensor from multiple sensors is in an at least one compartment having the ability to open and close, providing the capacity to hold and secure the at least one mobile electronic device, wherein the second or more sensors from the at least one sensor from multiple sensors detecting, identifying, locating, and monitoring the location of the at least one mobile electronic device while communicating with the motor vehicle safe driving device, and when the at least one mobile electronic device is removed from the at least one compartment while the forward, drive, or reverse transmission mechanism of the motor vehicle is engaged, the second or more sensors from the at least one sensor from multiple sensors communicates the location of the at least one mobile electronic device that has been removed from the at least one compartment to the motor vehicle safe driving device, the motor vehicle safe driving device communicates and interacts with the at least one mobile electronic device that has been removed from the at least one compartment and disables the display screen of the at least one mobile electronic device, until the at least one mobile electronic device is either powered off or returned to and secured in the at least one compartment; and

wherein the second or more sensors from the at least one sensor from multiple sensors detects when the at least one mobile electronic device is removed from the at least one compartment while the transmission mechanism of the motor vehicle is in park, the second or more sensors from the at least one sensor from multiple sensors communicates the removal of the at least one mobile electronic device from the at least one compartment of the motor vehicle safe driving device, the motor vehicle safe driving device communicates and interacts with the transmission control system, the transmission control system communicates and interacts with the transmission system and mechanisms of the motor vehicle prohibiting the engagement of the forward, drive, and reverse transmission mechanisms of the motor vehicle until the at least one mobile electronic device is either powered off or secured in the at least one compartment.